USEFUL TIPS OF BARCELONA


Park Güell-Banc Ondulat. ©Turisme de Barcelona/ J. Trullàs


Location

Barcelona is on the North Eastern coast of Spain -about 2 hours drive from the French border. It is situated in a heavily populated area which is a hub of economic activity. For further information visit:

/www.barcelonaturisme.com
www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/spain/barcelona
Weather forecast at: Weather On-line, www.worldweather.com



Time Zone

Barcelona is on the Central European Time. The time in Spain/ Barcelona is GMT + 1 hour. To convert the time of Barcelona in relation to your country of origin try the Time Zone Converter at:
www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html, www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/




Language

The official language of Spain is Spanish but there are different languages spoken in the different communities that coexist with the Spanish language. This is the case of Catalan, the language spoken in Catalonia and thus spoken in Barcelona. In Barcelona both Spanish and Catalan, the two official languages of Catalonia. are widely spoken interchangeably. Street names and many road and transport signs are in Catalan. There's a PDF file on Catalan expressions and vocabulary available at
www.barcelonaturisme.com/,


Font Màgica de Montjuïc.
©Turisme de Barcelona/
Espai d´Imatge.


Currency

Spain adopted the currency of the European Union, the Euro (€) as its currency. In Barcelona money can be easily exchanged at banks and exchange offices in the city center, at the airport, at train stations and touristic areas. At the Cajero Automático (ATM) you can withdraw euros from credit and debit accounts. Calculate more with the Universal Currency Converter at:
www.xe.com/ucc/


Tipping

It is common to leave a small amount of approximately €1.00 per person at restaurants. If there is no service charge then you might leave a 5% tip, although it is not obligatory. At bars, café tables and taxis leave small change as a tip and don't forget to tip the porter at higher-class hotels. See:
www.lonelyplanet.com,


Carrer del Bisbe.
©Turisme de Barcelona/
Espai d´Imatge.


Electricity Supply

The electricity supply is 220V 50 Hz throughout Spain with 2 pin wall sockets. For those countries that utilise 240V such as the UK and Ireland you will find no problem with your electrical equipment. More at:
www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com


Mobile phone

Mobile phone coverage is at 100% using GSM technology. We remind you that it is not compatible with some countries as the United States and Japan. So before travelling we recommend you to contact your operator to assure you that your mobile is prepared for roaming. If you want to use your mobile phone in Spain you have to dial 00 + your country code. More useful information available at:
www.maec.es


Gastronomy

To speak of the cuisine of Barcelona is speaking of a healthy Mediterranean diet which is the mere reflection of how people in Barcelona understand life. Among many other typical dishes don´t forget to try the delicious Faves a la Catalana: vegetables and meat cooked in a pot of clay or the Escalivada: based on eggplant and red pepper, flavoured with salt, olive oil and vinegar or why don´t you try the Botifarra amb mongetes: sausage with beans and Pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) while sipping our white sparkling wine, Cava? More at:
www.barcelona-on-line.es


La Rambla.
©Turisme de Barcelona/
J. Trullàs.


Nightlife

Barcelona offers a wide range of restaurants, dance clubs, pubs, bars and all kinds of places to enjoy the city nightlife. Thursday's are more popular than Friday or Saturday nights, so don't miss the opportunity! Seek more information at:
www.timeout.com/barcelona, www.barcelonaturisme.com, www.barcelonastyle.com


Port Vell. © Turisme de Barcelona/ J. Trullàs


Shopping

Opening time for shops is 10 am in the morning, although some are closed during lunchtime (from 2pm to around 5pm) they open until 8pm. Department Stores and big chain shops however, are on duty until 9pm, and an hour later on Saturdays. Generally speaking, restaurants, bakeries, flower stalls, convenience stores and shops in tourist zones can be opened seven days a week. Read more at:
www.barcelonaturisme.com


Torre Agbar.
©Turisme de Barcelona/
Espai d´Imatge.


Tax Free

If you live outside the EU (European Union) you have the right to be refunded the 16% VAT, a value added tax that you pay when shopping. When your shopping expenses are over 90,16 € you have to ask for a Tax-free cheque at the shop. When you leave the EU, declare all your purchases at the customs office presenting all your cheques in order to be validated. Make effective your Tax-free cheque at the airport or mail it. Further information at:
www.spainrefund.com, www.globalrefund.com


There is more information available on these and other topics, on the following web sites:

Barcelona: www.bcn.es
www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com
www.barcelonaturisme.com Catalonia:www.gencat.net
Spain: www.tourspain.es www.lonelyplanet.com
www.maec.es



Basilica de Santa
Maria del Mar.
©Turisme de Barcelona/
Espai d´Imatge.