If you've decided to live off base, you will soon discover (if you haven't already) some things that are very different from living in the States.
Electricity
Electricity in Spain operates on a 220V system vs. the 110V system in the U.S. This means that when appliances made for use in the U.S. are plugged into a Spanish outlet, the motors can't handle the increased voltage, thus frying the motor (damaging or destroying the appliance). Take it from someone who is down 3 vacuums, two alarm clocks, and a hairdryer...you need to pay close attention to the capacity of each appliance and plug it in accordingly.
There are basically three different types of items you will need to be able to operate all of your American appliances safely in Spain--grounded adapter plugs, non-grounded adapter plugs, and step-down transformers.
There are basically three different types of items you will need to be able to operate all of your American appliances safely in Spain--grounded adapter plugs, non-grounded adapter plugs, and step-down transformers.
 Grounded adapter plug |  Non-grounded adapter plug |  Transformer |
Look on the plug or rating plate on each of your appliances for the input value. If it says 110 - 220V or 110V/220V, you only need an adapter. On computers for example, the "brick" on the power supply cord will list the input value, which is typically 100- 240V. Any appliance with a rating up to 240V can be used with an adapter, rather than a transformer. For items like computers, always use a grounded adapter to protect against unexpected surges, but for items like lamps, toothbrushes, etc. a simple non-grounded adapter plug is sufficient. One important note regarding lamps...while they work fine with a non-grounded plug, you must also change out the lightbulbs to european bulbs.
There is no harm in plugging a lamp into a grounded adapter, but the cost difference between grounded and non-grounded adapters is significant. Grounded plugs cost about 5 times as much as non-grounded, so it makes sense to only use them where you really need to. All of these items are readily available at the NEX. Some "dual-voltage" appliances (like alarm clocks, for example) will have a little switch that you simply flip before plugging it in--again, you need an adapter for the wall outlet , but a transformer is not required since it is dual-voltage.
Items with high wattage, such as vacuum cleaners, electric mixers, or any other "large" appliances will need to be plugged into a step-down transformer. This will "step down" the voltage to the appliance so it doesn't blow up when you use it. Use a transformer with a large enough capacity for the appliance. Vacuums, for example, are usually well over 1000 watts, so plugging it into a 1000 watt transformer isn't going to work...Housing offers transformers in increments of 1000, 1500, and 2000 watts, so choose appropriately. Most appliances do fine on a 1000 watt transformer, but you'll need a larger one specifically for the vacuum.
There is no harm in plugging a lamp into a grounded adapter, but the cost difference between grounded and non-grounded adapters is significant. Grounded plugs cost about 5 times as much as non-grounded, so it makes sense to only use them where you really need to. All of these items are readily available at the NEX. Some "dual-voltage" appliances (like alarm clocks, for example) will have a little switch that you simply flip before plugging it in--again, you need an adapter for the wall outlet , but a transformer is not required since it is dual-voltage.
Items with high wattage, such as vacuum cleaners, electric mixers, or any other "large" appliances will need to be plugged into a step-down transformer. This will "step down" the voltage to the appliance so it doesn't blow up when you use it. Use a transformer with a large enough capacity for the appliance. Vacuums, for example, are usually well over 1000 watts, so plugging it into a 1000 watt transformer isn't going to work...Housing offers transformers in increments of 1000, 1500, and 2000 watts, so choose appropriately. Most appliances do fine on a 1000 watt transformer, but you'll need a larger one specifically for the vacuum.
Washers & Dryers
The house you have rented may have come with a washer and dryer included, or you may have borrowed a set from Housing. Housing offers the option of European or American models. Our laundry area was already set up to fit a European set, so that was a no-brainer. Some things you may notice with European washers and dryers: the washer doesn't typically have a hot water connection...follow the hose to the wall and you are likely to find only one input for water, and it's cold. Most European washers are designed to heat the water based on the wash cycle you choose.
As for the dryer, many dryers are not set up with the typical ventilation we are used to in the U.S. Many dryers here operate on a condensing system, where water extracted during the drying process is collected in a container at the bottom of the dryer, rather than being vented out as steam. The condensation container may need to be emptied several times during the drying cycle, depending on the size of the load. This system makes for a very moist environment and you may find when you first open the dryer that the clothes still feel damp, regardless of how long they have been drying! Take them out anyway, and you will soon see that they actually are dry--it's just too humid in the dryer to be able to tell at first.
As for the dryer, many dryers are not set up with the typical ventilation we are used to in the U.S. Many dryers here operate on a condensing system, where water extracted during the drying process is collected in a container at the bottom of the dryer, rather than being vented out as steam. The condensation container may need to be emptied several times during the drying cycle, depending on the size of the load. This system makes for a very moist environment and you may find when you first open the dryer that the clothes still feel damp, regardless of how long they have been drying! Take them out anyway, and you will soon see that they actually are dry--it's just too humid in the dryer to be able to tell at first.
Emptying condensation from dryer
Dishwashers
If you are lucky enough to have a dishwasher here in Spain, take note of a compartment that you will likely find in the bottom of the dishwasher basin under the bottom rack...this is the salt compartment! Many European dishwashers come with a built-in water-softening or "ion-exchange" system to remove calcium and magnesium ions from the water. The salt is used to recharge the resins in this system so it can operate properly and keep hard water spots from forming on the dishes.
Most dishwashers will have an indicator light that illuminates when the salt reservoir is empty...it only took me 6 months to figure out what the little red light on my dishwasher was trying to tell me! Dishwasher salt is made up of very large, coarse grains, and is intentionally missing some of the elements of regular table salt--it is specific for this purpose. You can purchase dishwasher salt at any local supermarket--Finish makes dishwasher salt that also includes a rinse-agent type of product....two-for-one! Regular salt will clog up the reservoir and is not recommended. You may find when you go to fill your salt reservoir that it is filled with water...go ahead and dump the salt in anyway...the salt displaces the water as you fill it up.
Most dishwashers will have an indicator light that illuminates when the salt reservoir is empty...it only took me 6 months to figure out what the little red light on my dishwasher was trying to tell me! Dishwasher salt is made up of very large, coarse grains, and is intentionally missing some of the elements of regular table salt--it is specific for this purpose. You can purchase dishwasher salt at any local supermarket--Finish makes dishwasher salt that also includes a rinse-agent type of product....two-for-one! Regular salt will clog up the reservoir and is not recommended. You may find when you go to fill your salt reservoir that it is filled with water...go ahead and dump the salt in anyway...the salt displaces the water as you fill it up.
Salt reservoir in dishwasher...it's the one with the screw cap. Just unscrew the cap, and pour in the salt!
Propane/Butano
Many homes in Spain use propane gas (in Spanish, "propano") to heat water. You might be used to gas appliances in the states, where natural gas comes from a main city line under the street direct to your water heater, and propane gas works similarly, but comes from tanks in your yard, which need to be filled and/or replaced on a regular basis.
Some homes have large tanks, and some have small. We have small tanks (propanitos) which typically last anywhere from 10 - 14 days for a family of four. We hook up two small tanks, and always have two in reserve for that inevitable moment when you have just stepped into the shower, covered your hair in shampoo, and the water turns to ice. :) That's when it's time to switch the tanks and immediately order more.
Most propane companies deliver next-day, unless it's a Sunday or a holiday, so plan accordingly. Your landlord will likely already have established an account which is linked with the address,but make sure to verify this upon move-in. If so, all you have to do when you need more is to call the company, provide your address, your name and phone number, and then propane magically appears the next day. Unless you establish a different system, expect to pay upon delivery, and you will be given a receipt.
I keep a "cheat sheet" taped to the fridge with the propane company phone number as well as exactly what I need to say, in Spanish, clearly written out--I am still very much still learning basic Spanish, and tend to freeze up/blank out under pressure (like if someone tries to converse with me)...so, having a cheat sheet really helps. Two propanitos run approximately 30 euros. Large tanks are much more expensive, but need to be replaced far less often. The cost is about the same, overall, but large tanks are definitely more convenient.
Some homes have large tanks, and some have small. We have small tanks (propanitos) which typically last anywhere from 10 - 14 days for a family of four. We hook up two small tanks, and always have two in reserve for that inevitable moment when you have just stepped into the shower, covered your hair in shampoo, and the water turns to ice. :) That's when it's time to switch the tanks and immediately order more.
Most propane companies deliver next-day, unless it's a Sunday or a holiday, so plan accordingly. Your landlord will likely already have established an account which is linked with the address,but make sure to verify this upon move-in. If so, all you have to do when you need more is to call the company, provide your address, your name and phone number, and then propane magically appears the next day. Unless you establish a different system, expect to pay upon delivery, and you will be given a receipt.
I keep a "cheat sheet" taped to the fridge with the propane company phone number as well as exactly what I need to say, in Spanish, clearly written out--I am still very much still learning basic Spanish, and tend to freeze up/blank out under pressure (like if someone tries to converse with me)...so, having a cheat sheet really helps. Two propanitos run approximately 30 euros. Large tanks are much more expensive, but need to be replaced far less often. The cost is about the same, overall, but large tanks are definitely more convenient.
Propane tanks
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