Barcelona

Before heading out to Barcelona, make sure you’ve arranged suitable travel and medical insurance. Policies can differ between providers, so check carefully what’s covered — don’t just go for the cheapest option. Even a minor accident or illness can be expensive without the right protection, especially if private healthcare is needed.

While it’s not a replacement for insurance, UK residents should carry a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This gives access to state healthcare in Spain, including Barcelona, at a reduced cost — or sometimes for free. If you still have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can continue to use it until it expires. More details and applications are available at www.gov.uk.

If you fall ill while in Barcelona, there are plenty of medical options. For minor issues, pharmacies (farmacias) are easy to spot — look for the green cross sign — and staff are generally helpful and knowledgeable. For more serious concerns, the city has a wide range of public and private hospitals and clinics, many with English-speaking staff. Examples include Hospital Quirónsalud Barcelona, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, and HM Nens Hospital (specialising in paediatric care).

Having comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, as private medical treatment in Barcelona can be costly without it.

You will need an additional 6 months validity on your passport from the end date of your holiday. Plus your passport must not be more than 10 years old. For more info please visit the following government advice Visit Europe from 1 January 2021 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

If you need police assistance while in Barcelona, you can contact the Policía Nacional or Mossos d’Esquadra, both of which have stations throughout the city. There are police stations in key areas for tourists, including Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), Eixample, and Barceloneta. For non-emergency issues or to report a minor crime (like lost property or theft), you can visit the nearest station in person or call the local police helpline at +34 932 232 323.

In case of an emergency, dial 112, the general emergency number used across Spain for police, ambulance, and fire services. English-speaking operators are available.

Many hotels, hostels, and apartment complexes in Barcelona have their own security staff, so if you experience any issues in or around your accommodation, it’s best to speak to them first. They can often handle minor problems quickly or assist in contacting local authorities if needed.

You’ll find plenty of ATMs across Barcelona, especially in busy tourist and nightlife areas like Barri Gòtic, El Raval, Eixample, and Barceloneta. Before using them, check with your bank to see what fees they charge for international withdrawals, as some ATMs in Spain may add an extra transaction fee on top of your bank’s charges.

Most bars, clubs, and restaurants in Barcelona accept card payments, but some smaller local venues or tapas bars may prefer cash. It’s always wise to carry a mix of euros and card so you’re ready for anything.

Prepaid travel cards are another smart option — you can load them with euros before your trip to help budget and avoid overspending. They’re also much safer than carrying large amounts of cash.

Online banks and travel-friendly cards like Revolut, Monzo, and Wise work perfectly in Barcelona. They let you spend abroad with low or no fees, and many allow a limited number of cash withdrawals for free. Some of our reps swear by them — pick the one that suits your travel style best!