The apps people actually use in Spain

Key rules

• WhatsApp: Install WhatsApp first, then ask each business or service which contact method it accepts.
• Bizum: You need an account with a Spanish IBAN at a participating bank; a foreign-only account does not work.
• Changing number: Back up your chats before moving WhatsApp to a Spanish number.
• Transport apps: Transport apps are city-specific, so pick the one for the city where you live.

Messaging: install WhatsApp first

WhatsApp is the app almost everyone uses in Spain. Neighbour and community groups, family, schools, landlords, clinics, hairdressers and tradespeople all use it for quick contact and appointments. It needs only a phone number and a working SIM.

Larger companies and officials still use phone, email, web forms or their own apps. Ask each business or service which contact method it accepts. Some people prefer calls, and Telegram is used by a minority.

Keeping your chats when you get a Spanish number

WhatsApp can move your account, chats, groups and settings to a new number. You do not need to start again. The new SIM must be active and able to receive an SMS or call. The new number must not already have a WhatsApp account, or that account is replaced. Back up your chats before you change anything. The checklist below gives the steps.

Maps and transport

Google Maps is the most used app for directions and place lookup. It shows reviews, opening hours and public transport. Waze is popular for driving, with traffic and police or radar alerts. iPhone users also have Apple Maps.

Transport apps depend on the city. Moovit helps with public transport in big cities. Your city's own transport app and the national rail and commuter-train apps give official timetables and disruptions. Check which one your city uses once you know where you will live. None of these apps needs a Spanish number.

Paying friends: Bizum

Bizum is the standard way to send money to people by phone number. It is built into your bank's app. To use it you need a Spanish bank account with a Spanish IBAN, at a bank that offers Bizum (most do). You also need a mobile number linked to that account. You must be an adult.

Activate it in your bank's app or online banking. Your NIE or passport on file with the bank is enough for the identity check. Some banks accept a foreign phone number, but most expect a Spanish one, so ask your bank. An account only with a foreign bank, without a Spanish IBAN, cannot be used. The documents list below covers what to bring.

Deals and shopping

• For local second-hand sales of almost anything, use the main Spanish second-hand marketplace app. There is a separate, dominant one for second-hand clothing.
• For general classifieds, cars and jobs, there are several classified-ads sites and apps.
• For property, use the large property portals. Cars have their own dedicated portals.
• For new goods, the biggest general online store is the official website. El Corte Inglés, PcComponentes and Zalando are also widely used. Refurbished electronics have their own specialist shops.

For most of these you only need an email address and a delivery address. Meeting a seller in person is normal for second-hand items.

Quick answers

The FAQ below covers Bizum with a foreign number or a foreign-only account, keeping WhatsApp chats, and public transport apps.

Documents you need

• Your NIE (foreigner identification number) or passport, held on file by your Spanish bank. This is enough for the identity checks Bizum uses.

• An account with a Spanish IBAN at a bank that offers Bizum, such as CaixaBank, Santander, BBVA, Sabadell or ING.

Checklist

• Install WhatsApp and ask each business or service which contact method it accepts, since larger firms and officials often use phone, email or web forms.

• Back up your WhatsApp chats before you change your number.

• Check that your new Spanish SIM is active and can receive an SMS or call.

• Open Settings, then Account, then Change number, and enter the old and new numbers with country codes.

• Verify the new number with the code you receive, and choose whether to notify your contacts.

• Ask your Spanish bank whether it accepts your phone number for Bizum.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Bizum with a foreign phone number?

Some Spanish banks let you use Bizum with a foreign number, but most expect a Spanish one. Ask your bank before you activate it. You turn Bizum on in the bank's app or online banking.

Can I use Bizum if my only bank account is abroad?

No, Bizum does not work with a foreign-only bank account, because the account needs a Spanish IBAN.

Can I keep my WhatsApp chats when I get a Spanish number?

Yes, WhatsApp's Change number feature moves your chats, groups and settings to the new +34 number. Back up your chats first, and make sure the new number has no WhatsApp account, or that account is replaced. If you are also changing phones, run the number change before you move.

Which app should I use for public transport in Spanish cities?

Use the local transit app for the city, such as TMB in Barcelona, EMT Madrid, or the Renfe and Cercanías apps for trains. Moovit works in big cities, and Citymapper covers Madrid and Barcelona. Google Maps also shows public transport.

References

1. amazon.es