The official currency in Spain is the euro (€). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at currency exchange offices, in some banks and even in some hotels.

Almost all establishments accept the most popular international credit cards and inform about this in the entrance.

Tipping is not necessary as prices include the service. However, it is common to tip in bars, restaurants, hotels and taxis.

The amount will depend on the price and the generosity of the customer, although they usually range between 5 and 10% of the total amount.

Visitors who reside outside the EU can request the refund of VAT of their purchases when they exceed 90.15€. For that, you have to ask in the shop for the tax-free invoice, which must be presented at customs along with the purchases to be stamped.

Afterwards you will only have to present it in one of the management companies, most of them have an office at the airport, for its cash receipt, by the deposit of the VAT in the credit card, by bank transfer or with an international check.

The plugs in Barcelona are European-type, so they have two round outputs and a voltage of 220 V and 50 hertz of alternating current.

In most hotels there are adapters and it’s easy to find transformers in the stores.

The usual business hours are from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 4:30 pm to 8 pm, although shopping malls and international chains usually open from 10 am to 9 or 10 pm.

This 2021, Sundays and holidays with authorized opening are the 3th and 10th of January, the 23rd of April, the 4th of July, the 1st and 28th of November, and the 5th, 6th, 8th and 19th of December. The tourist areas (the centre) can also open from 12 pm to 8 pm on Sundays the 7th, 14th and 21st of May and the 1st and the 8th of October.

Since January 2011 smoking is prohibited in any premises open to the public which are not outdoors such as bars, restaurants and hotels, nor around health centres, parks and schools.

Community travelers can receive medical treatment in Spain thanks to the reciprocal agreements of the European Community. The rest of the travelers will receive medical care in case of emergency but it’s a good idea to have some type of medical insurance that covers additional treatments. On the other hand, in pharmacies (identified with a large green or red cross on the outside), you can find a wide selection of over-the-counter medicines.

In Barcelona, the holidays, in which many bars, restaurants and shops close, are:

1 January (New Year) | 6  January (Three Magic Kings) | 30 March (Good Friday) | 2 April (Easter Monday) | 1 May (Labour Day) | 21 May (Second Easter) | 24 June (Saint John) | 15 August (Assumption of Mary) | 11 September (Diada de Catalunya) | 24 September (La Mercè Day) | 12 October (National Day of Spain) | 1 November (All Saints) | 6 December (Spanish Constitution Day) | 8 December (Immaculate Conception) | 25 December (Christmas) | 26 December (Saint Stephen).

Barcelona is generally a safe city and you can walk and sightsee without any problem. However, as in any big city with much tourism, it is recommended to take some basic precautions to avoid uncomfortable situations.

• Watch your belongings and keep your bag or backpack well closed, especially in tourist areas and public transport.
• Carry your money and credit cards in front or inside pockets.
• Don’t show anything of value or a large amount of money in public spaces.
• Don’t participate in betting games that take place in the street.

In case of theft or robbery, as well as an accident, medical emergency, aggression, among others, don’t hesitate to call 112, the emergency service number.

The official languages in Barcelona are Catalan and Spanish, although the first one is more present in the names of streets and indications of transport. However, English is very widespread and businesses in the most tourist areas can provide their services in several languages.