Climate and Clothing
With its Mediterranean climate, Valencia’s March temperatures vary between 20°C and 10°C with an average of 5 days of light rain. An umbrella and light rain jacket would be of good use.
Generally, casual dress is acceptable, but some establishments require more formal dress. It is always advisable to check beforehand on dress regulations, if any. Visit http://www.weather.com/ to check current weather conditions.
Communication
In order to make international calls to Valencia, dial the international code +34 and the correspondent’s number.
Currency/Credit/Charge Cards/Banks
The major currency is the Euro (€). A currency calculator can be found online at www.xe.com. Major cards are widely accepted by establishments in Valencia. Be aware, some businesses and services include a surcharge fee. Generally, banks open from Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 14:30. Some branches will also open on Saturday mornings. Automatic teller machines can be found all around the city most with international service.
Electricity
In Valencia, the electric current is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second, and a two pin continental plug. However, it is advisable to bring an adaptor and transformer for your electrical or electronic equipment using different voltage.
Emergency
In case of an emergency – dial (the call is free within Valencia):
Ambulance, Police, Fire department: 112
Gratuities
In Valencia a tip is included in the price of the bill. However, for excellent service a tip is always much appreciated.
Language
The language spoken is Spanish and Valencian (Catalan dialect). English is also spoken widely.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are open Mondays to Saturdays between 9:00 and 20:00 where prescription and non-prescription medicine can be obtained. A 24-hour pharmacy service is provided on a rota-basis. A surcharge is payable on medicine purchased outside normal opening hours.
Religious Services
The Official Tourist Website gives you information on places of worship and religious institutions.
Safety
Generally Valencia is a very safe city, although you should be aware of thefts especially on the beaches. Violence is fairly rare in Valencia.
Smoking Restrictions
Valencia is now smoking free and fines will be charged for those who break this law. ESCEO and IOF thank all participants for not smoking at the venue at all times.
Taxis
Taxis in Valencia, and in Spain in general, must be arranged by phone or can be found at a taxi stand. You can also pre-book a taxi a day in advance. The most popular companies in Valencia, offering 24 hour services, are reachable by phone at 134 96 370 3333 or +34 96 395 9560.
Time
The time zone in Spain is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 1 hour.
Value Added Tax (VAT) & Tax Free Shopping
16% VAT (as of August 2010) is automatically included in the price. Foreign visitors (outside of the European Community) may claim back the VAT paid on purchases through the Global Refund scheme. You have to ask for the tax free cheque in the store. For more information visit www.globalrefund.com.
Visa and Letter of Attestation
Participants are strongly advised to make sure they fulfill all legal requirements to enter Spain. Besides a valid passport, an entry visa may also be required. Please click here to find out whether, depending on your country of long-term residence, you need a visa to enter Spain. Generally, foreigners who do not require visas for entry and are visiting Spain as tourists may be given up to 30-day social visit passes upon their arrival in Spain.
It is highly recommended to start the process a minimum of 2 1/2 months prior to your travel to Spain. Please contact your nearest Spanish (or Schengen European Country) consulate or embassy in your country of residence for further information.
Attestation letters to assist in visa formalities are designed to help overcome administrative difficulties in certain countries. It must be understood that such letters do not imply any financial support or hosting arrangement from IOF and ECCEO, nor a guarantee of a visa being issued. The attestation letter to assist in visa formalities will only be sent on request and only to participants who have paid their registration fees in full.
Should you wish to receive a letter, please note that your request must be registered as early as possible by filling in the appropriate fields in the on-line registration form or by sending an email to ecceo2011@mci-group.com before December 31, 2010 in case it has not been requested at the time of registration.
A valid passport and/or identity card is required for all participants.
Tourist Information
For further information please visit the Valencia Tourism site.
