Banks: 09:30 to 14:00, Monday to Friday; 09:30 to 13:00 Saturdays
Post Offices: 08:30 to 17:30, Monday to Saturday
Government Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:30 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:30 to 20:00, Monday to Saturday

There are several tourist-focused scams to be aware of in Benidorm. Men with monkeys use them to steal from your bags while you are distracted. The potato men work the markets and waterfront areas playing the old shell game where you must guess which one has the ball under it. Bets are made, and while you are either watching or playing the action, others in the crowd pick your pockets. Gypsy beggars with their cute puppies are another annoyance in Benidorm, and are best avoided.

Violent crime is not a major concern in Benidorm, but you should always be extra careful when walking around late at night. Theft is the main problem here, so keep an eye on your belongings at the beach, in transport centres and any other crowded public attraction. The traffic is also rather notorious in Benidorm, especially for pedestrians hoping to cross the street. Bear in mind that cars don’t give way, so never assume they will stop for you.

Police: 006

20V, 50Hz plugs are round two-pin types typical of Europe

It’s unlikely visitors will experience any health problems related to the water or food in Benidorm. The tap water is safe to drink but may not taste particularly good. Make sure any seafood has been properly cooked. The sun should not be taken lightly. Wear plenty of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from burning. Any minor illness can be handled by the local pharmacies, which are located all over town and required by law (on a rotating basis) to stay open 24 hours a day.

Any citizen of the EU will receive free or subsidised medical care for a medical emergency while staying in Benidorm. Be sure you carry your valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you at all times. Visitors from all other countries should consider buying travel insurance to cover the expensive costs of any unexpected hospital trip.

Hospital Clínico Universitario: +34 96 386 2600
Emergency services: 091

In Benidorm the locals speak the Castellano version of Spanish, as well as the regional language of Valenciano. Due to the many British tourists, English is also widely spoken and understood in Benidorm.

Spain uses the euro (€ EUR) as its official currency. There are 100 cents in a euro. Banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, and €200. Coins come in denominations of one and two, as well as one, two, five, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

All visitors over the age of 17 may bring 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, two litres of wine or one litre of spirits, and only enough personal sporting equipment and electronic items for reasonable personal use without incurring a customs duty.

Despite the beachside atmosphere that pervades Benidorm, it is still a Spanish town so things tend towards the conservative side. Casual dress is the norm, but revealing too much flesh off the beach is considered rude. Shirtless men (tourists) who wander the streets of Benidorm are guaranteed to become the object of jeers and rude comments. You must also wear the proper amount of clothing when visiting a church.

Be very diplomatic when speaking with Spaniards about their country, politics, religion, or footballing skills. When it comes to social affairs, Spaniards are quite formal, preferring Señor for Mr, Señora for Mrs, and Señorita for Ms. Nobody eats dinner in Benidorm before 20.30, so prepare to alter your normal schedule to dine later and take a pleasant afternoon siesta.

Citizens from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand can visit Benidorm without a visa for stays of less than 3 months. You need only show a passport valid for 6 months after your entry date. Any EU citizen may come and go as they please as long as their identification card is valid. Travellers from all other countries should consult their local Spanish embassy to find out the requirements for a tourist visa.

The main tourist information office in Benidorm is open from 09:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday, and from 10:00 to 13:30 and 16:30 to 19:00 on Saturdays.

Tourism Information Office
Av. Martinez Alejos 16
Phone: +34 96 585 1311