Practical Information: Gijon

Communication

Stay connected with local SIM cards, Wi-Fi, and postal services.

Options for Connectivity

Local SIM cards: Purchase at Orange, Vodafone, Movistar stores with passport. Consider an eSIM from Airalo.
Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. A portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi is an option.
Postal Services: Correos offices are throughout Gijón for mailing letters or packages.

Language & Translation

Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in tourist areas, but less common elsewhere.

Helpful Resources

Translation Apps: Google Translate with offline packs.
Phrasebook: A Spanish phrasebook can be helpful, explore options on Amazon. Language learning from Rosetta Stone.
Phrases: "¡Hola!" (hello), "Gracias" (thank you), "¿Habla inglés?" (Do you speak English?).

Business Hours

Understand typical operating hours for shops, restaurants, and banks.

General Times

Shops: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Large stores continuous 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
Restaurants: Lunch 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM, Dinner 8:30 PM - 11:00 PM.
Banks: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Monday-Friday. ATMs available 24/7.

Holidays & Closures

Spain observes national, regional, and local public holidays.

Dates to Note

Common Holidays: Jan 1 & 6, Easter (variable), May 1, Aug 15, Oct 12, Nov 1, Dec 6, 8, 25.
Gijón Specific: August 15 (Nuestra Señora de Begoña).
Plan Ahead: Most shops, banks, and public offices close on public holidays.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

General Customs

Greetings: "¡Hola!" for casual; "Buenos días/tardes/noches" for formal. Two kisses on cheeks common socially.
Attire: Casual yet stylish. Cover shoulders/knees in religious sites.
Photography: Ask permission for close-ups of people. Flash prohibited in most museums.
Dining: Late lunch and dinner. Sharing raciones is common.

Sensitive Topics & Tipping

Taboos: Avoid discussing sensitive politics (regional independence, Franco dictatorship) or bullfighting.
LGBTQ+: Spain is generally progressive and accepting; Gijón is welcoming.
Tipping: Not obligatory, but rounding up or a small tip for good service is appreciated.
Airport Services: For lounge access, consider Priority Pass. For flight compensation, explore Compensair.

Local Custom:

Making an effort with basic Spanish phrases will go a long way. Locals appreciate it, even if your Spanish is limited.

Accessibility & Services

Gijón makes efforts to accommodate travelers with diverse needs.

Mobility Infrastructure

Newer areas and main tourist zones feature smooth pavements and curb cuts. Older areas like Cimavilla have cobblestones and can be steep.

Accessible Transport

EMTUSA buses are generally accessible with ramps. Pre-book specialized taxis for larger wheelchairs.

Accessible Attractions

Jardín Botánico Atlántico, Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, and modern museums are generally accessible. The coastal promenade is flat.

Visual Impairment Services

Some attractions offer tools to assist visually impaired visitors.

Assistance Available

Audio Guides: Check for availability at museums or public transport.
Tactile Maps: Some sites may offer tactile maps for navigation.
Inquire: Contact the Gijón Tourist Office for specific resources.

Hearing Impairment Services

Resources for visitors with hearing impairments are available upon inquiry.

Support Options

Sign Language: Availability for guided tours may vary, inquire beforehand.
Subtitles: Some cultural venues may provide subtitles for multimedia presentations.
Contact Tourist Office: For specific support and information.

Accessibility Resources

Local Support

Gijón Tourist Office: Main resource for routes, attractions, and services.
Contact Ahead: Reach out in advance for personalized assistance.
Accessible Maps: Inquire about maps highlighting accessible areas.

National Organizations

Predif (Plataforma Representativa Estatal de Personas con Discapacidad Física): Provides information for physical disabilities in Spain.
National Websites: Explore Spanish tourism websites for broader accessibility details.
Planning Guides: Look for specialized guides for accessible travel in Spain.

Planning Ahead:

For a seamless trip, contact attractions and transport providers directly to confirm accessibility details tailored to your specific needs.

Safety & Security

Stay informed about safety measures and health precautions during your visit to Gijón.

General Safety

Gijón is a safe city, but general travel precautions are always recommended.

Tips for Security

Personal Belongings: Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas or on public transport.
Valuables: Keep valuables out of sight, use hotel safes.
Nighttime: Exercise caution when walking alone at night in less frequented areas.

Health & Medical

Access to medical services is reliable in Gijón.

Healthcare Access

Hospitals & Pharmacies: Modern facilities are available. Pharmacies are easily identified by a green cross.
Travel Insurance: Always travel with comprehensive insurance coverage.
Tap Water: Safe to drink throughout Gijón.

Emergency Contacts

Know who to call in an emergency.

Important Numbers

Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Fire): Dial 112.
Local Police: 092.
Ambulance: 061.

Environmental Safety

Be aware of natural conditions, especially along the coast.

Nature Precautions

Coastal Warnings: Pay attention to red flags at beaches, indicating unsafe swimming conditions.
Forest Fire Risk: During dry periods, fire risk can be high in natural parks. Follow local regulations.
Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, especially during summer months, even on cloudy days.

Alerts for Travelers

Road Safety

Speed Limits: Adhere to posted speed limits, which are strictly enforced.
Mountain Roads: Be cautious on winding mountain roads; they can be narrow.
Drinking & Driving: Spain has very strict laws; avoid alcohol if driving.

General Precautions

Prescription Medication: Carry a doctor's note for any prescribed medications.
Passport Copies: Keep digital and physical copies of your passport separate from the original.
Stay Informed: Check local news and government travel advisories.

Consular & Embassy Information

Assistance Abroad

Locate Embassy: Identify your country's embassy or consulate in Spain, usually located in Madrid.
Contact Details: Keep their emergency contact numbers handy.
Emergency Services: For lost passports or other urgent matters.

Registration

Travel Registration: Consider registering your trip with your country's foreign ministry or embassy.
Alerts: Receive important safety alerts and updates from your embassy.
Pre-Departure Check: Review your government's travel advisories before your trip.

Money & Banking

Information for managing your finances while traveling in Gijón.

Currency & Payments

The official currency in Spain is the Euro (€).

Payment Methods

Cash: Useful for small purchases, local markets, and some smaller establishments.
Credit/Debit Cards: Widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and hotels. Visa and Mastercard are the most common.
Contactless Payments: Increasingly popular and accepted.

ATMs & Banks

ATMs are readily available throughout Gijón for cash withdrawals.

Accessing Funds

ATMs (Cajeros Automáticos): Accessible 24/7, accept major international cards.
Withdrawal Fees: Be aware of potential fees from your bank or the local ATM operator.
Banks: Most open Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM.

Budgeting & Expenses

Estimate daily costs for different travel styles.

Cost Considerations

Accommodation: Hostels are budget-friendly, hotels vary by star rating.
Dining: Menú del Dían offers great value for lunch. Sidrerías provide affordable, shared meals.
Transportation: Walking saves money, public transport with a Bonobus card is economical.

Tax Refunds & Discounts

Non-EU visitors may be eligible for VAT refunds on purchases.

Savings Opportunities

VAT Refunds (Tax-Free Shopping): Inquire at participating stores for "Tax Free" forms.
Student/Senior Discounts: Always ask if you are eligible for discounts at attractions.
Free Entry Days: Some museums offer free entry on specific days or hours.

Financial Tip:

Notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid any card issues abroad.

Practical Information