Tourist Information, Mallorca: Tourist Advice for Majorca

Practical Information

Visiting a new destination always raises typical questions, here is a list of practical information covering everything from money exchange, to national holidays, driving, health and more.

Time

Like the rest of Spain, Mallorca is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1), but from late March until late September, summer time (GMT+2) applies.

National Holidays, Spain

Many shops and offices close for longer periods around Christmas and Easter, as well as for the festivals of Corpus Christi in May/June and Sant Jaume on 25 July

• 1 Jan - New Years Day
• 6 Jan - Epiphany
• Mar/Apr - Good Friday, Easter Monday
• 1 May - Labour Day
• 15 Aug - Assumption of the Virgin
• 12 Oct - National Day
• 1 Nov - All Saints' Day
• 6 Dec - Constitution Day
• 8 Dec - Feast of the Immaculate Conception
• 25 Dec - Christmas Day

Driving Regulations, Spain

• Speed limits on: motorways (autopistas) 120kph; main roads 100kph; minor roads 90kph; urban roads 60kph
• Seat belts: Must be worn in front seats at all times and in rear seats where fitted
• Drink Driving: Random breath-testing exist anytime of the day and especially at night. Limits are as follows - 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, for your own safety as well as others
• Fuel (petrol - gasolina) is available in different grades - Super plus (98 octane), Super (96 octane), unleaded (Super sin plomo), Mezcla or Normal (90 octane) and gasoleo or gasoil (diesel)
• Petrol stations are normally open 6AM - 10PM, closed Sundays, though larger ones that are often self-service are open 24 hours. Most take credit cards. Note there are fewer petrol stations in the mountain areas and none on motorways
• If you break down call - Real Automovil Club de España (RACE) Tel: +34 (0)91 593 3333.  If it is a hired car, call your hire company.

Electricity

The power supply in Mallorca is 220-225 volts, though some hotels still have 100 - 120 volt inlets. Sockets accept two-round-pin style plugs, so an adaptor is needed for most non-continental appliances and a transformer for appliances operating on 100-120 volts.

TAX (IVA in Spain)

Keep an eye out for the appearance of extra costs on your bill. Some hoteliers, restaurateurs and shopkeepers include VAT (IVA) currently at 18%, in the price, others don't. It is worth checking the menu to see whether it will be included or added. It is not compulsory to include VAT in prices quoted but you should be aware of the possible hidden cost or the bargain meal you thought you had found might not turn out to be such good value after all.

Customs & Excise, Spain

Allowances on goods bought outside the EU:

Alcohol (over 22º vol) - 1L OR (under 22º vol) 2L; Still table wine - 4L; Beer - 16L; Cigarettes - 200 OR Cigars - 50  Tobacco - 250g; Perfume - 60cc/ml; £390 worth of all other goods including gifts and souvenirs

Goods bought inside the EU:

There are no limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco you can bring into the UK from an EU country, as long as:

• You transport the goods yourself.
• The goods are for your own use or as a gift. If the person you give the goods to pays you in any way (including reimbursing you for any expenses or payment in kind), then it's not a gift and the goods may be seized.
• The goods are duty and tax paid in the EU country where they were acquired.
   

Please note that if you bring back large quantities of alcohol or tobacco, a customs officer is more likely to ask about the purposes for which you hold the goods. This will most likely be the case if you appear at the airport with more than:

Alcohol (over 22º vol)- 10L (under 22º vol - 20L); Still table wine - 90L; Fortified wine e.g. port or sherry - 20L; Beer - 110L; Cigarettes - 3200; Cigars - 200; Tobacco - 3kg; Perfume - no limits

As these limits may change, please use the following link to check for the latest information.

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/allowances

Post

Post offices (correus) are open as below but some also open in the afternoon and on Saturday morning. The main post office in Palma at Cerrer de Constitucio 5, is open Monday to Friday 9.00AM - 9.00PM (to 2.00PM Saturday) Tel: 971721095.

Sun Advice

The sunniest (and hottest) months are July and August with an average of 11 hours sun a day and daytime temperatures of 29ºC. Particularly during these months you should avoid the midday sun and use a strong sunblock.

Safe Water

Tap water is generally safe though it can be heavily chlorinated. Mineral water is recommended as is cheap to buy and is sold as con gaz (carbonated) and sin gaz (still). Remember to drink plenty of water during hot weather.

Concessions

Students: Holders of an International Student Identity Card may be able to obtain some concessions on travel, entrance fees etc. There are two youth hostels on the island, on near Palma and the other outside Alcudia. Another cheap form of accommodation is to stay in a monastery; just turn up or book ahead.

Senior Citizens: Mallorca is an excellent destination for older travellers, especially in winter when the resorts are quieter, prices more reasonable and hotels offer very economical long-stay rates. The best deals are available through tour operators who specialise in holidays for senior citizens.