EU citizens are free to enter Spain requiring only a national ID card or a valid, up-to-date passport for entry of stays of up to 90 days. If travelling with children between the ages of 7 and 15, they must have their own passport with a photograph
Seville is one hour ahead of the UK and the temperature in February has an average high of 18°C and an average low of 7°C
There are several Tourist Offices in Seville, the main office being Naves del Barranco, calle Arjona 28, 41001 Seville. Tel: +34 954 221 714 www.turismo.sevilla.org. Smaller offices are located at Paseo de las Delicias 9, and Plaza de San Francisco, 41004 Seville. Tel: +34 954 590 188 and there are booths at the airport and central train station. There is also a central information office - Centro de Información de Sevilla, Plaza de la Concordia
Other tourist websites include www.turismo.sevilla.org www.adelucia.org
If you need the British Embassy there is no office in Seville. The nearest Consulate is in Malaga - British Consulate General, Edificio Eurocom, Bloque Sur, Calle Mauricio Moro Pareto 2, 29006 Malaga. Tel: +34 (95) 2352 30. The office is open from 8.30am - 1.30pm (GMT) or you can email them at Malaga@fco.gov.uk, website www.britishembassy.gov.uk/spain
Contact Details
Country Dialling Code 00 34
Seville Area Code 95
National Police 091
Local Police 092
Ambulance 061
Fire 080
General Emergencies 112
Tourist Police, Plaza de la Gavidia. Tel: (+34) 95 422 8840
MONEY
Spain is in the Euro with the current exchange rates being £1 = €1.11 at the time of research (Jan 09). It is worth changing up a little cash before you go and even hunting out some of those coins from all your previous trips which come in handy for tipping at the airport and for use in ticket machines.
Each Euro is split into 100 cents with coins available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and fifty cents and 1 and 2 Euros. Notes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500
Note that some smaller hotels and shops may not accept payment with 100, 200 or 500 euro notes.
There are plenty of cash points throughout the city centre and at the main transit points from which you can withdraw Euros. Exchange banks and cambios (exchange booths) can be found around the tourist office on Avenida de la Constitución
Spain suffers the same kind of card crime as we do in England, so if you use your card to pay in a bar or restaurant, make sure that it stays in your sight. Similarly, criminals also use card readers and devices on ATMs so that they appear to swallow your card.
There are a multitude of banks in and around the centre of Seville, most with ATMs that offer international service and there are also ATMs at the airport. You should be aware of the cost of fees charged by both your own bank and the bank you use to withdraw cash when abroad.
Casas de Cambio (exchange houses) throughout the town centre or bureau de change services offered by your hotel doesn’t always offer the best exchange rates
Some of the larger, expensive hotels may add tax to the bill whereas cheaper restaurants incorporate the tax into their prices. However, a tip between 5% and 10% could still be expected on top of this. For smaller expenses, most people just round up to the nearest euro. Taxi drivers usually don’t expect tips, though they wouldn’t be offended if you were to offer one.
HEALTH
As with any trip abroad, you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance in case you require medical care whilst overseas. UK citizens travelling in Europe should carry a European Health Insurance Card. This replaces the old E111 forms as from Jan 2006. The EHIC card is available free from www.ehic.org.uk and entitles you to free or reduced rate health care if you should become ill or get injured in many European countries, under a reciprocal arrangement with the UK’s NHS
Ordinary over-the-counter medications are available at pharmacies in every town. If you are requiring specialist medication it is advised you bring a plentiful supply with you as it may not be readily available. Depending on the type of medication (i.e. syringes) ensure you have a letter from your doctor explaining your requirement of the medication and the dosage.
SAFETY
Crime - Street crimes are relatively common and occasionally accompanied by violence especially in the main tourist areas so remain alert and keep an eye on your valuables. Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you, and where possible, carry valuable items separately. We advise that you report all crime and obtain a report of the incident from the police
Terrorism - Spain is under high threat of terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate in places such as on the public transport system and areas frequented by tourists and expats. You should remain vigilant and expect occasional delays and disruptions caused by real or hoax alerts. You should follow any instructions of the local police or other authorities
There have been recent attacks around Malaga and other areas in the south of Spain
Details of local hospitals:
* Hospital Universitario, Evenida Dr. Fedriani 3. Tel: (+34) 954 55 7400
* Emergency Clinic, behind the Alcázar at the corner of Menendez Pelayo and Avinida de Cadiz
The main Post Office is located at Avenida de la Constitución or if you want to contact friends quicker, internet access is available at Internet Multimedia Centre on Calle Adriano 7. Larger hotels and public buildings offer wi-fi access
Spain caters reasonably well to the needs of disabled travellers, with various symbols on public transport to what is available. Details of the symbols can be found in the section ‘In the City’
Electricity - Spain uses the standard round two-pin European sockets
There is a 24-hour pharmacy opposite the cathedral on Avendina de la Constetición and another at Calle Rodrigo Caro
If you want to keep in touch with family and friends you can send them a postcard or an e- mail. The main Post Office is located at Avenida de la Constitución 32 and internet access can be found at the Internet Multimedia Centre, Calle Adriano 7. Most of the large hotels and public buildings offer wi-fi facilities
LOCAL CUSTOMS
There is a requirement to provide proof of your identity if requested by a police officer so we advise that you carry a copy of your passport information page with you at all times.
Sin Jan 1st 2006 no smoking in public areas came in to effect. Heavy fines are imposed if you are found in breach of this legislation
If you are found in possession of drugs, no matter how small the quantity, you could be arrested and detained. If you are found in possession of a large quantity this will result in a prosecution and a custodial sentence upon conviction
