Fast facts for Barcelona
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Climate
Situated on the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona benefits from mild winters and hot summers. In winter you can expect temperatures between 9ºC and 17ºC and up to 6 hours of sunshine. Summers can be stifling, particularly in July and August when temperatures reach up to 31ºC, though if you are on the beach the sea breeze is cooling. Temperatures remain high throughout September and October, but these are also the city’s wettest months. Spring is a more refreshing 15ºC to 20ºC, the ideal temperature for exploring the city.
Currency
The national currency is Euro (€).
£1 = €1.34 (an easy way to remember is €10 = £7.50)
$1 = € 0.70 (an easy way to remember is €7 = $10).
Banking hours are usually from 8am - 2pm on weekdays and Saturdays and some open from 4pm - 8pm on Thursdays.
Language
Most of the locals speak traditional Catalan, but Spanish and English is also widely spoken.
Voltage Guide: 220V, 50Hz. Standard European two pin plugs.
Country Dialling Code: +34
City Dialling Code: 093
Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must hold a passport, but no visa is required for a maximum stay of three months. British citizens who wish to stay longer than three months must register at the local Foreigner’s office (Oficinas de Extranjería)
Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months. American citizens wishing to remain longer than ninety days are required to obtain an extension of stay from the Spanish consulate in your country of residence. This extension, of no more than ninety days, must be requested at a police station at least three weeks before the initial entry period expires.
Vaccinations
None Required
Tipping
Tipping is not strictly required in Spain, though in restaurants locals tend to leave 5%. This also applies to taxi fares and hotel porters.
Public Holidays 2009
1st January: New Year’s Day
6th January: Epiphany
4th April: Basque National Day
10th April: Good Friday
12th April: Easter Sunday
13th April Easter Monday
1st May: Labour Day
24th June: St. John’s Day – Summer Solstace, known as Sant Joan – Celebrations include fireworks, bonfires and beach parties.
7th July: Running of the Bulls
15th August: Assumption
11th September: National Day of Catalonia
24th September: La Merce Day
12th October: Columbus Day
1st November: All Saints Day
6th December: Constitution Day
8th December: Day of the Immaculate Conception
25th December: Christmas Day
26th December: San Esteban
Shopping
Shops are mostly open from 10am - 2pm and 5pm - 8pm, Monday to Saturday. However, department stores and larger shops remain open throughout the siesta period. In summer, many shops close for the afternoon and in August they can be shut for two weeks.
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