Communication questions

1.- Can I buy a calling card before leaving?

Yes, and it will make it easier to contact family in the first days of arrival. CogniCall is a good international calling card company (about $.22/ min from Spain to the US).

2.- Which phone cards are the best once I am in Spain?

No matter which one you buy, be aware that you get more minutes if you use a pay phone rather than a mobile phone. (i.e. a 6€ phone card may get you 5-10 minutes on you mobile card, but 30-45 minutes on a pay phone).

3.- Where can I buy phone cards?

At any newspaper stand (on La Rambla for example) or at places like El Corte Ingles as well (on the seventh floor of the Pl. Catalunya Corte Ingles).

4.- Where should I tell people to send me mail, at the IES center or at my apartment/family’s home?

Your mail should be sent to the IES center. Please refer to your Get Set Guide for the address.

5.- Where can I buy stamps?

At any tobacco store (Tabacs) or at the post office, 76 cents to send a letter or a postcard to the US. You can also buy envelopes at most tobacco stores and at stationery stores.

6.- I do not know much/any Spanish, will I be okay?

Not to worry, you will certainly learn lots of Spanish while you are here, but until then this cosmopolitan/tourist city is very good at catering to those who do not know the language. A good Spanish-English pocket dictionary will come in handy!