Preparing your stay in Barcelona

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1. What is the N.I.E? Do I need  it to rent an apartment in Fuster Apartments Barcelona?

You just need to get a NIE if you stay in Spain for over 3 months. If you stay less than 3 months (less than 90 days) you can identify yourself just with your passport.

The NIE Number is issued by Spanish authorities to identify foreigners (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). This document is required is required for the purchase or sale of real estate, vehicle and boats, or in order to work or study. This document is also required for various other types of purposes: for bank transfers or bill payment through your Spanish bank account, to buy a property in Spain, to be granted a loan or mortgage in Spain, to buy a car , to work as an employee or self-employed person, to contract Water / Electricity / Telephone, to inherit assets ... And is required when:
If you want to open a Spanish bank account what initially can be made by using a passport
To buy a property in Spain.
To be granted a mortgage.
To make a transaction involving an invoice on your behalf
To taxes, such as taxes for non-residents / Property tax or property tax.


2. What is the European Health Insurance Card?

The European Health Insurance Card (or EHIC) is issued free of charge and allows anyone who is insured by or covered by a statutory social security scheme of the EEA countries and Switzerland to receive medical treatment in another member state free or at a reduced cost, if that treatment becomes necessary during their visit (for example, due to illness or an accident), or if they have a chronic a pre-existing condition which requires care.

Every citizen must apply to the EHIC issued by his national health insurance provider in his country of residence before traveling to another member country.



3. What to do in Barcelona.? Visit our guide Blog

History and art in Barcelona:
The Barcelona of the late nineteenth century during the Universal Exhibition of 1888, was a city in effervescence in which the architecture lived a notable moment. In the course of the mid-nineteenth century the walls surrounding the city of Barcelona were demolished.

Extramural land, which until then had been used as agricultural fields and military areas, urbanized through the Cerdà Plan, which would create the Eixample. The city began since to be transformed until it became a European cultural and historical center. Blog Fuster Apartments Barcelona, invites you to discover the role of modernism in Barcelona and the places and monuments that have participated in the elaboration of its history, here.

Traditions and customs
Catalonia has a historical, cultural and popular past that makes it unique. Undoubtedly, its traditions and customs are the sign of its identity and legacy, that’s why Catalonia has maintained over the years traditions and customs that are still present. Go through them in our guide to discover Barcelona.


The districts of Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the major tourist cities in Europe that attracts thousands of visitors each year. However, Barcelona is much more than the Sagrada Familia or luxury avenues such as Paseo de Gracia.
One of the delights offered by the city for anyone visiting Barcelona passing through or living in it, is the great stimulus that offer each of the districts of Barcelona, which make it a cosmopolitan city with a unique charm. Come discover the different neighborhoods of Barcelona and their activities.


The climate of Barcelona
Barcelona has a humid Mediterranean climate, so the sun is present at any season in Barcelona, so you will be able to enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Temperatures are warm in summer and mild during winter with a little daily thermal oscillation. Therefore, you have to pack your suitcase according to this factor: we provide you precise instructions on what you need in your suitcase if you come to Barcelona.


Language
The native language of Catalonia is Catalan, but the Castilian is also a co-official language. To enjoy the city and all it has to offer, you need to have notions in both languages.

Although do not panic, there are English speakers among the people of the city so if you do not dare to speak the local language, you can communicate seamlessly in English in any shop or restaurant.
If you plan to book an apartment in Barcelona for a long stay, there are free Catalan courses for foreigners offered by the city of Barcelona and the most important entity that is the Consortium for Linguistic Normalisation; in this center, basic Catalan courses are free and the advanced ones are very affordable.


Sustainability
Barcelona wants its citizens and visitors to enjoy the many attractions it offers in a balanced and respectful way with the environment. Therefore it promotes a tourism model based on respect for city resources in economic, social, environmental and cultural terms.
For this reason, and always innovative way, Barcelona has established itself as a sustainable tourist destination with responsible tourism management and a cross-cutting strategy that seeks to ensure a lasting model in the future.


Landmarks and tourist attractions.
Barcelona is a city steeped in culture and history, so if you want to discover every corner of the city sightseeing, then you came to the right place. We offer several articles about museums, buildings and the most emblematic theatres of the Catalan capital that you can not miss here.

   
The most important events of Barcelona.
Barcelona is a city in constant movement that has much to offer. Throughout the years, there have always been a lot of events and festivals ranging from the performing arts to sports, from carnivals to business events.
In the section 'Events Barcelona' from our guide blog you will find all the information on conferences and professional events in Barcelona, music festivals or major sports events organized in the city.


Gastronomy of Barcelona.
Catalonia has always been a must see for lovers of gastronomy for many years. The Catalan cuisine is an old Mediterranean style cuisine that is characterized by the aromas of herbs that can be found in the mountains, animals that are bred locally, fished seafood and the Mediterranean Sea. With Fuster Apartments, discover the essentials to enjoy gastronomy in Barcelona.


Where to go with children in Barcelona?
Barcelona is an excellent city to travel with children. The variety of offerings in this city is ideal if you want to combine visits to the city for adult with children activities without getting bored.
In the list of options, there are two types of visits. On the one hand those whose purpose is to get out with children, and secondly, to participate in visits for adults but trying to make them the most enjoyable for the little ones. If you need more information, we suggest you to visit the website of Barcelona, where you will find hundreds of events for children in Barcelona, arranged in a monthly agenda.


Barcelona by night
Barcelona does not sleep at night. A reference of  the international electronic scene, the city will make you dance with the best DJ's. Nightlife in Barcelona is divided by areas that meet similar styles and characteristics. All the lovers of jazz, rock, Latin rhythms and pop will find their site here.

In Barcelona you will find many areas filled with bars, pubs and terraces, as well as first-order clubs. You can find a selection of bars and clubs of Barcelona brought to you by Fuster Apartments.


4. Is Barcelona a safe city?

Barcelona is a safe city, besides being beautiful and having an incredible climate, but unfortunately like all great cities in the world, it’s not exempt from some types of thefts and some popular scams. This great city has a reputation of being a playground for pickpockets and swindlers that take advantage of any mistake of the tourists to steal them. Barcelona suffers the disadvantages of minor crimes, but compared to other big cities like London and New York, violent crimes occur to a lesser extent.

Some advices:
We recommend you to have with you only what you need: a photocopy of your passport, cash you might need during the day and a camera around your neck, leaving the credit card, passport and everything that is not necessary in your accommodation ( and even better in a safe-deposit box).
If you are carrying cash and other valuables, put them in the inside pockets of your jacket, if there are ones. And if not, use the front pockets. Do not keep anything like your wallet or cell phone in back pockets - thieves can access them very easily, especially on public transport such as subways.
Keep your bag closed at all times. In restaurants and bars, make sure you have it in sight or even on your lap or between your legs (do not let it hanging from a chair).
Pay special attention when you meet many people. Whether on the subway or on the street, any loss of concentration from people is ideal for pickpockets to act.