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Practical Information: Essential Guide for your Stay in Mallorca

Planning a trip requires knowing the details that make a stay more comfortable and secure. Here you will find all the technical and logistical information, as well as safety tips, so that your only concern is enjoying the island.

Official Resources and Visitor Support

Before you start, we recommend checking our general information and downloading the necessary graphic resources:

Tourist Information Offices

Mallorca has a multitude of offices spread across the entire territory. You will find general information points at the airport, the port, and the centre of Palma, in addition to local offices in most municipalities and tourist areas to resolve any specific questions about the surroundings.

Money, Taxes and Communications

Money and Payments: We have an extensive network of 24h ATMs. Most cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro) are accepted in almost all establishments. Currency exchange offices are located at the airport and some hotels.

Tipping: It is customary to leave a tip in bars, restaurants, and taxis, although there is no fixed percentage.

Tax Free: Residents from outside the EU can request a VAT refund in shops with a DIVA form, validating it at airport or port terminals before departure.

Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS): This is applied to all stays to offset the environmental impact of tourism.

Electricity, Time Zone and Connectivity

Opening Hours and Public Holidays

  • Administration: 9:00 to 14:00.
  • Shops: Normally 10:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 20:00. In Palma and tourist areas, they usually open all day from 09:00 to 21:00.
  • Restaurants: Kitchens are generally open from 13:00 to 15:00 and 20:00 to 23:00 (although more and more establishments now offer non-stop kitchen service).
  • Banks: 08:30 to 14:00.
  • Water: Tap water is mostly drinkable, although a large part of the population prefers to consume bottled water.

Common Public Holidays in Mallorca

  • 1st January (New Year’s Day), 6th January (Epiphany), 1st March (Balearic Islands Day), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1st May (Labour Day), 15th August (Assumption), 12th October (National Day), 1st November (All Saints’ Day), 6th December (Constitution Day), 8th December (Immaculate Conception), 25th and 26th December (Christmas).

Health and Emergencies

  • Emergency Number: 112 (Free, 24h and multilingual).
  • Medical Care: We have a complete network of public hospitals and private clinics. It is essential for EU citizens to travel with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
  • Pharmacies: They follow standard commercial hours, but there are always “duty pharmacies” (farmacias de guardia) for night-time or holiday emergencies.
  • Vaccinations: Vaccination against Covid-19 is currently recommended.

Tips, Safety and Precautions

Book in advance: Especially in summer, we recommend booking flights, accommodation, hire cars, and restaurants well ahead of time.

Driving and Mobility Regulations

  • Requirements: 18 years old and a valid driving licence (International Permit depending on country of origin).
  • Rules: Drive on the right. Limits: 50 km/h (urban), 80 km/h (roads), 120 km/h (motorway). Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone.
  • Children: It is forbidden to carry them in your arms. If they are under 135 cm tall, they must use approved restraint systems in the rear seats.
  • Restrictions: The Ma-2210 road (Formentor) has restricted access at certain times. Check the official traffic viewer.
  • Motorbikes and Bikes: Helmets are compulsory. On bicycles, they are mandatory on open roads and for those under 16 in the city.

Transport in Mallorca

Prevention of Theft and Scams

Mallorca is safe, but watch your belongings in crowded areas (beaches, hotels, airports). Do not leave valuables in the car. Avoid street games such as “the shell game” (trileros)—they are a scam—and be wary of anyone offering items insistently on the street. In case of theft, report it to the National Police or call 902 102 112 (tourist assistance).

Sun Safety

  • Sun: Use high protection and avoid the central hours of the day.
  • Fire: It is forbidden to light fires in the countryside from 1st May to 15th October to prevent forest fires.

Traveller Services: Consulates and Luggage Storage

  • Consulates: Palma has various foreign representations for emergencies or documentation procedures.
  • Luggage Storage: If you want to visit the island baggage-free, you will find 24h locker services and storage companies in the centre of Palma and at strategic transport points.

Keep exploring Mallorca