Spain: Financial Aspects of the Trip

Spain with its ancient history, the Mediterranean climate and the mass of attractions is one of the most sought-after Russian tourist destinations. But whether we go to the sea resorts of Spain or we are going to make a tour of the main cities of this wonderful country - without careful planning of the holiday budget, we can not do.

What currency are carrying

It will not be a revelation for anyone that Spain is a member of the EU, and the official currency of this country is the euro. Therefore, the euro should take with you on the journey. The cost of 1 euro at the beginning of April 2014 is 48.5 rubles. In the circulation there are coins with a par value from 1 cents (one hundredth euro) to two euros and banknotes from 5 to 500 euros. It is better not to use the assignments of 500 euros, since there are many fakes of this bill on the market, and the Europeans themselves relate to it with a certain distrust. The most convenient in circulation is the rating of 20, 50 and 100 euros.

In order to avoid misunderstandings, it is recommended to exchange money in advance, in other words, to acquire euro in Russia - let not the whole amount, but a significant part of it. Dollars are not worthwhile, because they will have to exchange them at a disadvantage.

You can import to Spain without a custom declaration you can up to 10 thousand US dollars. The amount that is allowed to take out should not exceed $ 3500.

Money exchange

You can exchange money in hotels, travel bureaus, at the airport or in one of the local banks. As in other countries, currency exchange at the airport is rather ruler. As for exchange points, some of them work around the clock. The exchange rate and commission for the transaction can be found in place.

Nevertheless, the most preferred exchange rate offers banks. It is curious that in some banks currency exchange without a fee, whereas at other volumes of commission can reach up to 10% of the transaction - the difference is colossal, therefore it is recommended to check the information in advance. Among the main Spanish banks - Banco de Espana (Central Bank of the country), the financial giant Banco Santander, BBVA, which is among the leading banks not only in Spain, but also in Latin America, and Caja Madrid.

Local banks work from 8.30-9.00 to 14.00 from Monday to Friday, on Saturday - until 12.00. Separate banks also open in the evening, but, as a rule, no more often than once a week.

Credit cards

In Spain, it is very convenient to use a credit card - there are enough ATMs here (only Caja Madrid has about 5,000 ATMs throughout the country). ATMs can be found at the branches of local banks - on the street or straight in the lobby.

In most hotels, as well as in many restaurants, shopping complexes and even in small shops and souvenir shops, not only plastic cards are accepted for payment, but also travelers. Russian international cards are fully capable, so you can pay them without problems. True, when buying for an amount less than three euros, your card can not accept, but the point here is in insignificance of the amount, and not in the credit card. When calculating the credit card, it is required to show a document certifying the person. Of course, despite all the advantages of an electronic card, it is recommended to have cash with you and cash.

How much money to take

According to European standards, Spain cannot be attributed to expensive countries, but it does not mean at all that you will not be unpleasantly surprised by the value of certain goods or services.

Average price of hotel room The person per day hesitates within 50-100 euros, although you can find a room and for 30-40 euros (and even cheaper) or, on the contrary, to pamper yourself for 150-200 euros.

Public transport In Spain not cheap. One trip will cost 1.5-2 euros, so it is better to use travel - this will significantly reduce the costs (as for a travel time, designed for 10 trips, you pay about 8 and a half euros). Car rental costs 30-120 euros per day (depending on the company in which you turned, and the brands of the car) and about 300-350 euros per week.

Initial price per lunch Fast food restaurants - 8 euros. A comprehensive dinner in an inexpensive institution will cost 10-15 euros, and for dinner in a good place will have to fork out for 30-35 euros. In some cafes, you can still wind additional 15-20% per lunch / dinner outdoors. And do not forget about tips - it is 5-7% of the total account in the restaurant and 1 euro in hotels.

Prices for clothing It is quite acceptable: 15-20 euros are jeans, about 40 euros you pay for the usual jacket. In local stores it is advantageous to purchase Zara's clothing, as this is a Spanish manufacturer and prices for its products here below than anywhere else. As for the clothing of the best foreign brands, there is a reverse situation: prices for such goods are very high.

There are quite expensive pleasure excursions, the cost of which starts from 25-30 euros, but can easily exceed 100 euros - for example, day on a yacht or a trip from Barcelona to Carcassonne (France), which is worth 150 euros. Of course, many attractions can be seen independently, but here you have to pay: 8 euros for entry into the cathedral, 15 euros for visiting the oceanarium, 30 euros for the opportunity to enjoy the famous Spanish flamenco.

Let's summarize. Without taking into account the cost of the hotel, 70-80 euros per person should be enough per day, but if you count with a reserve - the recommended amount will be 100-120 euros per day, because to deny yourself on vacation in good nutrition and no one wants to save on interesting excursions.

Visa to Spain

Spain is one of the countries of the Schengen Union, so you will need a visa to enter its territory. You can arrange a visa by applying documents to one of the Spanish visa centers, or with the help of a travel agency. Despite the impressive list of required documents, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome of the case, if in good faith to prepare.

Communication and Internet in Spain

Combination problems in a particular country are not exhausted by the quality of the signal and the coverage area. In one traveler states, there may be unpleasant to surprise high rates, in others - even the elementary purchase of a SIM card is associated with certain difficulties. Check how things are dealing with Spain.

general information

Spanish providers offer 2 types of tariff plans, called contract and prepayment.

Where to stay in Spain

One of the reasons for the popularity of Spain among European countries is a large selection of tourist housing: a different level, cost and comfort. Before stopping at some of the options, of course, it is necessary to decide wherever you want to go: the best beaches, according to the Spaniards themselves, in Galicia, Basque San Sebastian, on Lancer Island, in Ibiza; on Costa Almeria - many immigrants from Russia; Beach holidays and ski resorts - on Costa del Sol; Cozy beaches among the rocks - in Mallorca; An extensive excursion program - in Barcelona, \u200b\u200bValencia, Alicante.