Frequently Asked Questions for Mallorca & Palma de 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.

Opening Hours

Shops: 9.30AM - 1.30PM; 4.30PM - 8.00PM
Offices: 9.00AM - 1.00PM; 4.00PM - 7.00PM
Banks: 9.30AM - 2.00PM
Churches: 8.00AM - 1.00PM; 6.00PM - 8.00PM
Museums: 9.00AM - 6.00PM
Pharmacies: 9.00AM - 1.00PM; 4.00PM - 8.00PM

In addition to the times shown above, large department stores, as well as supermarkets and shops in tourist resorts may open outside these times, especially in the summer. In general, pharmacies, banks and shops close on Saturday afternoon, though banks stay open until 4.30PM Monday to Thursday, October to May, but close Saturday, June to September

The opening times of museums is just a rough guide; some are open longer hours in summer while hours are reduced in winter. Some museums close at weekends or another day in the week, and can be shut over lunchtime.

National Holidays

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

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.

Health

Drugs

Prescription and non-prescription drugs and medicines are available from pharmacies (famacias), distringuished by a large a green cross. They are able to dispense many drugs that would only be available on prescription in other countries.

Insurance

Nationals of EU and certain other countries can get medical treatment in Spain with the relavant documentation, although private medical insurance is still advised and is essential for all other visitors.

Dental Services

Dental treatment is not usually available free of charge as all dentists practice privately. A list of dentists (dentistas) can be found in the yellow pages (pagina amarillas) of the telephone directory. Dental treatment should be covered by private medical insurance.

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.

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.