Trip prep: Netherlands → Madrid
A complete checklist for traveling from Netherlands to Madrid, Spain. Synthesized from every layer — visa, plugs, tipping, weather, packing, transit, embassy.
1 Passport & entry
- Visa/entry: Visa-free for up to 0 days.
- Passport expiry: Most countries require 6 months validity beyond your departure date — check yours now.
- Photo your passport: store a scan in cloud + email it to yourself for emergencies.
2 Money
- Tipping in Spain: Tip 5-10% at restaurants.
- Cards vs cash: Notify your bank of your travel dates. Bring 2 cards from different networks (Visa + Mastercard) in case one is locked.
- ATM strategy: Use bank ATMs (not currency exchange counters). Withdraw in larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees.
- Foreign transaction fees: Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (most travel rewards cards). Pay in LOCAL currency when card terminals ask — never accept "your home currency" conversion (DCC steals 5-8%).
3 Health & safety
- Emergency number: 112 — save this to your phone with country code.
- Healthcare: Healthcare is excellent and relatively cheap for tourists. Spanish pharmacies (Farmacia, green cross) are full-service.
- Travel insurance: Pick a policy with $100K+ medical and $250K+ evacuation. Buy within 14 days of your first booking for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) eligibility.
- Vaccinations: Check the CDC destination page 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Prescription meds: Bring 2× what you need + a doctor's note for controlled substances. In original bottles.
4 Power & tech
- Power plugs: No adapter or converter needed — your plug fits and voltage matches.
- SIM/data plan: Check if your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones + Pixels since 2018). Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad sell affordable data eSIMs for Spain — far cheaper than roaming.
- VPN: Install before travel. Some hotels/cafes have insecure wifi; some countries block apps you use at home.
- Power bank: 10,000+ mAh, with at least one USB-C port. Long sightseeing days drain phones fast.
5 Weather & what to pack
January
10°C / 2°C
cool · moderate rain
May
22°C / 11°C
mild · rainy
September
27°C / 15°C
warm · dry
- Light layers — t-shirts + 1 light jacket for evenings
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Rain jacket and umbrella
6 Once you're in Madrid
- Public transit: Metro + Cercanías + Bus — single fare €1.50-2 (Metro), day pass €8.40. Madrid has one of Europe's largest metros — 13 lines. The Metrobus 10-trip card is €12.20 and saves significantly if you stay several days.
- Where to stay: First-timers usually pick Sol / Centro — Tourist heart + Puerta del Sol + walkable to all sights. Full neighborhood guide →
- Day trips worth planning: Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial + Valle de los Caídos. Full day-trips guide →
- Scams to know: Barcelona Las Ramblas pickpockets, Madrid 'sleepy waiter' theft (someone drops a hand on your phone when you turn away), fake petitions.
7 The night before you fly
- Hold mail, water plants, set out-of-office
- Download offline maps for Spain in Google Maps
- Pre-book airport parking or ride share
- Print boarding passes + first night's hotel reservation
- Set 3 alarms for the morning of departure
- Phone wallpaper = your booking confirmation