g Need to Know g Contents
Forward planning is essential to any successful trip. Be prepared for all eventualities by considering the following points before you travel.
EU nationals may visit for an unlimited period, registering with local authorities after three months. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can reside without a visa for up to 90 days. For those arriving from other countries, check with your local Spanish embassy or on the Exteriores website.
Exteriores
Visitors can get up-to-date travel safety information from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the US Department of State and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Australia
UK
∑ gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US
An individual is permitted to carry the following within the EU for personal use:
Tobacco products
800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars or 1 kg of smoking tobacco.
Alcohol
10 litres of alcoholic beverages above 22 per cent strength, 20 litres of alcoholic beverages below 22 per cent strength, 90 litres of wine (60 litres of which can be sparkling wine) and 110 litres of beer.
Cash
If you plan to enter or leave the EU with €10,000 or more in cash (or the equivalent in other currencies) you must declare it to the customs authorities.
Limits vary if travelling outside the EU, so always check restrictions before travelling.
It is advisable to take out an insurance policy covering theft, loss of belongings, medical problems, cancellations and delays. EU citizens are eligible for free emergency medical care in Spain provided they have a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).
EHIC
No inoculations are necessary for Spain.
Most establishments accept major credit, debit and prepaid currency cards. Contactless payments are common in cities, but it’s always a good idea to carry cash for smaller items. ATMs are widely available throughout Andalucía, although many charge for cash withdrawals.
Andalucía offers everything from boutique hotels and villas to guesthouses, hostels and campsites. Spain also offers government-run hotels called paradors, many of which are in Andaluciá. A useful list of accommodation can be found on the Turespaña website.
Throughout peak season (June to August), room rates are high and hotels are soon fully booked, so reserve in advance where possible. Prices are also higher during major fiestas.
Most hotels quote their prices without including tax (IVA), which is 10 per cent.
Turespaña
COCEMFE (Confederación Española de Personas con Discapacidad Física y Orgánica) and Accessible Spain provide information and tailored itineraries, and companies such as Tourism For All offer specialist tours, for those with reduced mobility, sight and hearing.
Spain’s public transport system generally caters for all passengers, providing wheelchairs, adapted toilets and ramps. All public transport in Seville, including the metro and bus services, can accommodate wheelchair users. Airports offer reserved car parking, as well as other facilities. Metro maps in Braille are available from ONCE (Organización Nacional de Ciegos).
Accessible Spain
COCEMFE
ONCE
∑ once.es
Tourism For All
Castellano (Castilian) is Spain’s primary language and is spoken in Andalucía. English is widely spoken in the cities and other tourist spots, but the same cannot always be said for rural areas. Mastering a few phrases in Castellano will go down well with many locals, who will appreciate the effort.
Lunchtime
Many shops and some museums and public buildings may close for the siesta between 1pm and 5pm.
Monday
Many museums, public buildings and monuments are closed all day.
Sunday
While most points of interest are open on Sunday, churches and cathedrals are closed to the public during Mass. Some public transport runs less frequently.
Public holidays
Most museums, public buildings and many shops either close early or do not open at all.
Need to know Before You Go
CURRENCY
Euro
need to know Before You Go
need to know Before You Go
Power sockets are type F, fitting a two-prong, round-pin plug. Standard voltage is 230 volts.
Need to know Before You Go
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day |
| 6 Jan | Epiphany |
| 28 Feb | Andalucía Day |
| Mar/ Apr | Good Friday |
| 1 May | Labour Day |
| 15 Aug | Assumption Day |
| 12 Oct | Spain’s National Day |
| 1 Nov | All Saints’ Day |
| 6 Dec | Spanish Constitution Day |
| 8 Dec | Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day |