PASSPORTS AND VISAS

On the Spanish Foreign Office you can access all the Spanish Embassies and Consulates all around the world, just click on your country. (Information in the Spanish Foreign Office website is in Spanish).

EU Citizens from Schengen Agreement, and most EU Citizen do not need a passport. Citizens from other countries entering Spain must have a valid passport. In addition, persons coming from certain countries must have a visa issued by a Spanish consulate in their country. Please be aware that in some cases, it takes more than one month to obtain a visa. For details, please inquire at your nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate.

Non EU residents who will export their holiday purchases may be able to reclaim the VAT paid at time of purchase. Larger departmant stores such as the Corte Ingles will help with the paperwork. In short, complete an application form at time of purchase, have this stamped by customs on departure, post this copy back to the shop who will make the refund probably to your credit card.

CURRENCY

Only European Euros are acceptable at stores and restaurants in Spain.

There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1 , 2 Euro.

Note denominations are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Euro.

The best rates for Euros currency and travelers’ cheques are obtained at banks where there is no commission on buying Euros with cash. There are Bureaux de Change which operate in the main resorts and are open outside banking hours. You can exchange money at the airport, foreign exchange banks, and other authorized exchanges upon presentation of your passport. For the exchange rate of the Euro you can visit the European Central Bank.

CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELER’S CHEQUES

All major credit cards are accepted by many businesses. Perhaps American Express and Diners Club are less common than Visa and Mastercard. Smaller restaurants and bars generally only accept cash.

BANKING

Most banks are available for foreign currency exchange transactions from 9:00 to 14:00 on weekdays.

TIPPING

Tipping in Spain at places such as restaurants, bars and hotels, taxis, is opcional.

TAX

21% VAT is usually included in your bill.

INSURANCE

Participants are advised to provide their own travel insurance, as the Organizing Committee will assume no responsibility for personal accidents, sickness, theft or property damage.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

Spain operates on 230 V 50 Hz for electrical appliances. For more information about Electric Power in Spain, click here to visit this Web Site.