💡 To open an account you usually need a passport or NIE, proof of address (empadronamiento or a rental contract) and sometimes proof of income or studies; conditions differ between banks.
💡 A proof of account number is a certificado de titularidad: it has your name and IBAN; it is issued at the branch or in the bank app within minutes.
💡 If a cash machine swallows your card, don't walk away: call the number on the machine or block the card in the app, then go to a branch.
💡 An international transfer (transferencia internacional) needs the recipient's IBAN, the holder's full name and the bank code (BIC); ask about the fee and time in advance.
💡 A fee is a comisión; ask about comisión de mantenimiento (maintenance) and comisión por transferencia; many banks waive it if your salary (nómina) is paid in.
💡 Bizum is quick transfers by phone number between Spanish banks; people say Te hago un bizum and the money arrives in seconds.
💡 A bill with a barcode can be paid at a cash machine (cajero) or at the bank counter (ventanilla); the counter often takes a small fee if you are not a client.
💡 A direct debit is a domiciliación: you give the bank the contract number and bills for electricity, water or internet pay themselves; money can be recovered if a debit is wrong.
💡 If you see an unknown charge, go to the bank at once with a complaint (reclamación); the bank may block the card and issue a new one.
💡 The quickest way to pay cash in is at your own bank's cash machine; the counter (ventanilla) does not always offer it and may charge a fee; count the notes beforehand.
💡 A stamp is a sello; a letter is posted at Correos or in the yellow postbox; for another country say carta internacional.
💡 If you were not at home the postman leaves an aviso de llegada: take it and your document to the office to collect the letter, which is kept for a few weeks.
💡 A parcel outside the EU needs a customs declaration (declaración de aduanas): describe the contents and value; ask on the spot about prohibited items.
💡 Mail redirection is reexpedición: at Correos you set up the service so letters from the old address arrive at the new one; say Me he mudado.
💡 The tracking number is a número de seguimiento; you look up a parcel on the Correos site or app; the status en reparto means it is out for delivery.