Banks: 08:30 to 13:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices:08:30 to 19:00, Monday to Friday; 08:30 to 13:00, Saturday
Department Stores and Shops:10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 20:00, Monday to Saturday; most large stores and malls stay open through the lunch period and are open from 10:00 to 21:00/22:00, Monday to Saturday 
Museums: 10:00/11:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 20:00, Tuesday to Saturday
Business Offices:09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular destination for tourists and Christian pilgrims, and the government takes these visitors’ safety seriously. Even with all of the security precautions in place, however, there is still a need for visitors to remain as vigilant, as in any other tourist destination.

Pickpockets and purse snatchers operate in the plazas and at other attractions of interest to tourists so keeping close watch on personal belongings is important. It’s also a good idea to carry small amounts of cash only and to leave valuables securely locked in a hotel safe.

220 volts AC, 50Hz; plugs with two round pins are standard.

The healthcare system in Spain is good, and local hospitals in Santiago provide accident and emergency services. Nationals of EU member states who can produce a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are eligible for temporary medical care services at the same facilities that care for Spanish citizens.

Several other countries follow the European community rules, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Citizens of these countries are also eligible for the same healthcare benefits as Spanish nationals. In addition, Spain has reciprocal healthcare arrangements with Andorra, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru.

Nationals of other countries will need to pay for medical services when received and are advised to take out comprehensive healthcare cover in advance of their visit.

Ambulance: 061
Police: 092, 112

Although Spanish is the official national language, the local tongue is Galician. Castilian is also a language spoken by many local and area residents. Galician is related to Spanish, but has a strong affinity to Portuguese as well. More than 90 per cent of the population of the province understands and speaks Galician, and it is often the language spoken on a daily basis in rural areas. English is spoken by locals that are involved in the tourism industry.

As Spain is a member of the European Union, the euro is the official local currency. Banknotes are issued in denominations of: 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euros. Coins are minted in 1 and 2 euro denominations and in 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Banks generally offer the best foreign currency exchange rates although currency can also be exchanged at the airport, hotels and currency exchanges in the city.ATMs, called bankomats, are conveniently located throughout the city and are easily identified by their blue and green striped signs. Bankomats accept cards issued in most countries and many businesses accept ATM debit cards for purchases as well.

Anyone that enters Spain from a country that is not a member of the European Union is allowed to bring in the following items duty-free: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or the equivalent in loose tobacco; 2 litres of still wine; 2 litres of sparkling wine; 1 litre of spirit; and perfume and medications for personal use. Cash in amounts of €10,000 or greater must be declared when entering or leaving the EU.

Generally, travellers entering from another EU member country are not checked for dutiable items, but regulations do exist. The following goods may be brought into Spain from another EU country: 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars or the equivalent in loose tobacco; 110 litres of beer; 90 litres of wine; and 10 litres of spirits.

It is customary to shake hands with adults when you meet them. Greetings traditionally begin with the oldest person and end with the youngest.You might receive a kiss on each cheek in greeting (beginning with the left cheek), or a hug from a woman that you’ve met before. From a man you’ve met previously, you might receive a pat on the back or a quick hug.

When visiting someone at home it’s thoughtful to bring them a small gift. A bottle of wine, a dessert or some flowers make for nice gifts. It’s also a good idea to find out if your host has children, and to bring small gifts for them as well.

Dining Etiquette
People in Spain eat dinner late, often not before 21:00. Some restaurants don’t open until late and generally aren’t busy until 23:00. It’s a good idea to remember that you shouldn’t begin eating until the host begins. Your wrists should be rested on the edge of the table during the meal, and you should not eat anything with your hands.

Toasts are usually offered by the host and the guest of honour. The host typically gives the first toast and later in the meal a toast is given by the guest of honour. When you have finished eating, it is customary to place you knife and fork on top of your plate, parallel to each other, with the handles facing right. It is also customary for the guest of honour to rise before other guests when it is time to leave.

Visitors from other member states in the European Union do not require a passport or visa to enter Spain. Visas are also not required of citizens of the US and most countries in Latin America although valid passports and a return ticket are required. Visitors from Australia, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Montserrat, New Zealand, Saint Helena, Singapore, and South Korea may also enter without a visa if their intended stay is no longer than 90 days. Nationals of other countries must apply for a visa at a Spanish embassy or consulate abroad in advance of their visit.

Tourist information offices are located conveniently throughout the city and province, providing information and helpful assistance to tourists and religious pilgrims. The main office in Santiago de Compostela is located at Rua del Villar, and is open seven days, with varying opening hours. There are also Incolsa offices on Rúa do Vilar and at the Praza de Galicia which are open daily.

The Oficina de Peregrinos is found on Rúa do Vilar and the Oficina de Información de Xacobeo is located at the Pavillón de Galicia in San Lázaro. Both provide specialised information on pilgrimages and xacabeo.