Organize your stay Formentera
Money Formentera
Spain was part of the "first train" of the euro changeover. Pesetas bowed to the single currency. As the Balearic Islands (Spain), and therefore Formentera, are part of the Euro zone, you can make withdrawals and payments by bank card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) just as you would in France. There's no need to carry large amounts of cash. All card payments are free of charge, and withdrawals are subject to the same conditions as in France (i.e. they are free of charge for most bank cards). What's more, ATMs and payment terminals are just as secure as in France, and most payments are validated by pin code.
Budget & Tips Formentera
To give you a rough idea of the budget you'll need to allow for, count on €70 to €100 for a double room in the "good and cheap" category, €100 to €180 in the "comfort or charm" category and from €180 for the "luxury" category. For restaurant meals, count on a minimum of €25, around €40 in a standard restaurant and from €50 in a more chic establishment. Bocadillo on the beach will be the preferred option for those on a tight budget!
Passport and visas Formentera
For those who don't know, a valid identity card is all you need to travel to Spain. Don't forget your driving license for car and motorcycle rentals. It's compulsory!
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
Health risks are the same as in France. Nevertheless, it's always a good idea to have some protection against mosquito and other insect bites, if only to avoid sleep disturbances and itching! Sunscreen is also essential for protection from the sun, which is very strong in summer. Finally, jellyfish stings are commonplace. In the event of a sting, don't hesitate to contact the lifeguards on the beach (a flag is sometimes hoisted to indicate their presence). In the event of an allergic reaction, call the emergency services immediately. Before you leave, don't forget to order your European Health Insurance Card, which will make it easier for you to receive medical care in the event of a problem.
Mandatory vaccination Formentera
No vaccinations are required to enter Spain. You can, however, check that your vaccinations are up to date.
Security Formentera
Formentera is very safe. Just keep an eye on your belongings when you're at the beach, especially when swimming. And don't tempt the devil by leaving anything too conspicuous in a car! Apart from that, the atmosphere is very peaceful.
Time difference Formentera
There is no time difference between France and the Balearic Islands: Spain and France share the same meridian.
Spoken languages Formentera
Catalan and Castilian are spoken in the Balearic Islands, and both languages are co-official in the region. Incidentally, you'll have no trouble making yourself understood in hotels, restaurants and stores with a little English (French is less widely spoken). On every island, however, the population continues to speak Majorcan, Minorcan and Ibicenco, dialects of Catalan. Even in big cities like Palma and Ibiza, Castilian is the preferred language. In Ibiza, for example, Ibicenco is spoken less and less, an obvious result of the decline in the number of native speakers. Menorca, on the other hand, remains the island where the mother tongue, Minorcan, is most widely spoken. 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, Castilian - even if it's very approximate or even gibberish - is advisable if you want to venture inland. There are a number of ways to learn some of the basics of the language, and self-study can be offered on a variety of 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 get started too!
Communication Formentera
The network covers cities very well, but you'll have more trouble in remote rural areas and on 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. WiFi is available in most cafés, restaurants and hotels.
Electricity and measurements Formentera
As in France, sockets supply 220 volts. Your appliances will operate normally without adapters. Spaniards 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.
