Costa Blanca Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile & Internet

Remain connected with local SIM cards and widely available Wi-Fi.

Connectivity Options

Local SIM Cards: Major providers include Orange, Vodafone, Movistar. Passport for registration. [Get an eSIM with Airalo]
Internet Access: Widespread in hotels, restaurants, cafes, public spaces. [Portable WiFi from Solis Wi-Fi]
Postal Services: Post offices (Correos) available in all towns, yellow signs.

Language & Translation

Navigate language differences with common phrases and translation tools.

Language Tools

Languages: Spanish (Castellano) is national; Valencian (Valenciano) co-official. English spoken in tourist areas.
Translation Resources: Google Translate app (offline packs). DeepL. [Learn Spanish with Rosetta Stone]
Key Phrases: Learn basic Spanish like 'Hola', 'Gracias', 'Kindly', '¿Habla inglés?'.

Communication Tips

Do's for Communication

Use 'Hola' entering shops and 'Gracias' when leaving.
Learn basic Spanish phrases to show respect.
WhatsApp is the main communication app in Spain for businesses.
Download offline language packs for translation apps.

Considerations

Not all locals speak English, especially outside tourist hubs.
Valencian is spoken, sometimes making signage bilingual.
Ensure your mobile plan covers international roaming or get a local SIM/eSIM.
Be willing to present passport for SIM card registration.

WhatsApp is Essential

WhatsApp is the main communication app in Spain. Many businesses and individuals use it for quick messages and calls.

Business Hours & Schedules

Spain operates on a different schedule than some other countries.

Shop Hours

Normally 9:30 AM/10:00 AM to 1:30 PM/2:00 PM, then reopens 4:30 PM/5:00 PM to 8:00 PM/9:00 PM (siesta).

Dining Hours

Lunch 1:30 PM/2:00 PM-4:00 PM; Dinner 8:30 PM/9:00 PM-11:00 PM/midnight. Tourist restaurants open earlier.

Museums & Attractions

Generally 10:00 AM-6:00 PM/8:00 PM. Often closed on Mondays. Check particular times.

Banking & ATMs

Access your funds with widely available ATMs and standard bank hours.

Financial Access

Banks: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-2:00 PM. Some Saturday mornings.
ATMs (Cajeros Automáticos): Widely available 24/7 from major banks (CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander).
Holidays: Services may be limited or closed on national, regional, and area holidays.

Holiday & Seasonal Impacts

Be aware of national, regional, and local holidays that affect how businesses run.

Planning Around Closures

Federal Holidays: New Year's Day, Epiphany, Labour Day, Christmas Day, etc.
Regional/Local Holidays: Day of the Valencian Community (Oct 9), plus local fiestas.
Seasonal Closures: Smaller coastal businesses may close during low season (winter).

Public Holidays

National Holidays

Jan 1: New Year's Day
Jan 6: Epiphany
May 1ST: Labour Day
Aug 15: Assumption Day
Oct 12: National Day
Dec 6: Constitution Day

December Holidays

Dec 8: Immaculate Conception
Dec 25: Christmas Day
Good Friday/Easter Monday holiday (variable)
Oct 9: Day of the Valencian Community
Local Fiestas: Vary by municipality.
Check specific dates annually.

Airport Services & Flight Compensation

Travel prepared with airport lounge access and flight compensation support.

Enhance Your Journey

Priority Pass: Access airport lounges worldwide for comfort before flights. [Explore Priority Pass]
Compensair: Get compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. [Claim with Compensair]
Pre-book airport transfers for a smooth arrival and departure.

Adjust to Spanish Timing

Embrace the later rhythms of Spanish life for meals and activities; don't feel rushed.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Spain has specific social customs. Being mindful of these for smoother interactions.

Greeting Customs

A handshake is common formally; two cheek kisses informally for friends/acquaintances.

Social Interactions

Formal: Handshake when meeting for the primary time.
Informal: Two kisses on the cheek (right then left) for friends, acquaintances.
Polite to say 'Hola' when entering and 'Gracias' when leaving a shop/bar.

Attire & Photography

Dress casually, but be mindful of settings like churches and privacy.

Respectful Practices

Appropriate Attire: Casual generally, smart-casual for nice dinners. Swimwear for beach/pool only.
Religious Sites: Appropriate dress (shoulders and knees covered) is appreciated.
Photography: Ask permission for individuals; avoid intrusive photos. Check signs for restrictions.

Dining & Sensitive Topics

Tipping is customary but not obligatory. Be aware of sensitive discussion topics.

Cultural Awareness

Dining: Wait to be seated in restaurants; lingering after meals is common.
Tipping: Customary but less expected than in the US. A small amount is appreciated.
Sensitive Topics: Avoid discussing politics (Catalan independence), Civil War, religion.

Accessibility Information

Spain has made strides in accessibility, but older areas may present difficulties.

Mobility & Support

Infrastructure: Newer facilities (airports, high-speed trains, major hotels) are generally accessible.
Accessible Transport: Alicante TRAM, newer city buses often have ramps and spaces.
Challenges: Hilly old city parts (Alicante's Barrio de la Santa Cruz, Altea Old Town) have stone pavers and stairs.

Important Notes & Considerations

Social Norms

Gender & LGBTQ+: Spain is generally progressive and tolerant; discrimination is illegal.
Major cities have visible LGBTQ+ communities and venues.
Accessible Resources For travel: Consult local visitor bureaus for specific information.

Accessibility Warnings

Cobblestones & Hills: Older city parts may be challenging for mobility impairments.
Smaller, Older Establishments: May not be accessible.
Always check specific venue accessibility beforehand to avoid surprises.

Language subtleties

Spanish Castellano

National language, widely spoken.
Essential for daily interactions outside tourist areas.
Pronunciation is generally phonetic.

Valencian Valencià

Co-official language in Valencian Community.
Seen on official documents and street signs.

Be Prepared

Planning ahead for communication, schedules, and cultural norms will result in a smoother and more enjoyable journey.

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