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Help & Information - Misc

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Babies: Baby foods and disposable nappies are available at all resorts and are obtainable from supermarkets and chemists. Babysitting arrangements can usually be made locally. The availability and costs should be checked with establishments directly or through the booking agent.

Banking Hours: Most banks open from 09.00-14.00 Monday to Friday and 09.00 to 13.00 on Saturdays (except in the summer). Times may vary.

Church Services: Information on the location of churches and timetables of religious services should be sought locally.

Consular Assistance: British Consulates in Spain will assist holidaymakers in emergencies. They can provide lists of local lawyers, interpreters and local doctors. They can also give guidance in tracing missing persons. Addresses available from this office on request.

Credit Cards: Most hotels and department stores accept major credit cards, but this should be checked before each transaction.

Currency: From 1^st January 2002, the Euro (€ ) stars circulation in Spain. From 28^th February the Peseta will ceasee to be accepcepted in commercial transactions, although high street banks will accept tem for exchange into Euros until 30^th June. Betwenn 1^st Jan and 28^th Feb payments in Pesetas will be accepted but any change due will be given in Euros. There are seven denominations in notes –of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 & 500 €- and eigh differen coins –1 and 2 € and 1, 2, 5, 10,20 and 50 cents. 1 € equals 166.386 Pesetas. Exchange rate: check with your bank or travel agent. Spanish currency regulations: The import or export of cash, notes and bearer-cheques, in any currency, includingEuros, is subject to declaration where the amount exceeds 6,010 € per person and journey.

Duty Free: Free allowances on imports from EU countries no longer exist but are still applicable to goods purchased outside the European Union.For full information on imports into the UK, contact Customs & Excise on 08450109000. www.hmce.gov.uk . Spanish customs regulations are more stringent on both imports and exports (More information click here ) .

Electricity: Voltage 220 or 225 AC. Plugs are two pin.

Excursions: Information on excursions is available locally from tourist information offices and local travel agents.

Flamenco: Costumes, accessories, music, musical instruments, videos and books are available from Mundo Flamenco Tel: 020 7493 0033

Health service: British tourists visiting Spain, covered by the British National Insurance scheme, will enjoy free medical assistance under the Spanish Health Service during their stay. Please contact your local Health Authority Office for further assistance and to request the E111 form. Medical Conditions: Those requiring special treatment or diets are advised to carry a letter from their doctor translated into Spanish, indicating the nature of the condition, treatment and medicines required. Special dietary products are available from health shops and pharmacies. British Consulates may supply names and addresses of local doctors in emergencies.

Imports: Those wishing to import household goods, firearms, etc. into Spain need to contact the Spanish Consulates in the UK.

Insurance: You are advised to take out adequate holiday insurance. This is available from most tour operators and travel agents.

Language Courses: Information on Spanish courses, either in Spain or in the UK, is available from the Instituto Cervantes.

Lladró: You may book a visit to the lladró factory in Spain from the UK prior to your departure. Call free phone 0800015 2413 or fax 02 08 947 6045. Lladró shop is at 194 Piccadilly, London W1V 1LG. Tel: 020 7494 0407. www.lladro.com

Mail: Always post correspondence with Spanish Post Office stamps at official post boxes or hotels displaying the logo “Correos and Telegrafos”.

Maps: Walking maps may be obtained from: Servicio de Publicaciones del Instituto Geográfico Nacional, General Ibañez de Ibero 3, 28003 Madrid. Tel: 0034 91 597 9684. Fax: 535 2591. www.cnig.es. Large scale maps from specialist book dealers: Stanfords Ltd., 12-14 Long Acre, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9LP. Tel: 020 7836 1321 Fax: 020 7836 0189. www.stanfords.co.uk

Metal detectors: metal detecting is a strictly controlled activity in Spain and its practise in public places requires a permit from the relevant local council. Permits are normally granted for investigation purposes only.

Museums: All Spanish Estate museums* offer free admission to young persons under 18 and to O.A.P over 65 as well as a free admission weekly sessions to the general public. Most other museums also have concessionary policies. Full details on fees and concessions must be obtained from the specific museums directly.

Main Museums (Opening Times):

*The National Archaeological Museum (Madrid) 09.30-20.30. Sundays & Holidays 09.30-14.30. July & August 09.30-18.30. Closed on Monday, Jan 1,6, Dec24 & 31. Free admission: Saturday afternoon& Sunday morning Tel. 0034 91 5777912. Fax 577 7919. www.man.es

*The Prado Museum (Madrid) 09.00-19.00, including feast days. Closed: Mondays, 1^st Jan, Good Friday, 1^st May and Dec. 25^th. Free admission: Sundays, May 18, Oct 12 and Dec 6 . Tel. 0034 91.330 2800. http://museoprado.mcu.es/home.html ; e-mail: museo.nacional@prado.mcu.es

Museo de la Colección Von Thyssen-Bornemisza (Madrid and Barcelona) 10.00-19.00. Closed on Mondays. Tel: 0034 913 690151. www.museothyssen.org

The Catalonian art Museum (Barcelona) 10.00-19.00. Closed on Mondays. Tel: (0034) 93 6220360. Fax:93 622 0374. www.mnac.es

The Picasso Museum (Barcelona)10.00-20.00. Sundays &Public Holidays 10.00-15.00 Closed on Mondays, Jan 1, May 1, June 24, 25 & Dec. 26 . Tel: 0034 93 319 6310. www.museupicasso.bcn.es

The Museo Picasso Málaga. 10.00-20.00 Tues. to Thurs, Sun. and holidays, 10-21 Fri. & Sat. Closed: Mondays, Dec 25^th and Jan 1^st. Tel. 0034 902 443377. www.museopicassomalaga.org

The Dali Museum (Fiqueras), Winter 10.30-17.45. Summer 09.00-29.45. Closed on Mondays, January 1 & Dec 25.Tel: 034 972 677 500. Fax: 501 666. www.salvador-dali.org

*The Museum and Home of El Greco (Toledo ) 10.00-14.00 & 16.00-18.00. Sundays & Holidays 10-14.00 . Closed all day Monday, Jan 1 & 6 1May, Dec 24,25 &31 Tel: 0034 925 22 44 05. Fax: 22 45 59. Free entry : Saturday afternoon & Sunday morning , May 18, Oct 12 & Dec 6

The Museum of Santa Cruz (Toledo) 10.00-18.30. Sunday 10.00-14.00. Closed on Jan 1, May 1 and 25^th Dec. Tel: 0034 92 522 1402.

The Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao) Tuesday to Sunday 10.00-20.00. Closed on Mondays (except July & august), 1 Jan & 25 Dec Tel: 0034 94 435 9080. www.guggenheim-bilbao.es

The National Museum of Abstract Spanish Art (Cuenca) 10.00-14.00 & 16.00-19.00. Sunday & Holidays 11.00 -14.30. Closed on Mondays, Jan 1. Dec 24, 25, 31 Tel: 0034 96 921 3069.

*The National Museum of Roman Art (Merida) 10.00-14.00 & 16.00-18.00. Summer from 10.00-14.00 & 17.00-19.00. Sunday afternoon & Mondays closed. Tel. 0034 924 31 19 12. Fax 924 30 20 06. www.mnar.es Free: Saturday afternoon & Sunday morning

Pets: An export health certificate issued by an official British Veterinary Inspector is required to import pets into Spain. Further information from the Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación office at the Spanish Embassy.

Property: For names of agents dealing in Spanish property consult the following:

National Association of Estate Agents, Arbon House, 21 Jury Street, Warwick CV34 4EH. Tel: 01926 496800; Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, 12 Great George Street, Parliament Square, London SW1 3AD. Tel: 0207 222 7000; and local Tourist Offices. There have been reports of time-share touting. Advice on time-share is issued by the Time -Share Council, 78-80 rue Defacqz, 4th Floor, B-1060 Brussels
Belgium, Fax 00 32 25333061 E-mail: info@ote-info.com. www.ote-info.com

Public Holidays: January 1^st & 6^th, April 9^th (Good Friday), 1^st May, October 12^th, Nov 1^st, Dec 6^th, 8^th & 25^th. In addition to these holidays there are another five established by the regional authorities and the local councils.

Radio Programmes: Information on Spanish radio programmes and frequencies may be obtained from the Press Office at the Spanish Embassy.

Shopping: Most shops in Spain close at lunch time. (Lunch break is normally between 13.00 and 16.00). General Stores are to be found in most provincial capital towns; most open all day from 10.00 to 20.00. Open Air Markets are held once or twice a week in most Spanish towns and holiday resorts. Details about days and times may be obtained locally. Supermarkets are to be found in most resorts.

Students and young persons: Information on facilities for students may be obtained from INJUVE, José Ortega y Gasset 71, 28006 Madrid. Tel: 0034 91 347 7778. Fax: 402 2194. www.mtas.es/injuve. Details on youth hostels also from INJUVE or their web page www.reaj.com

Summer Time: From the morning of the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Taxis: Taxi fares vary in different areas. There is a basic initial charge, additional surcharges will be added to the meter fare at night, weekends and public holidays. Taxi drivers should have a list of approved fares for inter-city runs, railway stations and airports, and will be able to supply information prior to boarding the vehicle.

Tax refunds: EU citizens are not entitled to tax refunds on purchases made in Spain. Further enquiries should be made to the Spanish Commercial Office.

Telephone Service: To call direct to the UK from Spain, dial:00 44 + local UK code: Telephone rates need to be checked locally. Full instructions are shown in all international boxes. Dial 112 for all emergencies. Mobile phone companies will be able to advise on the geographical cover they offer.

Televisions: The Spanish television systems are Norma G for black and white and PAL for colour. British television sets are not suitable for either unless previously adjusted by a technician. For further information please contact your main dealer.

Tipping: 5-10% of the bill is customary, although related to clients’ satisfaction with services received.

Vaccinations: According to the Spanish and World Health Organisations, no vaccinations are needed by EU residents to enter Spain.

Weddings: Non residents planning to marry while on holiday should note that procedures are complicated and lengthy. They are advised to contact their national consulate in the area where they plan to marry.