Value accommodation in Alora, Spain |
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TRAVEL GUIDE On this page you will find a veritable mine of essential information, ranging from banks and money to driving and transport. In short, a must-have reference page for anyone travelling to Spain. Each section has it's own printable sheet that you can download available in both PDF and Microsoft Word formats, and you can speed directly to the section of your choice by clicking on the links below: Driving : Trains and Buses : Health Advice : Banks and Money : Shopping Food and Drink : Communication (phones etc) : Electricity : Public Holidays Embassies and Consulates : Currency Converter |
DRIVING IN SPAIN
The most vital piece of information that you need to know about driving in Spain, especially if you are travelling from the UK, is that you must drive on the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the road. This means that at roundabouts traffic will be coming from the LEFT, and that on fast roads (dual-carriageways and motorways, or 'Autovias') you should stay in the RIGHT HAND LANE unless overtaking. When you overtake you must do so to the LEFT. Legislation for driving in Spain changes occasionally, so it is best to check fully before leaving with companies such as the RAC or the AA. However, at the current time you will need to ensure that you have headlamp adapters, at least 1 spare bulb for every type used in your car, a country code sticker if you do not have an EU number plate, two warning triangles for roadside emergencies (one in front of the car and one behind) and a high-visibility traffic vest for EACH PERSON travelling in the car. All of these items should be available at your local motoring store, and some large supermarkets. It is also worth taking note that seatbelts are compulsory in the front and rear seats of cars for all passengers. Children aged 12 and under are not able to sit in the front unless strapped into a suitable child seat. The road network is generally good and often excellent, though inland roads can be very sparing when it comes to directions to other towns and villages, so you will need to keep your eyes open as you often only get one chance to spot your exit.. There are no toll roads, except those running Cádiz-Seville and Málaga-Marbella. Motorbikes are possibly the best way to see Spain. Motorbikes allow you to stop virtually anywhere in order to admire the stunning views throughout Andalucia. It goes without saying though that great care should be taken on the roads, especially if it has been raining, and a crash helmet must be worn at all times by law. Click here to return to the top of the page. TRAINS AND BUSES Trains The Spanish national railway is called RENFE (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles de España). It operates a comprehensive but complex range of train services - Carcanías - local commuter trains Regionales - slow service that connects cities Largo recorrido - long-distance express trains The express services are priced according to speed and luxury, and tickets will need to be booked in advance for the more luxurious services. A more budget friendly option is to plan a route using the various Reginales routes, and you can do this by calling the information service on 91 (Spanish only) or by logging onto www.renfe.es where an English version of the site is available. There is another national rail service called FEVE (Ferrocarriles Españoles de Vias Estrechas) which is a narrow-gauge railway offering just one level of service. There are two other high-speed rail services that run only very specific routes. At the moment the only available routes are Madrid to Alicante on AVE (Alta Velocidad Española), and Seville to Alicante (Euromed), though a Málaga to Madrid connection is currently under construction on AVE. This service is very expensive but it is fast and extremely comfortable. InterRail cards are valid throughout the suburban network, and inter-city trains (sometimes with a small surcharge). They also work on AVE in tourist class if a supplement is paid. Rail cards (InterRail and Eurail) are valid on all RENFE services except EuroMed. Supplements may be payable on the fastest services, and it is advisable to book in advance and so that you know what you will be paying before boarding. It is also good advice to pay a little extra to get a large, computer generated ticket so that you can prove to the ticket inspector that you have paid the correct fare and any supplements that may be applicable. Tickets for all services other than Largo Corrido and the high-speed services can be bought on the day of travel, although travel is subject to availability. All other services must be booked in advance. Tickets can be purchased in advance from outside Spain by going to www.renfe.es. Buses There are many small companies operating bus services between towns and to the coast. For local information either visit the local tourist office or check the timetable listed at the nearest bus stop. Buses cost much the same as trains but offer a faster and more regular service, and could be your best way of getting around if you do not have your own transport. Click here to return to the top of the page. HEALTH ADVICE If you are travelling from another EU country you should ensure that you have an E111 form with you. This form will allow you to claim back the cost of any medical treatment obtained in Spain upon your arrival back home. In the UK you should be able to obtain an E111 form from any major post office. No inoculations are necessary if you are visiting Spain, but if you are thinking of taking a day-trip to North Africa (1 hour boat trip out of Gibraltar ) it is extremely advisable to make sure that you have been inoculated against polio and typhoid. For minor ailments you can visit a 'Farmacia'. Pharmacists are very highly trained and are able to dispense many prescription drugs. Most also speak English and will be able to offer advice on common ailments and how to alleviate the symptoms. They are open 9am-1pm, and 4pm-7pm, and some are open 24 hours in major towns. There is a rota in operation between local Farmacias to cover weekends, and a list of those that are open will be available in either local press, or in the windows of those that are closed. Click here to return to the top of the page. BANKS AND MONEY As a general rule, most banks are open Monday to Friday and from 10am to 2pm. Nearly all will have a cash machine, or automatic teller, built into the wall so that people can get cash out of banking hours. You will need to ensure that your card will work in these machines, and you can do this by comparing symbols published on the front and reverse of your card with a list of symbols shown at the cash machine. If your symbol is not listed you may not be able to use that particular cash point and attempting to do so may result in your credit card being retained in the machine. If you are unsure about whether you can use your card in Spain you should check with your bank before you leave. If your credit card is lost or stolen you can either call your card supplier direct if you have their number, or for the most popular credit cards call one of the numbers listed below- American Express - 915 720303 Diners Club - 915 474000 MasterCard - 900 971231 Visa - 900 974445 Since February 28 2002 the only currency accepted in Spain has been the Euro. Most Spanish supermarkets still show a comparative price in Pesetas however, as some Spanish people and especially the elderly have found it difficult to adapt to the new form of currency. The official conversion rate was set at 166.386 ptas to 1 Euro. Conversion rates to other currencies around the world vary from day to day as the market values of those currencies vary, so for your convenience we have included a currency converter that is updated daily with the correct conversion rate. You may find, however, that you do not get the exact rate published when you change your money at the bank or Bureau d'Exchange, as most of these companies will either charge commission or offer a lower rate in order to make a profit. |
| Click here to go directly to the Currency Converter |
You can go to almost any bank and change your local currency or traveller's cheques into Euros, though be mindful that you will need your passport for identification purposes. |