Moving to Madrid is stressful, there really is no other way to put it. It’s a crazy, lively city, there are lots of options for things to do, places to eat, where to live, and more, but it can also be so overwhelming, especially in those first few days (and if we’re being honest, weeks). I remember when I moved to Madrid, the only reason I sort of had an idea about what to do when I first arrived is because I went through CIEE, and they sort of hold your hand, but I know that even with a little help, it can be overwhelming. In this post, I will outline 3 things that you should do immediately, which will help you feel more settled.
3 Things You Should Immediately Do When You Move to Madrid
Get a youth public transport card (aka abono joven de transporte publico)
**IF YOU PLAN TO GET THIS CARD IN PERSON, MAKE THE APPOINTMENT ASAP, AS THERE IS USUALLY NOTHING AVAILABLE FOR WEEKS! See below for how to do it.
**Edited to add: my brother went to the CityLife Madrid office and was able to get a next-day appointment with them. Consider trying that.
This card is for anyone under the age of 26 and allows you to travel using bus, metro, and train for just 20 Euros/ month. You will spend a lot of time using the metro during your first few days, so save yourself some money and get the card as soon as possible.
How to get the card:
- You can order the card online, and it should arrive within 1-2 weeks, but be aware that some people never receive the card. If you want to try, though, here is the link.
- You can get it in person at any of these offices (click this link to see a full list with posted hours). It says you will need an appointment, which you can make here, but I recommend trying to go with your original passport and a copy of your passport and getting it on the spot (although they will most likely turn you away). Book an appointment HERE.
What to bring to your appointment:
- Your passport
- A copy of your passport
- at least 24 Euros (4 Euros for the card and 20 to load it)
How to reload the card each month:
- There are machines at each metro station where you can quickly and easily reload your card.
Get yourself a SIM card
Having a cell phone with data will make it so much easier to manage your life these first few weeks in Madrid. You will be able to: call possible landlords about seeing apartments (but I do recommend calling over WhatsApp if you can, so you don’t use all of your minutes), send messages to landlords, use the maps to get around Madrid, etc.
What you should consider when getting a cell phone
- A month-to-month plan offers the flexibility to reload when you want to, and they can never charge you for going ‘over’. I pay month-to-month, and if I know I am going to be away, I hold off on reloading until I get back
- remember that all Spaniards use WhatsApp to communicate and no one uses ‘messages’, so you don’t need a messaging plan, and you can always call people on WhatsApp, so you shouldn’t need many minutes (I actually only get about 10 per month!)
- I wouldn’t sign any contracts
Which company should I use?
There are lots of options! I personally use Orange and I pay 20 Euros/ month for 2 gigs of data and a few minutes of calling. I actually pay more than a lot of people, but I have never been charged anything extra and have never had issues with them.
How do you reload your phone if you don’t have a contract?
You can usually reload at any ATM under the ‘recarga movil’ option, in the stores, or online.
Find housing (start looking ASAP!)
By talking to anyone in Madrid, you will realize that one of the most frustrating parts about moving there is finding housing. It’s cut-throat, it’s competitive, and it’s downright unfair. You will see places you love and get turned away, you will see places you hate and get turned away, you will get frustrated and feel like you’ll never find a place, but you will. My recommendation is to start looking immediately. Don’t wait until you’ve been there a few days, because it’s just a few more days you won’t have a place.
I know it’s tedious to spend your first few days in Madrid looking at apartments, but you will thank yourself later if you can spend a couple hours per day browsing apartments, making calls, and going to see places.
Here are some tips:
- Every 2 hours, check Idealista (and don’t be too picky about where you are looking. Even though you want to live in a certain place, be open to the fact that Madrid has so many awesome neighborhoods).
- If you see a place you like, call the landlord or whoever is listed immediately. Ask a few questions: is there a contract (you want them to say yes!), is there heating (another yes!), and if can you come see it immediately.
- Be available to go as soon as possible. If they say “how about Saturday, etc”, don’t be afraid to ask for something sooner! Keep in mind other people will be going before you, and it could be gone before you even go.
- When you see the places, be ready to make a decision, but also don’t jump the gun. If you feel uneasy about it, don’t rush into it- you could end up losing big money.
- Relax! You WILL find a place. Consider a home stay until you do (I stayed with a woman for 3 weeks, who I met through Tandem Language School. Give them a call.)
Bonus Item:
- Set up a bank account (I use EVO and like them, but they only have 1 office in Madrid)
I hope this is helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me!