Organize your stay Andalusia
Money Andalusia
As in most European Union countries, the currency is the euro. The local currency is the Gibraltar pound, which has the same exchange rate as the pound sterling (prices are around 5% higher if you pay in euros).
Budget & Tips Andalusia
The cost of living can sometimes seem half as expensive, but this depends very much on whether you're in a big tourist town or a small village, and also on the time of year, especially for accommodation prices, which rise during major events. But on average, you won't pay more than €2/€ for a coffee, fruit juice costs around €2 to €3 and a person can fill up on a tapeo for around €10 to €15. However, the Spanish inflation rate is significantly higher than the French: around +10% over 1 year in June 2022 (source INE).
Average budget per day. Based on a stay for two in high season: accommodation, meals and drinks, transport, visits and outings. Low budget: from €100, camping, to €120, board and lodging. Medium budget: around €180 (staying in a top-quality guesthouse or simple or budget hotel). Large budget: from €250, staying in luxury or boutique hotels with meals in gourmet restaurants.
Tipping is included in the bill, but it may be appreciated to leave 5 to 10% of the bill.
Haggling is not practiced. Except in the mercadillos, small markets (jewelry, clothes, bags... etc.) that flourish especially in summer.
VAT (IVA) varies from 10 to 21%, depending on the product, and is generally included in the price, but should be specified in hotels.
To reduce your "sightseeing" budget, look out for free access days or half-days. But remember to reserve a place or come in advance, because even free entry is not unlimited.
Passport and visas Andalusia
For Andalusia and Gibraltar, members of the European Union only need a valid identity card or passport. As for pets, check beforehand whether they can accompany you. There are three standards to be met: they must be accompanied by their owners or their representative, they must be perfectly identified and the health documents must include a transcription in Spanish. This is slowly changing, but many Spanish hotels or campsites do not accept pets and some transport, buses for example, make them travel in the hold. If they are accepted, you will be asked to pay a supplement, justified by the cleaning required. To find out more, think of info douanes service (www.douane.gouv.fr).
Health Andalusia
In Andalusia, the most frequent problems are sunstroke and insect bites (mosquitoes, small red spiders, bedbugs...). At the supermarket, remember to take the gloves provided before helping yourself to fruit or bread. Tap water is drinkable, but not always pleasant to the taste. For emergencies, dial 112, as in the rest of the European Union, free of charge and accessible 24 hours a day from a landline or cell phone. In the event of a serious problem, don't forget to contact the French consulate, which provides a list of French-speaking doctors.
Mandatory vaccination Andalusia
There are no compulsory vaccinations, but you can consult the Ministry of Health website (www.sante.gouv.fr) to find out about vaccination centers near you.
Security Andalusia
The only real danger in Andalusia is theft. If you're traveling by car, we'd also advise you to take extra care on the roads, especially those along the Andalusian coast, which are among the deadliest in Spain, as any vehicle you see in the ravines will attest. Otherwise, Andalusia is a safe and pleasant destination with children.
Time difference Andalusia
There are no time zone differences. The time in Seville is exactly the same as in Paris.
Spoken languages Andalusia
Spanish is spoken in Andalusia, with a specific accent. The spoken language is Castilian(castellano), but spoken with a different accent to that of Madrid, and a little more slowly, with a strong tendency to drop the final "s" and even whole words.
Communication Andalusia
Wi-fi zones have been opened in major and secondary towns, especially those with universities. It is also available, with an access code, in cafés, restaurants and hotels. The latter are more or less effective, and sometimes only work at the reception desk. But a major effort has been made to install routers on every floor. Some hotels still have computer access at reception. A few locutorios, communication rooms with computers, can help out.
Electricity and measurements Andalusia
Andalusia is connected to 220 V like the rest of continental Europe, but the voltage may be reduced to 110 V or 125 V in very remote areas. Rural tourism enthusiasts will therefore occasionally take their adapters with them.
Luggage Andalusia
The weather is often warm and sunny, so don't leave without sunglasses, a hat and sun cream. Andalusian elegance is no myth, so don't forget to pack some nice clothes for the evening. Many small villages are very steep, so you'll need shoes with a good grip on the ground.
