Travel essentials for Spain

Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.

Power & adapters

Type C, F adapter required

You need a Type C or F adapter - the round two-pin European plug. The voltage is 230V, the same as Australia, so your chargers, hair dryer and shaver all work normally once the plug fits.

230V, 50Hz

Tap water

Safe to drink

Tap water is safe across Spain. It tastes heavily mineralised in parts of the south and on the islands, which is why locals often buy bottled.

Staying connected

Excellent nationwide, including on the AVE high-speed trains.

A Europe-wide eSIM is the right buy. Spain has some of the fastest and cheapest mobile data in the EU.

Compare Spain eSIMs

Health risks

Extreme summer heat inland, regularly above 40C
Strong currents on Atlantic beaches in the north and west

Emergency numbers in Spain

All emergencies	112 for everything
Police	091
Ambulance	061
Fire	080
Australian consulate	Australian Embassy Madrid - +34 91 353 6600

Tipping and everyday costs

Minimal and not expected. Round up or leave small change in a bar; 5-10% in a good restaurant is generous rather than standard.

What screening will actually let you pack

Half of what goes in the bag is decided by someone else. What you can take on a plane sets out the Australian rules item by item - power banks, liquids, scissors, aerosols - and what has to be declared at the border on the way home.

Plan a trip to Spain Pick recharge, scenic, food or balanced and get a day-by-day itinerary, with Spain's entry rules and your checklist on the same page.

More Spain essentials

Spain visa and entry rules Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders. Flights to Spain Search fares from Australia, then sort the rest of the trip. Spain eSIM plans Instant data, no physical SIM required. Spain travel insurance Medical, cancellation and luggage cover for Australian travellers. Spain money and cards Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers. Spain airport transfers Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared. Driving in Spain International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians. Things to do in Spain Attractions, tours and passes worth booking ahead.

Further reading: Power adapters by country: what Australians actually need to pack

How these comparisons are made

Plug types, voltages and frequencies come from the international electrotechnical standards data for each country, stated per destination with what that means for Australian appliances specifically - what needs an adapter, what needs a converter, and what should stay home. Read the full editorial policy.

Spain travel essentials FAQs

What power adapter do I need for Spain?

A Type C or F adapter, the round two-pin European plug. Spain runs on 230V at 50Hz, identical to Australia, so all your devices work normally.

We will send you the Spain guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.