Time zone
Only one time zone, UTC + 1h in winter, + 2h in summer. During DrupalCon Barcelona, 24-27 September 2024, CEST (UTC +2) .
Currency
Like most of the European Union, Spain uses the euro (€) as it's official currency.
Payment card
Make sure you have sufficient means of payment (cash, traveller's cheques, credit card, etc.) to cover your stay and return.
The payment card is now an accepted means of payment in most countries around the world. In most cases, it is not necessary to carry large sums of cash. ATMs are available in most airports and major cities. However, bank card withdrawals are limited to a certain amount per day and per week. Check with your bank before departure.
Check here to find ATM in Barcelona.
Telephone and internet
Country code for calls in Spain: + 34.
Internet access is available in most hotels and accommodations, as well as in fast-food outlets and cafés. Besides that, Barcelona city provides about 180 free Wi-Fi hotspots in public areas, such as museums, libraries, parks, city markets and even beaches.
Use a cell phone in the EU (European Union)
When you travel from your home country to another EU country, you don't have to pay extra to use your cell phone. This is known as "roaming" or "roaming at national rates". Your calls (to landlines and mobiles), text messages (SMS) and data services (web browsing, music and video downloads, etc.) are charged at national rates, i.e. at the same prices as calls, SMS and data within your home country.
The same rule applies to calls or SMS messages you receive abroad: you are not charged any additional fees for receiving calls or SMS messages while roaming, even if the person calling you uses another service provider.
SIM cards
A local prepaid SIM card when traveling
Your phone must be unlocked to accept any SIM card. Once you're there and have purchased your SIM card, simply change your SIM card and restart the device. You may need to go to the settings and select local network.
You then need to activate the line, but normally the SIM card vendor will do this for you, from your device. You can find a SIM card at the airport and at train stations too.
Easiest solution: eSIM card before you leave
You can order it before you leave, and as soon as you land, you've got your Internet connection. You have Internet as soon as you arrive.
Electricity
Electricity in Spain runs on 230 Volts, 50 Hertz alternating current. Sockets are type F (two round pins with 4,8 millimeter diameter). Type C and type E plugs are also compatible.
If you're bringing electrical appliances from abroad, you may need an adapter for the plugs. You may also need a transformer (110V-240V). If in doubt, check with the manufacturer.
Stores opening hours
In Barcelona, stores are usually open from 9:00 to 13:00/14:00 and from 16:30 to 20:00/22:00. Most stores are only open in the morning on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays and holidays.
