Organize your stay Spain
Money Spain
Spain was part of the "first train" of the changeover to the euro. You will use the same currency as in France. If the banknotes are the same, whatever the issuing country, the coins are particular. Thus the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is engraved on the 1, 2 and 5 centime coins. The writer Miguel Cervantes appears on the 10, 20 and 50 cent coins. And King Felipe VI appears on the 1 and 2 € coins.
Budget & Tips Spain
The cost of living in Spain remains, on average, lower than in France. This will be especially noticeable for small everyday expenses: coffee, bus tickets, restaurants. The cost of living in Spain is lower in large cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, and in large seaside resorts, mainly for housing. Prices have increased more than in other regions of Spain. Regardless of the destination, prices soar at times of major events such as the Semana Santa, patron saint's day, a major sports competition or festival, etc. If you are looking for a good deal on accommodation, don't hesitate to opt for a package just a few kilometers from the coast, as the difference will be significant.
Passport and visas Spain
For members of the European Union, a simple identity card or passport is sufficient to enter the Spanish territory.
Driver's license Spain
Your driver's license will be required when renting a car or a two-wheeler, so think about it.
Health Spain
Apart from COVID 19, which is rampant everywhere, Spain does not present any particular danger. Before leaving, you can consult the latest recommendations on the website www.diplomatie.gouv.fr
Remember also to get the European Health Insurance Card (www.ameli.fr) to benefit from the coverage of medical expenses that may be incurred in Spain.
Mandatory vaccination Spain
Except for a mandatory vaccine against Covid 19, no particular vaccine is required except for the classic vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis) which you must make sure are up to date.
Security Spain
Spain is a very safe destination. But of course, in all the big cities and very touristy sites, you should be careful of pickpockets, not leave anything in your car (including in the trunk) and check the locks of your bags and backpacks. You should also avoid carrying too much cash.
Time difference Spain
There is no time difference between France and Spain. But there will be nevertheless a time difference as regards the hours of meal. We have breakfast from 8am to 10am, lunch from 2pm to 4pm and dinner from 9pm. And this is true no matter where you are in Spain. Also keep in mind that between 2pm and 5pm, 90% of the shops are closed. You can take advantage of this time to take a nap or enjoy the " comida fuerte" , the most important mid-day meal for a Spaniard.
Spoken languages Spain
The most widely spoken language in Spain is Spanish. Even if the languages of some autonomous communities have a status of co-official language, like Basque and Catalan. It is best to have some knowledge of Spanish, as most information is in Spanish or English, and very little in French. French will be spoken more in some tourist offices. Take advantage of your stay to perfect this language, the third in the world after Chinese and English
Communication Spain
The telephone network is very good, even in rural areas. Connecting to the wifi is quite simple as restaurants, hotels, cafes and most establishments are equipped. The rendering will be more or less effective in hotels where it sometimes works mostly at the reception despite a very effort made in recent years to increase the number of relays. Since 2017, roaming charges have been removed in the European Union. In principle, communications and data are charged at the same cost as in France. But this is to be checked with your operator.
Electricity and measurements Spain
Like France, Spain is connected to 220 volts: no need for an adapter for the electric plugs. The metric system is also used.
Luggage Spain
What you put in it will depend a lot on the region where you plan to stay. But also on the date of this stay. In the north of Spain, it often rains, so remember to bring an umbrella. If you plan to hike in one of the mountains, you should also bring warm clothes and good walking shoes. In the summer, the sun burns, especially in the south, whether in the mountains or on the coast. So don't leave without sunglasses, sun cream and a hat. And in general, choose light, air-permeable clothing, preferably white (which does not retain the sun's rays). Even if the winter is, in some regions, milder than in France, it will be necessary to take a coat and small wools, even if it means taking them off in the middle of the day. We cover our shoulders to visit churches and convents.
