Zaragoza
Enjoy strolling through the historic streets of the city and let yourself be amazed by the hidden spots which are there waiting silently for visitors to discover them. Museums, squares, buildings, sculptures? greet you and plunge you into past cultures and avant-garde trends.
We have drawn up a list of sights that you can`t miss: churches, monuments, bridges, natural spaces... all laden with history which comes together with the emerging image of a modern and dynamic Zaragoza. For further information please see: Zaragoza Tourism
Eating and drinking: Zaragoza is known for its simple and nutritious cuisine, characterised by the use of indigenous fruit and vegetables and good wines. For further information please see: Zaragoza Gastronomy
Entering Spain: Visitors from other European Union member countries may enter Spain using either a passport or their national identity document. Visitors from other countries must have a valid passport and a visa if required. Inquiries regarding visas can be directed to Spanish diplomatic representatives abroad.
Language: Spanish is the main languages spoken in Zaragoza. English, and to a lesser extent French, are also fairly widely spoken.
Health Regulation: No international immunization is needed when entering Spain. However, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of all countries through which you may have to pass on your way to Spain.
Climate: Zaragoza enjoys a Continental climate with warm and sunny summers, severe winters, mild and moderate autumns and short spring. In any station may have days with "cierzo", characteristic wind typical of the city with origin North-West. Temperatures during the summer months of July, August and September can be quite hot during the day, with temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit), but are very pleasant in the evening.
Taxis: Taxis in Zaragoza may be ordered by phone, picked up at authorized taxi stands or flagged down in the street. Always check that the meter is running. Taxis must usually be paid in cash though some accept credit cards.
Public Transport and Car Rental: Zaragoza has a good public transport network bus and one line of tram. The tickets are valid on bus and tram for one hour. Taxis are abundant and reasonably priced. Free parking is very limited in the city center and car parks are expensive, so car rental is only really recommended for excursions outside the city.
VAT: There is a variable value added tax (VAT) of 10% to 21% applied to most items and services, but most prices you see will include it. When it is not included, this should be clearly indicated.
Shopping: Normal trading hours are Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 13.30 and 16.30 to 20.00; however, in the city center and shopping malls, many shops stay open all day from 10.00 to 21.00, or even later in some tourist spots such as Puerto Venecia.
Credit Cards, Currency and Exchange: All major international credit cards are accepted. Foreign currency and traveler''92s checks can be exchanged in Spain at banks and foreign exchange offices. Cash-point machines accepting major international credit cards and charge cards are available at most banks. The Spanish currency is the Euro (€).
Duty Free: There are no restrictions on visitors entering Spain with goods bought in another European Union member country, as long as they are for their own use and not to sell.
Banks: Banks are open from 8.30 to 14.00 from Monday to Friday during the summer months.
Tipping: In restaurants, hotels, taxis, hairdressers and so on, a gratuity is not included in the price. Although optional, tips are readily accepted and a general guideline is between 5% and 10% of the bill, depending on the quality of the service. Hotel and airport porters will take, depending on the luggage you have, 1 to 3 Euros.
Liability and Insurance: The Conference organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries, loss or damage to property belonging to Conference participants (or their accompanying persons), either during or as a result of the Conference. Please check the validity of your own insurance.
Emergency services: Dial 091 for police and 112 for fire and ambulance.
Smoking: Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces throughout Spain including conference venues, shops, restaurants, pubs and hotel bedrooms.
