Technology
Like most of continental Europe, outlets in Spain have a voltage of 220-240 Volts.
Accessing US Websites From Abroad
Some websites only allow users with American IP addresses to enter. There is, however, a way around this. You have to use VPN Client.
Cell Phones
Students should purchase a cheap mobile phone in Madrid, or bring your own unlocked phone and purchase a SIM card.
Unlocking American Cell Phones
- You can get your American cell phone unlocked before coming here and just buy a Spanish SIM card. They go for about 9 euros. It’ll work just the same as a pay-as-you-go phone.
Pay-as-you-go cell phone
- Our students have found that the cheapest and most effective way to keep in touch is to buy a pay-as-you-go cell phone in Spain. Please note that many students who got a “global plan” for their American cell phone found that it was neither cheap nor convenient.
Costs
- A Pay-as-you-go phone usually costs about 20 euros (and often comes with some “saldo” or credit already on it). As your saldo decreases, you receive messages letting you know that it will soon run out. You can “recharge” your balance at any supermarket, tobacco shop, or large department store (varies with phone plan).
- Check prices before you arrive:
Roaming
- Your Spanish cell phone will work all throughout Spain and Europe. If you are not in Europe, usually the phone company will send you a text when you arrive in a new country to let you know what the rates (NOTE: incoming calls/texts are usually NOT free when you are outside Europe).
Calling Home
Calling home (or sending international text messages) from your Spanish cell phone is not recommended as it is very expensive. But you can receive calls on your Spanish cell phone at no charge to you. Your Spanish cell phone will work outside of Spain, but rates vary outside Europe.
Some good options used in the past to call home, talk to your Spanish families or friends:
- Whatsapp A cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. You can make calls, video calls, or leave voice messages as well.
- Skype One of the best and cheapest ways for students to call home is via Skype. Keep in mind that Skype also allows users to call international landlines at a cheap rate.
- Facetime To make a FaceTime call, you need the person’s phone number or registered email address.
- Facebook You can use facebook messenger for video calls or chat too
- Gmail Voice and Video Chat If you set up an account in the USA, it is usually free to call (and text) through your computer to US and Canadian numbers.