Related Information and links
Tourist Offices in Seville
-Avda. Constitución 21-B; tel: 954 221 404
-Plaza del Triunfo; tel: 954 210 005
-Plaza San Francisco; tel: 954 595 288
-Santa Justa Train Station; tel: 954 537 626
-San Pablo Airport; tel: 954 449 128
-Paseo de las Delicias, 9; tel: 954 234 465
-C/Arjona, 28 (Naves del Barranco)
I highly recommend using the tourist offices in Seville
for maps and general information about the city. They have plenty of information
in all languages and like this page they are free! Other items
you can pick up are Welcome and Ole, two tourist magazines
which cover the sights and other activities for the month. There is
also El Giraldillo, which covers a lot of cultural
events such as art exhibitions, music, theatre and dance
performances. You can sometimes get maps (at a small cost) of
other cities. After that you'll find plenty of other flyers advertising monuments, tours, restaurants and more.
There are two very central tourist offices dedicated to the city: one in Plaza San Francisco adjacent to the Ayuntamiento and Calle Sierpes. The other is on Avenida Constitucion as you pass the Archivo de Indias on your way to the Puerta de Jerez. In the Plaza San Francisco location it's worth noting they have several computers which you can use to quicly check your email or a web site. There is a short time limit for use but these come in handy as most cyber cafes have closed in Seville!
Another central office is in the Plaza de Triunfo. This office is dedicated to the province of Seville but they'll have plenty of information about the city as well. A few more tourist offices are around the center (see right panel). And then there are two more locations: San Pablo airport and Santa Justa train station. Both have small offices which are very convenient when you arrive and need a map or a little more information.
Making phone calls to the U.S. or another country outside of Spain without a computer is best using a telephone
card purchased in a estanco (Tobacco Shop) or kiosco.
Most used to offer a toll-free number (900 numbers are toll-free
here), where you could choose your
language, enter a pin number and the number you are calling.
These cards had the best rates from Spain
to the U.S. or other countries. Then the phone companies came along and changed the law so there would be no more toll-free numbers for these calling cards, this making it more expensive to call for consumers, and let the phone companies compete with their higher rates. Still, you can find some good deals if you buy the right card. Keep in mind the following:
- Many have time limits on the credit: use your balance before it expires. Some cards expire in 30 days.
- Check for connection fees: some may have a lower per minute fee but charge a connection fee.
- Buy in Seville or Spain: some discount stores in other countries (for example Costco or Sams in the U.S.) offer prepaid calling cards. Often there are problems using them once you are in your destination country. Best to buy a card in Spain.
You can bring your mobile phone with you but check first all of the charges from your provider. Roaming can be very expensive, especailly if you have to call a mobile phone in Spain. It will also be expensive to call back home. And then there are data charges should you wish to check your email, the web, etc. I won't even begin to get into what a rip off romaing data charges are. If you plan to use a mobile for calls within Spain you may also consider buying a pre-paid Spanish SIM card. This gives you a local number, much cheaper calling and you can add a more reasonably priced data package. SIM cards cost practically nothing: you may pay from 10-20 Euros but most cards come with a small amount of credit so you end up paying less. This works best if you already have an unlocked phone, but you can also pick one up locally for as cheap as 50 Euros, in some cases less. Finally if you have a smart phone and don't mind hopping around to WiFi hotspots in Seville, you can use the Skype mobile app to make cheap calls over the internet (see below).
The cheapest way by far to call is using your computer and an online service like Skype or Google Voice. I use Skype so I can provide a little more compared to Google Voice. With Skype you can do a lot of interesting things:
- Unlimited calling plan: to any one country, Europe or the whole world. Keep in mind this generally does not include calls to mobile phones outside of the U.S. so you would have to buy additional credit.
- Credit: you can add credit and use the per minute calling rates.
- Online number: you can buy a local telephone number and forward it to your Spanish or foreigh mobile. You will have to buy credit and this will cost you when people call you. The advantage is having a local number in your home country o friends or family can call you at no additional charge.
- Mobile Phone: for most smart phones Skype has a mobile app which will allow you to use Skype directly on your mobile phone. If you are visiting this means finding a WiFi spot and then you can call for cheap. You can use Skype on the 3G or 4G networks but as data is quite expensive this often costs more than a normal phone call (assuming you are not a resident with a flat rate data plan).
The mail system is much improved since I lived here in
1993, but I still expect delays when receiving a package
from the U.S. or the U. K.. Airmail packages tend to take
anywhere from 7-21 days, while surface mail can be, at times,
the equivalent of throwing your package in a dumpster down
the street. Recently I have received my packages in 2-3
months, but I did lose two I sent to the U.S. as well as
one I sent to Seville some years ago. At times I have received
a letter in 5 days, while another letter sent from the same
location at the same time arrived 2 weeks later. As well,
at least once a month my weekly magazine fails to arrive
during a given week but generally turns up the following
week. Most often anything other than surface will arrive
in a reasonable amount of time. Recent changes have now eliminated regular surface mail, so this helps in not losing a package, but makes it more expensive to mail. When receiving packages
by U.S. Airmail be prepared to pay a nominal handling fee
when you go to pick it up at correos. Smaller packages
may arrive directly to your house while larger ones will
always require pick up. Bring an ID to prove who you are
and be prepared to pick up the package at one of the smaller
neighborhood offices, which will hopefully be closer to
you than the main one. Services such as UPS or DHL will
deliver the package to your door, although expect those
shipping fees to be much higher and expect to pay a duty
on some shipments
The main post office is located in the heart of the center
on Avda. Constitución, just across from the Archivo
de Indias. Once you enter you need to take a number from
one of the machines depending on what service you need (pick-up,
mail, etc.) Then keep an eye on the screen until they call
your number. The screen will reference your number plus
the the number of the window you need to go to (no worries,
it's fairly easy). There are several stations located where
you can fill out slips for various types of mailings (packages,
registered and urgent letters, etc.) as well as a machine
or two right at the entrance where you can purchase stamps
and envelopes for mailings. Note you can always purchase
stamps for letters and post cards at the local tobacco shop,
or estanco.
When shipping something urgent from Spain to the U.S. or
another country I recommend using UPS, if only from my brief
experiences in mailing documents. My last mailing cost about
35 Euros to get one set of documents to the U.S. in two
days. I shipped this using the local Mailboxes, Etc. office
on calle Jesus del Gran Poder. All of the tracking information
was sent to my email address where I received updates on
the shipment including final delivery. It arrived on time
(48 hours) and I was fairly pleased with the service. I
have heard Fedex is not recommended to use because they
contract out their services to another company in Spain.
This may be the case but I have never used Fedex so cannot
speak from experience. The Spanish mail system, Correos,
also offers a rapid delivery service. I just don't trust
them yet to get it there as quickly as UPS.
Finally it's worth mentioning that Correos has
entered the 21st century with it's new locutorio in
the main office on Avda. Constitución. You can now
surf the internet or place a long distance call at very
reasonable rates at the locutorio, located just
through the doors to your left before you enter the main
room. They are generally open all day until about 10 or
11pm. A call to the U.S. using their service comes out at
0,06€ per minute, especially competitive now that
there is a 0,12€ surcharge on all calling card calls
made from a public phone.
Getting your laundry done while on the road can be a pain. If you are traveling around or simply need to get extra
laundry done you can take them to a lavanderia in town. Rather than the coin operated machines you may
see in the U.S. you will pay someone there and you can either
wash it by yourself or have them do it for you. Typical
prices for wash, dry and folding of one load are anywhere
from 6-10€. New to the scene if Lavanet, which has the typical American laundromat: self service machines, free WiFi, drinks and even movie rentals! Strange but certainly a nice idea. Many places will also iron clothing for
a fee. For dry cleaning head to a tintorería: El
Corte Inglés in Plaza Duque offers a decent service
and at a good price, too.
Many of the recently opened youth hostals in the city offer a service or coin operated machines. Of course a youth hostal in Seville may not be your style. Hotels will often do your laundry although it comes at a higher than normal price even if it's conveient.
If you live in the city in a shared or private flat then
chances are you have a washing machine. In almost all cases
of your own apartment do not expect a dryer - not in the
land of extreme heat in the summer. In the summer months
your laundry may dry on the roof in just a couple of hours,
which makes doing multiple loads in a day possible. Take
a few pieces of advice from me when doing your laundry on
your own: 1) do use fabric softener and still expect your
clothes to be a bit stiff. I think this is mainly due to
the water, but I won't claim to know exactly. 2) beware
of the sun and fading clothes with colors, especially in
the summer but also during other seasons. And I am not talking
about over a number of washings, but literally from one
day in the sun. When in doubt turn your clothes inside out,
which helps. 3) if you live in a building you may have a
specific place to hang your laundry or it may be a free-for-all,
where it's first come first serve. In the latter case make
sure you don't take up all of the space with several loads
of wash and make sure you take your stuff down in a reasonable
amount of time after it's dry so others can use the space
as well.
The three major Spanish newspapers here are El
País, ABC and El Mundo.
One note and something you have to hate about El País - you must be a paid subscriber to read the paper online.
This makes no sense whatsoever to me and while it's a good
paper this policy is just plain stupid. There are local
editions of each of the above national papers, as well as
local papers such as El
Diario de Sevilla. A free paper called 20
Minutes can be found in the
early morning where you may see people handing them out in the
center. There are a number of other, smaller free newspapers you'll find in cafes and bars. If you're looking
for news from home or other countries foreign
newspapers and magazines can be found here at some kioscos or newsstands in the center of the city. The International
Herald Tribune, now run exclusively by the New
York Times, is offered daily except Sunday. The Tribune
also include's a small 8 page version of El País in English. USA
Today also offers an international version of the
paper. Finally, a smaller version of Newsweek is available at some newsstands as well. One newsstand near
the Cathedral (next door to Flaherty's Irish Pub) tends
to offer all three on a regular basis. Of course in the
age of the Internet you can always head to a cyber cafe
and read up on everything you need. If you are searching
for press from England, Germany and France you shouldn't
have a problem finding the major newspapers.
Two other publications are great resources for either classifieds
or entertainment, dining and cultural events. Both are in
Spanish, however. El
Giraldillo is a monthly pub which covers dining,
music, conferences, sports, movies, exhibitions, courses/study
options as well as a few other random listings. A wide range
of classified advertising, including apartments and housing,
can be found in el Cambalache.
20 Minutos - Spanish language,
daily (except weekends), free, ad-supported newspaper which
is simialr to Metro. This can also be found around
the city in the same locations as Metro.
Qué - Spanish language,
the newest arrival to the daily, free, ad supported newspapers.
Follows the same distribution method as Metro and 20 Minutos.
Casco Antiguo - Spanish language,
free newspaper which can be found in bars and tourist offices
covering news in the city center, such as renovations, new
projects, art and exhibits, conferences and more.
El Giraldillo - Spanish Language
monthly magazine which covers all of the arts - music, theatre,
exhibits, movies, festivals and more. Also has a large listing
of classes and private schools, restaurants, trips and other
local businesses. This is free at thr tourist office and
some bars/restaurants. Sometimes necessary to buy at other
lcations.
Cambalache - Spanish language,
2-3 times weekly, classified ads, most known for their apartment
and roomate wanted/needed listings. All other types of classifieds
as well. Can be purchased at newsstands.
Welcome Olé- free tourist
magazine in English and Spanish available in hotels and
the tourist office. Includes descriptions of the main sites,
a few monthly and seasonal events plus a map.
The Tourist - free tourist magazine
in English and Spanish available in hotels and at times
the tourist office. Similar to Welcome Olé, and my
one big problem is their tourist information which tells
you that it is customary to tip 10% at hotels, restaurants
and taxis. Tell this to just about any sevillano and watch them laugh.
Below are some sample prices for random
things you may want to do, buy, eat, read or...well you get the idea.
Use these prices as a general guide for costs while visiting Seville. Not included are prices for museums and tourist attractions.
I think it's fairly cheap to go out for a drink, coffee or a few tapas when compared with other cities in Spain.
As for tipping leave a few Euros at a very nice restaurant,
and leave a little more if you have a bigger
group that's been running the waiters around like crazy. You don't normally tip for informal meals or drinks aside from the extra change once you pay.
As well, you don't tip taxi drivers either, but rounding off the
change sometimes is nice. Contrary to what one of The Tourist magazines (hint, hint) says about tipping
in Sevilla, it is not customary to leave 10% for every meal,
cab ride, hotel or bar. If I had to recommend a flat percentage it would be closer to 5%, again excluding taxis, a drink at a bar or tapas where you can walk away without leaving a tip and not feel guilty. In general reward someone for doing
something nice, providing good service or going out of their
way, but these folks aren't expecting a large tip:
they don't work for below minimum wage as is the case in
the U.S. and some other countries. Not much more to add other
than I am happy not doing the math - estimating 15% plus
tax - every time I eat out.
| What |
Approx. Price |
| Tapa |
2 - 4 € |
| Cheap Meal |
5 - 9 € |
| Better Meal |
10 - 20 € |
| Expensive Meal |
25 - 45 € |
| Beer |
1,10 - 2 € |
| Soda / Refresco |
1,50 - 2 € |
| Cocktail |
4 - 8 € |
| Coffee |
1 - 2 € |
| Whole roast chicken |
8 € |
| Pizza |
7 - 12 € |
| Bus (1 trip) |
1,20€ |
| Bus Bónobus (10 trip pass) |
7€ |
| Bus Month pass (unlimited) |
40€ |
| Taxi |
4 - 8 € |
| Taxi to / from Airport |
19 - 23 € |
| Local Phone Call (booth) |
0,35 € |
| Herald-Tribune (US Newspaper) |
2 € |
| ABC, El Pais (Spanish Newspaper) |
1 € |
| Movie ticket |
5 - 9 € |
| Movie rental |
2 - 3 € |
| Haircut |
10 - 30 € |
Most of these I hope you'll never need to know. Others
can be quite helpful in the right situation.
| Who/What |
Telephone |
| Emergency (as in 911) |
112 |
| National Police |
091 |
| Municipal/Local Police |
092 |
| Fire (Bomberos) |
080 |
| Red Cross (Cruz Roja) |
954 35 14 00 |
| Farmacia de Guardia |
902 52 21 11 |
| Santa Justa (Train Station) |
954 54 02 02 |
| Plaza de Armas (Bus Station) |
954 90 80 40 |
| Prado (Bus Station) |
954 90 77 37 |
| Tussam (City Bus) |
954 55 72 00 |
| Tussam Lost Objects |
954 42 04 03 |
| Radio Taxi |
954 67 55 55 |
| Tele Taxi |
954 62 22 22 |
American Express
(Credit Card) |
915 72 03 03 |
Master Card (Credit
Card) |
900 97 12 31 |
Visa (Credit
Card) |
900 97 44 45 |
Listed below are the dates of national and regional holidays
which fall on fixed dates. Expect banks and other government
offices to be closed. Beware of other holidays which create puentes, or long weekends. These can make finding
a good hotel room a difficult process. Aside from Semana
Santa and Feria you can almost always show up and find something,
but your choices may be less than ideal in terms of location
and/or comfort. And be prepared to walk around for a few hours if there is some special event going on. Also note that for some holidays that fall on a weekend, the date of business closings may be on a Friday or Monday, so be sure to study the calendar to anticipate closings which are around the dates below.
| Observed |
Date |
| New Year's Day |
January 1 |
| Kings (Reyes) |
January 6 |
| Dia de Andalucia |
February 28 |
| Maundy Thursday |
April 8 |
| May Day |
May 1 |
| Assumption Day |
August 15 |
| Columbus Day |
October 12 |
| All Saints Day |
November 1 |
| Constitution Day |
December 6 |
| Immaculate Conception |
December 8 |
| Christmas Day |
December 25 |
Listed below are the dates of Semana Santa, Feria
de Abril and Corpus through 2010. Note that the Feria de
Abril dates are always tentative until they are confirmed
around the beginning of December the year before. In most
cases Feria de Abril falls 2 weeks after Semana Santa, although
it is rare for the Feria to go into May, so sometimes
(as was the case with 2006) they are closer together.
| Observed |
Semana Santa |
Feria de Abril |
Corpus Christi |
| 2011 |
17 - 24 April |
3 - 8 May |
26 June |
| 2012 |
1 - 8 April |
24 - 29 April |
10 June |
| 2013 |
24 - 31 March |
16 - 21 April |
2 June |
| 2014 |
13 - 20 April |
29 April - 4 May |
22 June |
|
