Medical Services
Nationals of EU countries can get free medical treatment in Spain
on production of the relevant paperwork (Form E111 for British people),
although for holiday-makers, private insurance is highly recommended.
Spain has a very good national health service that works alongside
a wonderful private sector. Hospitals are of a very high standard.
- You are best advised to take your own private travel insurance.
Chemists
Chemists (farmacias) are plentiful in Spain and are marked
with a large green cross, (see right). The law states that farmacias
must operate on a rotor system so that there is always one open.
Details are posted on the door of the farmacias. You can obtain
basic medical advice here. There are also alternative chemists such
as Chinese clinics and herbal clinics. Most speak English.
Dentists
Any dentistry carried out will normally have to be paid for as they
are all private. The yellow pages of the telephone directory carries
a good list of dentists (dentistas). You will often find
a dentist in the large supermarkets.
Drugs
Prescription and non-prescription drugs are available from chemists
(farmacias), distinguished by large green crosses. Many drugs
available only on prescription in the UK and other countries can
be purchased over the counter here. You are still advised to seek
a doctors advice.
Tap water.
Over recent years the water system in Spain has undergone great
improvements and tap water in built-up areas is relatively safe.
Unfamiliar water can still cause minor stomach upsets and you may
wish to purchase agua mineral, bottled water. Agua con gas
is fizzy water and agua sin gas is still water. In small
villages, the water may be well water and not mains so if in doubt,
ask.
Take care of yourself
For those not used to the climate of Spain, especially summer visitors,
there are several things to watch out for:
· The heat - Make sure you drink plenty of
liquids. Always carry a bottle of water with you when it's very
hot - Alcohol is not the right liquid !
· Prickly heat - An itchy rash caused by perspiration
under the skin. If it happens to you, keep cool, bathe often and
use talcum powder on the rash.
· Salt deficiency - Sweating can lead to a loss of
body salt so make sure you have plenty of salt with your meals.
· Funny tummy - new and strange diets can cause minor
tummy upsets. If you find yourself unwell, drink plenty of fluids
and avoid fatty foods. Fish and shellfish from the Mediterranean
should only be eaten cooked and from a good restaurant.
· If you suffer from any health problems, consult your doctor
before you set off for Spain. Any medication you take with you should
be kept in their original containers and if possible take copies
of your prescriptions with you. Make sure you have enough medication
for the duration of your stay. If you intend to live in Spain, get
your doctor to write out the generic name for your medication and
not the brand name, this way, a drug can be matched with the Spanish
equivalent.
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Transport
Airports
Spain has several international airports, Barajas being the
most important , in Madrid, from where it is possible to
get to the city by taxi, bus or subway. Other cities with international
airports are: Barcelona, Alicante, Bilbao,
Malaga, Seville, Valencia and Santiago de
Compostela. The main Spanish airline is Iberia, which
covers the international and domestic destinations. The great majority
of international companies have flights to the most important areas
of Spain.
Cars
Spain has a road network of more than 150,000 kms. The motorways
are well maintained and cross the country from north to south, some
require tolls in Euros. The speed limit is 120 km/h on the motorways,
90 km/h on other roads, and it descends to 40 km/h in populated
areas. It is essential to have a valid driving license and insurance
policy.
Rent: There are many Car Rental companies in Spain, most
can be found at the airports.
Train
The railway network is directed by the state company RENFE
and connects all the regions of the peninsula. The trains come usually
with air-conditioning and restaurant. There are high speed trains
between Madrid and Seville and Madrid and Malaga.
Tourist trains exist, like the Transcantábrico and
Expreso Andaluz, a good way to discover those regions. The
Spanish railway service is one of the cheapest in Europe and has
discounts like the Railway Tourist Card, that allows limitless trips
between three and ten days in the period of two months. It is also
possible to use the European railway pass. Seat reservation is recommended
for the inter-urban services.
Urban Transport
Subway:
There are subway networks in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia
and Bilbao.
Bus:
All the Spanish cities have excellent bus networks. In some cities
there are common tickets for different transportation.
Taxis:
They are in all the great cities and the usual is to leave a 2 or
3 % tip.
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Retail Services
Shopping is an enjoyable experience for so many visitors to Spain,
and there are a huge range of things to buy and places to buy them.
If your looking for a bargain then you should visit one of the many
local markets listed below. But don't forget to barter - its expected
in the markets of Spain - and its also great fun! There are usually
plenty of local handicraft shops and boutiques around and these
can offer some great products including lace, ceramics and attractive
basketwork at very good prices.
Large Department stores are now becoming very popular throughout
Spain although they can usually only be found in the larger towns
or cities, and they stock some fantastic items made in Spain. El
Corte Ingles is one of the better known stores. Cosmetics and
toiletries are also much cheaper than in Britain so its worth taking
a look.
Supermarkets and the larger Hypermarkets are everywhere so if your
self-catering its never too difficult to stock up on the necessities,
they are also great places to pick up the odd present or two.
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Markets
Monday
Callosa d'En Sarria, Denia, La Nucia, Parcent, Santa Pola, Elche,
Ibi, Petrer, Pinsono, San Pedro del Pinatar.
Tuesday
Altea, Jalon, Alicante (fruit & vegetable), Elche (17.00 - 22.00),
Aspe, Jijona, Orihuela, Pilar de la Horadada, La Union (Murcia),
Los Alcaceres (Murcia).
Wednesday
Benidorm, Benitachell, El Campello, Ondara, Petrel, Teulada, Guadamar,
Mutxamel, Polop de la Marina, Novelda, Sax, La Mata (Torrevieja),
San Miguel de Salinas, Santiogo de la Ribera, Callosa de Segura.
Thursday
Alicante, Javea, Villajoyosa, Pego, San Javier (Murcia), Rojales,
Cocentaina, Villena, Aspe, Agost, San Javier (Murcia).
Friday
Alfaz del Pi, Denia (fruit & vegetable), Finestrat, Gata de
Gorgos, Moraira, Torrevieja, Oliva, Pilar de la Horadada ( in evening),
Los Montesinos (in evening), Elche (17.00 - 22.00), La Nucia.
Saturday
Benissa, Calpe, Alicante, Alcoy, Almoradi, Elche, Sante Pola, Torre
Pcheco (Murcia), San Juan, Pedreguer, San Miguel de Salinas (Blue
Lagoon), Playa Flamenca.
Sunday
Elche en Campo de Guardamar, Benidorm, Cabo de Palos (La Manga Murcia),
Villajoyosa.
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