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Tourist Information
All major towns and cities in Spain have oficinas de turismo where you can obtain local information.
Opening Hours of shops, banks and museums
General opening hours for museums and monuments are 10am - 2pm and 2pm - 8pm. Most monuments are closed on Mondays. Most shops are open similar hours but open at 9am. In some smaller towns, monuments and churches are usually permanently locked, the key being held by a caretaker and available to the public on request.
Electricity
The standard current in Spain is 220 volts but it is common in older places to find the old 115 volt supply. Both systems use plugs with two round pins. Travel adaptors can be purchased to convert plugs from other countries. Many appliances in Spain are not earthed and it is common to find electric sockets in bathrooms, near water supplies so extreme care should be exercised. In rural areas supply is often interrupted during storms. You can bring your electrical goods to Spain from the UK but not 110V appliances from the USA.
Manners
The Spanish usually greet and say goodbye to strangers in public places such as shops, bus stops and cafes. It is common to shake hands when introduced and women usually kiss on both cheeks when they meet. Close friends may embrace and kiss on the cheek. It is quite common for the Spanish to omit please and thankyou from their vocabulary. Treat the Spanish with respect and you will receive the same. Please respect their customs.
Police
Spain has three police forces and although they have different jobs to do, they all have the same powers. The Guardia Civil are primarily concerned with traffic duties, the local police deal with local matters and the national police deal with major crimes. You will always find the police helpful and polite. All police are armed in Spain.
Postal services
Usual opening times for the post office (Correos) are from 9am-2pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm Saturday. More often than not there are long queues at the stamp counter but they can also be bought from tobacconists. Post boxes are painted bright yellow although you may see a red one which is for express mail.
Currency
The currency is the Euro.
Vaccinations
According to the World health Organisation, no vaccinations are required for entry to Spain. See our healthcare section for in-depth information.
Tipping
It is customary in Spain to tip in bars and restaurants. 5% - 10% would be a good guideline. Some establishments have a service charge already added to the bill. If you are unsure, don't be afraid to ask.
The siesta
One thing that Spain is well known for. The art of shutting down between 2pm and 5pm. Most establishments close during this period and the bars and restaurants will fill up. Theory has it that it is to avoid the hottest part of the day (strange how it happens even in the winter). Avoid driving between 1.45 and 2.30 and 4.30 and 5.30 if you want to avoid the rush hour traffic.
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