Barcelona
Getting to Barcelona
Airport
Barcelona Airport – El Prat is the main airport in Barcelona, located 16 km southwest from the city center, and the main airport of Catalonia. Barcelona Airport features high-tech processing, high international security standards, world-class duty-free shopping, a number of fast casual dining restaurants, and all the regular amenities, such as mobile phone kiosks and forex exchange outlets.
Time zone
Barcelona Time is in the Central European Time Zone. Central European Standard Time (CET) is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).
Currency
Spain is in the Eurozone and the euro (EUR/€) is its official currency. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 2pm) and at the “bureaux de change” also open every day in Barcelona city center.
Health and Medical Services
Spain presents no special health risks, meaning you do not have to get inoculated before going to Barcelona. The quality of the food is excellent, and Barcelona has some of the top restaurants in the world. The tap water is also treated and therefore, drinkable. The quality of the Spanish healthcare system is very good, with professionals that will treat you with care and attention.
Language
Catalonia has its own language: Catalan. Most of the people who live in Barcelona are bilingual and speak Catalan and Spanish, which is also an official language. Street names and most road and transport signs are in Catalan. Many restaurants, especially those in the city centre, have menus in several languages. Many people from Barcelona understand English and French, although it helps to look up common Catalan expressions to get around.
Climate
Electricity
In Spain, the standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type F (two round pin plug; also known as “Schuko”). This socket also works with plug C and plug E. Most Europeans do not need to buy an adapter plug for Spain. Swiss and US standard plugs need an adapter.
Visa
ENTRY REGULATIONS AND VISA APPLICATION
Requirements for visitor’s visas differ from country to country. Please visit the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get information on entry and visa requirements: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/
Please note that only finalised participants will be able to require for the invitation letter.
