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:
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.
Health:
There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and
no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Bird flu was
detected in Spain in 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:
Generally safety is not too much of a problem for tourists in
Spain. However, ETA 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 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 also scams involving letters
for outstanding traffic fines or Spanish lottery 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:
The business culture in Spain is slowly shifting, but for now it
is entrenched in tradition and it can take some time to gain a
foothold in the Spanish working world. Hierarchy is central to
Spain's business world and managers tend to make decisions without
considering input from their colleagues. It is important never to
undermine authority. A strong emphasis is placed on social status,
character attributes and personal pride. Business success is often
hinged upon being well-dressed, honourable and dignified while also
exhibiting great social and entertainment skills.Business meetings
are generally conducted face-to-face and can go on for long
periods, as Spaniards prefer long deliberations in order to avoid
uncertainty in business dealings. Business meetings in Spain tend
to tread a fine line being both personal and formal.Conducting business in Spain can entail a lot of navigation
through a lot of red tape and bureaucracy. Spanish is the language
of business, but some of the larger multinationals conduct meetings
in both English and Spanish. Business hours are often quite varied,
but generally open by 9am and close in the mid-evening with a
two-hour lunch break during the early afternoon. Business attire is
quite conservative with dark or linen suits, which shirts and silk
ties for men. Women should wear modest dresses or tailored suits.
Brand names or labels attract affirmation from colleagues and
associates.After the conclusion of successful negotiations, gifts are
appropriate. Gifts should be of high quality and when receiving a
gift, open it in front of the giver. Business cards are important
and should be bilingual. Meetings are best scheduled for
mid-morning. In business meetings always establish a formal, yet
personable, environment before beginning business. Meetings often
occur over lunches and dinners and may be characterised by several
speakers. A hierarchy is generally observed with respect.
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.