Currency
Spanish currency is the Euro. Spain joined the Euro in January 2002. In local shops and restaurants, Visa y Mastercard cards can be used. For further information, please contact you travel agency.
Monetary transactions
Most credit cards are accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. Traveller’s checks and other currencies can be exchanged at hotels or in banks. Banks are usually open from 08:30 to 14:30, monday to friday. Some banks are also open saturday mornings. It is also common to use automatic exchange machines, connected to international networks.
Taxes
All prices include VAT – Value Added Tax. Non-resident citizens in the European Union may be reimbursed the various Tax Free shops, upon presentation of proof of purchases made (invoice/receipt).
Climate
Spain has a continental climate in the interior and temperate in coastal areas, but there may be considerable variations in climate from region to region.
Check the weather forecast for Barcelona
Local time
The time zone in Spain is UTC/GMT +1 hour. In Portugal it is GMT +0:00.
Electric current
The electric current in Spain has 220 volts AC, 50 Hz.
Passport and Visa
It is mandatory to have a passport (or identity card for citizens of the European Union) valid for entry into Spain. A visa is not required for citizens of European Union countries, USA, Canada and most other countries.
Additional information here.
For detailed information you should contact your country embassy in Spain or your travel agency.
Health requirements
You do not need any vaccinations against illness to travel to Spain. As in any part of the world, it is advisable to have your anti-tetanus vaccination up to date if you are going to be in contact with nature and the countryside, as well as any other official vaccination programme.
Under exceptional circumstances, the Spanish authorities can ask travelers to undergo a medical examination to ensure that they are not suffering from any of the illnesses requiring quarantine listed in International Health Regulations.
Hospital Care
Clinics and hospitals provide an urgent care service, 24 hours a day. The National Emergency Number is 112. You may request at the front desk of your hotel to contact the line of permanent health, to request medical help.
Post offices
Post offices are open Monday to Friday from 8h30 to 14h30, and Saturdays from 9h30 to 13h.
Pharmacies
You can consult which pharmacies are open in this link.
Emergency phones
National Emergency Number: 112 (connects you to the firefighters, police and ambulance services).
For practical info on Barcelona, please visit Barcelona Tourisme >>