Do Expanish offer help to register for DELE / SIELE?
Yes, for example: we have places available for you to take the exam at the school, you can pay the exam fee at the reception desk...So we can definitly help you, if you have questions about it or don't know how to register, however it's not our responsibility to register the students, you have to do it by yourself.
Where can I go shopping in Madrid?
El Rastro (Only open Sundays 9am - 3pm)
Where can I buy souvenirs for my family?
El Rastro
Where can I buy mobile or laptop accessories?
In "El Corte Inglés" you will find any kind of mobile or laptop accessories.
Where can I buy stamps / send letters?
You can buy stamps at the shops labeled "Tabacos". The post offices in Spain are called "Correos", many post offices in Spain have long waiting times, therefore buying stamps at the tobacconist will be more efficent.
Useful words for buying a stamp or mailing a post card:
Stamp - sello
Is there a tobacconist around here? - ¿Hay un estanco por aquí?
Where is the nearest post office? - ¿Dónde está la oficina de correos más cercana?
Letter - Carta
Envelope - Sobre
Mailbox - Buzón
United States - Estados Unidos
United Kingdom - Reino Unido
Australia - Australia
Brazil - Brasil
New Zealand - Nueva Zelanda
South Africa - Sudáfrica
Where to buy SIM card for the phone?
There are many providers throughout madrid, listed below are the most common providers. Be sure to use google maps to find the closest location.
Vodafone
Orange
Movistar
How long do the Expanish activities last and can my partner who is not in the school participate?
Between 1:30 and 1:40 depending on the activity. And yes, you can participate in our activities that are outside the school.
When do I receive my certificate?
We send the certificates on Monday of the week following the end of the course. We send it to you by email.
Where can I buy school supplies?
The nearest El Corte Ingles
Where can I get a haircut?
There are local salons everywhere in Madrid, we suggest looking up the nearest "Salón" on google maps.
Where there is a gym/yoga studio?
There are multiple gyms throughout Madrid that offer day passes or weekly passes. Depending on where your stay is we recommend researching the nearest gyms in your area and asking for a "Pase semanal" or "pase diario".
How can I register my international vehicle ?
You can register it through this link: Vehicle Registration
Which tourist scams should I avoid?
Restaurants without prices - Avoid these restaurants! All restaurants in Madrid are required to show their prices on the menu. If they suggest the Daily Special ask for the price before ordering.
Pickpocketing scams - Pickpocketing scams are everywhere throughout Spain. In most situations there is a team of two or more. Pickpockets are very sneaky, they can seem very friendly, and its always important to remain aware of your surrounds. More importantly if you are alone you are at a disadvantage. Some common pickpocketing scams to be aware of are: fake petitions for a good cause, and groups of "futbol" players. Remember to remain hypervigilant in crowded areas such as the metro and clubs.
Rosemary Spring - This scam is is not unique to Madrid, often you can this all over Spain. A lady may place a piece of rosemary in your hand (it's important that you return it immediately and say no thank you). If you don't return it she will proceed to tell you a fortune and ask you for payment.
Taxi scam - Not exclusive to madrid and very common throughout the world. Some taxi drivers will say that their meter is broken and insist on a fixed price that is inflated. If a driver tells you their meter is broken, just politely decline and find another taxi.
How can I meet Spanish people?
A good way to meet people is to join a sports group, or use different apps such as Meetup or Eventbrite.