MONEY EXCHANGE
Remember to take your passport with you when changing money outside the hotel or apartment. many hotels now give official bank rates when changing money so it's
worth checking before making an unnecessary journey to the bank. Bank are open 09.00 to 14.00 Monday to Friday. 
CREDIT CARDS
Visa, Access and American Express are the most popular. Just look for the signs in the shop window or reception areas of hotels. Credit cards and charge cards are accepted by many hotels, shops and restaurants.
CAR HIRE
To hire a car you can used your British driving licence but the minimum age is 21. Once behind the wheel, remember:
- Always take your driving licence and passport with you.
- Wear your seat belt when driving an motorways and major roads.
- Traffic police are strict with offenders and can demand fines on the spot.
- In the event of an accident, never admit liability or part with any documents. Co-operate with the police and contact the car hire firm as soon as possible.
- Always give way to traffic coming from the right.
- Petrol stations are normally open 24 hrs. The easiest way to buy petrol is to show the attendant how much you want to spend!
BRITISH CONSULATE
If you need assistance, the British Consulate is in Barcelona at 477 Avenida Diagonal, tel; (93) 419 00 44
I.V.A.
The Spanish equivalent to V.A.T., in Spain there are currently three rates of I.V.A., 7%, and 16%. Please note that I.V.A. is not a service charge.
GENERAL
As a general rule please exercise the same care for your safety as you would at home. Keep an eye out for common hazards such as raised paving stones, manhole covers and the like.
Remember that children may be less careful than adults in new surroundings, please take extra care with children on stairs, on balconies and anywhere where there is likely to be water on the floor. Note that the food overseas can be very rich and contain unfamiliar ingredients, it is easy to over-indulge in both food and drink whilst on holiday but the effects can ruin a holiday.

TELEPHONE
Local telephone boxes accept Euro coins for international calls. If you want to make a call, lift the handset and insert coins Dial 00 and wait until you hear the high pitched tone. Then dial 44 and miss the zero off your area, e.g. for central London you would dial 00-44-171 the your local number.
TAXIS
Fares are standard charges or run on a meter. Taxis can be called from your hotel or apartment reception.
MEDICAL
If you require a Doctor, please contact your hotel/apartment reception or your holiday rep. Don't forget to retain all Doctor's and chemist receipts to make a insurance claim on your return home. The chemist are call "Farmacias" and are identified by a green cross. Outside normal shopping hours there is always a duty chemist available, called "Farmacia de turno", the address of which is displayed on the door or window of all the chemist that are closed.
FOOD & DRINK
If you want to eat out, the menu of the day, is available in most restaurants, is a reasonable way of eating out. Do try some of the "Tapas" served in most of the Spanish bars, a selection of small snacks which are a treat to your palate.
TRANSPORT
Benidorm is well connected with train and bus services, ask your hotel/apartment reception for details.
BEACH
Even "safe" beaches may become dangerous in certain weather conditions. Be aware of depths, tides and currents by listening to local advice. Swim before, not after eating and do not mix alcohol with swimming. Do not swim alone or at night. Do not use inflatable boats or lilos on open water. Swim along the shore, not out to sea. Always watch out for any possible dangers (speed bikes & boats). If the beach has flags, ensure you are aware of their meaning and obey them.