Weather, Money, Time, Customs, National Holidays, Opening Hours, Public Transport, Car Rental, Taxis, Driving, Personal Safety, Electricity, Telephone, Post, Health, Concessions.

Weather.(average temp)

JAN - FEB:  15º C - Cloudy - Low Season
MAR:  17º C - Wet - Low Season
APR:  19º C - Cloudy - Mid Season
MAY:  22º C - Sun - Mid Season
JUN - AUG:  27º C - Sun - High Season
SEP - OCT:  25º C - Showers/Sun - Mid Season
NOV - DEC:  16º C - Wet/Cold - Low Season

Money.

Spain's currency is the peseta, issued in notes of 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 pesetas and coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 2000 pesetas.  Travellers' cheques are accepted by most hotels, shops and restaurants in lieu of cash, although the rate of exchange may be less favourable than in banks.   Travellers' cheques in pesetas are the most convenient.  Local banks can handle travellers' cheques, Eurocheques and credit cards can be used in cash machines to withdraw cash.

Please note Spain now use the euro

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) operates.

Customs.

Goods Obtained Duty Free Inside the EU or Goods Bought Outside the EU (Limits):
Alcohol (over 22º vol)- 1L (under 22º vol - 2L); Still table wine - 2L; Cigarettes - 200; Cigars - 50; Tobacco - 250gms; Perfume - 50gms.
Goods Bought Duty and Tax Paid Inside the EU (Guidance Levels):
Alcohol (over 22º vol)- 10L (under 22º vol - 20L); Still table wine - 90L; Beer - 110L; Cigarettes - 800; Cigars - 200; Tobacco - 1Kg; Perfume - no limits.
Visitors must be 17 and over.

National Holiday.

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.

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.

Public Transport.

Trains.
There are two railway lines in Mallorca, connecting Palma to Inca and Soller. Palma's two stations are close together beside Placa d'Espanya. Fast trains to Inca take 35 minutes and leave at least hourly throughout the day (first train 6.00AM), stopping at Marratxi, Santa Maria de Cami, Consell, Binissalem, Alaro and Lloseta (information Telephone: 971752245). The train journey to Soller takes 55 minutes and is tremendous fun. Five trains leave Palma daily, the first at 8.00AM (information Telephone: 971752051).

Island Buses.
An efficient system of buses connects Palma to all the main towns in Mallorca, and there are also number of more local routes. Most buses out of Palma leave from the Placa d'Espanya and you can pick up a timetable from the tourist information kiosk on the square. Most services operate at a reduced level from Nov. to Apr.  It is worth buying a (Bono Bus) - like a travel card for buses, which can be used on most buses within Palma. For more information, contact Conselleria Transports - Placa d'Espanya. Palma (Tel: 971753445).

Boat Trips.
The best way to see the coastline, and particularly reach some of the remoter coves which are inaccessible by road, is by boat. One of the most popular trips goes around the northwest coast from Port de Soller to Sa Calobra - this is one of the few boats trips to run throughout the year. For more information contact Conselleria Transports - Placa d'Espanya. Palma (Tel: 971753445).

Urban Transport.
Only Palma is large enough to have its own transport system with a web of bus services linking the city centre with the suburbs and tourist resorts around it. Services are run by EMT (971753445). There is also a tram that runs between Soller and Port de Soller (journey time 30 minutes).

Car Rental.

The leading international car rental companies have offices at Palma airport and you can book a car in advance (essential in the peak periods) either direct or through a travel agent. Local rental car companies offer more competitive rates and will usually deliver a car to the airport and your hotel.

Taxis.

Taxis can be hired at ranks (indicated by a blue square with a 'T'), on the street (by flagging down those with a green light), or at hotels. They are good value within Palma but expensive over long distances. A list of tariffs is displayed at taxi ranks.  Your hotel receptionist can also help you to call a taxi.

Driving.

Speed limits on motorways (autopistas): 120kph
Speed limits on 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
(PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE, 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, cloesd Sundays, though larger ones - often self service - are open 24 hours.  Most take credit cards. Note there are fewer petrol stations in the mountain areas and none of motorways.

If you break down call - Real Automovil Club de España (RACE) Tel: 915933333.  If it is a hired car, call your hire company.

Personal Safety.

The national police force, the Policia Nacional keep law and order in urban areas. Some resorts have their own tourist-friendly Policia Turistica. If you need a police station ask for 'la comisaria' - Police Assistance call '1091' free from any call box (telephone cabin).

To help prevent crime:
Do not carry more cash than you need; Do not leave valuables on beach or poolside; Beware of pickpockets in markets, tourist sights or crowded places; Avoid walking alone in dark alleys at night (NOTE:  Crime rate is very low - It is very safe for both children and adults here in Mallorca.  Just watch out for the pickpockets).

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.

Telephones.

A public telephone (telefono) takes 25, 100 and 500 pesetas coin. A phonecard (credifone) is available from post offices and tabacos for 1000 or 2000 pesetas. The telephone caode for the Baleares islands are the same 971.  Now if ou want to dial a number within the Baleares islands, say the guy next door, if still have to dial the 971 prefix before the six other numbers.  Telephone operator dial 1002.  International dialing codes to Mallorca is +34971 ...., and from Mallorca is 07+ country code + area code (with the 0 in front) + telephone number.  Try to use the public telephones because telephone rates in hotels can be very expensive.

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.

Health.

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 dentistas can be all dentistas can be found in the yellow pages (pagina amarillas) of the telephone directory. Dental treatment should be covered by private medical insurance.

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.

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 which would be available only on prescription in other countries.

Safe Water.
Tap water is generally safe though it can be heavily chlorinated. Mineral water is cheap to buy and is sold as con gaz (carbonated) and sin gaz (still). 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, but Mallorca is not really geared up for students, it is more suited to families and senior citizens. However, 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.