Barcelona (pop. 1.6 million) is a city located on the Mediterranean coast  and has the dynamic and open personality so typical of Mediterranean cities. It is the perfect city to relax in, stroll around and enjoy. Barcelona has its own way of life which makes it unique. Come and experience it for yourself. 

Barcelona is the most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, with a population of 1,615,908 in 2008, it is located between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs and is bounded to the west by the Serra de Collserola ridge (512 m/1,680 ft). 

Barcelona is a major economic centre with one of Europe's principal Mediterranean ports, and Barcelona International Airport is the second largest in Spain after Madrid-Barajas Airport. Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the Counts of Barcelona. Besieged several times during its history, Barcelona is today an important cultural centre and a major tourist destination and has a rich cultural heritage.  

Particularly renowned are architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is well known in recent times for the 1992 Summer Olympics.  

Climate
Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with cool winters and hot summers.
Rainfall is highest in autumn and winter. During September and into October the city often gets a wash down in cracking thunderstorms.
The temperatures in the table below are average temperatures for June and can vary slightly.

Clothing
The "clothing" in Barcelona is casual. Jeans and T shirts are normal attire and you will be able to enter practically all but the very exclusive restaurants with casual wear. The only exception are "Sleeveless T' shirts" which you will have a few problems getting into Bars and clubs. Some of the more expensive night clubs insist on shoes (no trainers) and will also not allow Sleeveless T shirts.
Time

Language

There are two official languages in Catalonia: Catalan and Spanish, and there are more and more people in the region who understand and speak English. You’re sure to get by.

Currency converter - convert your currency into Euros with our live currency converter.
The currency in Spain is the Euro. You can use the currency converter below to convert Euros into your currency or vice versa. All rates are quoted live. The currency converter will give you a live update of the Euro exchange rate against all the major World currencies. e.g. to see what the Euro is compared to the Dollar or UK pound. The converter works with 80 major currencies and all information is continuously updated.

Before you travel to Barcelona we recommend that you have a number of means of payment and ensure that your money and goods are protected by a quality travel insurance policy.

We advise bringing travelers cheques, credit cards and about 2 days worth of Euros.

It's important to keep your different means of payment in separate locations on your person. Carry only the amount of money that you'll use in that day.

Barcelona has a petty theft problem and if you are unfortunate enough to have your bag or wallet stolen you'll need to have a back up means of payment to safeguard you.

Spanish auto banks will enable anyone with a visa-based card to withdraw cash from their home account. You can also withdraw cash using most switch cards.

Credit Cards

Major cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus are accepted throughout Spain. They can be used in many hotels, restaurants and shops. Credit cards can also be used in ATMs displaying the appropriate sign. Check charges with your bank. If your card is lost, stolen or swallowed by an ATM, you can telephone toll free to immediately stop its use:

Amex (900 994426)
Diners Club (901 101011)
MasterCard (900 971231)
Visa (900 991124)

Credit cards, including AMEX, are widely accepted in most of the high streets shops, restaurants and hotels. However many smaller restaurants still do not have credit card payment facilities.

Tipping is not a requirement. However if you received good service, a 5% to 10% tip would be considered polite.
Electricity

Electricity supply is 220 volts throughout Spain with 2 pin wall sockets. For any European countries that utilise 240 volts e.g. UK and Ireland most electrical equipment will function adequately.

If you intend to use the UK electrical plugs then you will need an electricity plug adapter that will convert the standard 3 pin socket into a two pin socket. In the US where the electricity supply is 110 volts a transformer would be required to step down the voltage to 110 volts. Damage to the electrical appliance can occur if you attempt to use a 110 volt rated electrical appliance with a 220 volt supply.

Drinking Water
Barcelona drinking water is very unpalatable and it is highly recommended to drink bottled water whilst you are there. Although you can drink tap water safely it is much preferred to have bottled water. Bottled mineral water can be purchased very cheaply from local supermarkets.  There are at least two within walking distance of all hotels on Parallel Road.  

It is required by Spanish law that photographic identification be carried with you at all times. This may be a passport, drivers license or national identity card. With a tightening of security in the city it is highly recommended that you carry round with you at least a photocopy of your passport should you be asked for this.

To call to Barcelona from a country outside Spain you need to dial:
00 (or whatever the international access code is in the country you are dialing from) + 34 (country code for Spain) + 93 (area code for Barcelona) + remaining digits.
To call from Barcelona to another country you need to dial:
00 (international access code from Spain) + country code + area code + remaining digits.

One of the lowest cost ways to make international telephone calls is to purchase a calling card from a tobacconists or "Tabac" as they are called. You can also find these cards at internet cafe's and some newsagents.

These cards cost around six euros and can give you several hours’ worth of telephone calls from a public telephone box or private telephone.

These calling cards have either a freephone or local call number which you dial. You then select which language you wish to hear the instructions in, input your security code, which is given on the cards, and then dial your international number.

It is recommended to choose your card carefully because some cards have preferential rates for specific countries.
One well known card which is useful for calling to both the United States and European countries is called the Euro Hours Card. This card costs six euros and will give you approximately three hours worth of calls via a freephone number to any US, Canadian or European city.

Internet

Most hotels have a hook up to the internet in al guestrooms so you will be able to go online as long as you have your laptop computer. Make sure to find out if there is a cost involved before using the internet access as most hotels in Spain do charge for internet use.  A four star hotel will charge approximately EUR 21 for unlimited internet use over a period of 24 hrs. 

Transportation

Metro (Subway or Underground)

Barcelona has a clean, punctual, air-conditioned metro system that will take you to most of the major sites. The metro is especially useful in the summer when it can be quite hot to walk everywhere. For more information on the metro click here Metro system

Tel: (0034) 93 225 0000, Tel: (0034) 93 433 1020
Tel: (0034) 93 357 7755, Tel: (0034) 93 300 2314
Tel: (0034) 93 300 1100, Tel: (0034) 93 303 3033
Tel: (0034) 93 284 8888, Tel: (0034) 93 330 0300

Taxis are an affordable alternative to public transport. A 15 mins journey will only cost about 10 Euros. Licensed Taxis have to charge you the amount displayed on the meter and will provide you with a receipt if required. However, if you are carrying extra luggage there may be a small surcharge. Rates will be displayed inside the cab.

How to get from Barcelona Airport to the City Center

Taxis (click for more info) – We recommend that you take a taxi from the airport to the city center.  It is the quickest and most efficient way.  A taxi queue can be found near the exit doors.  Taxis are metered and the fare is approximately 25 euros with a one way journey taking around 25 - 30 mins (depending on traffic).  Please note that free transportation is NOT provided for this conference and that you will be responsible for your own travel arrangements and costs between the airport and your hotel.