Barcelona Practical Information

As well as some useful numbers, a few tips about the habits and customs of people in Barcelona can be helpful and will make your trip much smoother.
 
Take a look at the list below and we wish you a nice and trouble-free stay in our city.

POST OFFICES

Are you one of those incurable romantics who still sends postcards?

Do you need to send a gift to a friend?

Find out where to locate the nearest post office so you can send documents, parcels, money or continue your stamp collection.

TIME ZONE

The time zone in Barcelona is Central European Time (CET), which is GMT+1.

That means one hour ahead of the UK or Canary Islands.

ELECTRICITY

The electricity supplied in Barcelona is 230v, the same as in the rest of Europe.

The plug configuration is a 2 pronged plug, so don’t forget your travel adapter if you’re coming from the UK.

However, if you forget your converter plug, most hotels in Barcelona will have one at reception.

OPENING HOURS

Small shops normally open between 9am and 10pm and close at 8pm or 9pm.

Unless they are in a tourist area, shops normally close for lunch between 2pm and 4pm.

Large shops or shopping centres are usually open around the clock from 10am to 10pm.

Except when there are sales or at Christmas time, all shops are closed on Sundays.

However, there are some exceptions, little grocery shops or bakeries in certain town or city districts are sometimes open on Sundays.

Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 2pm. Most banks also open on Saturday from 8.30am to 1pm, except during the summer months.

Saving Banks ("Cajas de Ahorros") also open on Thursday afternoons, from 4.30pm to 7.45pm from October to June.

TIPPING

No set rules exist regarding tipping and it is not obligatory.

If locals are happy with the service received they normally round up the bill or leave a 10% tip.

It is really up to you, if you feel you do or don’t want to leave something either option would be acceptable.

CREDIT CARDS

International credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Some taxis also accept them, however it should be noted that taxi drivers don’t take kindly to receiving a 100 euro note for a 20 euro trip.

Telephone numbers to cancel your credit card in case of lost or robbery:

American Express: +34 902 357 637

Diners Club: +34 902 401 112

Master Card and Visa: +34 915 19 60 00 / +34 900 971 231 / +34 900 991 216