The official currency is Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, when used the personal identity card (ID card) or similar document is necessary.

Banks are open from 8.30 to 14.00 on weekdays and some of them also on Saturday.

Exchange facilities are available at Barajas Airport, most banks and also along main streets. Many visitors to Spain have commented on the advantage of bringing debit cards rather than credit cards, since the exchange rate is generally much better and commissions lower.

It is important to be aware of the way numbers are written in Spain: decimals come after a comma (e.g. 60,35 euros = 60 euros and 35 cents) and thousands come before a point (e.g. año 2.002 = the year two thousand and two).

Spring is one of the most pleasant times of the year to visit Madrid. The long days are generally warm (22º Celsius) and the nights cool. Rain is not uncommon at this time of the year. At mid day the temperature can easily rise to short sleeve temperatures. Casual dress is recommended.

Madrid's Barajas International Airport is located 15 km (9 miles) from the centre of Madrid. The Barajas Airport Metro (underground) station is situated at Terminal T2.

Also, you can buy a 10 trip ticket called “Metrobus”, which can be used on the metro and the bus. The cost: 6.70€. Tickets may be purchased at Metro stations, newspaper outlets or tobacco shops (“estanco”).

More transport information:
http://www.ctm-madrid.es/
http://www.turismomadrid.es/COMU/MTUR/documento/planoMetro.pdf

The legal taxis are white cars with a red line. Do not accept offers from drivers inside the terminal, since these are often illegal drivers and you will almost certainly get ripped off. Depending on traffic conditions, expect to pay up to 25-30 euros to any central location. There are many supplements to the basic fare. These include:

- 1.95 euros obligatory initial fare from 06.00 to 22.00 from Monday to Sunday or 2.15 euros from 22.00 to 06.00; and 2.95 euros from 22:00 on Saturday to 06:00 on Sunday.
- 5.25 euros extracharge to/from airport, 2.75 euros extracharge to/from bus or railway stations.
There is no any charge for suitcases, rucksacks or pets

Tipping is not obligatory anywhere. However, if you leave a small tip it shows your appreciation of the service. At all restaurants, service is included, but it is common practice to leave a 5-10% tip.