practical information

Visitors from other European Union member countries may enter Spain using either a passport or their national identity document. Visitors from other countries must have a valid passport and a visa if required. Inquiries regarding visas can be directed to Spanish diplomatic representatives abroad. 

Spanish and Catalan are the two main languages spoken in Barcelona. English, and to a lesser extent French, are also fairly widely spoken. Tourist information, menus, etc. are nearly always available in English, French and German.

No international immunization is needed when entering Spain. However, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of all the countries through which you may have to pass on your way to Spain.

Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, sunny winters, warm summers and relatively low rainfall. Temperatures during the summer months of July and August can be quite hot during the day, with temperatures of 25 to 30ºC (77-86ºF), but are very pleasant in the evening.

Taxis in Barcelona may be ordered by phone, picked up at authorized taxi stands or flagged down in the street. Always check that the meter is running. Taxis must usually be paid for in cash, though some accept credit cards.

There is a variable value added tax (VAT) of 10% to 21% applied to most items and services, but most prices you see will already include it. When it is not included, this should be clearly indicated.

Normal trading hours are Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 13.30 and 16.30 to 20.00; however, in the city center and shopping malls, many shops stay open all day from 10.00 to 21.00, or even later in some tourist spots such as Maremagnum.

All major international credit cards are accepted. Foreign currency and traveler’s checks can be exchanged in Spain at banks and foreign exchange offices. Cash-point machines accepting major international credit cards and charge cards are available at most banks. The Spanish currency is the Euro (€).

There are no restrictions on visitors entering Spain with goods bought in another European Union member country, as long as they are for their own use and not for sale.

Banks are open from 8.30 to 14.00 from Monday to Friday.

In restaurants, hotels, taxis, hairdressers and so on, a gratuity is not included in the price. Although optional, tips are readily accepted and a general guideline is between 5% and 10% of the bill, depending on the quality of the service. Hotel and airport porters will take, depending on the luggage you have, 1-3€.

In the unfortunate event that your passport is lost, there is a police station near (Rambla Guipuscoa, 74). Click here for some information you may find to be helpful.