Organize your stay Sevilla
Money Sevilla
Spain was part of the "first train" of the changeover to the euro. So you'll be using the same currency as in France. While the banknotes are the same regardless of the issuing country, the coins are very special. 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 centime coins. And King Felipe VI appears on the €1 and €2 coins.
Budget & Tips Sevilla
The cost of living in Seville is significantly lower than in French cities. There are, however, periods when prices soar: Holy Week and the feria, particularly for accommodation, but also for small daily expenses. Some budgets per day and per person:
Small budgets: between €60 (night in a youth hostel or campsite), two tapas meals, bus or streetcar travel and visits during free hours, and €80 (night in a guesthouse).
Average budget: between €100 and €150, you can afford one night in a 2 or 3-star hotel, one meal in a tapas bar and one in a restaurant, admission to a museum and a drink in the evening. You can also get around the city by bus, streetcar or cab.
Big budget: from €180, you can stay in a luxury hotel, have a meal in a gourmet restaurant, go out for a cocktail and see a flamenco show, and bring back a few souvenirs.
Passport and visas Sevilla
For members of the European Union, a simple identity card or passport is all you need to enter Spain.
Driver's license Sevilla
If you're renting a car or two-wheeler, you'll be asked to show your driving license.
Health Sevilla
Spain presents no particular danger. Before you leave, check the latest recommendations on the www.diplomatie.gouv.fr website. Don't forget to get your European Health Insurance Card, so that you can be reimbursed for any medical expenses you may incur in Spain.
Mandatory vaccination Sevilla
No specific vaccinations are required, apart from the standard ones (diphtheria, tetanus, polio), which you should make sure are up to date.
Security Sevilla
Seville is a safe city. But as in all tourist cities, beware of pickpockets, don't leave anything in your car (including in the trunk) and make sure your bags and backpacks are securely fastened.
Time difference Sevilla
There is no time difference between France and Spain. But there will be a difference in mealtimes. Breakfast is from 8am to 10am, lunch from 2pm to 4pm and dinner from 9pm. Bear in mind that between 2pm and 5pm, 90% of shops are closed. This is the perfect time to take a siesta. Especially when it's hot, and to get ready to enjoy the festive life all night long.
Spoken languages Sevilla
It's best to have some knowledge of Spanish, as most information is in Spanish or English. French will be more widely spoken in tourist offices, but not much beyond a few phases. Take advantage of your stay to perfect this language, the third most widely spoken in the world, after Chinese and English.
Communication Sevilla
Cell phone. To make calls in Spain, you can use your French rate plan, thanks to the roaming charges included in the new European regulations.
Internet. Hotels, restaurants, cafés - almost every establishment has a wifi connection, usually free of charge. In hotels, it's more or less operational, but at the very least it works at the reception desk. WhatsApp is a practical application for sending messages, and is a favorite with Spaniards.
Electricity and measurements Sevilla
Like France, Spain is connected to 220 volts: no need for plug adapters. The metric system is also used.
Luggage Sevilla
Sevillians are very sensitive to appearance and like to dress elegantly. Remember to pack a few nice clothes for going out, dining or even strolling around the city. It all depends on the season of your stay. In summer, opt for very light, loose-fitting clothes to let the air through (when there is any...) and for white (which doesn't trap the sun), with a hat and sunglasses. Winter is often milder than in France, but that doesn't mean you can't take a coat and woollies with you, even if you have to take them off in the middle of the day. We cover our shoulders when visiting churches and convents.
