Money exchange

Euro (€, EUR) is the operating currency in Spain.

Please bear in mind that bank opening hours in Barcelona are Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 14:00.

Tipping

Tipping in Spain is never compulsory.

However, a voluntary ±10 % tip is always well received and recommended if you felt the service was good. This tip will never be included in the invoice, it is your decision how much you decide to tip on top of the bill, that is, if you want to.

Visa

• If you are a citizen from outside Europe's Schengen Area:
  • Before planning your trip, make sure which type of visa you need.
  • Our best advice is for you to contact your local embassy in Spain and ask them directly for directions. Please check this website for information about Visa proceedings.
• If you are a citizen from a country of the Schengen Area:
  • There is no need for any special requirements to enter Spain but your national ID.
• For further information consult this link from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation

Accomodation

Barcelona is a rich cultural hotspot, and as such, it is currently the most visited city in Spain.

Please check the "Registration" tab to find selected accommodation at a competitive price.

You will have no trouble at all finding an accommodation option that suits your needs.

Important phone numbers

112 - Emergencies (including police, health emergencies, fire fighters...)
(+34) 933 644 400 - Palau de Congressos de Catalunya (INSPIRE 2016 Venue)
(+34) 935 671 500 - Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya (INSPIRE 2016 Organisation Comittee)

Medical care

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you have an EHIC card issued by an EU-member state, you can use your EHIC to access state healthcare in Spain.

You can use the EHIC to get any medically necessary treatment (as determined by a physician) through the state system either at a reduced cost. This could be routine or specialist treatment - for a new or an ongoing condition - which cannot wait until you return home. It does not give access to private healthcare.

Bi-lateral health agreements

Spain has bi-lateral agreements with some countries that allow their citizens visiting Spain for short periods of time to obtain free emergency medical treatment. Everyone else needs to take out private health insurance.

Pharmacies in Spain

You can take a prescription to any pharmacy (farmacia). Look for a shop with a large green cross sign outside.

Pharmacy opening hours

Pharmacies are usually open Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 21.00, and Saturdays 09:30 to 14:00. There's usually a notice on the pharmacy with details of the nearest 24-hour pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) - or you can find a list of pharmacies online.

Registered pharmacists can also provide health consultations and guidance on health matters.

In an emergency

In a serious, life-threatening emergency, call the pan-European number 112 free of charge from any mobile/cell phone or landline. The Spanish word for A&E or ER is urgencias.