Instruction for a tourist in spain. Basic information about Barcelona What are the sockets in spain

Language

Spanish

Time

Difference with Moscow: -2 hours

Currency and tip

Euro. Tipping is not customary in Spain, with the exception of catering. In small bars and restaurants, locals usually leave a change as a tip. In larger establishments, tea gives from 5% to 10% of the bill.

Mains voltage

220 volt. In Spain, the sockets are of the European standard type, so no adapter is needed.

Medicine

Water from the tap you can drink in Madrid and the province of Granada. In small settlements, the water is also of acceptable quality, but it is not recommended to drink it. Bottled water is available in most stores.

Medicine in Spain is paid. If you have medical insurance, the first medical aid will be provided free of charge. In the event of an insured event, call the insurance company, informing the insurance number and the reason for the call.

Pharmacy marked with the inscription Farmacia and a green cross. Opening hours - until 20:00 with a break for siesta (lunch lasting 3-4 hours). When the pharmacy is closed, there is information on the door about where the emergency pharmacy is located nearby and / or which phone number to call a doctor.

Transport

Buses- a convenient form of transport for moving between cities in Spain. The route of the bus is indicated on an electronic board, and the fare is paid directly to the driver or a ticket is purchased at the bus station (in the case of traveling a long distance).

There is a developed network on the mainland of the country railways... You can travel by commuter trains, regional trains, high-speed and high-speed international trains. The ticket must be purchased in advance at the station.

Madrid Metro one of the longest in the whole world, literally every point of the city can be reached by this transport. The metro network consists of 12 lines, working hours from 06:00 am to 02:00 am. Children under four years old can ride the metro for free.

Taxi in Spain can be called by phone from a hotel or bar. There are taxi ranks on the street, cars are distinguished by a light board with the corresponding inscription - taxi. Payment for services is made by meter, while night and holiday rates are slightly higher than standard. A libre flag or a green light on a taxi means that the car is free.

Car rental

To rent a car, you need standard documents: international driving license and passport. Additionally, some companies may require that the license was issued at least one to two years ago, and the age was at least 21 or 23 years old. Quite often, you also need to leave a deposit.

Roads in Spain are divided into three types: national (free, indicated on road signs and maps with the letter N), motorways (toll, sign A), municipal (free, sign C). Most of Catalonia's motorways are paid. Toll roads significantly reduce travel time and, as a result, are not more expensive than free roads, this is due to lower fuel consumption. The maximum permitted speed on highways is 110 km / h, on national highways - 100 km / h, in settlements - 50 km / h.

Telephone and communication

For telephone conversations in Spain, it is convenient to use cards sold in shops and kiosks. The main post offices are open around the clock. The discounted rate is valid from 22:00 to 06:00 and on holidays.

To call from Spain to Russia, you need to dial 007 (country code) + city code + subscriber number. To call from Russia to Spain - 8 + 10 + 34 (country code) + Spain city code (without "0") + subscriber number.

Emergency numbers:
Police: 092 (local), 091 (national)
Ambulance (red cross): 22-22-22

Mobile operators: Vodafone, Movistar, Orange, Yoigo

The shops

In Spain, shops are usually open on weekdays from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00, Saturday until 12:00. Shopping is best done in large cities of the country - Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Malaga. The largest department store chain is El Corte Ingles, where you can buy whatever your heart desires. Sales (Rebajas) are held twice a year: in summer (July 1 - end of August) and in winter (January 7 - end of February).

The best city for shopping - Barcelona, this city is jokingly called "the largest store in Europe". A large number of different shops and boutiques are located on the boulevard of Gracia (Passeig de Gracia). It is also worth visiting the L'Illa ("Island") shopping center and the Maremagnum shopping and entertainment complex located in the Old Port.

Active Tax Free refund system when leaving Spain, if the purchased goods cost more than 180 euros. In order for you to get a tax refund in the amount of 6% to 12%, you must present the corresponding check at a special point at the airport before departure.

Spanish souvenirs

Classic souvenirs from Spain: fans, castanets, majolica, figurines in national costumes, Toledo steel knives and daggers, embroidery and lace.

You can bring your own special souvenirs from different regions of the country. In Andalusia, wonderful ceramics are made, in Cadiz and Salamanca - colored blankets, in Galicia - lace. Blades from Toledo and knives from Albacete may be a fan of melee weapons lovers. Precious metals with artistic ornaments are purchased in Cordoba, Salamanca and Toledo. On the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands, hats, baskets and mats are woven. Imitation pearls and colored glass are produced on the island of Mallorca.

Kitchen

The national cuisine of Spain is rich and varied. Conventionally, it can be divided into eight gastronomic zones, each of which has its own dishes and drinks:

Northern Spain: fish dishes of the Basque Country, cheeses, Asturian fabada, cider;
Pyrenees: ham and chilindron sauce;
Catalonia: smoked fuet and Alioli garlic sauce;
Valencia: various rice dishes, including the famous "paella";
Andalusia: cold vegetable gazpacho soup and jabugo ham from the Huelva region;
Central zone: sausages and baked meat;
Balearic Islands: Pork dishes, Ensaimadas puff pastry rolls;
Canary Islands: fish and tropical fruit dishes.

Traditionally, the Spaniards generously season many dishes with different spices among which saffron, rosemary, parsley, nutmeg and marjoram are especially popular. Hot dishes are served sauces made from red and white wine, herbs and grated almonds. A special dish and whole ritual is Tapas(tapas) - light snacks served in the daytime and evening in bars in Spain for wine, beer and other drinks.

Within Spain, there are about 40 zones of winemaking, varying in soil composition and climatic conditions. Main types of wine: white (blanco), pink (rosado), red (tinto).

• Top 5 national dishes of Spain
• 1. Paella (rice with seafood, vegetables, chicken, sausage).
• 2. Jamon (dry-cured pork leg).
• 3. Gazpacho (cold soup made from grated vegetables).
• 4. Espetos (fish on a spit).
• 5. Turron (nougat with nuts).

Customs and rules

There are stories about the passionate temperament of the Spaniards. Usually, they are expressive and noisy, they are friendly to tourists. The inhabitants of Spain have two main passions - the love of football and bullfighting.

While in Spain, time should be taken into account siesta- afternoon rest, this period lasts from 13:00 to 16:00. During this time, most shops, banks and government agencies are closed for a break.

On the territory of Spain, there is a law that prohibits smoking in public places, with the exception of specially designated areas marked with the sign “ESTÁ PERMITIDO FUMAR”.

According to Spanish law, alcohol is not sold after 22:00.

You should not carry large amounts of cash with you, as theft from tourists happens quite often. Despite the severity of law enforcement agencies towards violators, in order to avoid unpleasant situations, it is recommended to monitor your bags and wallets, especially in large cities and resorts.

• The Portuguese are a non-conflict and sociable people. Do not be shy or be hostile to their friendliness - this will only ruin the experience. You can turn to any resident for help, he will definitely listen. The Portuguese are very pleased when tourists try to speak their language, but sign language is enough.

clothing

• It is necessary to choose the right footwear, especially for women. In many Portuguese cities, the terrain and cobblestones on the sidewalks will make walking in heels a real pain. Therefore, you should take care of comfortable sneakers or sneakers.

Food

• The Portuguese are very punctual when it comes to food, so restaurants are only open for lunch, from about 12:00 to 15:00, and dinner, from about 19:00 to 23:00. Some close even earlier. From morning to evening, only cafes are open, where fast food is not very common to gorge on.
• A surefire way to find a good restaurant is to pay attention to where the locals dine. As a rule, food is tasty and inexpensive in establishments with a simple, sometimes even boring interior. Such restaurants, by the way, are almost always full.
• A great option for an economical lunch is the set menu, which is simply called menu in Portuguese restaurants. Usually there is a choice between meat and fish, with a drink included in the lunch. In good establishments, the menu varies from day to day.
• The appetizers that are brought in the beginning, such as bread, different types of olives or cheese, are not a compliment as in many countries. You will have to pay for them, and sometimes the same as for the main course. To give up snacks, you can say: "naw, brigade" (if a man speaks) or "nau, brigada" (if a woman speaks), which translates as "no, thank you."

• Portions in Portuguese restaurants are quite large, so the main course can almost always be divided between two.
• Do not hesitate to order homemade wine in restaurants - it is of excellent quality and cheaper than branded wine. Wine is brought in a decanter and sometimes in a bottle.
• Everything that you ordered can be asked to wrap with you. There is nothing unusual in this, the “take away” system is very common in Portugal, including among local residents.

• Some toilets in Portugal are labeled in an unusual way: the letter H for the men's toilet and the letter S for the women's. There are a lot of free toilets, for example, in train stations and in supermarkets. You can go to any cafe, but it is considered good form to order something.

Electricity

• Mains voltage 230 V, 50 Hz. Sockets in Portugal type C and F.

Until 20 years ago, we could travel almost light. Now our suitcase is filled with a bunch of electronics, which a modern tourist simply cannot do without. But, going to another country, you need to understand that not always and everywhere you will be able to find your own electrical connector to recharge your gadget. Knowledge of electrical grids and accepted electrical standards will certainly come in handy on the wrong side.

So. There are two types of voltage and frequency most often found in the world. The first is the American standard 100-127 Volts / 60 Hertz, together with plugs A and B. Another standard is the European, 220 * 240 Volts / 50 Hertz, plugs of types C - M.

There are many ways to connect to the electrical network, a huge number of types of plugs and sockets, as well as different voltages and frequencies. All this becomes a serious problem for the tourist.
To connect electrical appliances to networks with outlets of an unsuitable format, various adapters and adapters are used. Some of them can be purchased here in Russia, at the nearest electrical appliance store, or already on the spot in the host country. When buying an adapter in a Russian store, you need to know the mains voltage, frequency and type of outlet in the country where you are going. The types of outlets and voltages in the most popular tourist countries will be discussed below.

In Russia, the voltage of the network is 220 volts, the frequency is 50 hertz. Uses socket types C and F

United Kingdom

Mains voltage 230 volts, frequency 50 hertz. Sockets of type G, less often D and M. Russian electrical appliances require an adapter for all types of British sockets.

Greece

Mains voltage 220 volts, frequency 50 hertz. Type of sockets - European standard (or type C) That is, it would seem, you can safely forget the adapter at home. But in Crete you still need an adapter which can be bought at any local supermarket for only 2 euros. The fact is that sometimes there are sockets with three inputs (type D), so you won't be able to use your electrical appliance directly.

Israel

Mains voltage 230 volts, frequency 50 hertz. Types of sockets C, H, M. Accordingly, an adapter may be required for sockets of type H and M.

India

Mains voltage 230 volts, frequency 50 hertz. The sockets are the same as in Greece type C and D. That is, if you are lucky and you find yourself in a hotel with European standard sockets (type C), then you will not have to look for an adapter. But, if the outlet is type D, you will have to run to the reception or to the nearest store.

Spain

Mains voltage 230 volts, frequency 50 hertz. The socket types are C and F. No adapter required.

Italy

Mains voltage 230 volts, frequency 50 hertz. Most often, euro sockets are installed (type C and F), but there may also be a type L socket, an adapter will be needed to it.

Egypt

Mains voltage 230 volts, frequency 50 hertz. Socket types C (as in Russia) and D. An adapter is required.

Cuba

Mains voltage 110/220 volts, frequency 60 hertz. Types of sockets A, B, C, L, F. It is better to purchase the adapter locally, everything will depend on what type of outlet will be installed in your hotel.

Mexico

Voltage 127 volts, frequency 60 hertz. Socket types A, B. An adapter is required.

Voltage 120 volts, frequency 60 hertz. Types of sockets A, B. You cannot do without an adapter.

Switzerland

Voltage 230 volts, frequency 50 hertz. Socket types C and J. And then - how lucky. The adapter may not be useful if the hotel will install type C sockets, but be careful: the second type of outlet (J) is very similar to our Russian one, however, an adapter is required to it.

Japan

Voltage 100 volts, frequency 50/60 hertz. Types of sockets A, B. You cannot do without an adapter.

Turkey, Tunisia, Finland, France, Germany- no adapter required.

Types of sockets in hotels of tourist countries (UAE, Cyprus, Thailand, Vietnam, Italy, others)

While abroad, tourists sometimes face the problem of a mismatch between the plug and the local electrical outlet. Most often this happens when recharging gadgets, when trying to use a hairdryer or an electric shaver.

In most hotels in the world there are no problems with renting the adapter you need for a nominal sum. Often the required adapter can be purchased at your nearest store. But if you are a frequent traveler, prefer not to stay at a hotel, or do not want to rely on chance, the following information will be useful to you.

To connect household appliances to the mains, two types of electrical voltage and two mains frequencies are used in the world:

• European current at 220-240 V with a frequency of 50 Hz
• American-Japanese at 100-127 V at 60 Hz.

At the same time, various types of electrical plugs for household appliances and standard sockets are no longer 2 or 3, but as many as 15. They differ not only in shape, but in the size of the plugs, the absence or presence of grounding.

The diagram shows all 15 types of outlets, they are arranged in numerical order adopted by the ITA - US Department of Commerce in 1998. (Some models are similar in the illustration, but they differ in the size of the jacks and plugs).

You shouldn't be intimidated by so many different types of outlets. If you wish, you can buy an adapter in advance and travel with it. There are several types of adapters that will allow you to connect your device to a different type of outlet and there are universal adapters.

Knowing what type of outlet is used in a particular country will help you choose the right adapter, or understand that you do not need one for your trip.

Cyprus

In all hotels in Cyprus, the electrical plugs for household appliances and the corresponding outlets are type G. This is the famous British system with three rectangular pins - one vertical and two horizontal. How they look can be seen in the photo. If you do not want to spend money on an adapter, you can rent it at the hotel reception, leaving a small deposit. The money will be refunded upon departure. Some Russian narrow plugs fit into such sockets, so it's worth a try first (without using physical force).

Sockets in Thailand

Thai sockets have either two holes, or two pins, or two pins with a hole. Accordingly, this is type C (euro socket), A and B (American sockets with and without grounding). Russian and Ukrainian electrical appliances are connected to type C sockets without any problems. There are also universal hole options (pictured). Flat-prong sockets usually include refrigerators, so they are less loose in hotels. If you need to recharge your phone or laptop, then it is better to find an adapter and use such "sockets for the refrigerator" type A, and when you need to turn on several devices at once, it is useful to have an extension cord with several sockets, they are inexpensive in Thailand. What kind of sockets in Thailand - you can see in the photo (universal option). However, if you have expensive equipment, it is better to have a grounded adapter.

Features of sockets in Vietnam

The type of outlet in Vietnam varies by region. In South Vietnam - type A (pictured), in North Vietnam, type C (European). In expensive hotels, you can find British G sockets. But everywhere - the usual current of the 220 V, 50 Hz network. There are adapters in hotels, but with a large influx of visitors, they may not be enough for everyone.

India

The generally accepted types of sockets in India are C, D and M. The current in the network is European. Russian plugs are quite suitable for Indian sockets. There are no problems with euro plugs, but the thin pins of some may not sit tightly and they will have to be fixed somehow, in which case it is better to use adapters. In general, tourists with power outlets do not have problems in hotels of any star rating. The photo shows a common example of the type of outlets in hotels in India.

Italy

Basically, sockets in Italian hotels are of type F. There is a grounding bracket inside, which does not interfere with inserting most of our domestic plugs. European type C and three-point type L sockets are also widespread. If the plugs have thick legs or have grounding, like a computer, then you cannot do without an adapter. In the photo on the left - a type L socket, on the right - a type F socket in Italy. If necessary, adapters can be bought at any store for 1-2 euros and at the hotel receptions they will be given free of charge.

Sockets in the Dominican Republic and Cuba in hotels. Features of the voltage of the mains

Sockets in the Dominican Republic in hotels are of types A and B - American, with and without grounding. Hotel adapters are available at the reception. But the country's power supply standards are different: the voltage in the network is 110 V, the frequency is 60 Hz. If you turn on a kettle, razor or iron for 220 V, they will work at a quarter of the strength, and charging will take longer. Transformer adapters are on sale, they cost about $ 16, although they do not have much power. Sockets in the Dominican Republic in more modern hotels are suitable for plugs not only of American samples, but also of European ones, both with and without grounding. Similarly, the situation with the voltage and types of outlets is the case in Cuba. In modern hotels in Cuba, there are even Euro sockets with a voltage of 220 V.

Sockets in Israel

Israel is "famous" for its unusual sockets, which are used only in this country, the voltage standard is European. Type H sockets are designed for a 3-pin plug. Old buildings still have old European type C sockets. Modern hotels are equipped with sockets, where a three-pin input allows you to connect a regular European plug. Chargers and other household appliances turn on without problems, even the old Soviet model.

Sockets in the UAE

Many who have visited this country will give different answers to the question of which sockets are in the UAE and whether an adapter is required. The fact is that there are three standards side by side - the widespread type G of the British socket with three flat pins, where an adapter is needed, the type C of the usual European, which does not need an adapter, and the type D, which came here from Old England. In Britain it is no longer used, but in India it is found. Many narrow European plugs are stuck into this type, and with plugs of the old Soviet model, you can connect through an adapter. The problem can be easily solved on the spot - adapters are available in hotels. The voltage and frequency in the UAE network are the same as ours.

France

Sockets in France are ordinary European type C and type E (pictured), voltage and frequency are standard. Sometimes an adapter is needed, as for the previous Tefal teapots, but most often a tee and an extension cord are useful, since the socket in the hotel room will be singular.

Spain

Sockets in Spain in hotels of types C and F, which are suitable for the European standard. Pictured is type F. No adapter required.

Greece

In Greece, the sockets are European standard (type C). In Crete, you may need an adapter - there are sockets with three inputs (D in the photo), so you won't be able to use them just like that.

Maldives

G, J, K - types of outlets in the Maldives. Power supply 230 V, 50 Hz. An adapter is required, but it is better to decide on its type on the spot. Expensive hotels already have the necessary adapters.

G J K

Indonesia

The most common types of electrical outlets are C and F, and adapters are not needed for them. Less commonly - British G, then an adapter is needed. The current in the network is 220 V 50 Hz, in Bali - 127 V, there may also be sockets and American type B with grounding.

Mexico

Voltage 127 V, frequency 60 Hz. The outlet types are North American A and B. Therefore an adapter is required. Not everywhere in hotels in Mexico it is offered for free, so you have to spend a little. It can also come in handy on the way - at the airport, on the ferry, in a cafe, so it's better to get your own.

Singapore

Types of electrical outlets A, C and G are used for connecting video equipment, M - for air conditioners and fixed hair dryers; hotels have different adapters. The current is European.

Sri Lanka

In four to five-star hotels in Sri Lanka, the type of outlet is more often British G, although there are types D and M. Current 230 V, 50 Hz.

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Geographical position

Location - BARCELONA, Spain
(N 41 ° 16 ") (E 2 ° 4") (GMT +1.0 hours)
Elevation - 6 m above sea level
Normal pressure at elevation - 101253 Pa
Barcelona is located on the northeastern coast of Spain - about two hours from the French border.

Timezone.

The time zone of Spain is GMT + 1 hour.

Seasons

Summer- June August

Winter- December - February

Autumn- September - November

Languages ​​of communication

Barcelona is bilingual - Spanish and Catalan. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, so the Catalan language is widely spoken among the population of Barcelona. However, Spanish and Catalan are both interchangeable and widely spoken.

In tourist places, some will speak not only Spanish but also English. But take a step away from the hackneyed places, and most will only speak Spanish or Catalan.

Barcelona, ​​however, is a very cosmopolitan European city with millions of tourists every year, so you shouldn't have any difficulties communicating.

Power supply system

The supply voltage in Spain is 220 V, and the sockets are with 2 sockets. Electrical appliances in any European country where 240V is used, such as the United Kingdom and Ireland, will work fine in Spain.

If you plan to use UK plugs, you will need to use a 3-to-2-jack adapter. To use electrical appliances from the USA, where the supply voltage is 110 V, you will need a step-down transformer up to 110 V. You can break electrical appliances designed for 110 V by connecting them to a 220 V.

It is recommended that you buy electrical adapters from the international airport of departure and not from an electrical store in Barcelona. In my experience, adapters bought in Spain are of poor build quality and tend to fall apart when you unplug them. It is much better to buy adapters at your airport, even if they cost a couple of pounds / euros / dollars more.

Water supply

Drinking water in Barcelona tastes very bad and it is highly recommended to drink bottled water here. Although tap water is not dangerous, it is preferable to drink bottled water. Inexpensive mineral water is sold in local supermarkets such as the Ramblas.

If you buy mineral water from stalls on the Ramblas, it can cost you € 2.00 per liter, but the same bottle in the supermarket will cost € 0.50 (half a euro).

Identification

Spanish law requires you to carry a photo ID with you at all times. This can be a passport, driver's license or foreign ID. With the tightening of security measures in the city, it is highly recommended to carry at least a copy of your passport in case you are stopped.

Phone calls

From abroad, you can call Barcelona by dialing the Spain code first +34 and then Barcelona code 93 .

Inexpensive international calls

The cheapest international calls are made with a card that can be bought in stores called "Tabac". You can also buy these cards at internet cafes and at some newsstands.

You will first need to call a local or toll free number. Then you need to select the language in which you want to listen to the instructions, enter the pin code indicated on the card, and then dial the international number.

You should choose the cards carefully because some of them can only make cheap calls to certain countries.

I liked the card for calls to the USA and European countries Euro Talk Card. Such a card costs € 5.00, and it is designed for 3 hours of calls to any city in the USA, Canada or Europe via a toll-free number.

The Euro Talk Card is the best option for your money, but Tabacs will not be able to buy it in stores. Perhaps you will find another card with similar conditions.

Dress code

The dress code in Barcelona is free. Jeans and T-shirts are the order of the day, and in plain clothes you will be admitted to almost all establishments, except for very exclusive restaurants. The only exception is sleeveless jerseys, which you can have trouble getting into bars or clubs. Some expensive nightclubs are only allowed in shoes (no sweatpants) and sleeveless shirts are also not allowed.

Money / Currency

As in all of Spain, in Barcelona the euro is in circulation.

Comparison of the population of Barcelona with other cities in Spain

If you would like to compare the population of Barcelona with other cities in Spain, I can recommend a page on the excellent travel website Spanish-fiestas.com.