Language

The official languages are Spanish, as in the rest of Spanish territory, and Catalan, in the Balearic Islands. In most tourist establishments they also speak English, German, Italian and French.

Currency

The official currency is the euro, as in the rest of Spanish territory.
There are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent coins and 1 and 2 euro coins.
There 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro notes.
WARNING! Any sum of more than 6,011 euros coming into or going out of Spain must be declared.

Tipping

When? Although tips are discretionary, it is customary to leave them.
Where? In bars, restaurants and for service staff in hotels.
Percentage? From 5-10% of the total food or drink bill.

Opening hours

• Shop hours: The normal hours are from 9am to 2pm and from 5 to 8pm. However, many establishments remain open at midday and until midnight. These centres also open their doors to the public on some Sundays and public holidays.
• Entertainment centres: The most common entertainment centres – bars, pubs and discotheques are usually open almost all week until 3 or 4 in the morning.

Public holidays

• 1 January.
• 6 January.
• Maundy Thursday.
• Good Friday.
• Easter Monday.
• 1 May: the Day of Workers.
• 15 August: the Assumption
• 12 October: the Virgin of Pilar.
• 15 August: the Annunciation to Our Lady.
• 1 November: All Saints Day.
• 6 December: Spanish Constitution Day.
• 8 December: Immaculate Conception of Our Lady.
• 24 December: Christmas Eve.
• 25 December: Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
• 26 December: Saint Stephen's Day.

Emergencies

If there is an emergency, you can ask for immediate help by dialling the 112 telephone number, the Balearic Islands emergency service. The call is free and you will be rapidly attended to in one of 4 languages (Spanish, Catalan, English and German).

All calls for ambulances, fire-fighters and security forces are co-ordinated through this telephone number to achieve a faster and more effective response to any emergency, of whatever kind.

Pets

People who want to travel to Formentera with their pets must first check that this option is allowed at the accommodation they have chosen and that their pets meet Spanish entry requirements. In addition, if the animal is considered to be of a dangerous breed it must travel with a certificate. In all cases, the general and specific rules concerning the use of a lead, a muzzle and any other applicable devices must be observed. As a general rule, pets, except guide dogs, are forbidden to enter bars, restaurants, food stores, beaches and urban transport. For more details, consult the tourist office.

Electricity

The electric current is 230 volts and 50Hz.

Petrol

Petrol stations sell UNLEADED petrol (95 or 98 octane) and DIESEL. Many petrol stations also have supermarkets, restaurants, newspapers, etc.