Is English widely spoken in Spain?

English proficiency in Spain is moderate compared to Northern Europe. In major cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia) and tourist areas, English is widely understood in restaurants, shops, and services. In smaller cities and rural areas, basic Spanish is needed for daily life. The younger generation (under 35) speaks significantly better English than older generations.

What is the best Spanish SIM card for expats?

Lebara España offers the best value for most expats — 30GB data for €8–€10/month on Vodafone's network. For those needing a contract plan with more data, Orange and Movistar offer unlimited data from €25/month. All major operators have English-language websites and customer service. Bring your NIE and a Spanish IBAN (or credit card) to sign up for a contract.

What supermarkets does Spain have and which is best for expats?

Mercadona is the most popular and offers the best balance of quality and price — ideal for 80% of your weekly shop. Lidl and Aldi are cheaper for staples. El Corte Inglés stocks imported international products (British, American, Japanese) that Mercadona doesn't carry. Local mercados are best for fresh fish, meat, and seasonal produce.

Do Spanish businesses really close for siesta?

In major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, the traditional siesta closure (2pm–5pm) is largely obsolete — most offices, shops, and services operate continuously. In smaller towns and some traditional family-owned businesses, a lunch closure is still common. Government offices and banks often have limited afternoon hours.

How do I get a Spanish driving licence as an expat?

EU licence holders can drive and live in Spain indefinitely on their EU licence but should exchange it for a Spanish one for practical purposes. Non-EU nationals (UK, US, Canadian) can drive on their home licence for 6–12 months after becoming resident, then must convert. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Spain (notably the UK post-Brexit does not, requiring a full test for most residents after 2 years).

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🇪🇸 Spain

Daily Life

Daily life in Spain is characterised by an emphasis on food, social connection, and outdoor living. The pace of life is more relaxed than Northern Europe — meal times are later, evenings start later, and the concept of making time for living (not just working) is deeply embedded in Spanish culture.

€50–€80

Mercadona Weekly Shop

Single person; Spain's most popular supermarket

€35–€54

Monthly Transport Pass

Varies by city

9–10 PM

Average Dinner Time

Restaurants fill up after 9pm

€8–€15/mo

SIM Card (30GB)

Lebara, Simyo, Orange

€1.20–€1.80

Coffee (cortado/café con leche)

At a local bar

Last updated: March 2026

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Mercadona: Spain's largest supermarket chain; excellent value, good quality own-brand products (hacendado), widely available in all cities; weekly shop for one person costs €50–€80.
Madrid Abono Transportes (Zone A): €54/month for unlimited metro, bus, cercanías, and tram within zone A — one of Europe's best value transport passes.
Lebara España: best value prepaid and contract SIM — 30GB for €8–€10/month; excellent for budget-conscious expats; operates on Vodafone's network.
Breakfast (desayuno): typically a coffee and tostada (toasted bread with olive oil and tomato) at a local bar between 7:30am–9:30am; cost €2–€4.

Supermarkets and Food Shopping

Spain has an excellent supermarket infrastructure ranging from budget discount chains to premium stores. Mercadona dominates the market nationally, while local markets (mercados) are an unmissable part of Spanish food culture offering fresh produce at competitive prices.

Mercadona: Spain's largest supermarket chain; excellent value, good quality own-brand products (hacendado), widely available in all cities; weekly shop for one person costs €50–€80.
Lidl and Aldi: strong discount presence; particularly good for cereals, dairy, and imported goods; often 10–15% cheaper than Mercadona for staples.
El Corte Inglés Supercorte: premium department-store supermarket; excellent selection of international and imported goods; significantly more expensive but ideal for specific expat food items.
Local markets (mercados): every Spanish city has municipal markets — Mercado de San Miguel (Madrid), La Boqueria (Barcelona), Mercado Central (Valencia) — fresh fish, meat, and produce at excellent prices.
Carrefour and Dia: mid-range options widely available; Dia is particularly good for convenience store-style daily shopping.

Transport and Getting Around

Spain's public transport network in major cities is excellent, affordable, and reliable. Monthly passes represent exceptional value. Between cities, the AVE high-speed rail network is world-class, and budget airlines make domestic travel cheap.

Madrid Abono Transportes (Zone A): €54/month for unlimited metro, bus, cercanías, and tram within zone A — one of Europe's best value transport passes.
Barcelona T-Usual (zones 1–6): €40–€80/month depending on zone; covers metro, bus, FGC, tram, and Cercanías within zone.
Valencia Bonobús: €35/month unlimited bus; combined metro pass available at €35–€50/month.
Inter-city AVE trains: Madrid–Barcelona €30–€80 (2.5 hrs); Madrid–Seville €30–€70 (2.5 hrs); Madrid–Valencia €20–€60 (1.5 hrs) — book 2–4 weeks ahead for best prices.
Budget airlines (Vueling, Ryanair, Iberia Express): Barcelona–London from €20–€80; Madrid–Berlin from €30–€100; excellent for European weekend travel.
Driving: Spain drives on the right; UK licences valid for 2 years then require conversion; Spanish driving licence takes 3–6 months to obtain.

SIM Cards and Internet

Spain has excellent mobile and broadband infrastructure with competitive pricing. Setting up a SIM card takes minutes; home fibre broadband is available in most urban areas at speeds of 300–1,000 Mbps.

Lebara España: best value prepaid and contract SIM — 30GB for €8–€10/month; excellent for budget-conscious expats; operates on Vodafone's network.
Simyo: reliable MVNO on Orange network; 20GB–50GB data plans from €8–€16/month; good customer service in English.
Orange and Movistar: Spain's two main operators; unlimited data plans from €25–€35/month; best network coverage in rural areas.
Vodafone España: strong in major cities; unlimited data plans from €28/month; good for those who travel in Europe frequently.
Home fibre broadband: Movistar, Orange, and Vodafone all offer 300–1,000 Mbps fibre plans from €25–€45/month; installation typically within 3–5 working days.
All major operators require an NIE and Spanish bank account (or credit card) for contract SIMs — prepaid SIMs can be purchased with passport only at any Carrefour, Corte Inglés, or operator store.

The Spanish Daily Rhythm

Spain operates on a genuinely different schedule from Northern Europe. Understanding and embracing the Spanish daily rhythm — late lunches, long afternoons, late dinners, and vibrant social evenings — is key to integrating and enjoying life in Spain.

Breakfast (desayuno): typically a coffee and tostada (toasted bread with olive oil and tomato) at a local bar between 7:30am–9:30am; cost €2–€4.
Lunch (comida): the main meal of the day, eaten between 2pm–4pm; menú del día at local restaurants offers 2 courses, bread, drink, and dessert for €10–€15 — outstanding value.
Siesta: largely a myth in modern urban Spain — most offices don't observe it, though some shops in smaller towns may close 2pm–5pm.
Dinner (cena): Spaniards eat late — restaurants typically fill up from 9pm; eating at 7pm marks you immediately as a tourist; a typical dinner out costs €20–€35 per person.
Nightlife: Spain's nightlife genuinely starts after midnight — clubs and bars peak at 2am–4am; Sunday nights in Madrid and Barcelona are as busy as Friday and Saturday.

FAQs