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| General Information
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Valencia is located on the Mediterranean and is the third largest city in Spain with a population of approximtely 807,000. It is an energetic and cosmopolitan city, but has a more relaxed atmosphere than Madrid and Barcelona. The people of Valencia take pride in their region, and the area has retained a distinctive character in spite of increased tourism and international influences. The Valencianos have some of the most unusual festivals in all of Spain, and they are also known for their lively tradtional music, excellent food, and beautiful regional crafts. The surrounding countryside is some of the most fertile land in all of Europe, known as La Huerta. Valencia also has a great seaside charm, with some beautiful beaches and peaceful views of the water. The nearby mountains along the coast add to the beauty of the scenery.
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| Weather
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Valencia has a fairly consistent Mediterranean climate, and neither the summer nor winter temperatres are extreme. The summers tend to be warm and dry, with temperatures averaging between 17 - 29˚C (63 - 85˚F). The winters are more humid but never very cold, and temperatures typically range from 5 - 16˚C (41 - 60˚F). Spring and fall are the stormiest seasons, but it rains very little in Valencia. Regardless of the time of year, you can expect many clear, sunny days.
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| Language
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Castilian Spanish is the official language of Spain and the version of Spanish spoken in Valencia. There is also a Valencian dialect that was revivied following Franco’s death in 1975, and is spoken by some residents of the region.
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| Religion
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Roman Catholicism is by far the most common religion in Spain, and therefore the most prevalent one in Valencia. Almost 80% of the population declares themselves to be Catholic, though this doesn’t mean that they necessarily practice the religion. Muslims are the second largest religious group, currently numbering over 1 million throughout the country. Protestants and Jews are present but rare.
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| Currency
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The currency used in Spain is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5, and the coins in use are €2, €1, 0.50C, 0.20C, 0.10C, 0.05C, 0.02C and 0.01C.
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| Tipping
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Service charges are almost always included in bills from restaurants, but a small tip is usually expected in addition. A tip of 5% is fairly normal, but you can give less for a small meal or more if the service is exceptional. Tipping for taxis is likewise usually between 5 - 10% of the bill if you are happy with the service. In cinemas and theatres where someone shows you to your seat it is normal to give a tip of 50 cents. This is also done for services such as coat checks. Tipping in bars and cafés is done, but at a lower rate, usually around 20 cents per round of drinks.
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| Taxes
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Spain has two different sales tax rates, at 7% and 16% depending on the items purchased. The 7% tax is for all items or services considered “essential” and is always non-refundable. This tax rate is used for hotel and restaurant bills, for example. Most items you buy in a shop, however, will be taxed at 16%. This tax can be refunded to tourists who are not from the EU, as long as you spend more than € 90.15 in the same store. Not all stores participate in tax free shopping, but the ones that do will give you an invoice to present at customs when you leave the airport. The airport bank will reimburse you for the amount listed on the invoice.
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| Telephone
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The country code of Spain is +34 and the local area code for Valencia is 96. To call Valencia from abroad, dial 00 34 96 followed by the local number. There are several good mobile networks throughout Spain, and it is usually easy to pick up a signal with a foreign mobile. International phone cards with cheap rates can be found at a variety of newsstands or tobacco shops in Valencia. Pay phones accept both phone cards and change. Phone rates for both national and international calls are cheaper after 10 pm and during the weekend.
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| Internet
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There are several good internet cafés in Valencia. Some are open quite late, while other close in the early evening. Prices are normally between €1 - 2 per hour.
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| Emergency Numbers
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Ambulance, Fire and Police: 112
Local Police: 092
Civil Guard: 062
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| Opening Times
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Most shops and other businesses are open Mon - Sat both morning and evening with a break in between. Typical opening times are from 9.30 am - 2 pm and from 5 pm - 8 pm, though with some stores the break may be shorter. Certain large stores stay open all day. Some shops in the centre stay open late, until around 9.30 pm. On Saturdays, it is not uncommon for small shops to close early, around 2 pm. Banks open earlier than stores, usually around 8.30 am, and close around 2 pm. Banks and government offices are closed on Saturday. On Sunday, almost everything is closed.
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| Public Holidays
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The following days are public holidays in Spain, and means that shops and banks will be closed. Transportation may also be more limited, and taxis add a small surcharge to the bill.
1st January, New Years Day
6th January, Three Kings’ Day
20th March, San José Day
Easter Thursday and Friday
1st May, Labour Day
15th August, Feast of the Assumption
1st November, All Saints Day
6th December, Constitution Day
8th December, Feast of the Immaculate Conception
25th December, Christmas
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| Safety
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Spain has a low rate of violent crime, and Valencia is basically as safe as any city can expect to be. Crimes that tourists should be on the lookout for, however, include pick pocketing, thefts from cars, and other kinds of robbery. These can be avoided in almost all cases, though, if common precautions are taken. Keep an eye on your surroundings and your belongings, and don’t carry valuables in places where pickpockets could get at them. Areas of Valencia where it is wise to be careful after dark include the Malvarossa area near to the beach, Cabanyal and the paths along the Turia River.
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