Information taken from the Spanish Tourist Office General Information Leaflet; also available in hard copy by calling the Spanish Tourist Office on 020 7486 8077 or the Brochure Request Line: 09063 640630. Visit their website at www.tourspain.es.
CAR HIRE BOOKING:  Details of hire vehicles with special characteristics, bicycles and motor scooters should be requested from Local Tourist bffices in Spain. The minimum age to qualify for car hire is 21. Coach Hire Bookings: Coaches, with driver, may be booked through HSA.
MOTORING IN SPAIN
Documents Required: An EU Driving Licence is accepted for driving in Spain. If your current one does not comply with the EU format, you are advised to obtain an International Driving Licence, available from the AA. EU citizens are advised to obtain the EU format licence from the Driver's Vehicle Agency. A valid driving licence is required at all times when driving' in Spain. The vehicle log book/registration and adequate insurance are also required.
Insurance: Third party insurance is compulsory in Spain. Travellers are advised to obtain a Green Card from their own insurance company. Traffic Offences: On the spot payment of fines {reduced by 20% ) is compulsory for non-residents. 
ACCOMMODATION
Most accommodation is provided in Hotels, classified from 1 to 5 stars, as well as Hostels or Pensions, classified from 1 to 3 stars. There are other types of accommodation available in Apartment-Hotels, Hotel-Residencias, Hostal-Residencia & Motels. The term Residencia denotes an estab lishment where dining-room facilities are not provided, though there may be breakfast and cafeteria services. There is also a network of Paradors from 3 to 5 stars all over the country. Bookings may be made with the following agencies: Each region is responsible for its hotel classification, therefore this information is only intended as a guide, since standards may vary slightly from region to region.
FIVE STAR HOTELS: Air-conditioning in all public rooms and bedrooms; central heating; all bedrooms with private bathrooms; some suites with sitting room; telephone in every room; lounge and adequate parking facilities.
FOUR STAR HOTELS: Air conditioning in all public rooms and bedrooms unless climatic conditions require central heating or refrigeration only; lounlge: all bedrooms with private bathroom; hot and cold water; telephone in every room; lift; adequate parking facilities. 
BOOKING: It is always advisable to book accommodation well in advance, particularly during festivals or in popular resorts on the coast from late Spring to October. Reservations may be made through HSA. For information on accommodation in Spain, look for  HSA Spanish Menu. 
TAXES: all categories: 7% VAT Mainland and Balearic Islands; 4.5% IGIC in the Canary Islands and IPSI in Ceuta (3%) and Mellila (2%) 
REDUCTIONS FOR CHILDREN: Most hotels make reductions for babies and small children, though there are no official regulations. This matter should be arranged with the hotel management.
Complaints: All hotels, restaurants, camp sites and petrol stations are required, by law, to keep and produce complaint forms when required by a client to do so. Should you be unable to obtain these, you are advised to obtain them from the Tourist Information Office when possible, or write to the Direccior General de Turismo  of the appropriate Autonomous Government, enclosing all factual evidence, within a month of the incident. 
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
Babies: Baby foods and disposable nappies are available at all resorts and are obtainable from supermarkets and chemists. Babysitting arrange ments can usually be made locally. The availability and costs should be checked with establishments directly or through the booking agent.
Banking Hours: Most banks open from 09.00-14.00 Monday to Friday and 09.00 to 13.00 on Saturdays (except in the summer). Times may vary from bank to bank.