How to rent a flat in Madrid?

• Platforms to search on:

Facebook (never pay before seeing the flat first, it’s easy to find flatmates there, maybe an option if you have difficulties finding something).  However be mindful, Facebook is not always trustworthy, although it is safer with a personal connection to the person.  If you’re ready to take the risk, Facebook can be a good option.  Be sure to keep an eye out for groups created by your school.   Remember, at EIS we can always go check out the flat for you, look into our support services.

 https://www.idealista.com/ 

https://www.pisos.com/

From our experience, we recommend Idealista and Pisos, they are two of the best sites for Madrid housing.

Looking for a flat in Madrid?

Check out the EIS Madrid Rental!

• Budgeting:

Housing in Madrid is relatively cheap in comparison to cities such as Paris, costs are around 700-1,000 Euros per month (900 in the city center, 700 outside of the city center).  For good apartments, start to look 3 to 4 months before moving there.  Remember in Spain, everything is negotiable.

• Utility costs – average per city:

Water is around 20 Euros per month.

Electricity is around 50 Euros per month, it may be more in summer because of the air conditioning.

Where to live (neighborhoods in Madrid):

Malasaña Chueca Goya El centro Salamanca

• List of documents you need to rent a flat:

 – Income statement and/or proof of income from your parents – Contact information – ID – Proof of housing insurance, especially as a Non-EU citizen – Payments are easier if you have a Spanish bank account, nonetheless, provide your bank account information

What is the budget I need to live in Madrid?

• Basic budgeting per month (in euro):

-Housing : 450/1000

– Electricity : 60

– Food : 200/400

– Transport : 20 (metro card)

– Phone : 10/20

– Going out: 200/500

– Min: 1150 Max: 2150

• Broke Bitch Tips:

– Use the app Unidays for discounts (restaurants, supermarkets, fashion, technology…)

– The app Student Beans is also a good one

– Whenever you purchase something ask for student discounts and don’t forget to smile!

• Currency conversion:

– https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

• Check cost-of-living website:

– https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Madrid

What is the local subway company in Madrid?

How can I get around Madrid?

• Public Transportation:

 Download the Metro de Madrid App or Google Maps.

The best option is the metro youth card for 20 Euros per month if you are under 26 years old.  There is also an annual pass which costs 200€, therefore you can calculate what would be cheaper in your personal case. For both passes you need to purchase a Personal Card with photo (TTP), on which you can charge the metro pass. To get it, you either order it online and it then it is delivered (approximately 1 week), or you can make an appointment online for one of the offices and take it directly home with you. (https://www.crtm.es/media/143130/ttp_solicitudtarjeta.pdf). It really depends on how much you use the metro.  Don’t forget to check if your university has a stop nearby!  Either way you apply, you will need the application form, ID, and passport photo.  To get the monthly pass, or the annual season pass you need a Personal Card (TTP) first.

The creation of the card cost 4€.

The remake of a lost card costs 6€.

https://tarjetatransportepublico.crtm.es/CRTM-ABONOS/entrada.aspx 

You must make an appointment to order your card, annual or monthly pass.

• Driver’s License:

If you want to drive in Spain, you can use your foreign (Non European) license for the first six months. If you’re from the EU or EEA area (European Economic Area), you can use your license.  After two years, it is recommended to convert it into a Spanish license.

• Emergency service contacts:

• Emergencies: 112 • Health emergencies: 061 • National Police: 091 • Local Police: 092

 – Your country’s embassy (lost passport, etc.)

Is Madrid a safe city?

In general Madrid is a safe city, where normal precaution should be enough.

But of course, as one of the biggest cities in Europe, pickpockets are inevitable and you should be careful in public transportation and crowded places.

Areas that aren’t super safe at night:

– The outer parts of Madrid, require more awareness

In general you should live your life as in every capital or bigger city.

For more detailed information go to: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/safety-and-security

Things you should know about Spain:

1. Madrid is la ciudad de las tapas, beer comes with free tapas.
2. You can obtain the JOBO card at the tourist information center at plaza mayor and get discounts and free entries for shows, restaurants etc.
3. The Spaniards have a completely different life rhythm from other Europeans. They typically have lunch between 1 and 3 pm, and dinner around 10 pm.
4. The national anthem of Spain has no words.
5. There are no laws about public nudity in Spain (that’s our favorite).
6. Madrid is in the physical center of the country and the plaza Puerta del Sol is the exact center of the country.
7. Do not be alarmed by a dirty floor in a bar.  It is completely acceptable and normal to throw things on the ground in bars.  Most of the time a dirty floor means a good bar!
8. Spaniards own more cars than cell phones.
9. Spain has the second highest number of bars per inhabitants.