VISA Requirements
A VISA to enter Spain is required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days:
(a) nationals EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan and US;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep. of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela;
If you are unsure please check with the Spanish Embassy/Consulate in your country.
Travel to and from Barcelona
Plane
Barcelona's airport is 12km southwest of the city centre at El Prat de Llobregat. The city is a big international and domestic destination, with direct flights from North America and many European cities.
Train
You can take domestic and international trains to Barcelona. The main train station is Estació Sants, 2.5km west of La Rambla. Direct overnight trains from Paris, Geneva, Lisbon and Milan arrive here, as do services from various French cities and across Spain.
Weather & Clothing
Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with cool winters and hot summers. The dress code of the conference will be smart casual wear.
Climate Average
May/June: Max 23°C, Min 15 °C. Humidity 70%. Rainfall 30 mm. Hours of sunshine per day = 8.
Electricity Supply
Electricity supply is 220 volts throughout Spain with 2 pin wall sockets. For any European or other countries that utilise 240 volts e.g. UK and Ireland most electrical equipment will function adequately.
If you intend to use the UK electrical plugs then you will need an electricity plug adapter that will convert the standard 3 pin socket into a two pin socket. In the US where the electricity supply is 110 volts a transformer would be required to step down the voltage to 110 volts. Damage to the electrical appliance can occur if you attempt to use a 110 volt rated electrical appliance with a 220 volt supply.
Currency
The Euro is the accepted currency.
Banking facilities
ATMs that accept foreign cards are available everywhere.
Time zone
The time in Spain is GMT + 1 hour.
Water Supply
Barcelona drinking water is very unpalatable and it is highly recommended to drink bottled water whilst you are here. Although you can drink tap water safely it is much preferred to have bottled water. Bottled mineral water can be purchased very cheaply from local supermarkets for example the supermarket on the Ramblas. If you purchase bottled water from one of the stalls on the Ramblas you could pay up to two Euros per litre whereas the same bottle from a supermarket will cost you under 50 c (half a euro).
Personal Identification
It is required by Spanish law that photographic identification be carried with you at all times. This may be a passport, driving license or national identity card. It is highly recommended that you carry round with you at least a photocopy of your passport should you be asked for this.
Telephone calls
To call Barcelona from a country outside Spain you need to dial
0034 for Spain and then 93 for the dialing code for landlines in Barcelona.
How to make Low-Cost International Calls
One of the lowest cost ways to make international telephone calls is to purchase a calling card from a tobacconist or "Tabac" as they are called. You can also find these cards at internet cafe's and some newsagents.
These cards cost around six euros and can give you several hours worth of telephone calls from a public telephone box or private telephone.
These calling cards have either a freephone or local call number which you dial. You then select which language you wish to hear the instructions, input your security code, which is given on the cards, and then dial your international number.
It is recommended to choose your card carefully because some cards have preferential rates for specific countries.