Important information

When travelling to Barcelona you have to remember of a few very important things, such as medical care, traffic regulations, opening hours of offices and departments, and others which could differs from the same in your country.

Below you find all things that you could need while planning your trip and staying in that beautiful city. We advise you to read this carefully - it could help you avoid unexpected problems and unpleasant situations.


Phones:

The area code in Spain is 0034. If you want to call to Spain you have to choose 0034 and then the number of person you want to call. Of course you do not have to choose this area code if you phone from Spain.
If you want to use your own self phone during your stay in Barcelona you have to have a roaming turned on. So before you leave assure that it will be working.


Traffic regulations:

Cars and bikes have to stick to the indicated maximums:
in the villages - 50 km/h
Highways - 120 km/h
Roads with 2 lanes or more - 100km/h
Other roads - 90 km/h.

The maximum alcohol percentage in blood is 0,5% (two 33 cl cans of beer for an average size adult), although it is recommended not to drink at all when driving.

It is obligatory to have a reflective jacket and two triangles in your car. One to put in front and one to put at the back of your car in case of an accident or breakdown.


Medical care:

If you have to go to a doctor in Barcelona (and Catalonia) you should go to your nearest CAP Centre d'Atenció Primaria. This is a public surgery and it is open from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm. It also has a 24 hour help line: 902 111 444.
And the most important - DO NOT FORGET to take with you the European Health Insurance Card!


Opening hours:

Banks, oficess and other departments are usually open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 in the morning to 14:00. In addition in the city are many ATMs so you won't have any problem to withdrow cash from your bank account.

Shops don't have an exact opening hours. Usually they are open in the morning from 9:00 or 10:00 to 13:00-14:00, and then in the evening from 16:00-17:00 to 20:00. On Saturdays they're open just in the mornings. On Sundays everything is closed.