Communications

Info on communication alternatives and how to keep in contact.

"You’re going to need a cell phone in Madrid! Some apartments don’t have phones, or some have phone only for national calls to other landlines in Spain. Public phones are expensive and getting very scarce. You might want to do this right away because it will make it much easier to find things and contact your friends. You can go to El Corte Ingles (a huge store that has everything), there’s one in Sol. They sell cell phones and you can buy one with different companies there.

"Before I left for Europe I received a email notification from you about the services of PicCell Wireless mobile phones for students and travellers abroad. I was impressed by the professionalism of the Platform3000 representatives, and extremely pleased with the services. I rented a sim card for my US phone which was already freed. but they also have students rent their cell phone. This company has very competitive prices and excellent services, and gave me peace of mind during my stay. Thank you very much for the suggestion! Caroline Heneke - Barcelona, 2008

You can also stop by Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, different cell phone providers. Although calls are more expensive, incoming calls are free (including from the US) and text messages are used more often to communicate. As for calling home, I used a HappyCard. The one for 12 Euros gives you 250 minutes. You can buy calling cards at some kiosks, but Locutorios will have more varieties."

"Once in Madrid it’s very helpful to buy a cell phone right away. This is what your family and friends will be calling you on, how you will make calls in your search for an apartment, and also how you will communicate with the many friends you make in Madrid! Cell phones are not called "cell phones" in Europe. In Spanish they are called "moviles" for a mobile phone. So, when asking where you can purchase a phone, inquire about "un movil".

"I recommend purchasing a cell phone as soon as you arrive. There are tons of different deals to choose from. Most foreign students purchased prepaid phones. Text messaging is the most common way to keep in touch. To call internationally, at tobacco stores and any other international phone booth center it is possible to purchase phone cards. Normally for about $6, I could get about 150 minutes to the US. It will be much cheaper for you to call the US then for the people in the US to call your cell phone. You also have the option of using Freecall or Skype via Internet. A lot of the rented accommodation now has Internet."

"Everyone I know purchased a cell phone. There sometimes isn’t a land phone or you’re not allowed to use it at your piso or with your family. Nobody signs a one- or two-year contract; it’s just pay as you go. The main companies are Vodafone, Orange and Movistar. Unlike in the U.S. everyone sends text messages. You can recharge your phone at El Corte Ingles. Also if you travel your phone can make calls (by paying roaming fees) and receive calls in other European countries and even Morocco. I also purchased a calling card for International calls to the U.S but found that receiving calls from the U.S. was a lot cheaper."

"Bring a cell phone that works in Europe or buy one when you get there from El Corte Ingles or the phone company. Most people I knew used Orange with the tarifa (cell plan) called "Mi Ciudad" or MoviStar. Try to get your cell phone ASAP because calling from pay phones when you are apartment-hunting will be expensive! I used a phone card called Happy Card to call the U.S. and it had a really good rate. You can buy it at some of the newsstands."

"Everyone in Europe has a cell phone, so I definitely recommend buying one as well. We didn’t have a landline in our house, so a cell phone was the only option. Calling home is easy and affordable. Finding a calling card should be no problem at all."

"The best way to call family and friends from Madrid is to buy a Happy Card. You get an hour and 20 minutes of call time to the USA for 6 Euros, or two hours and 40 minutes for 12 Euros. This is the best deal that I found. Always call from a land line or pay phone with this card. If you use your cell phone, your talk time will be reduced to 10 minutes!"