Moving to Madrid

[plutocracy_]

Hello hello hello

Comments

[mmm_words]

No flipflops or short shorts. No sweatpants, gym clothes or tennis shoes, unless you're in the gym. No hoodies. All of those things will scream "American" right off the bat.

[plutocracy_]

Thanks - I don't usually wear this kind of thing outside the house/gym, but good to know.

[mmm_words]

I haven't been to Spain since 2007 (I studied in Salamanca), but that list seems to hold true everywhere outside the US. If you're looking for clothing stores once you get there, H&M and Zara are very popular and affordable.

[velum_cado]

Everywhere outside the US?

[bart_calendar]

If you have a kindle bring it, because otherwise English language books cost a fortune. Other than that I'd pick up most electric stuff once you are actually in Madrid.

Spanish women tend to wear skirts and dresses much more often than pants, though jeans are popular as well. If you use hormonal birth control you might want to find out if you doctor will let you buy a year's worth in advance because several of my female friends have told me that finding a decent English speaking gynecologist in Madrid is really, really difficult.

[azriona]

Check out the Real Post Reports on Madrid - they're filled out mostly by American expats who work at the consulate there, but they have lots of current information about life in the city as well. Click here. (The website can be weird and might send you back here; just click the link a second time. I have NO IDEA why it does that.)

[plutocracy_]

Thanks! That's a great site!

[plutocracy_]

Thanks so much! I am definitely going to bring my Kindle, and the advice about fitted clothing is something I've heard from others as well. :)