Organize your stay Formentera
Money Formentera
Spain was part of the "first train" of the transition to the euro. The pesetas have therefore bowed to the single currency. The Balearic Islands (Spain) and therefore Formentera, 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.
Budget & Tips Formentera
To give you a rough idea of the budget you will need to plan for, count on 50 to 80 € for a double room in the "good and cheap" category, 80 to 160 € in the "comfort or charm" category and from 160 € for the "luxury" category. For meals, count on a minimum of 20 €, about 35 € in a standard restaurant and from 45/50 € in a more chic establishment.
Passport and visas Formentera
For those who don't know, your valid ID is enough to get to Spain. Don't forget your driver's license for car and motorcycle rentals.
Driver's license Formentera
French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian driving licenses are accepted for a period of no more than 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 license and have a credit card.
Health Formentera
In Formentera, you are in Spain, and therefore in the European Union. The health risks are therefore no greater than in France. There is no malaria in Formentera. 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 itching. Sunscreen can also be a welcome ally
Mandatory vaccination Formentera
No vaccinations are required to enter Spain. However, you can check that you are up to date.
Security Formentera
Formentera is very safe. However, keep an eye on your belongings when you are at the beach, especially when swimming. Don't tempt the devil by leaving items too conspicuous in a car
Time difference Formentera
There is no time difference between France and the Balearic Islands: Spain and France share the same meridian.
Spoken languages Formentera
In the Balearic Islands, Catalan and Castilian are spoken, both languages being co-official in the region. You will have - by the way - no problem to make yourself understood in hotels, restaurants and other stores with a few notions of English (French is less spoken). In each island, however, the population continues to speak Majorcan, Minorcan and Ibicenco, dialects of Catalan. Even though 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 remains the island where the mother tongue is spoken most, namely Minorcan. On all four islands - in response to the autonomy laws - the local language is mandatory 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 vacationers, especially in Mallorca
For a trip to the Balearic Islands, the use of Castilian, even if very approximate or even gibberish, is recommended if you wish to venture inland. There are different 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. Note, however, that Catalan is linguistically closer to French than to Castilian. So, if you feel like it, you can start learning it too!
Communication Formentera
The network covers cities very well, but you will have more difficulty in remote rural areas and on some pristine beaches. There are no more 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 Formentera
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 Formentera
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 bathing suit and a hat to protect you from the sun. In May, don't forget to take an umbrella, as showers are frequent.
