Suffolk University Madrid Campus staff would like to share some ideas on how to make the most of your study abroad experience in Madrid. In this presentation you'll find useful updated information about transportation, how to order food, cultural differences and much more. We hope it is useful. Enjoy your time in Madrid safely!
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Good life in Madrid
1. (Good) Life in Madrid
Silvia Salazar, Student Affairs Assistant
2. Spanish Social Customs
GREETINGS: 2 kisses between women and
man-woman; handshake between men.
Always say buenos d鱈as or buenas tardes
when you go into a shop, building, house etc.
and adios or hasta luego when you leave.
3. PERSONAL SPACE: personal space is reduced
and Spaniards are touchy, we are used to
more physical contact.
4. Communication:
- We talk with our hands
- Staring is almost a national pass
time (although cell phones are changing that)
5. SOCIAL MANNERS:
No stretching, yawning or burping in public
We are not very punctual, but please, be on time
for class!!
6. MEALS: Meals are important social
encounters, so no eating while working,
walking, driving and no food in your bedroom!
Breakfast is light. Usually coffee, toast or cereal or
a sweet roll and juice
Lunch is the heaviest meal. Any time between
1:30 and 3:30pm
Dinner tends to be lighter. Any time between 9:00
and 11:00pm
Table manners are important: use your silverware;
try new things (dont dissect your food!)
Food might not be as heavily seasoned or dressed,
but it is tasty (barbecue sauce is not common)
7. EATING AND GOING OUT:
Breakfast: most traditional:
chocolate con churros o porras.
Caf辿 y pincho de tortilla
Lunch: men炭 del d鱈a is the best
option for a full meal (3 courses).
Its around 10 in regular
restaurants and around 6 in
student cafeterias. Few
vegetarian options.
Dinner: tapas (or raciones).
Traditional tapas bars might not
look too clean, but food is good!
8. Service is usually slow and you may need to
call the waiter/waitress several times
You need to ask for the check (La cuenta, por
favor)
Service is included in the price, so tipping is
not necessary. If you really liked the place,
food or service, 5-10% tip is enough
No doggy bag, sorry!
Pubs/bars dont serve food
9. Clubs: you normally need to pay a cover. In
many clubs theres a guest list.
In most pubs theres a dress code
In bars and pubs no food is served
Spaniards party on the street, especially in
summer.
10. CLOTHES:
Dress up more
Flip-flops, baseball cap and hoodie=
American tourist
OTHERS:
The birthday person invites to
tapas/drink etc.
When in Rome Do as Romans do
OPEN YOUR EYES. ASK QUESTIONS
POLITELY. ASK SUFFOLK STAFF ;)
11. BUDGETING YOUR MONEY
Use your Cheque Gourmet wisely: no change
is given
Use your 15 phone credit wisely: roaming
and international calls are expensive
Visit dollar stores (chinos) for every day items
Movie theaters are cheaper on Mondays or
Wednesdays, depending on the theater
Be careful with shopping (cheap stores H&M,
Zara, Lefties Food: LIDL, DIA, )
12. Other things we can help you with
How do I get to?
How can I send a package?
Can I give the campus address for my mail?
Where can I find.?
Is there a counseling service on campus?
In Spain, is it ok to?
Can I schedule a taxi pick up service?
13. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation in
Madrid is safe, reliable and
cheaper than in many other
big cities. Easy to navigate
The best and cheapest
option to move around is
Tarjeta Transporte P炭blico
(35 for 30 days if youre
under 22 and 54.60 for the
rest). Plus 4 for the card
itself. CRTM
14. Tarjeta Transporte P炭blico
Advantages:
It is valid for 30 days from the moment you start using it.
In case of theft or loss of the card, you can recuperate the
remaining credit.
Contact-less. Easy and quick to validate. Not demagnetized
You dont need to worry about change for your tickets.
You can easily budget the amount youll spend on
transportation.
You dont need to pay the 3 extra fee every time you
travel to or from the airport on the metro.
You get a discount on Madrid bike rental system.
15. To apply for the card: well help you if you provide us
with a photo, passport copy and signed application
from. It takes up to 5 days to get cards issued.
(www.tarjetatransportepublico.com )
You can do it yourself online or by appointment in
CRTM offices
Youll need to put credit on it in any metro stop or
tobacco stores (estancos)
10-ride passes are 12.20
16. TAXIS
All official taxis are white with a red line on the front doors and have a visible taximeter
inside. The drivers license number is displayed inside the car. They are safe and pretty
reliable. ALWAYS ASK FOR YOUR RECEIPT.
You can hail a taxi easily in any busy street or find a taxi stop.
You may also order your taxi by phone (915478200 Radio Tel辿fono Taxi). Theres an initial 5
cost for this service.
You can also order your taxi online (www.pidetaxi.es or www.hailocab.com/madrid ) where
youll find smartphone Apps as well. You need to register the first time you use these Apps
If you order your taxi online or by phone, you can schedule it for a later time or day and
youll see an estimate of how long the ride will be and how much it will cost.
You may also ask for a taxi with a big trunk for lots of luggage
Taxis to and from the airport have a flat rate of 30
Rates vary depending on area, day/night, supplement for luggage or to and from station etc.
17. Airport shuttle
Theres an express airport shuttle to/from
the center of Madrid (Atocha, Cibeles,
Odonnell) to the airport, T1,2, T4. it runs
24hr/day, 365 days/year. It takes
approximately 40 min. and it has a flat rate
of 5.
This is a good, cheap alternative if your
need to be at the airport between 1am and
6:30am, when the metro is not running.
For more information, visit:
www.emtmadrid.es/lineaAeropuerto