Practical Information
LANGUAGE
There are two official languages in Valencia: "Valenciano", used in the Valencian Community, and Spanish, Spain's official language.
There are centres that offer specialised classes, practical training and cultural activities; in addition, they can help students with finding housing. The Association of Spanish Schools in the Valencian Region (AMEELE) brings together Spanish schools in the city of Valencia which are accredited by the Instituto Cervantes.
www.ameele.net
POSTAL SERVICES
The Central Post and Telegraph Office (Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 24) is open on weekdays from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm and between 9.30 am and 2.00 pm on Saturdays. Telephone: +34 963 102 730. Stamps are also available in all tobacconists.
TIME ZONE
People generally eat later than in other European countries: breakfast (7.30 am and 10.00 am) is similar to the continental style. Restaurants serve lunch between 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm, and dinner from 8.30 pm until 10.30 pm.
Now you can go shopping in Valencia any day of the year. Although normal shop opening hours are from 10 am to 8.30 pm, you will find malls and shops in tourist areas that are open every day, including Sundays and public holidays (except 1 and 6 January, 1 May and 25 December). The areas where shops are open every day of the week are:
- Jardín del Turia: from Nou d'Octubre bridge to Astilleros bridge.
- Valencia city centre: Ciutat Vella and Ensanche areas.
- Els Orriols: around Ciudad de Valencia stadium.
TIPPING
Tips are included in all prices and bills, so tipping is not considered obligatory. However, if the service received is considered satisfactory, especially in bars and restaurants, a tip is often left.
WEATHER
Valencia enjoys a mild temperate Mediterranean climate. The average annual temperature is 17ºC with warm summers and very mild winters, rarely below 10ºC. There is only light rainfall mainly in autumn and the beginning of spring.
BANKS
Most banks are open from Monday to Friday between 8.30 am and 2.30 pm. Only a few branches open on Saturday mornings. There are 24-hour automatic tellers around the city, and most (Servired, 4B, etc.) offer international services.
CREDIT CARDS
Most hotels, restaurants and shops in Valencia accept the main credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Mastercard, 4B, Access y Diners Club.
ELECTRICITY
Standard electrical voltage in Valencia is 220-240 V AC, 50 Hz. A transformer and an adapter are necessary to use North American electrical appliances whose plugs have two square pins. Adapters are available in most hardware stores.
EXCHANGING MONEY
RIA Money Transfer & Change:
Currency exchange, traveller’s checks and money transfers. Centrally located in the main European cities.
Convento de Jerusalén, 9 - 46007 Valencia
Tel.: +34 963 525 383
www.riaagent.com
esfx@riafinancial.com
HOLIDAYS
- New Year Day: 1st January
- San Vicente Mártir: 22nd January
- San José: 19th March
- San Vicente Ferrer: 5th April, moved to the Monday following Easter
- Good Friday and Easter Monday: (dates change every year)
- Labour Day: 1st May
- Sant Dionís: 9th October, Valencian Community National Day
- All Saints: 1st of November
- The Day of the Constitution: 6th of December
- The Feast of the Immaculate Conception: 8th of December.
