The Ultimate Packing Guide for Interns Moving to Spain

TL;DR

TL;DR — Pack for four seasons compressed into six months: layered office wear, one dress-up outfit, comfortable walking shoes, a versatile jacket, and the six documents your visa won't work without. Leave everything else — Spain has Zara.

The core packing philosophy

Spain has better + cheaper clothing than most of Europe. Your suitcase should optimise for: documents you cannot re-obtain, medications you need on day one, and comfort items you actually use daily. Everything else — buy on arrival.

The document folder (never in checked luggage)

• Passport + photocopy
• Visa page copy
• Acceptance letter from institution (original)
• Convenio de Prácticas (signed original)
• Health insurance policy + emergency contact card
• Criminal record certificate (apostilled)
• Two passport photos
• Bank statements (for TIE + rental proof)
• International driving licence if applicable

Put them in a physical folder + save to cloud storage.

Clothing — 6 months, 4 seasons

Spanish climate varies wildly by region. Barcelona coastal-mild. Madrid continental-extreme. Málaga sub-tropical. Basque country temperate-rainy.

Universal essentials

• 5 short-sleeve tops (2 office-suitable)
• 3 long-sleeve tops
• 1 warm sweater
• 1 versatile jacket (light waterproof works most of Spain)
• 2 pairs of trousers (one office, one casual)
• 1 pair of dark jeans
• 1 dress-up outfit
• Underwear + socks for one week
• Sleepwear
• Swimsuit (yes even for winter)

Footwear (biggest weight opportunity)

• 1 pair of walking shoes (you'll do 10k steps/day)
• 1 pair of office shoes
• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 pair of trainers

Skip: heavy boots, dress shoes you rarely wear, "just in case" pairs.

Tech kit

• Laptop + charger
• Phone + spare cable
• EU plug adapter (Type F) if you're not already in the EU
• Power bank
• Wireless headphones
• USB stick + external SSD if you work with big files

Skip: printer (Spanish coworkings and libraries have them), gaming console (too much luggage).

Toiletries

Pack a two-week supply. Everything else is cheaper at Mercadona / Consum / Carrefour than at home.

Bring

• Prescription medications + translated doctor's letter
• SPF 50 (yes, you'll use it in winter in the south)
• Deodorant (small)
• Toothbrush + travel toothpaste

Skip

• Shampoo bottles > 100ml (buy on arrival)
• Full-size skincare
• Laundry detergent
• Anything with liquid restrictions

For long-haul (non-EU) interns

Add:

• Compression socks for the flight
• Melatonin (legal OTC in Spain)
• One "arrival outfit" in cabin bag (in case checked luggage is lost)
• 4 hours of downloaded entertainment

For winter arrivals (Nov–Feb)

• Warm winter coat (not too heavy)
• Thermal base layer
• Waterproof shoes if you're going Basque country / Galicia
• Scarf + gloves + beanie

For summer arrivals (Jun–Sep)

• Extra swimsuits
• Loose linen for 35°C+ days
• Sun hat (bigger than you think)
• Portable fan for the metro

What NOT to pack

• Bed linen (host accommodation provides, or buy for €30)
• Kitchen equipment
• Towels (buy €10)
• Voltage converters (Spain uses 230V, standard for most modern devices with 100–240V adapters)
• Excessive books
• Sports equipment (rent locally)

The 3-bag setup that works

Arrival week purchases

Budget €80–€150 for:

• Bed linen or top sheet
• Bath towel + hand towel
• 2 hangers
• Basic kitchen (mug, glass, plate, cutlery, one pan)
• Cleaning products

Key takeaways

1. Documents in cabin, always.
2. Buy toiletries and household stuff in Spain — cheaper.
3. One versatile jacket beats three specific ones.
4. Comfortable shoes matter more than "cool" shoes.
5. Save 5kg of luggage for what you'll bring back — Spanish leather goods are excellent.

FAQ

Should I ship a box separately? Only if you're staying 12+ months. Correos + international post is expensive.

What Spanish clothing brand should I know? Mango and Zara for office wear, Decathlon for outdoor, Massimo Dutti for a big presentation outfit.

What about a hair dryer? Buy on arrival — €12 at any supermarket. Skip the luggage weight.