Practical Matters
Madrid
Before You Go
When You Are There
*Time
*Arriving
*Customs
*Money
*National Holidays
*Tourist Offices
*Opening Hours
*Public Transportation
*Driving
*Car Rental
*Taxis
*Personal Safety
*Telephones
*Post
*Tips/Gratuities
*Electricity
*Health
*Clothing Sizes
*Concessions
Language
Offices to Serve You Abroad
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HEALTH
Doctors
Under EU law, reciprocal medical arrangements allow EU residents carrying a completed E111 form to have free medical treatment
and prescribed medicines in Spain. Non EU citizens are charged private hospital rates, so insurance is essential. English-speaking
doctors are available at the Anglo-American Medical Unit PHONE: 91 435 18 23.
Dental Services
EU citizens are not covered by the E111 form for the cost of seeing a dentist. All visitors have to pay the full price of
a visit and any treatment. Ask at your hotel's reception desk for advice on the nearest dentist.
Sun Advice
Madrid is at a high altitude and has a dry climate and strong sun, so use sunscreen, lip balm and skin moisturiser in spring
and autumn as well as in high summer. Hats and sunglasses also give useful protection.
Drugs
Prescription and non-prescription drugs are sold in farmacias (chemists), identified by a green cross. In central Madrid,
the Farmacia Goya 89 PHONE: 91 435 49 58 and the Farmacia Lastra PHONE: 91 402 42 72 are open 24 hours a day. If you are on
medication, carry photocopies of the prescription.
Safe Water
Madrid is famous for the quality of its drinking water and, unlike many other Spanish cities, it does not have the taste of
chlorine. Locals are always aware of the need to conserve water. In bathrooms, the hot tap is labelled 'c' for caliente, the
cold has 'f' for frío.
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