Spain's proximity to North Africa and centuries of outside cultural influences have created a unique tourist destination. Glorious examples of Moorish architecture, Roman ruins, cosmopolitan cities, a diverse landscape, and the original work of some of the greatest artists in the world.…. just a few reasons that make Spain the perfect vacation choice.
To contact Auto Europe toll-free from Spain, dial 001 900-96-1280.

Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Spain for visits of less than three months. Pets are allowed to enter the country as long as they have valid vaccination and health certificates. These certificates must be certified at the nearest consulate of Spain.

Local Time
Spain is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the United States and Canada.

Language
Castilian Spanish is understood throughout Spain, but Catalan, Basque (Euskera) and Galician are the dominant languages in their respective autonomous territories. English is often understood in major cities and resorts.

Electricity
220V, 50Hz service is standard, although 110V service persists in some remote areas. The Continental two-round-pin plug is standard.

Local Tourist Information
Tourist Office of Spain
Princesa, 1-Edificio Torre de Madrid
28008 Madrid
Phone (+34) 91-541-23-25
Dial 91 (long-distance code 9 and Madrid city code 1) only if locations outside Madrid.

Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than 1 liter of alcohol and 2 liters of wine; and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.

Currency Exchange
Banks, airport banks or exchange booths, branches of the El Corte Ingles department store and many travel agencies can change currency. Look for the word 'cambio.' Hotels also change currency, but usually at a less favorable rate than the banks offer. Travelers checks typically provide the best exchange rates, while using your credit card at an ATM produces the worst. Banks are generally open 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays from June to September. Otherwise hours are 8:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until 2 p.m. Friday, and until 1 p.m. Saturday. Do be advised that theft is a bit of a problem in Spain, keep you cash and cards hidden and secure while traveling in Spain. Also note that ATM machines in Spain are only equipped to handle a 4 digit pin number, if necessary be sure to make adjustments before you travel.

Tipping
Tips of 10 percent are customary for taxis and hotels. In restaurants a service charge is figured into the bill, it is appropriate to add up to 5% anyway. Small tips of €1 or less are appropriate for porters, maids, theater ushers and cloakroom attendants. It is also common practice to leave a bit of change on your table at a café or pub or on the bar for your tender.

Business Hours
Museums: Hours vary, usually Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7 p.m., but many museums are closed Mondays. Some may offer Saturday hours, but they will be limited, usually 09:00 or 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 or 2:00 p.m.. Post offices: With regional variations, usual hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Restaurants: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for lunch and 8:30 to 11 or 11:30 p.m. for dinner. In summer, some restaurants and many bars and discotheques are open into the small hours. (In Madrid and Barcelona, dawn closings aren't unusual even in winter.) Shopping: Traditional hours are 9 or 10 a.m. to 1 or 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Big department stores (and, increasingly, others) remain open at midday. In tourist areas, hours are often extended until 10 or 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Value Added Tax
16%