Local Time: Central European Time (GMT+1)
Area: 25,14 km²
Population: 207.777 inhabitants
Language: The official languages in Navarra are Spanish and Basque (only in the areas where Basque is spoken). Basque, or Euskera, is one of the most antique languages in the world, being the only pre-Indo-European language that has survived in Western Europe. This language is spoken by more than 1,000,000 people, who are called euskaldun. If we literally translate it, it means "Basque speaker“. Due to this duality of languages, the public administration uses both languages in their communications in Basque speaking areas.
Emergency numbers:
- General Emergencies (police, firefighters and ambulance): 112
- National Police: 091
- Local Police: 092
- Pamplona Firefighters: 112
Gastronomy: The Gastronomy of Navarra has a big influence from the surrounding regions, the most remarkable ones being Aragón, Basque Country and La Rioja. Nevertheless, the local gastronomy has enough elements to consider it as unique and genuine gastronomy. For example, the asparagus from Navarra is very popular due to their quality, being considered as a delicatessen. Another good example is the "chorizo de Pamplona" or "chistorra"; both of them have their origin in Navarra. We strongly recommend you to try "pimientos de piquillo" (a kind of local pepper) before going back home. And last, but not least, you have to know that wine is also very popular in Navarra.
Communication: Phone Prefix in Spain: +34
Currency: The official currency in Spain is Euro (€).
Bank Account: Opening a bank account in Spain can be difficult for exchange students. Most of the banks ask the students to have an NIE (an identification number for foreigners), a document that can be difficult to get in some cases. However, there are some options that will allow you to get a Spanish bank account in an easy and fast way. If you need a Spanish Bank Account, come by the Happy Erasmus Office and we will inform you about all the steps you need to take to get an account without fees and completely free.
Lost/Stolen Credit Card Cancellation:
- AmericanExpress: (+34) 900 814 500
- Mastercard: (+34) 900 97 12 31
- ServiRed: (+34) 902 19 21 00
- Visa: (+34) 900 99 11 24
Tips: In Pamplona, like in the rest of Spain, it's not common to give tips, and when tips are given, they are usually not higher than the 10% of the total amount. Of course, everything depends on the service you have received. In bars and clubs, it's not very common to give tips, but it's more common when you order food or when the service offered has been extraordinary.
Tobacco and alcohol consumption (+18): in Spain, a high percentage of the population smokes, but it's true that in recent years, these numbers have decreased due to different reasons. Still, if you smoke, you have to know that you are allowed to smoke in the streets and terraces. It's not allowed to smoke in clubs, bars, universities or offices. Besides that, most of the big clubs have a special space where it is allowed to smoke.
Regarding alcohol, in Spain, we consume more alcohol than the European average. Alcohol is very tolerated in society, it is not unusual to see people drinking wine during lunch or having a beer after work. In Spain, it's possible to buy alcohol in bars and clubs; but also in supermarkets. Drinking alcohol in the street is prohibited by law, and you may receive a fine if the police catch you. Nevertheless, young people often meet to drink alcohol in the streets, in spots where they don't bother other people. We usually call this "botellón" or "hacer litros".
