Credit Cards Except in small businesses, credit cards are widely accepted in almost every
shop in Barcelona.
You can also use cash-points to withdraw money, since most of them are connected
to national and international networks.
Electricity The most common electric current is 220 volts and 50 hz., although in the
oldest houses it is possible to find 125 volts.
Useful telephone numbers: - Lost property 010
- Consumer helpline +34 901 30 03 03
- City Hall +34 93 402 70 00
- Road info. +34 900 123 505
- Weather info +34 906 330 003
TAX-free Value Added Tax, (in Spanish IVA - 16% increasing to 17% from June 2010), is
charged on the consumption of products in the European Union, and only visitors
resident in other countries are therefore exempt, when the purchase exceeds 100
Euros.
Tel. 900 - 333 555
Exchange You can exchange cash or travellers cheques at any bank or exchange office.
Rates are not fixed and vary from one place to another.
Banks generally take a commission. The exchange offices do not, but the rate is
often less favourable. In some offices, you can negotiate a better deal on
exchanging large amounts.
Savings banks only open from Monday to Friday in the morning and Thursday
afternoons. Banks also open on Saturday mornings.
The exchange offices are found mainly in the centre of the city (The Rambla), at
the airport and at the railway stations. Their opening hours vary, but some
remain open till late, including weekends. If you are in need, you can also
exchange money at hotels, although probably at a poorer rate.
Opening Hours In general shops in Barcelona open in the morning from 9 or 10h to 13 or
13.30 and in the afternoon from 16 or 17h to 20 or 21h.
Some shops do not close for lunch and others (mainly in the centre) do not close
on Saturday afternoon. Sunday is the rest day, although nearly all museums close
on Mondays.
Service Charges In restaurants the price shown on the menu has to include any service
charge. Only when the menu indicates "IVA no incluido" (VAT not
included) can this be added to the bill. Tips are not compulsory, but tend to be
given when you are happy with the service.
Tourist consumer helpline: Tel. +34 901 30 03 03
Emergencies:
Medical emergencies
061
General emergencies
112
Fire service
080
Guàrdia Urbana (local police)
092
Mossos d'Esquadra Catalan police force
Emergencies and traffic accidents
