- Under most circumstances travellers from the UK are entitled to free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment on production of the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) until it expires, or the new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Always show your EHIC or GHIC when you visit any state healthcare Hospital or Doctor, but be aware that these will not cover the cost of any private health care. Prescription medicines are generally not free in Spain, but with an EHIC or GHIC you may be able to get a reduced rate. Dental treatment is not generally covered under the state system.
- The Spanish speed limits on motorways are based around a National speed limit of between 100kph and 120kph - always watch out for road signs indicating which of these is in force. On main roads outside of a built-up area, 90kph is the general rule, but this will be 50kph or less in built up areas. If these do not apply then there will be signs, for example some very narrow streets in villages will be restriced to 40kph.
- Drink driving regulations in Spain have been lowered in recent years, so be very careful about how much you drink. It is best to assume that the limits are lower than we usually experience in the UK. Walking to one of the many bar/restaurants in and around the village is the safer bet.
- The use of seat belts is compulsory, and children under 135cms tall must not travel in the front seat.
- The Spanish authorities are now much less lenient on driving offences than in the past, for example mobile telephones must not be handled by the driver.
- Holidaymakers can legally drive in Spain using their UK-issued driving licence without the need for an International Driving Permit.
- Some motorways are subject to the payment of Tolls. The good news is that the A7 in our area is no longer subject to tolls.
- Banks are generally only open from 08:30 to 14:30 on Monday to Friday. The good news is that outside of these hours in Orba there is usually access to ATMs at Santander and Sabadell close to the main square (Plaza de Espana).
- Most shops in the village will be open from around 08:00 to 14:00, and then again between 17:00 and 20:00. In general the shops will be closed all day on Sundays and on the many national and regional holidays.
- If you want to eat at a particular restaurant, it is advisable to book a table as most are very busy right into the late evening, even out of season. We have found that there tends to be two groups of diners at the restaurants. Often the tourists or English residents go to the restaurants around 7pm (when most of them open), whilst the locals often don't arrive until after 9pm.
- Tea or Coffee after a meal is not usually included in the "Menu del Dia" price.
- Tipping in restaurants is usually up to 10%, but "servicio incluido" means that it is already included in your bill.
- If you are looking for some musical nightlife, beware of establishments which call themselves "Clubs", allegedly these are brothels. What you should be looking for are "Discos".
- Portable stalls or blankets on the pavement selling counterfeit handbags, sunglasses and other goods from designer brands are quite common in Spain. The police have unsuccessfully been trying to combat them for years, and have recently decided to try a different approach where tourists can now face hefty fines for purchasing from these illegal vendors.
- British Embassy advice on Spain is available from the Gov.uk website The nearest Consulate office is in Alicante at Edificio Espacio, Rambla Méndez Núñez 28-32, 6ª planta, 03002 Alicante.
- Current news on the area can be obtained online from the Costa Blanca News or Olive Press.
- General tourist information on the area is available from http://www.comunitat-valenciana.com