Language

There are two official languages in Valencia: “Valenciano”, used in the Region of Valencia, and Spanish, Spain’s official language

Population

The city of Valencia has a total population today of 800.666 inhabitants and is the centre of an extensive metropolitan area which reaches a million and a half. This represents 18% of the population of the Region of Valencia and is, in terms of population, the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona

Weather

Valencia enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. The average annual temperature is 17ºC with warm summers and very mild winters, rarely below 10ºC. Rain may fall at any time but is negligible except in spring (March, April and May) and autumn, especially September and October.

Eating times

People generally eat later than in other European countries: breakfast (7:30 and 10:00 a.m.) is similar to the continental style. Restaurants serve lunch between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and dinner from 8:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m

Tipping

Tips are included in all prices. However, if the service received is considered acceptable, especially in bars and restaurants, a tip is often left.

Postal services

The Central Post and Telegraph Office (Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 24) is open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and between 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Telephone: 96 310 27 30. Stamps are also available in all tobacconists.

Banks

Most banks are open from Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Only a few branches open on Saturday mornings. There are 24-hour automatic tellers around the city, and most (Servired, 4B, etc.) offer international services.

Credit cards

Most hotels, restaurants and shops in Valencia accept the main credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Mastercard, 4B, Access y Diners Club.

Electricity

Standard electrical voltage in Valencia is 220-240 V AC, 50 Hz. A transformer and an adapter are necessary to use North American electrical appliances whose plugs have two square pins. Adapters are available in most hardware stores.

Public Holidays

• 1st January: New Year Day
• 6th January: Epiphany
• 22nd January: San Vicente Mártir
• 19th March: San José
• 5th April, moved to the Monday following Easter: San Vicente Ferrer
• Friday before Easter: Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• 1st May: Labour Day
• 9th Sunday after Easter: Corpus Christi
• 15th Aug: Feast of the Assumption
• 9th October: Sant Dionís, Valencian Community National Day
• 12th October: Spanish National Day
• 1st November: All Saints Day
• 6th December: Constitution Day
• 8th December: Feast of the Immaculate Conception
• 25th December: Christmas