Page 184 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza

182  SUR VIV AL GUIDE PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  183

PRACTICAL INFORMATION worked out on the basis of Youths/Students
the formulari (Global Refund The Balearics are an
The Balearic Islands are one of Europe’s such as bag-snatching. Such crimes can Cheque), stamped by the ideal destination for
most popular holiday destinations. The often be avoided if you take sensible Customs Officer at the point young holidaymakers.
islands have invested heavily in tourism precautions. A well-developed information of departure before checking The fine weather, great
and are geared up to receive multitudes service, especially on the Internet, makes the luggage. The refund can beaches and clubs
attract thousands of
be claimed at the airport, at
of visitors. Hotel and catering facilities are researching and planning a trip here a any Cash Refund desk, or on young people from
extensive and there are plenty of attractions relatively straightforward business. During returning home, by post or all over Europe. Some
for the whole family to enjoy. In general, the peak period, tour operators tend to via bank transfer. also come in search of
the islands are safe for visitors, although, snap up the available accommodation, seasonal employment,
as with any other busy resort destination, so be sure to book in advance. In the off- Language combining work with
pleasure. Holders of the
holidaymakers are vulnerable to crimes season, reservations are not as essential.
The official joint languages of International Student
the Balearic Islands are Catalan Identity Card (ISIC) and
and Spanish (Castilian). For the Euro under-26 card
When to Visit many locals, however, the are entitled to many
Each season has something to everyday language is Catalan. benefits when visiting
offer. Nevertheless, the tourist This bilingual culture can be Horse-cab ride in Palma, Mallorca the Balearic Islands.
season is at its busiest from July felt when using local maps, They can get discounts
until September. It peaks in where the names of places of current cultural events, on ferry travel, entrance
August, which coincides with may be given in one or the entertainment and available charges to museums and
the hottest weather on the other language. Catalan, in accommodation. However, the galleries, and tickets to some of
islands. The hotels, bars and its turn, is divided into information they provide may the other tourist attractions.
restaurants fill up, beaches variants specific to be somewhat general
are full of sun-lovers and each of the islands. in nature and it Children
the clubs are crowded. At the In Mallorca it is known is usually limited
height of the season you are as Mallorquín, in to the town where As with much of Spain, children
more likely to hear German West End in Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza Menorca as Menorquín the tourist office is are welcome in most places
or English being spoken Travel Safety Advice and in Ibiza as Eivissenc. located or to its except the big clubs, which,
than Spanish or Catalan. for hiking, as the flowers are in During Franco’s immediate vicinity. of course, have age restrictions
Anyone who dislikes crowds bloom, although there can be Visitors can get up-to-date dictatorship, Catalan A valuable source of for obvious reasons. Most
should plan their visit for heavy rain and storms at this travel safety information was banned in all information is the hotels can provide cots; some
the period before the high time of year. The islands are from the Foreign and public arenas. Never- Internet. Individual have all-day care, babysitting
season or when things begin quietest during the autumn Commonwealth Office in the theless, the local islands, towns, tourist and special entertainment for
to quieten down. In May, June, months and December. UK, the State Department in population has never offices, hotels, car hire youngsters. It is nevertheless
late September and early the US and the Department abandoned its use, firms and museums worth checking in advance
October, the weather is still Visas of Foreign Affairs and Trade and learning a few all have their own what facilities are available
warm enough for sunbathing. in Australia. courtesy phrases websites. They usually at any given hotel.
Springtime is between February Regulations covering admission in Catalan is a good include photographs Restaurants in hotels and
and April. This is the best time to the Balearic Islands are the way to win over with text written in in towns are also good at
same as for the rest of Customs Regulations the locals. Signposts on Menorca several languages. providing for the needs of
Spain. Nationals of all Customs regulations state In tourist areas It is therefore much children. They have highchairs
the European Union in detail the limits on goods English and German are simpler to do your research on and have special menus for
member states do not imported to and exported readily understood. Information a specific town before leaving children. When hiring a car,
require a visa to enter from the Balearic Islands. Such signs and restaurant menus home rather than once you are you should have no problem
the Balearic Islands. information may be obtained are generally multilingual. already there. getting a child seat.
People from many from Spanish Embassies and Greater problems with
other non-EU countries, travel agents. Specific customs communication may be
including Australia, queries may be referred to the experienced away from the
Canada, Israel, Japan, Departamento de Aduanas e busiest areas. But even in
New Zealand and the Impuestos Especiales (Customs the provinces, increasing
USA, are likewise not and Excise Department) in numbers of people can speak
required to obtain a visa Madrid. Remember that at least one major European
before entry for tourist only adults are entitled to language as well as Spanish.
visits of up to 90 days. export alcohol and cigarettes
If in doubt, you should in the quantities allowed by
contact the Spanish the regulations. Tourist Information
Embassy or seek advice Nationals of non-EU You will find Tourist Information
from a travel agent. countries may apply for VAT offices (Informació turística) in
Anyone who does require refunds on goods purchased all of the larger towns and
a visa must apply in in any of the islands’ shops resorts on the islands. These
person at the consulate bearing the sign “Tax Free offer free maps and information
Strolling through Ciutadella, Menorca in their own country. Shopping”. The refund is packs; they also have details Children visiting one of Menorca’s historic sights
Bicycles parked by Ses Illetes beach, Formentera

182-183_EW_Mallorca.indd 182 06/10/17 11:09 am 182-183_EW_Mallorca.indd 183 06/10/17 11:09 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm