Organize your stay Ibiza
Money Ibiza
Spain was part of the "first train" of the changeover to the euro. The pesetas have thus bowed to the single currency. The Balearic Islands (Spain) and therefore Ibiza, being part of the Euro zone, you can make your withdrawals and payments by bank card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) as you would in France. There is no need to carry large amounts of cash. All your card payments are free and your withdrawals are subject to the same conditions as those made in France (they are therefore free for most bank cards). Moreover, ATMs and payment terminals are as secure as in France and payments are mostly validated by pin code.
Using an English-speaking ATM. Generally speaking, the way ATMs are used is the same as in France. If the French language is not available, which is relatively rare in Europe, select English. "Withdrawal" is then called "withdrawal". If you are asked to choose between withdrawing from a checking account, a credit account or a savings account, choose "checking account". Between a debit or credit transaction, select "debit" (if you make a mistake in these options, don't worry, the only risk is that the transaction will be refused). ) Indicate the amount you would like to pay and click on "enter". To the question "Would you like a receipt?", answer "Yes" and carefully keep your receipt.
Budget & Tips Ibiza
To give you a rough idea of the budget you will need to allow for, count on a double room from 35 to 70 € in the "good and cheap" category, from 70 to 150 € in the "comfort or charm" category and from 150 € for the luxury category. Generally speaking, you will have to pay a certain price to enjoy a quiet stay away from the hordes of tourists, as it is the big hotel chains that charge the most attractive prices, unfortunately in concrete resorts without charm (Sant Antoni for example). For meals, count on a minimum of 12 €, about 20 € in a standard restaurant and from 25 € in a more chic establishment.
Passport and visas Ibiza
For those who don't know, your valid ID is enough to get to Spain. Don't forget your driving licence for car and motorcycle rentals.
Driver's license Ibiza
French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian driving licenses are accepted for a period not exceeding six months; if not, you will need an international license (usually valid for one to three years). If you wish to rent a car in Spain, you must be 21 years old with a minimum of one year's driving licence and have a credit card.
Health Ibiza
In Ibiza, and therefore in Spain, you are in the European Union, so the health risks are not greater than here. There is no malaria in Ibiza. Nevertheless, it is always preferable to have something to protect yourself from mosquito bites and other insects, if only to avoid sleep disturbances and other itches.
Mandatory vaccination Ibiza
No vaccinations are required to enter Spain. However, you can check that you are up to date.
Security Ibiza
You can't lump all islands and places together, but there is a fairly high percentage of petty crime, especially in the city. Watch your belongings on the beach and while swimming. Don't tempt the devil by leaving items in plain sight in a car. Be especially careful of pickpockets in San Antonio at night.
Time difference Ibiza
There is no time difference between France and the Balearics: Spain and France share the same meridian
Spoken languages Ibiza
In the Balearic Islands, Catalan and Castilian are spoken, both languages are co-official in the region. You will have - by the way - no problem to make yourself understood in hotels, restaurants and other shops with a few notions of English (French is less spoken). In each island, however, the population continues to speak Majorcan, Minorcan or Ibicenco, dialects of Catalan. Even if in the big cities like Palma or Ibiza, Castilian is preferred by the population. In Ibiza, for example, Ibicenco is spoken less and less, an obvious result of the decrease in the number of native speakers. On the other hand, Menorca is still the island where the mother tongue, Menorcan, is spoken the most. On all four islands - in response to the autonomy laws - the local language is compulsory in schools and on all road and tourist information signs. German has become an almost common language due to the large number of German residents and holidaymakers, especially on Mallorca.
For a trip to the Balearic Islands, the use of Castilian, even if very approximate or even gibberish, is advisable if you wish to venture inland. There are various ways to learn some of the basics of the language and self-study can be done on different media: CDs, DVDs, workbooks or even directly on the Internet. Please note that Catalan is linguistically closer to French than to Spanish. So, if you feel like it, you can start learning it too!
Communication Ibiza
The network covers major cities and resorts very well, but you will have more difficulty in small, remote towns and some pristine beaches. There are no longer any surcharges for calls made within the European Union. Calls and messages to French numbers will cost the same as in France and you can surf the Internet as you do at home. However, calls and messages to Spanish numbers may still incur additional charges. Check with your operator. Most cafes, restaurants and hotels have wifi.
Electricity and measurements Ibiza
As in France, the plugs deliver 220 volts. Your appliances will work normally and without adapters. The Spanish use the international system of units and therefore speak in meters, kilometers, tons..
Luggage Ibiza
In winter, the weather is mild and clement, but bring a warm coat and gloves to ward off falling temperatures at night. From May to October, don't forget your swimsuit, and especially a hat to protect you from the sun. In May, don't forget to take an umbrella, as showers are frequent.