Phones, Cards, etc.

Landlines
Call Telefonica on 1004 to arrange for installation of a fixed line. You do not need to have a residency card to do this, your passport number will be enough. You will pay a service charge, and in some cases an installation fee. www.telefonoca.es
Also see Jazztel for other options www.jazztel.com

Cell Phones (Mobiles)
Mobile phones are available at a variety of stores such as El Corte Ingles, The Phone House, FNAC, Alcampo and any service-provider store, such as Vodafone, Amena or Movistar. With your residency card , you can sign up for a one or two year contract. If you don't have residency yet, or don't want a contract, you can purchase a pay as you go mobile. Top-up cards are available anywhere mobiles are sold, as well as gas stations, estancos (tobacconists) and supermarkets. You can also charge your phone directly at any ATM / cash point. If you want to buy your phone / sim card on-line before coming to Spain see www.onspanishtime.com

Calling Cards
If you have access to a landline, this is your best bet. Phone cards are available in locutorios, some supermarkets and corner shops. The Eurodirect Card has the best rates to the US / UK etc. and comes in 6 euros and 12 euros. www.europhonecards.org

Locutorios
Locutorios are call centers with private phone booths that offer a convenient way to call anywhere in the world at a relatively low rate (usually beteen 5 and 25 cents per minute). Many locutorios also offer internet access, and sell both top-up cards for your mobile phone and international calling cards.

Time Zones
Remember that your friends and loved ones may be siting down to dinner or crawling into bed when you feel like chatting. It's best to arrange a convenient calling time for both of you in advance.