Below are a few hints that may help you when planning for your trip to Spain:
VISA
A visa is required for South African passport holders.
CLIMATE
A geographical and geological diversity of the regions means that the climate varies greatly. The northern coast has cold, wet winters and hot summers. The Pyrenees is permanently snow-capped. In the south you will experience mild winter months (17 degrees C.) and hot summer months (30 degrees C.). The center of the country is hot in summer (31 degrees C.) and freezing in winter (9 degrees C).
CURRENCY
The currency used is the Euro. The bills will come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. The design of the bills is the same throughout the euro zone. Coins will be worth either one or two euros or in euro cents -- 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 or 1. The coins will have a common face on one side. But on the other side, the symbol will differ from one country to another. Whatever the denomination, the same euro bills and coins can be used in all of the euro zone countries.
CLOTHING
Clothing depends on the time of year and your destination within Spain. Spaniards tend to dress quite formally except at the coastal resorts during the summer months. Casual clothing and footwear (such as trainers) are quite acceptable during the day but you should dress up when going out at night. "Modest dress" is required when visiting monasteries and churches. Comfortable shoes are a must.
LANGUAGE
English is NOT widely spoken, but it may be easier to converse in English in the main cities. A phrase book / dictionary would come in handy.
ELECTRICITY
Spain has the same voltage as South Africa (220V). The majority of electrical sockets take a two round-prong plug. An adaptor- set (multi plug) is recommended.
BAGGAGE
Porters are available at hotels of 5* and 4*, and also at some 3* hotels, therefore not all properties have this service available.
SIGHTSEEING
This is done to a large extent on foot and for long durations, we therefore recommend comfortable walking shoes. Also most tours only pick up and drop off passengers at the bus terminals. Please be aware that all sightseeing tours have multilingual guides.
WATER
Although OK to drink from tap, many people still drink bottled water. This is far cheaper if bought at kiosks rather than in your hotel.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The rail network is good in Spain, recommended throughout the year. holiday seasons. Taxis are plentiful and not expensive. The Metro is the most efficient and rapid mode of transport. The bus network is extensive. The Metro network in Madrid is much larger than the one in Barcelona and in both cities the Metro lines are showed in different colours for an easy comprehension.Coloursof the buses are being changed nowadays, so it is very advisable to check if you are going to use this transportation.
Metro and buses are cheaper in Madrid than in Barcelona, but in both cities a “tourist pass” is available and very useful if your stay in any of these two cities is longer than three days.
HOTEL LOCATION
Hotel location is very important, as Spain is the kind of destination one visits on foot. The city centre is the place to see and be. Alternatively one does not have to be afraid of using the local transport - bus or taxi or metro.
SIESTA
It used to be common in Spain, although not so nowadays. In the southern towns, life comes to a standstill –especially in the hot summer months-- between 13.30 and 16:30 hrs. Very few (if any) shops open. Most shops open only at 09:30 or 10.00, close for a long lunch break, re-open at 16:30 and closes at 20:00 or later.
Locals do not start going out till 21.00 or 22.00 and most restaurants, bars etc stays open till sunrise. Therefore hotels and shops open late. Hotels start serving breakfast only as from 07:00 or 07.30, depending on the location.
TIPPING
Service is included in all restaurant bills, so there is no need to tip if you do not want to do so. However, the Spanish waiters expect some tip. The Spanish themselves often leave small change when paying for a drink and tip approximately 5% at restaurants. Tip taxi drivers and porters approximately € 1.-, depending on distance and/or pieces of luggage.
Guides and drivers should also receive a small gratuity for good service.
SHOPPING
A number of goods are particularly associated with Spain such as leather – shoes, handbags, wallets and belts. Ceramics, embroidery, fans and certain foods including olives, almonds, hams, olive oil, honey, wine and sherry. You come across these items all over Spain though more so in their place of origin, where often prices are lower and the quality is higher. Everywhere from the smallest village to the largest city, there is at least one weekly morning market where you can find everything from clothes to pottery and foods.
FOOD
Cuisine is as rich and varied as the climate and terrain. One of Spain’s greatest contributions to international eating habits is the tradition of “tapas”, appetizers that you eat with glasses of beer, wine or sherry. Tapas lets you sample regional specialities and some bars produce only one speciality, thus encouraging customers to move from bar to bar. Regional cuisine specialities include roast suckling pig in Castilla, ox tail in Andalucia, pork and beans in Asturias, paella in Valencia and octopus in sauce in Galicia.
