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Spain

Savvy Tips

• Spain is a country of Fiestas, with at least two or three things going on every month, from the running of the bulls to huge bonfire and firework displays (Las Fallas) and even a tomato throwing festival! It would be a pity to arrive somewhere and find out you have missed one of these spectaculars by a few days, so check out a calendar of events before you go. But beware ­ for some of the bigger festivals accommodation is scarce and more expensive so book early!

• Don’t just stick to the Costas. Spain has loads of great cities ­ many within easy reach of the coast - so reserve a day for a trip to Barcelona’s crazy Gaudi architecture or Seville’s orange groves ­ all for free (after the train fare there!)

• Get arty. No trip to Spain is complete without taking in a gallery: whether its Picasso, Dali or a trip to the Guggenheim ­ where the building itself is a work of art. Tickets to the Guggenheim are valid all day so arrive early, have lunch and take advantage of one of the free guided tours in English which go on throughout the day.

• Spain is, unfortunately, notorious for thefts so take minimal jewellery with you, leave valuables (such as your passport and credit cards) in a safe and take care with your bag or wallet. If you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of crime, you must go to the police and obtain a report if you want to claim back on your insurance.

• Anyone who has not been to Spain since the introduction of the Euro may have a nasty surprise! Prices have risen quite steeply, so try to put a bit more holiday money away than you would have a few years ago, and be prepared to use a credit card to manage your spending.

Money Matters

• Spain joined the euro in January 2002 ­ a process that went smoothly, though with the inevitable rounding up of prices.

• The country has modernised its economy greatly in the last ten years, which has led to a more widespread acceptance of credit cards and appearance of ATMs. It has also led to rising prices and some restaurants in the big cities are scarcely less cheap than their northern European counterparts.

• Our research found that there are still plenty of bargains to be had however. The cost of a pint of beer in a typical Spanish tourist resort is £1.19 compared to an average £2.08 back in Britain. A glass of wine in a town centre café is also only 94 pence compared with £2.52 back home.

• Spain has a large number of automated money exchanging machines in larger tourist resorts and big cities. You feed in sterling and it exchanges it for euros. This works better than travellers’ cheques that attract very high commissions.

Savvy Spanish Dictionary

Yes
Si

How much is it?
Cuanto es?

No
No

It’s too expensive
Es demasiado caro

Thanks
Gracias

Big
Gran

I’d like
Quisiera

Small
Pequeno