SPAIN 

• Arrival at Madrid:

a. Wear Peony Tours’ red colored round badge for easy identification when you are in the airport or on the airplane.
b. Upon arrival at Madrid Airport, after claiming your baggage, step to the arrival hall to meet Peony Tours’ tour manager. Allow more time for the tour manager if you fly British Airways, for its terminal is far away from others. 

• Mobile Phone: The coverage in Spain uses GSM technology, which is incompatible with the USA. If you want to use your mobile phone in Spain, make sure you have a tri-band mobile, and you should contact your mobile company to activate the international roaming service on your account before travel. 
• Currency: Foreign currency exchange service is available at the international airport, banks, and exchange shops at major cities, as well as in selected hotels. The currency in Spain is the Euro, as other European Union countries. Travelers’ checks and leading international credit cards (Visa, Master, Diners Club and American Express) are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and shops. 
• Climate & Clothing: Spain is located in the southwest of Europe, shares the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal. Spain has a predominantly warm Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and winters with balanced temperatures. The temperature might reach 110°F in July and August. Travelers should dress differently according to the season and the circumstances and be advisable to bring a light jacket and umbrella even during the summer.  
• Internet: The public internet rooms and cyber cafes offer the internet service. You’ll also find Wi-Fi internet connections in airports, railway stations and bus depots, as well as in various shopping centers. Most of hotels Peony Tours uses for tour PSP provides free Wi-Fi in rooms. 
• Visa: U.S. citizens who hold valid passports and stay up to 90 days in Spain are exempted from visa requirement into Spain. For most current visa info, please contact the Spanish Embassy or Consulate at http://www.spainemb.org.
• Customs Rules: Travelers may enter/exit EU with up to €10,000 without submitting a customs declaration. Travelers aged older than 18 coming from non-EU countries may benefit from exemption for personal use that do not exceed the limits: 200 units cigarettes or 100 units small cigars or 50 units cigars, 1 litre of liquor or 2 litres of wine, 60 ml of perfume or 250 ml toilet-water, other goods up to a total value of €430 per adult and €150 if age 15 or under. Currency import or export amounts exceeding EUR 10,000 - or more or the equivalent in another currency (incl. banker's draft and cheques of any kind) must be declared. 
• Activity and Shopping: Football is probably the most popular spectator sport in Spain. Other popular activities include bullfight and flamenco dance. Spanish leather shoes are highly prized goods throughout the world. 
• Food and Drinks: Spain’s eating and drinking culture is one of its greatest attractions. Tap water is safe and bottled water is widespread throughout Spain. Generally lunch is from 14:00 to 17:00, dinner is between 21:00 to 24:00. Popular specialties include Paella, Jamon (ham), Cochinillo (roasted pork), and Sherry. 
• Time Differentials: Spain is 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PST) in winter. During summer, from April to October, the clocks move one hour forward.
• Telephone: Free emergency call is 112 (in Spanish and English). Telephone number within Spain is 9 digits. Call from Spain to USA, dial: 00 + 1 + area code + telephone number Call from USA to Spain, dial: 011 + 34 + 9 digits telephone number 
• Electrical Requirement: Electricity supply in Spain is 220 Volts, 50 Hz. Sockets take the European standard dual round-pronged plug. 
• Language: Spanish is the official language in Spain. However, English is also spoken among young generation. 
• Religion: The majority of the population in Spain is Catholic. 
• Safety: As in any country, there are basic security measures to bear in mind when visiting Spain. Do not walk around dark streets or areas. Carry only the money you need for any excursion. Take good care of your possessions in crowded places such as the airport and department stores. Keep valuable objects like cell phones and cameras with you at all time.