Hi! I'm Rachel, a new member here. I am leaving June 16th to study abroad for a month in Madrid. What kinds of clothes should I pack to accomodate the weather? One of my professors told me that shorts are not common in Madrid, but I understand that it's really hot there in the summer!

Also, will I be able to use my debit card over there?

I'd appreciate any help! Thanks!

Hi rachilli904. Welcome to the board.

Coming to Madrid for a month in the summer, eh? Pack light, very light.

Your professor probably hasn't been to Spain in a while. Shorts, bermuda length, are becoming more popular paired with canvas sneakers or stylish sandals.

Women tend to wear more skirts, of any length. I prefer long flowing skirts. Linen being my favorite material. The younger women have a certain penchant for wearing impossibly tight tank tops with spaghetti straps and revealing necklines. It seems the tighter the better, even if your body is not "designed" to wear such clothing. I am all for women's lib, celebrating the real you, respecting and accepting your body (yaddah yaddah) but I also do believe that there comes a time when it is just downright tacky.

Your debit card should work fine in the cash machines. I don't know about using it for making purchases, though.

Have a great time here!

quote:

Also, will I be able to use my debit card over there?

Yes, you will as long as it has the VISA or MASTERCARD symbol on it. Alert your bank that you will be in Spain for the summer because you don't want your card frozen because the bank may think that your card has been stolen.

Take into account that you will be charged by the bank you withdraw money from as well as there being a currency exchange rate, sometimes 2%, but that depends on your bank. I suggest that you talk to your bank in general and see how that will be handled and the exact amount of the charge.

Shawn

last i heard, visa and mastercard were charging a 3% surcharge, both on withdrawing money and purchases (bankcards CAN be used for purchases here). so whatever your charge is, the credit card charges you 3% on top of that.

and yes, shorts are in. both bermuda-length (also with ballet flats, in addition to the shoes mentioned above!) and even tiny tight little short shorts! thank goodness (for shorts in general, not the tiny tiny ones ) because it gets hooooot here.

Thanks! I just want to be able to blend in but be comfortable with what I wear over there. He warned me that tshirts and shorts are seen as very "American" and that Spaniards tend to dress more "chic" or something like that. He is a little older, though, so probably more conservative. I will definitely be taking shorts. Is there anything I should avoid wearing? Does anyone have any other tips for me as a first-time visitor to Madrid?

I will definitely check with my bank about my debit card and such. Are travelers checks also convenient to have? I'd like to avoid all of those extra ATM charges and such as much as possible.

Thanks everyone!
Rachel

Spaniards are chic! I agree with Chica, pack light. Once you confirm your debit card works you just might wanna go shopping. Ok, you ARE going to want to go shopping, who am I kidding. Save room in your luggage to bring a few 'souvenirs' to wear at home.

quote:

Originally posted by rachilli904:
Is there anything I should avoid wearing?

Avoid combining shorts with WHITE socks and sports sneakers!

Heh, it's true, white socks are an American thing that always gets a giggle from the Spaniards. Shorts have, however, finally made it here. Generally more elegant shorts, but they are becoming more informal as well. Very light and little sundresses are popular, and amazingly, people wear jeans all summer long. Gasp! Generally Spanish women are quite put together (even the young ones), although flip flops all through july and august are completely acceptable.

Enjoy your stay!! :-)

I say wear what you want. The moment you open your mouth and they hear your accent, they'll know your not a local. They may know anyway unless you look Spanish.

It's true that although shorts with white socks and trainers are definitly a guiri look, you can still wear them. I see a lot of people wearing Cons now. Those shoes never seem to go fully out of style. If your into the pijo look you won't have a problem either.

I think the easiest way for an American to not look out of place, is to have a defined look. If your slightly punk, or skater punk, no problem. Preppy/pija, also not a problem. If your look is anywhere from elegant to heavy metal, you'll be fine. The only look which doesn't seem to fly is the guiri look, which unfortunatly is my look.

A word to the wise on shopping. If your height is average or smaller, and your body type is slender you won't have problems shopping here. However if you fall outside of this range your shopping options aren't looking so great. My shopping options seem to be the old lady shops, the really expensive section in Corte Inglés, or H&M. Thank you Jesus for H&M!, otherwise I'd be in big trouble.

You'll be fine though,
Bonnie

Bonnie,

I fell into that range too, and I found a lot clothing in C&A, although many women say that C&A don't have the best of clothing for women. Not sure how you feel about C&A.

Shawn

I think C&A is H&A aka Hennes

Your right Shawn, I forgot about C&A which is silly as I have several things from there as well.

Ok, I have some more questions...

Travelers checks: Yes or No? Are they just an extra hassle? Can I get by with cash, a debit card, and a credit card?

I am a little concerned about being a target for crime since I am a tourist...that's another reason why I was concerned about what clothes to wear...should I not carry a purse/bag around town with me?

You can definitly get by with just a debit card if you have enough cash on it.

As for avoiding being targeted by pickpockets. I've always had great luck by dressing like I have no money. Think poor student. Of course you can carry a purse but just be careful with it. Try doing a search as both of these things have been discussed before.

A definite NO for the travelers cheques.

Most businesses don't take them these days and you will find it difficult to find a place to cash them for you. When you do find a place to cash them the commissions are outrageous. In this day and age of electronic banking your debit/credit card should do you fine.

With regards to being robbed, I think it's a question of being aware of your surroundings and not being careless. If you carry a handbag, make sure it has a strap long enough to cross over your body. Also be sure to choose a style that can be securely closed. Best is a zipper. Never hang it on the back of your chair while dining at a restaurant. Never leave it sitting on the chair next to you. Keep it on your lap or on the floor between your feet.

If you carry a backpack, do not carry anything of importance in the front zipper pockets and make sure that the large zipper compartment can be securely closed.

Be discrete when taking valuables such as money or camera out of your bag. Better to do it in an enclosed place such as a restaurant or store rather than in the middle of the street where a potential thief could target you.

Most importantly, just relax and have a good time!