AEDs
Information will follow shortly
Credit cards
The most common credit card in Madrid is VISA, but you should have no problem finding ATMs/cash machines that accept Mastercard and American Express as well.
Currency
The currency in Spain is Euro (EUR). One euro is divided into 100 cents. Coins denominations include: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 euros. Banknotes denominations include 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros.
There are many exchange offices at the airport and main train stations (Atocha and Chamartín) and in the city center, in case you need them.
Customs and VAT
Spanish prices include a Value Added Tax (VAT) depending on the product, usually 21%. It is refundable to persons who are non-EU residents and who are travelling to a non-EU destination. Tax free shopping is possible in many major shops and department stores in Madrid.
Electricity
Spain has 220-volt AC and uses 2-pin continental plugs, types F and C. If you come from the UK and Ireland, you will need an adaptor for electric appliances, whereas North Americans need a transformer in order to use their 110/125V appliances.
Embassies
If you need to contact the authorities of your home country, here is a list of foreign embassies and consulates in Spain:
https://www.spain.info/en/consultas/oficinas-de-turismo-y-embajadas/embajadas_extranjeras.html
Emergencies
In case of an emergency while you are in Madrid, just dial 112. It is a free call which will connect you to the police, fire brigade or emergency medical services.
Emergency service 112 can also be contacted via app: My112, available for iOS and Android.
Language
In Madrid, the official language is Spanish, but you will also most likely get through in English.
The official language of the EMS2019 Congress is English. All abstract submissions and presentations should be in English. There will be simultaneous translation into Spanish in the plenary room and a room to present the local scientific works.
Letter of invitation
Some participants belonging to countries outside the framework of the European Union or the Schengen Treaty may require a visa to enter Spain. You can find information at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Liability & Insurance
The registration fees do not include the insurance of participants against personal accidents, sickness, and cancellations by any party, theft, loss or damage to personal possessions. Participants are advised to take out adequate personal insurance to cover travel, accommodation, cancellation and personal effects.
Public transportation
Madrid is served by a great public transportation network, coordinated by CRTM. You will find real time transport information and directions by downloading their app.
The subway (Metro) can take you nearly everywhere in the city. You can download a Metro map here. Commuter trains (Cercanías) will make long distances shorter. In this map you will find all railway means of transport in the city. More than 150 bus lines with 100% blue accessible buses fulfill cover the whole city. Here you can download the integrated map. During the night you will still find more than 25 bus lines, most of them connected at Plaza de Cibeles.
If you find time to sightsee at the city center, this map will make it easier. It is possible to buy a turist ticket for several days valid for public transport and many museums and monuments. If you are not considering the turist ticket you will need a transport card (called Tarjeta MULTI), which is valid for Metro and local buses. You can fill it with single or 10-trip tickets at automatic machines in all Metro stations. Anyway, the bus driver can sell a single ticket for that trip if you need it.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport is one of the closest to its city and very close to the congress venue. It is connected to the city center via Metro line 8 (all terminals), Cercanías lines C1 and C10 (only terminal 4) and shuttle buses. See more.
Safety
Madrid is a safe city. However, as in any big city, you should pay attention to pickpockets.
Smoking
According to legal regulations, smoking is not allowed in public indoor areas. Therefore smoking is also not allowed anywhere inside the congress venue.
Tipping
In Madrid, tipping is at your discretion. Anyway, if you receive a good drink/meal service, you are welcome to reward it with a tip.
Visa
Some participants belonging to countries outside the framework of the European Union or the Schengen Treaty may require a visa to enter Spain.
Please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.
Weather
The climate in Madrid is continental-mediterranean as in most Southern countries in Europe.
The weather in spring is difficult to predict but temperatures usually range from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius and it may rain. Find the current weather forecast here.
