Money :
Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.
Time :
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT +1 in summer).
Electricity :
Electrical current is 220 or 225 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Language :
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.
Getting Around :
Bilbao has an efficient underground metro service covering numerous destinations in the city between 6am and 11pm (earlier on Fridays), ticketed on a zone system. There is also a bus service, as well as a tram service, covering the city and taxis are freely available. Cars and bicycles are also available for hire.
Health :
There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Bird flu was first detected in a dead bird in July 2006, and although there is little risk to travellers, close contact with live birds should be avoided and all poultry products well cooked as a precaution. No human deaths or infections have been reported. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing emergency health care on the same terms as Spanish nationals. EU travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
Tipping :
Hotel and restaurant bills usually include service charges, but additional tips are welcomed for services rendered. In established restaurants tips of about 10% are expected. In Mallorca value-added-tax is usually included in restaurant bills, designated 'I.V.A', and may be mistaken for a service charge. Drivers of metered taxis expect small tips and it is customary to tip usually 5-10% for most services, including guides.
Safety :
The ceasefire declared in March 2006 was to be the first step towards peace between the Spanish government and the ETA; however talks of peace were shattered in December 2006 when the ETA detonated a car bomb in Madrid's Barajas Airport, injuring 24 people. From June 2007, the ETA declared an official end to the ceasefire. The group has been responsible for numerous bomb explosions across Spain, and is blamed for the deaths of over 800 people in its fight for independence. There is still a potential risk of international terrorism, as in other countries, although the risk to tourists is considered to be low. Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, except for street crime, which is common in the big cities; travellers are advised to take precautions to avoid theft of passports, credit cards, travel documents and money. Be wary of strangers offering or asking for help of any kind, as it is often a distraction for accomplices. There are scams involving letters sent, either stating that the visitor has outstanding traffic fines from their stay, which must be paid into the given bank account before a certain date, or notifying the visitor that they have won the Spanish lottery and are required to deposit an amount of money into a bank account to secure their winnings.
Customs :
Smoking in public places is banned and stiff fines will be imposed for smoking in areas such as enclosed public spaces, areas where food is prepared and sold, public transport, designated areas of bars and restaurants, and any places that cater for children. Drinking alcohol in the streets of Madrid, and in the Canary and Balearic Islands is illegal.
Business :
Spain is one of the most conservative countries in Europe and it is important to dress accordingly at all business engagements; formal suits are appropriate. Punctuality is expected of visitors, however, may not necessarily be reciprocated. People should be addressed as Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) and Señorita (Miss) unless otherwise specified. Shaking hands is usual with introductions. Business cards are common and like all documents it is recommended that they be printed in both Spanish and English. Gift giving is not common and not expected. Meetings often occur over lunches and dinners and may be characterised by several speakers. A hierarchy is generally observed with respect. Business hours are generally from 8am to 5pm.
Duty Free :
If tax was included in the purchase price, travellers form EU countries are allowed the following items duty free: EUR300 (by land) or EUR430 (by air) gifts/souvenirs, 3200 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars or 3kg smoking tobacco, 110 litres beer, 90 litres wine or 10 litres spirits, 60ml perfume. Travellers from non-EU countries may have 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco, 1 litre spirits or 2 litres wine, 60ml perfume and EUR200 worth of gifts/souvenirs.
Communications :
The international access code for Spain is +34. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)93 for Barcelona and (0)91 for Madrid. Pay phones are either blue or green and accept either coins or phone cards, which are sold at post offices, tobacco shops and newsagents. Mobile phone operators provide thorough GSM 900/1800 coverage throughout the country and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Email and Internet access is available at Internet cafes in most towns and resorts.
Contacts :
Emergencies: 112/061
