PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Passports   up
Citizens of the European Union and some Western European countries can enter with their identification card. Citizens of other countries require a valid passport or a passport and visa, depending on the country. For additional information, consult with the Spanish and French Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Embassies and Consulates in the Basque Country   up
GERMANY
C/ San Vicente, 8 ·(BILBAO)
Tlf: 944 238 585
C/ Fuenterrabia 15 (SAN SEBASTIAN)
Tlf: 943 421 010

BELGIUM
C/ Paulino Mendibil, 8 (GETXO)
Tlf: 944 644 840 · consulbel.bio@euskalnet.net

COLOMBIA
Alameda Mazarredo, 47 (BILBAO)
Tlf: 944 230 539 · consulbi@euskalnet.net

CHILE
Paseo Campo Volantín, 29 (BILBAO)
Tlf: 944 462 326 · prochilebilbao@nexo.es

FRANCE
C/ Iparragirre, 26 (BILBAO)
Tlf: 944 255 180 · consuladodefrancia@infonegocio.es

GREAT BRITAIN
Alameda Urquijo, 2 (BILBAO)
Tlf: 944 157 600

7, boulevard Tauzin (BIARRITZ)
Tél : 05.59.24.21.40

ITALY
C/ Villarias, 2 (BILBAO)
Tlf: 944 243 293

MEXICO
C/ Licenciado Pozas, 24 (BILBAO)
Tlf: 944 423 289 · pacaran@kender.es

PORTUGAL
C/ Elcano, 7 (BILBAO)
Tlf: 944 354 540 · c.portugal@euskalnet.net
6, rue Jacques Laffitte (BAYONNE)
Tél : 05.59.25.55.97

RUSSIA
Les Trois Fontaines (BIARRITZ)
Tél : 05.59.22.52.09

SWEDEN
Av. Buenavista, 22 (SAN SEBASTIAN)
Tlf: 943 357 353

VENEZUELA
C/ Hurtado de Amezaga, 27 (BILBAO)
Tlf: 944 444 966

Language   up
Three languages are spoken in the Basque Country: Basque and Spanish in the Spanish section, and Basque and French in the French section. Although it is not universal, many people, especially those who are younger, speak conversational English.

Turistic Dictionary

Currency   up
From January 2002, the official currency in both the Spanish and the French parts is the Euro.The majority of establishments and shops accept major credit cards such as Visa, Master Card and American Express.

Shopping   up
Worth a trip in itself is the wide variety and diversity of high quality products available. Shopping in the Basque Country ranges from the great commercial centres to established, modern, or traditional establishments, that adjust to the current demand. In the three capitals, there are excellent boutiques, antique shops, and shops for artisan and gastronomic products that will delight the consumer.

Recommended clothing   up
For autumn, winter, and spring, warm clothing and rain clothing are recommended, as well as lighter clothing for relatively milder temperatures. For summer, light clothing is recommended, as well as warmer clothing for evenings.

Climate   up
The climate in the Basque Country varies according to the area (for more information, consult the link "Land of contrasts".

Weather forecasts

Local time   up
GMT +1 hour

Hours   up
Generally, breakfast is eaten between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m., lunch between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., and supper between 9:00 and 11:30 p.m. Shops are open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with more shops now not closing at midday.

Healthcare   up
Both primary and secondary healthcare, as well as pharmaceutical assistance, are universally available in the Basque Country. Nevertheless, some groups have specific insurance requirements. Prior to travel inform yourself of what your situation would be if you needed medical assistance, as well as what documentation you need to access health services.

European Union citizens should obtain document E-111, provided by the Social Security Department of their country. If for any reason you need medical assistance in the Basque Country and do not have document E-111, the Provincial Management of the National Social Security Institute can assist you in obtaining it. Healthcare assistance will be generally provided.

Citizens of countries with a bilateral healthcare agreement (Andorra, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Morocco, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru) should bring the document specifically established by your Social Security Department for the length of your stay.

Citizens of other countries should travel with health insurance to cover any healthcare emergencies that arise during their stay. Otherwise you will have pay for the healthcare provided.

Vaccines   up
No vaccines are necessary to travel to the Basque Country.

Area codes   up
To call Spain from abroad you need to dial the outgoing code of your country + 34 + phone number.

Tipping   up
Tipping is not required and is left to the discretion and desire of the client.

Electric voltage   up
The electric voltage is 220 volts and plugs are standard European.