Passports, Visas and Consideration for Minors
Passports, Visas and Consideration for Minors
United States citizens need a passport to visit Spain and to re-enter the United States. We recommend that you keep a photocopy of the photo page of your passport in a separate place in case of an emergency.
Visas and other entry requirements, such as vaccinations, vary for individual countries. We recommend that you check the up-to-date travel rules prior to travel here.
When traveling with your child, but without the child’s co-parent, we recommend preparing a notarized letter from the non-present parent authorizing the child’s travel. Without this authorization, the child may be held at security and unable to travel. This letter is highly recommended for any international destination (airlines include Hawaii in this case), and suggested for travel within the continental United States.
General Weather Conditions
Barcelona enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, with the hottest months being July and August (average temperature: 29-30°C/84.2-86°F) and the coldest being January (average temperature 13°C/55.4°F).
Annual Average Temperatures
Annual Average High: 86; Annual Average Low: 55.4
Currency
The currency for Spain is the Euro. The best way to get Euros is to withdraw money from a bank using your ATM card. Paying with a credit or a debit card is the easiest way of completing transactions, although please note that photo ID is usually required to make credit card payments, American Express is not as widely accepted as in the USA and some smaller retailers will only accept cash. Traveler’s checks cannot generally be used as a substitute for cash, and there is no advantage in buying traveler’s checks in Euros as you will still have to change them. Dollars are not generally accepted, and the exchange rate at change offices can often be unfavorable.
Cell Phone Reception
It is recommended to check your cell phone package before you leave the United States to ensure coverage in Spain. Cell phone coverage in Barcelona is usually excellent, but the cost of placing calls can be expensive. Before leaving your home country log onto www.mobivox.com and follow instructions on how to place inexpensive international calls right from your mobile phone while abroad.
Country dialing code: +34; Telephone area code: 93
Time Zone
Spain is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. Spanish Daylight Saving Time lasts from around April to September, when clocks are set one hour ahead of the standard time.
Voltage
Electricity in Barcelona is generally 220 volts AC and the standard plug size is different from north America. It is always a good idea to carry a travel adaptor.
Lost and Found
If you find an item in the home you believe a previous Member left, please return it to your Host. The Club’s standard return policy is that all collected items are shipped back once a week. In this case, the Club will pass on the actual cost of packaging and shipping the items to the Member. A Member can request an expedited return service if needed and any additional costs that the Host may incur to make that happen will also be passed on to the Member. Please keep in mind there are higher fees associated with international destinations because of customs and other costs.
Tipping Guide
Tipping is becoming increasingly customary in Spain, and a generous tip for restaurant service would be 10-15%. Tipping is not usually necessary for counter service at bars, except in the case of large orders, in which case it is customary to tip the bar staff 5-10% of the total bill.
Traveling with Prescription Medicine
If you are traveling with prescription medicines, carry them in their original containers and bring a copy of your prescription. If you buy medications abroad, be aware that they may not be FDA-approved or allowed into the United States. For more information on customs rules and regulations, please contact 202.354.1000 or visit www.cbp.gov.
