Safety: most visits to Spain are trouble free. Nevertheless, travellers should be aware of the heightened threat of terrorism that is prevalent all over the world. The Basque terrorist group has been responsible for bombings throughout Spain in their attempt to gain independence. Tourists are the main targets for petty crimes that include pick-pocketing and bag snatching. You should be sure to should take sensible precautions to avoid theft of passports, credit cards, travel documents and money. The cities of Madrid and Barcelona have recently seen an increase in muggings and violent attacks. These crimes are random and have during the day and night. It is important to take care in the larger cities. In Madrid, there has been increased crime in all major tourist areas including near the Prado Museum, near Atocha train station, in Retiro Park, in areas of old Madrid including Sol and El Rastro flea market, near the Royal Palace and in Plaza Mayor. When to go: there are no ‘best’ times to visit Spain as it really depends on the city that you are visiting. However, as a general rule May, June and September are good as they are less crowded and the weather is very pleasant throughout the country. The months of April and October are recommended if you are planning to travel to the south of Spain. Language: Spanish is the primary language, but English is widely used in tourist populated areas such as Barcelona, Ibiza and many other places. Catalan, Galician and Basque is also spoken but to a lesser degree. Emergency: Spain has improved its rescue service tremendously over the last 10 years and emergency response personnel are now fully trained, efficient and use the latest technology to respond quickly to situations.
Ambulance: 061 (or call hospitals listed below)
Police: 092
Fire & Rescue: 080 Recommended hospitals:
Malaga - Carlos Haya Hospital +34 952 390 400
Malaga - Civil Hospital +34 952 307 700
Malaga - Hospital Clinico +34 952 649 400
Ibiza - Can Misas Hospital +34 971 397 000
Ibiza - Cas Serres Hospital +34 971 392 960
Madrid - Hospital La Paz +34 917 277 000
Madrid - Hospital Clinica Puerta de Hierro del Insalud
+34 913 164 040
Barcelona - Hospital Vall de Hebron +34 932 746 000
Barcelona - Hospital del Mar +34 934 978 900 Typical business hours:
- Government departments: 08:00 to 14:00 Monday to Friday (during summer) and 09:00 to 16:00 Monday to Friday (during other seasons).
- Retail: 09:30 to 13:30 and 16:30 to 20:00 Monday to Saturday (with some stores open from 10:00 to 21:00 or 22:00 daily.
- Banking: 08:30 to 14:00 Monday to Friday (some banks open on Saturday 09:00 to 13:00 during winter only).
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