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.
Back to top
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 travelers checks are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.
Back to top
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 postoffices, tobacco shops, and newsagents. Three mobile phone operators provide thorough GSM 900/1800 coverage throughout the country and the Balaeric and Canary Islands. Email and internet access is available at internet cafes in most towns and resorts.
Back to top
Hotel and restaurant bills usually include service charges, but additional tips are welcomed for services rendered. In restaurants tips of about 15 per cent 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 tips of 10 to 15 per cent. It is customary to tip small amounts, usually5-10 per cent for most services, including guides.
Back to top
The Basque terrorist group, ETA, declared a permanent ceasefire beginning March 24, 2006. The group has been responsible for numerous bomb explosions across Spain, and is blamed for the deaths of more than 800 people in its fight for independence, which has lasted for four decades. The announcement could be the first step towards peace between the Spanish government and the ETA. There is still a potential risk of international terrorism, as in other countries, although the risk to tourists is considered to be low. However, most visits to Spain are trouble-free, except for street crime, which is common in the big cities, and 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.
Back to top
There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Bird flu was 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 humandeaths or infections have been reported. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing free emergency health care at State run hospitals. UK travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that private clinics are not covered, and the scheme gives noentitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
Back to top
Electrical current is 220 or 225 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Back to topp
