Airline ticket

If you  are not with a group of  10 or more persons, you airline ticket is purchased individually.  Your will receive your itinerary approximately 30 days prior to departure.

Electrical Current

220 volts (50 cycles) is commonly used in Spain. Round-prong plugs are used in all outlets. Standard American plugs will not fit into Spanish outlets. We recommend that you purchase outlets in Spain to make sure they work. Outlets are available at any "Corte Inglés."

International Calls

There are places in Spain and near your residence where you can make international calls at very reasonable rates. You can also call the U.S. from almost any phone by dialing your home’s international long distance carrier.

Internet access
There are numerous internet locations in the city where you can use the internet for a very reasonable fee.

Laundry

Families charge approximately 10 to 12 euros per week to do your laundry

Money

Many of the European nations, including Spain and France have as their national currency the euro.  The Euro is equivalent to approximately 1.10 dollars as of September 2003. This rate may vary from week to week.

If you want to use your credit cards/check card you will find a complete network of cash points at your disposal; most shops also take credit cards.  Banks are open from 9:00 to 14:00 weekdays and from 9:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays.  In order to change money at a bank you need your passport. The use of ATMs is the best way to exchange your money.  We also recommend that you use your credit card to make most purchases.  Credit cards not only provide a chargeback provision but they offer the best exchange rate and no commission.

Packing

• You do not need to bring towels, sheets, or pillows. Your bedding needs and towels are provided.

• We offer the following packing suggestions:

  • Coordinate your wardrobe around a single color.

  • Pack comfortable shoes, casual clothing, a sweater/rain jacket, a wash-cloth, swimsuit, and  an alarm clock. Dress the same as you do here. Dress very casual.

  • Don't pack anything fragile or valuable - if you do not bring them, they cannot be lost or stolen.

  • Pack in your carry-on toiletries and at least one change of clothing in the event your bag is delayed or lost.

  • Carry with you to Spain copies of the identification numbers the traveler's checks, airline ticket, front page of your passport, and other important documents.

Passport/Visa

No visa is required for U.S. passport holders for a stay of up to 3 months. If your stay exceeds three months or you are not a U.S. Passport holder, please contact the Consulates of Spain.

Restaurants

Restaurants in Spain are classified in 1-5 forks, placed vertically side-by-side. Prices must be advertised both inside and outside of the establishment in a place where they can easily be seen.  Cafeterias are classified in 1-3 cups. The Menu of the Day must be placed prominently in the restaurant.

Shopping

Although big department stores are open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, most shops keep traditional business hours, approximately 9:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Some stores are open on Sunday.  Establishments such as VIPS do not close until 3:00 a.m.

Tipping

Service is always included in the bill, however it is usual to tip waiters around 5% of the total price.   Anyway, remember tips are not obligatory. Many people never tip in Spain, so it all depends on your good judgment and the quality of the service.

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