Barcelona, Spain: Pre-Departure Planning Guide
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Barcelona, Spain: Pre-Departure Planning Guide

Preparing you for your trip

This document is to aid you in planning your trip to Barcelona. On our first full day together in Barcelona you will participate in a comprehensive orientation to living in Barcelona with our Community Manager. This is simply to provide you with some basic information in advance of departure.
 

Event schedule: find your program dates

Your program schedule will be updated 60 days before departure. Community managers will be using WhatsApp to share updates and reminders of activities. Schedule is subject to change.
 
 
 

Pre-departure

Packing

  • Packing Considerations
    • Consider the Season: Barcelona has distinct seasons. Pack light, breathable fabrics for summer, and warm layers for winter. Spring and fall can be mild, so pack clothes that can be layered. A rain jacket might also come in handy
    • Walking Shoes: Barcelona is a walkable city, so comfortable shoes are essential. Opt for closed-toe shoes with good tread for navigating cobblestone streets. We recommend bringing shoes that you have broken in prior to your trip.
    • Casual Clothing: The style in Spain is casual so pack with comfort in mind as you will be doing some walking and exploring. Pack pieces that are easier to mix and match, allowing for more outfit combinations with less luggage. Also, for you beach lovers, pack a swimsuit if you’re going during the warmer months.
    • Luggage: Navigating the streets of Barcelona with a large suitcase can be difficult, try to pack as light as possible since you will have the advantage of washing your clothes while you’re here.
  • Non-Obvious Things to Pack
    • Respectful Attire: For visits to churches and religious sites, pack clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. A light scarf can be handy for quick cover-ups.
    • Travel Adapter: Spain uses a two-pronged plug different from the US. Pack a travel adapter to charge your electronics.
    • Small Umbrella: While Barcelona is relatively dry, rain showers can happen any time. A small, foldable umbrella can be a lifesaver.
    • Medications: Pack an adequate supply of any medications you take regularly. Bring a doctor's note for prescriptions in case you need refills.
 

Important Phone Numbers

 

In-country

Arrival Day

  • You will receive your exact check-in instructions two days before the start of your program. You are responsible for getting to your apartment from the airport.
  • If you arrive at the Barcelona airport, you have a few options:
    • Taxi: you can go to the taxi stands or call an Uber to take you directly to your apartment
    • Metro: You can take the Barcelona Metro line L9 Sud (South) from Barcelona El Prat airport (BCN) to the city center in about 30 minutes. The L9 Sud connects terminals T1 and T2 at the airport with the city, with trains running every 7 minutes. Look for the red and white Metro signs at the exit of both terminals. You can buy a ticket at a vending machine, which also sells BCN public transport cards. You can't use a standard single metro ticket to go to the airport; you need a special Metro airport ticket called Billete Aeropuerto.
    • Bus: The official shuttle bus from the airport is called AeroBus. It runs between the airport and key stops in the city. You can buy your tickets from machines at the airport. Take the bus all the way to Plaza Catalunya, then your apartment will be within a 15 minute walk, or you can take a short taxi ride from Plaza Catalunya.
  • If you arrive by train you can get a taxi at the train station.
  • Once you drop off your luggage at your apartment, you’ll likely never need a taxi again in Barcelona, everything is walkable and you will have access to the metro system.
 

Getting Around

  • Public transportation
    • Barcelona is a walkable city, but if your feet get tired, don't worry! They have a convenient public transit system with metro lines running throughout the city.
    • For a quick and budget-friendly choice, check out the T-Casual card. You can use it on buses, trams, and the metro across different zones, giving you flexibility for your daily travels.
    • Your Community Manager will teach you how to use local public transport; you’ll be getting around like a local in no time!
  • Car rental
    • Consider if you really need a car: Barcelona is a walkable city with great public transportation, so a car might not be necessary. If you plan on exploring the Spanish countryside or nearby towns, then a car becomes more helpful, but buses and trains connect the country quite well.
    • Insurance: Rental car insurance can be expensive, so check your existing car insurance and credit card coverage to see if they provide rental car protection in Spain.
    • Tolls: Toll roads only cover around 30% of the motorways in Spain, so you will likely be able to get around them. Rental companies often offer toll payment options like prepaid boxes or post-trip billing.
  • Parking
    • Driving in Barcelona: Driving in Barcelona can be challenging. There are congested roads and limited parking. Familiarize yourself with traffic regulations before hitting the road.
    • Parking: Parking in Barcelona can be tricky and expensive. Look for designated parking areas or garages, and avoid leaving your car on the street for long periods.
 

Money

  • Cash vs. Credit Card: While credit cards are widely accepted in Barcelona, it's always a good idea to carry some euros in cash for smaller purchases or emergencies.
  • Using your Credit Card: When paying by credit card, the machine may ask if you would like to pay in local currency. The answer is Yes. The next question will be whether you Accept or Reject the conversion rate. Always select “Reject”. This will prevent you from being charged any hidden fees. You will also be asked these questions at most ATMs.
  • ATMs are called Cajero Automático or Caixer Automático: ATMs in Barcelona are called Caixer Automático. They are widely available throughout Barcelona, especially near tourist areas and banks.
  • Look for Major Banks: Opt for ATMs affiliated with major Spanish banks like Banco Santander, Caixabank, and Banco Sabadell. These might offer better exchange rates and lower fees compared to independent ATM providers.
  • Avoid Euronet ATMs: While convenient, Euronet ATMs are known for higher fees and potentially less favorable exchange rates. Try to avoid them if possible.
  • Check Fees Before Withdrawing: Always check the ATM screen for any withdrawal fees before you confirm the transaction and it is advised to “reject” the conversion rate. Your home bank may also charge additional foreign transaction fees.
  • Inform Your Bank: Let your bank know you'll be traveling to Spain to avoid any issues with using your card abroad.
  • Carry Some Euros: It's always a good idea to carry some euros in cash before you arrive in Barcelona. This will help you cover any immediate expenses in case you have trouble finding an ATM or your card doesn't work.
 

Communication

  • Cell phone
    • We recommend using Truely eSIM which allows you to easily and cheaply connect to the local cell network wherever you travel - and avoid roaming charges. Truely specifically offers an option that includes all of Europe and the UK, and only costs about $10.  Click here to see how it works. 
    • Check with your carrier about international roaming plans for Spain and what is included and not included.
    • You can purchase a local SIM card in Spain. This requires an unlocked GSM phone.
  • Messaging
    • We encourage you to use Whatsapp for text messaging, this is what people in Europe use commonly. You can also use it for making calls on wifi.
  • Wi-Fi
    • Public wifi: Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free wifi. This is a great option for basic tasks such as email and text messaging.
    • Apartment wifi: Your apartment will have high speed wifi that you can use for FaceTime and other messaging apps such as Whatsapp, iMessage, Zoom.
    • Download Offline Maps and Apps: Having offline maps and apps like Google Translate downloaded can be helpful if you lose signal or wifi access.
  • Local calls
    • You may need to call local businesses or people in Spain. We recommend that you use Whatsapp to make local calls, and to avoid incurring international calling charges
 

Dining Out

  • Tipping
    • Not Mandatory: Unlike the US, tipping in Barcelona is not expected or mandatory. It's seen as a way to show appreciation for exceptional service.
    • Small Gestures: If you had a great experience, a small tip of a few euros (1-2 euros per person) or rounding up the bill is perfectly acceptable.
    • Check for Service Charge: Some restaurants might include a service charge on the bill. Look for this before leaving an additional tip.
  • Restaurant Reservations
    • Fine Dining & Popular Spots: For Michelin-starred restaurants or highly-rated establishments, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner. These places can fill up quickly, particularly during peak tourist season (March-November).
 
Casual Eateries: Reservations are generally less necessary at casual restaurants. However, if you have a large group (more than 4 people) or are visiting during a busy time (weekends, evenings), it might be helpful to call ahead and secure a table.
  • Making Reservations: The most common apps for making reservations are Open Table and TheFork, however, many restaurants still take reservations the old fashioned way - with a phone call!
  • Many restaurants in Barcelona have websites where you can book a table online.
 
Tina’s Map: Check out this map that has been curated to show recommended restaurants, music venues, bars, and other places of interest.
Patrick’s Map: Check out this map that has been curated to show recommended restaurants, music venues, bars, and other places of interest.
 
 

Fitness & Health

  • Spanish Language Study
    • If you would like to study Spanish during your stay, you have options: small group lessons or private one-on-one lessons.
    • BCN LIP is a great Spanish learning school as an option.
  • Gyms & Yoga
    • ClassPass (https://classpass.com/search/barcelona/fitness): Buy credits allow you to book at thousands of different yoga studios, gyms, pilates studios, & spas. Use them however you like in order to create a personalized fitness and wellness routine.
    • Viva Gym has several locations in Barcelona and depending on the monthly pass you chose, gives you access to many of them.
      • The cost is 33€ Euros for one month membership. This includes use of machines and entry into some classes.
    • Metropolitan is a gym located near Plaça Espanya in Las Arenas
      • The exact address is Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 373
      • Metropolitan offers a premium club with more included than just fitness and allows for access to their other clubs.
    • Yoga Studio: (https://estudiodeyoga.com/) This yoga studio is centrally located in Plaça Universitat, right in the heart of the Eixample neighborhood. You can purchase individual classes or bundles of classes.
  • Pharmacies
    • Many pharmacies in Barcelona have staff that speak some English.
 

Community Manager

  • Hours of Availability
    • Our Community Manager is there to support your experience. They will be physically present at community events, and that is a great time to talk to them.
    • Outside of community events, the Community Manager is available via Whatsapp from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. As they have families and other obligations, we ask that you respect these hours for regular messages.
  • Emergencies
    • In the event of an emergency, you may call or text the Community Manager at any time via Whatsapp.
 
 
 
 
More to come…
On our first full day together, we will have a full group orientation with our Community Managers, and we will cover much more information specific to living in Barcelona.