Miscellaneous

Where can I get a tourist card and what are its advantages?

You may purchase a tourist card in many cities in Spain. Destinations such as Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Gijón, León, Salamanca, Sevilla, Granada, Málaga, Cádiz, Córdoba, Tarragona, Toledo, Valencia and Zaragoza are some of the places where it is offered.

These types of cards are sold at tourist offices, airports, hotels and travel agencies. They usually include preferred entry to monuments and museums and discounts on sightseeing, entertainment, transportation, shopping and restaurants.

Its validity is usually one, two or three days (usually consecutive, as the card is usually activated the first time it is used). Its price depends on the destination and the type of card, although it is usually 10 or 15 Euros. In addition, there are specific cards for children, whose rate is less.

Many of the cards may be purchased online (we recommend that you become informed on the official web page of the destination to which you will be travelling). After the purchase, you may receive the card at home, or use a list of the sites authorised for picking up the card (generally airports, train stations and tourism centres).

You will find more information at the following links:

Madrid tourist card

Barcelona tourist card

Bilbao tourist card

Gijón tourist card

León tourist card

Salamanca tourist card

Seville tourist card

Granada tourist card

Malaga tourist card

Tarragona tourist card

Toledo tourist card

Valencia tourist card

Zaragoza tourist card

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What you should know if you have a complaint about a tourist service.

During your stay in Spain, you have the right to receive tourist services according to the quality and characteristics advertised by the companies which offer them. If you are not satisfied, you are entitled to lodge a complaint or claim. The current legislation requires all establishments to have documents known as “claim forms” available for customers, and to advertise this fact on a notice placed so as to be clearly visible to the clientele. These forms must be submitted in the establishment itself, and in the Municipal Consumer Information Office (OMIC). In the event that the claim is proved to be true, the Administration will impose a fine on the establishment or tourist service company which was the object of the complaint.

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Can you drink the tap water?

Drinking water supply is guaranteed throughout Spain. We have stringent control systems that guarantee water quality. Nevertheless, in some Mediterranean coastal areas consumption of bottled water is widespread.

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Is nudism prohibited on the beaches of Spain?

In Spain there are no laws specifically prohibiting nudism on beaches. It is not a crime, then, unless there is indecent exposure.

However, some municipalities, to regulate the use of their beaches, prohibit nudism except in areas where it is approved. Failure to comply may result in a small fine.

Therefore, to avoid conflicts, it is always advisable to seek places where the practice is permitted or nudity is acceptable.
In Spain there are more than 300 beaches classified as nude beaches. Going to one of them is recommended if you would like to partake in this practice. You may find them all on the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment official website. (http://aplicaciones2.marm.es/portal/secciones/aguas_marinas_litoral/guia_playas/).

If you are interested in practicing nudism at any other beaches, it is best to become informed at the local City Council or the tourism office of your destination. If you would like to go topless, you may do so freely at any beach in Spain.

In turn, if you are interested in learning about the different Naturists Associations and Centres for Naturist Vacations, you may do so at the Spanish Naturist Federation. (http://www.naturismo.org/).
 

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Which system of weights and measures is used in Spain?

Spain uses the Metric (Decimal) System, with seven basic units of measurement, known as the International System of Units (SI), which is valid throughout the European Union. The system governs all units of weight, measurement and distance (metre, kilogram, second, litre, ton…).

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How do electrical appliances work in Spain?

Electricity supply in Spain is AC 220 volts, 50 Hertz. Sockets meet European regulations and use the round pin system. However, most hotels have adaptors for different plugs. Make sure that the electrical appliances you are going to use (computers, mobile phone chargers, shavers…) work at this voltage.

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