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Practical Information
Climate
Valencia enjoys a mild temperate Mediterranean climate. The average annual temperature is 19ºC with warm summers and very mild winters, rarely below 10ºC. There is only light rainfall mainly in autumn and the beginning of spring.
Currency
The currency in Spain is the Euro. Banks open from Monday to Friday, from 8.30/9.00 to 14.00/14.30h. There are 24-hour cash machines around the city, and most (Servired, 4B, etc.) offer international services. The best options to change money are the banks close to the Valencia Conference Centre.
BBVA BBK
Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas, 41 Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas, 37
46035 Valencia 46035 Valencia
Tel: 963 173338 Tel: 963 409235
BANCO SANTANDER BANCO SABADELL
Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas, 39 Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas, 37
46035 Valencia 46035 Valencia
Tel: 963 407283 Tel: 963 409144
LA CAIXA
Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas, 41
46035 Valencia
Tel: 961 836400
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.
Emergency and useful phone numbers
Emergency Services – 112
Local Police – 092
National Police – 091
The Fire Service – 080
Ambulances – 96 3677375
Pharmaceutical Helpline – 900 500 952
Local Government info – 012
City Hall Valencia – 963 525 478
Language
There are two official languages in Valencia: Spanish and “Valenciano".
Restaurants and bars
Spanish eating habits are characterised by late hours. Spaniards have lunch around 14:00-15:00 and dinner around 21:00-22:00. Restaurants traditionally open from 13:30 to 16:00 for lunch and from 21:00 to 23:30 for dinner. However, restaurants in tourist areas, as well as more informal bars and fast-food places, tend to have longer opening hours. In many restaurants you will be able to taste our traditional paella, an ancient dish (rooted in the 15th-16th centuries), made with rice and a variety of potential ingredients (chicken, rabbit, snails, seafood, seasonal vegetables, etc.).
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.
Time zone
Time zone in May is GMT / UTC +2:00.
Shopping
Opening hours for shops in Valencia are from 10 am to 8.30 pm from Monday to Saturday. Nevertheless, you will find malls and shops that are open every day, including Sundays and public holidays (except 1 and 6 January, 19 March, 1 May, 9 October and 25 December) from 11 am to 22 pm in the tourists areas: Valencia city centre and surroundings of the City of Arts and Science.
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