Meal times
Spanish people generally eat later than other Europeans. Breakfast (7:30 and 10:00 a.m.) is similar to the continental style. Restaurants serve lunch between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., although it is usual to have it after 2:00 p.m. Finding an open restaurnat for dinner before 8:30 p.m. is almost impossible, and often they open after 9:00 p.m. Most restaurants will offer dinner until midnight and close past that hour. In weekends or during the Fallas festivals, these hours are even delayed further.
Weather
Valencia enjoys a mild temperate Mediterranean climate. The average annual temperature is 17ºC with warm summers and very mild winters, rarely below 10ºC. There is only light rainfall mainly in autumn and the beginning of spring. During the time of the conference, Valencia tends to be windy. If the sun shines, the temperatures can rise to late spring levels. Check the forecasts for rain before you leave.
Tipping
Tipping is not considered obligatory as service is included. However, if the service received is considered satisfactory, especially in bars and restaurants, a tip is often left. The amount of the tip is not related to the total bill, and can range from 50 cents in a bar (for a coffee) to 6 Euro as a splendid tip in a nice restaurant.
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 offer international services. There are several branches in the UPV Campus and all of them offer International tellers.
Credit Cards
Most hotels, restaurants and shops in Valencia accept the main credit cards such as American Express, VISA, Mastercard and Diners Club.
Electricity
Standard electrical voltage in Valencia is 220-240 V AC, 50 Hz.
Language
There are two official languages in Valencia: Spanish is Spain's official language. The local "Valenciano", used is also used in the Valencian Community, and most signs can be seen in both languages.
