Useful information

Take a look at the practical and useful information below and you’ll find the answer to some of the most frequently asked questions before you pack your case.

Get to know Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia, located in the north-east of Spain. Thanks to its strategic location, next to the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona has a super climate. You can enjoy many hours of sunshine a year, and temperatures that are neither too cold (except for some days in the middle of winter), nor too hot (except for the hottest days in July and August). All these climatic reasons make this city the perfect place to enjoy a wonderful holiday.

The city is divided into ten districts, which are further divided into several areas, each of which has its own history, origin and cultural heritage, suchs as ancient traditions, as well as archeological and architectural remains.

Bellow you will find more detailed information about the city of Barcelona, which you will be able to complete with the rest of the guide. Information raging from festivals and celebrations, to information on currency and exchange rates, taxes and medical assistance.

Currency paper
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Currency and exchange

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.

The Bill
tips

Tips

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.

Seller at gift shop using cash register
tax

Taxes

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.

Close-up of a woman's hand inserting a white usb charger into a 220 volt socket
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Electricity

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.

Open sign in a small business shop
horas

Business Hours

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.

Forbidden area zone
fumar

Smoking

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.

Female doctor explaining diagnosis to her patient.
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Medical assistance and emergencies

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.

Happy couple having fun together enjoying a summer vacations at the beach
vacaciones

Holidays

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).

Patrol car of the Mossos d'escuadra, autonomous police of Catalonia, Spain.
police

Security

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.

question do you speak Catalan, in Barcelona
idioma

Languages

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.

Get In Touch

Mestre Enric Morera 25, 08339 Vilassar de Dalt, Barcelona

Email. info@seebarcelona.com

Phone:  +34 937 53 27 08

Work Inquiries

Email. info@seebarcelona.com

Phone: +34 937 53 27 08