Travelling to Spain
Travelling to Spain
Language
Spain has many official languages and dialects in each of its different provinces. Northern Spain has some of the most traditional and preserved regional cultures and proud provinces in the country like Galicia and Basque Country. So, Castellano is the official language, but you will also find many people talking Euskara in Basque Country and Galician in Galicia. English is relatively spoken and understood along the country but don't worry, our Surf'inn staff is quite diversed and fluent in many languages!
Climate
Spain is a big country with different climates. But generally speaking, you can get the best weather from May till October. In the South, July and August can be really hot.
March and April may be wonderfully sunny and warm or rainy and cool, it's hard to guess...
From November till February it's cold and often wet but it's when the best waves arrive!
Cuisine
Spanish cuisine is world known and very appreciated by foreigners. Although it's not only about Tapas. San Sebastian is now a world Meca for gastronomy! It has an incredible diversity of flavours from the sea.
You can have a full meal for very reasonable prices, specially away from big city centres.
There's practically no surprises regarding Spanish food. Choose the traditional dishes and forget the popular ones. You'll get surprised!
Service charges are usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, otherwise it is customary to leave no more than 10% tip. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which usually entails rounding up of the bill to the nearest Euro.
Time
Local time is GMT+1.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. outlets will fit the Europlug - round two-pin plugs.
Health
There are no health risks attached to travel to Spain. Health facilities are good and reciprocal health agreements exist with most European countries, including the UK, whose citizens can receive low-cost emergency care at state hospitals. It is advisable that travellers obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travel. Dental care and repatriation costs are not covered under this agreement, and medical insurance is therefore advised.
Safety
Safety is not a problem for travel in Spain but there is a rising incidence of petty theft and pick pocketing in crowded tourist areas, so reasonable care should be taken.
Duty Free
Travellers arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of liquor; 60g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; gifts up to the value of €200.
Entry requirements - Visas
The Schengen Treaty is fully applied in Spain.
For EU countries or those under the Schengen Treaty, you may remain in Spain as a tourist for a period not exceeding three months.
It is a legal requirement for foreigners to show some form of identification on request.
You need a valid passport or identity document for entry to and exit from Spain. There is no minimum passport/document validity requirement but you should ensure that it is valid for the proposed period of your stay.
For other nationalities, procedures and required documents change according to different protocols established with those countries. Please check it in your country before travelling.
A minor under the age of 18 travelling to Spain must either:
- be accompanied by a parent or guardian,
- carry a letter of authorisation to travel from a parent or guardian. The letter should name the adult responsible for the minor during his/her stay.
How to get there
You can get to Spain by plane, car, bus, train or high-speed train.
Many flight companies, including low-cost, operate more than one daily flight to Spain. There are plenty direct flights from almost all countries in Europe and overseas to many airports all across Spain. All Surf'inn Surf Camps are located in no more than 1 hour from the closest airport.
You can check here all the flight companies flying to Spain.
International trains and buses also head up to many Spanish cities everyday from Europe's main stations.
The last way from the airport/station to the surf camp can be done by bus, taxi or transfer. We always send to costumers all customized info about "how to get there" between the arrival point and the selected surf camp. Surf'inn transfers must be booked in advance.
For bus information: http://www.alsa.es
For train information: http://www.renfe.com
Communications
The international access code for Spain is +34. There are no area or city codes required. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Spain is well covered by all modern mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts.
Useful Contacts
SOS: 112
Surf'inn: +351 962855177
Ambulance: 061 or 112
Fire Brigade: 080 or 112
Maritime/Sea Rescue: 900 202 202
National Police: 091
Local Police: 092
Civil Guard: 062
Traffic: 900 123 505
Consumer Information: 900 775 757
Power Supplies: 900 248 248
Tourist Information: 971 301 900
Duty Pharmacies: 010
Health Rapid Response Line: 902 111 444
Social Help Centre: 900 703 030
Drugs: 900 161 515
HIV/AIDS: 900 111 000
Pregnancy Information: 913 941 589
Poison: 915 620 420
Red Cross: 902 222 292
Crisis line/Help line/Suicide calls: 934 144 848
Cancer Information Line: 900 100 036
Children's Helpline: 900 202 010
Telephone Line Problems: 1002
Credit Cards
American Express: 915 720 303
Mastercard: 900 971 231
Diners Card: 915 474 000
Visa: 900 991 124
Lost Travellers Cheques: 900 994 403
