Hello again:
Is there anything in Spain that cannot be purchased there? Or, are there some things that are abnormally expensive in Spain that should be brought with me when I come to Madrid?
a case of Budwieser?

don't waste your time lugging a case of beer INTO Spain...after tasting all the great beers you will be trying to get some OUT of Spain. After my last visit I vowed never to drink (US) domestic beer again. Why waste the calories on something that has hardly any flavor???

Wine on the other hand, is the main reason I feel like I do this morning.

Even Bud is available in Madrid.

Of those common American foods, I'd say peanut butter.

Wholesale price for bud in Malaga area is 0.60 cents per bottle. U can bring if u want

Oh! Please! You're all making me sick :p with all this talk of CHOOSING to drink/bring Budweiser Beer while in Spain when there are such good beers there, so much better than the p*** water (my own edit) we have made here in the USA.

If you like peanut butter bring that. You CAN find it in Spain but it's difficult and only a few specialty stores carry it.. But in my opinion, if you're in Spain just live as a Spaniard and REALLY experience Spain as it is and not for what it's not.

Saludos, MadridMan

Getting off the subject of beer .... mostly 'cause I'm a wine drinker - peanut butter (already mentioned) and bagels. I do believe there is a bakery in Madrid that actually makes them - but if you really really like bagels - or know someone living in Spain that does - pick-up a couple of dozen as a gift. And no no no - not the frozen Lenders version!

ooh ooh me me!! I looooove bagels!!!! Puna, when are you coming to visit?!! :p

I am very pleased that the only thing that Spain is missing is bagels. Yes Chica, I will bring some if you want me to, I arrive on April 11. The beer thing is cool, I'm sort of hooked on bud but I make my world class lamb stew with guiness. I have had a few hangover problems with the wine. Thank you all. I am now going to post a new question in accomodations. chow

What about Krispy Kreme donuts. Do we have in Spain????? I love em...........

Spain has some Great beers!

I believe the Budweiser you get in Spain is from Scotland (i.e., brewed under license from AB).
Try a draught Mahou in Madrid: that should take your mind off the American 'Bud.'

In the south, drink Cruz Campo, in Galicia it's Estrella de Galicia.

When you ask about what can't you buy here in Spain (Madrid), are you asking for the short or long haul? For the short haul you can deal with what is missing. If you are going to be living here, you can't bring enough of what you'll miss any way so it's no use worrying about it. No Crisy Kreme, settle for churros and Dunkin Donuts or a couple local brands! Who cares about Bud, it's in many markets, but if you prefer the weaker flavored beers, there are certainly Spanish alternatives for less. Flour tortillas here leave a lot to be desired and I haven't found a good source yet for good corn ones, so fresh Mexican tortillas are terrific if you are going to visit someone who likes them. Haven't tried the local bagels yet (I think the place is near Alonso Martinez Metro), but just got a nice delivery of two dozen from a Chicago visitor last week (and burrito sized tortillas).

Hey Becky -
I wish I knew how soon I could get back - can't be soon enough but things seem to be conspiring against it for at least a few more months. in lieu of a crying face -
However - first trip back I promise a couple of dozen bagels for you!

thank you all again;
its for the long haul.

caysalbanks,
Just out of curiousity, how long are you planning to be in Madrid and is it for work or are you moving to our favorite country as a retiree?
If you have addressed this is a previous post elsewhere - I apologize in advance!!!!
You do, of course, realize you are the envy of many many people on this board!!!!!

I find it hard to find mexican green chillies and indian spices such as turmeric, coriander, etc. The flour tortillas seem ok to me but then I'm English and we probably don't have the same selection as you would have in the US.

Re beers, Mahou is just as good as Bud, but good draught lagers are harder to find. The best I've found would be the Irish pubs but I really miss draft Kronenburg by the pint. Anyone seen this is Madrid ?

jamongris...

Have you tried going to Birra next to the stadium... Santiago Bernabeu? I think they have hundreds of beers on tap there.

I can´t remember the name of the street, but it is perpendicular to La Castellana and is on the first block on the opposite side of the street of the stadium.

Thanks chica, no I haven't tried that one but will endeavour to do so in the near future.

Slightly off topic-- how about milk chocolate ala Dove bar or Hershey?

I know that's a weird question, but everytime I go overseas the chocolate tastes wayyyyyy different and I just can't get a good fix, lol. Its the only thing I would like to pack if its hard to find?