Spain Hotels and Resorts

SHOPPING

In Spain, the shopper can find items of high quality at a fair price, not only in the cities, but in the small towns as well. In Madrid, the Rastro Market is recommended, particularly on Sundays. Half of the market takes place in the open air and half in more permanent galleries, and it has a character all of its own. Catalonian textiles are internationally famous and there are mills throughout the region. Spanish leather goods are prized throughout the world, offering high-fashion originals at reasonable prices. Of note are the suede coats and jackets. In general, all leather goods, particularly those from Andalucía, combine excellent craftmanship with high-quality design. Fine, handcrafted wooden furniture is one of the outstanding products; Valencia is especially important in this field, and has a yearly international furniture fair. Alicante is an important center for toy manufacturing. Shoe manufacturing is also of an especially high quality; the production centers are in Alicante and the Balearics. Fine rugs and carpets are made in Cáceres, Granada and Murcia. The numerous excellent sherries, wines and spirits produced in Spain make good souvenirs to take home.

Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 1000-1300 and 1600-2000. However, most commercial stores and malls stay open from 1000-2200.

Currency Information:

Single European currency (Euro)
Single European currency (Euro): The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including Spain). The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002; the Spanish Peseta was still in circulation until 28 February 2002, when it was completely replaced by the Euro. Euro (&Euro;) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of &Euro;500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of &Euro;2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency exchange
Money can be changed in any bank, and at most travel agencies, major hotels and airports. National Girobank Postcheques may be used to withdraw cash from UK accounts at main Spanish post offices.

Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, as well as Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.

Travelers cheques
International travelers cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is unlimited, but the export of amounts exceeding &Euro;6010 (in any currency) per person per journey must be declared. The export of cash notes and bearers-cheques, in any currency, exceeding &Euro;3050 per person per journey must also be declared.

Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Euro against Sterling and the US Dollar: