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Practical information

Time zone

Standard Time: GMT + 1
Summer Time: GMT + 2
Spain changes the time between summer and winter to save energy. This means that the last weekend of October should be delayed one hour clock (03:00 to 02:00) and the last week of March should be brought forward one hour (02:00 to 03:00).

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Local languages

These are two official languages in Catalonia: Catalan and Spanish.

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Cimate

In the Mediterranean area, summers are dry and hot with sea breezes, and the maximum temperature is around 26-31 °C.

You can see a local six day forecast for Barcelona.

Communications

The following website shows how to make calls to and from Spain, as well as how to check your email in Spain.

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Money and currency

The Euro is the only currency accepted. Euro banknotes are: 5 €, 10 €, 20 €, 50 €, 100 €, 200 € and 500 €. The coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, or 1 € and 2 €.

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Electricity

Electricity supply in Spain is AC 220 volts, 50 Hertz. Type C plugs. Sockets meet European regulations and use the round pin system. However, most hotels have adaptors for different plugs. Make sure that the electrical appliances you are going to use (computers, mobile phone chargers, shavers…) work at this voltage.

Comercial hours

The most usual business hours are from Monday-Saturday, from 9:30 to 14:00, and 16:30 to 20:00. Major shopping centres and department stores are open all day from 10:00 to 21:00 or 22:00.

Please note that 24 June is a public holiday in Barcelona and shops are closed.

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Banking hours

Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 14:00
Saturday from 08:30 to 13:00

Visas

Most citizens of European countries and US not require visas.

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Consulates in Barcelona

The following website shows a list of consulates in Barcelona:

Consulates in Barcelona

Security in Barcelona

Barcelona is in general a safe city. However, you should always be aware of pickpockets as they are extremely good. Tourist are usually the main target so just be extra careful with your belongings as sometimes robberies can be avoided by just being a little bit extra careful, specially in the city center.

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Medical care

The Spanish Social Security system has a wide network of clinics and hospitals throughout the country.

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Emergency phones

Emergency: 112
Medical emergencies: 061
Catalunya Police (Mossos d'Esquadra): 088
City Police / Municipal Police: 092
Fire: 080