10 practical tips for traveling to Galicia

These 10 practical tips will help you especially if you're traveling from abroad, as some situations are similar throughout the rest of Spain. So let's see: what should you keep in mind when traveling to Galicia?

Climate

There are 2 major climatic areas: the oceanic and the continental. To simplify the issue, we will divide the map by drawing a line between Ribadeo and Tui. The coastal area has an oceanic climate, while the interior has a continental one.

In the Atlantic strip, temperatures are moderate, with a 2-3 degree difference between North and South, and a marked humid character. In the interior, the continental climate brings cold winters and hot summers. During summer, the thermometer usually exceeds 30º, while in winter, winter temperatures drop below 0 degrees in some areas.

Post Offices

From the Post Office offices, you can send letters and all kinds of packages. On this page you will find the updated rates for the Post Office.

You can also buy stamps at any Tobacco shop, and drop the letter, properly stamped, in any yellow Post Office mailbox.

Electricity

Local Time

UTC +1. In summer, UTC +2.

Business Hours

Shops open from 10 to 13:30, and from 17 to 20:30, from Monday to Saturday. Shopping centers, department stores, and large supermarkets do not close at midday and close a little later: 9:30 or 10 PM. On Sundays, shops are closed, except bakeries, pharmacies on duty, bars, and restaurants. To visit fresh produce markets, you need to go from Monday to Saturday morning, although it's important to note that there's no fresh fish on Mondays.

In restaurants, meal times are usually from 13:00 to 15:30 and from 21:00 to 23:30.

Banks and public administration open from 9 to 14, although there are exceptions. Check before you go.

On Mondays, museums remain closed.

Payments

The official currency is the Euro. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 euro coins. The bills are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE: The easiest place to exchange money is at the airport. However, the rates are usually less favorable. In major cities, there are exchange houses, although they do not necessarily exchange every currency. Banks are a non-viable option, as they require a current account.

ATMS: There are numerous ATMs in large cities and the centers of larger towns. In small towns (under 700 inhabitants), it is highly unlikely to find ATMs. In this case, it is advisable to be prepared.

CREDIT CARDS: It is possible to pay with a credit card in many shops, though not all. The most widely accepted card is VISA. If you are going to eat, it is better to check in advance, especially in small establishments or along the Camino de Santiago, where you may encounter places that only accept cash.

Sales and VAT refund for tourists

SALES: During sales season, it is the responsibility of the retailer to clarify whether the price already includes the discount or if it is applied at the checkout. If it already has the discount, it is mandatory that the original price without discount is also published. There are two sales seasons: the Winter sales start on January 7th. The Summer sales begin in July. It is important to note that each retailer can set their own dates.

VAT REFUND: Available only for residents outside the EU. Each invoice must be over €90.15, and you must request a special invoice (not all retailers provide them) which will be presented at the airport before returning to our country of origin. More details here.

To know some basic prices, read this other post.

Dangers and Warnings

EMERGENCIES: 112

It is unlikely for a tourist to suffer a violent robbery in our region. However, one should be attentive in crowded places, where there may be "pickpockets", individuals who steal by taking advantage of a distraction (leaving something valuable unattended, for instance). In any case, use common sense and instinct.

In Galicia, tap water is potable. Drinking or filling water from public fountains is quite common. You just need to make sure that the fountain has a sign stating DRINKING WATER.

In Spain, it is mandatory for the driver to stop for a pedestrian intending to cross at a crosswalk. However, this is not always adhered to, so do not put your safety at risk. Wait for vehicles to stop before crossing.

Regarding the current health scenario, it is advisable to learn in advance about any restrictions that may arise due to COVID and to comply with the recommendations and mandates of the authorities.

Weights and Measures

In Spain, the metric system is used. We use commas for decimals and periods for thousands.

Distances are measured in kilometers (1 km = 0.62 miles), and we weigh in kilograms (1 kg = 2.20 pounds).

Foreign Press

In Santiago de Compostela: Nova Street 52.

In Vigo: Carral 32.

Tips

Tips are not included in service charges. It is customary to round up with the change when one goes to a bar/restaurant and the service has been acceptable. In a restaurant, if the food and service have been notable, it is customary to leave 10% of the bill. The same proportion is used if we want to tip other tourist services.

In any case, a tip is a sign of customer satisfaction. The amount is always personal and should be what one feels comfortable with.

Surely with these 10 practical tips, traveling to Galicia will be easier. Remember that these tips can serve you in general, for the rest of Spain.