Organize your stay Balearic Islands
Money Balearic Islands
Spain was part of the "first train" of the changeover to the euro. The pesetas have thus bowed to the single currency. As the Balearic Islands (Spain) are part of the Euro zone, you can make 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 Balearic Islands
To give you a rough idea of the budget you'll need to allow for, count on €60 to €90 for a double room in the "good and cheap" category, €90 to €150 in the "comfort or charm" category and from €150 for the luxury category. Generally speaking, you'll need to pay a certain price to enjoy a quiet stay away from the hordes of tourists, as it's the big hotel chains that charge the most attractive prices, unfortunately in concrete resorts with no charm (such as Magaluf on Mallorca and Sant Antoni on Ibiza, for example). For meals, expect to pay at least €15, around €30 in a standard restaurant and from €50 in a more chic establishment.
Passport and visas Balearic Islands
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.
Driver's license Balearic Islands
French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian driving licenses are accepted for a period not exceeding six months; otherwise, you'll need an international license (generally valid for one to three years). If you wish to rent a car in Spain, you must be at least 21 years old, with at least one year's driving experience, and in possession of a credit card.
Health Balearic Islands
In the Balearic Islands, and therefore in Spain, you are in the European Union, so the health risks are no greater than here. There is no malaria in Spain. Nevertheless, it's always a good idea to have some protection against mosquito bites and other insects, if only to avoid sleep disturbances and itching.
Mandatory vaccination Balearic Islands
No vaccinations are required to enter Spain. You can, however, check that your vaccinations are up to date.
Security Balearic Islands
You can't lump all islands and places together, but there is a fairly high percentage of petty crime, especially in urban areas. Keep an eye on your belongings on the beach and while swimming. Don't tempt the devil by leaving items in plain view in a car. Be particularly careful of pickpockets in Palma, around the cathedral and Paseo Marítimo, and in San Antonio (Ibiza) in the evening.
Time difference Balearic Islands
There is no time difference between France and the Balearic Islands: Spain and France share the same meridian.
Spoken languages Balearic Islands
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 if you speak a little English (French is less widely spoken). On every island, however, the population continues to speak Majorcan, Minorcan or 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 Balearic Islands
The network covers major cities and seaside resorts very well, but you'll have more trouble in small, remote towns and on some pristine beaches. There are no longer any surcharges for calls made within the European Union. Calls and messages to French numbers 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 cafés, restaurants and hotels have wifi access.
Electricity and measurements Balearic Islands
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 Balearic Islands
In winter, the weather is mild and clement, but don't forget to bring a warm coat and gloves to ward off falling temperatures after dark. From May to October, don't forget your swimsuit and, above all, a hat to protect you from the sun. In May, don't forget an umbrella, as showers are frequent.
