Minorca: Dangerous Areas, Emergencies, Hospitals, Currency, and ATMs

Minorca is truly a small paradise for enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking tranquility. The absence of the crowds that characterize nearby Ibiza and Mallorca discourages theft, making it a relatively calm and safe island. However, as with any tourist destination, there's always a pickpocket ready to take advantage of distractions.

The most common crimes are the classic ones that tourists fall victim to: theft and pickpocketing, especially near the busiest landmarks and on public transport. Here are some tips to avoid ruining your vacation in Minorca.

Pickpockets often strike in public places when jackets, wallets, phones, and cameras are left unattended. There are no particularly dangerous areas, but make sure to secure your bags when waiting in line at monuments or on buses. In restaurants, especially fast food places, don't leave your bags unattended on chairs or tables. Beware of the bird poop scam: someone approaches you and tells you that you have bird droppings on your shoulders. They offer to help you clean up and leave with your wallet. Be cautious of gypsies selling red roses.

• Avoid showing all your cash and divide it into different denominations to keep separate.

• When you're in a restaurant or seated at a café table, don't hang your bag on the chair; don't leave bags unattended in fitting rooms while trying on clothes.

• Don't place your phone and wallet on tables or counters in public places; avoid keeping them in an outer pocket of your bag or pants.

• Make sure your car doors and windows are securely closed, and don't leave phones, cameras, wallets, or bags (even empty ones) on display: someone might be tempted to force the lock or break a window.

• Take a photocopy of your ID that you'll leave in your hotel in Valencia. In case of loss: if lost, contact the consulate; if stolen, also report it to the police.

In Spain, the law on drug possession and consumption is quite unique. For several years now, every Spanish citizen can grow up to 2 cannabis plants in their home for personal use.

Alternatively, one can "delegate" the cultivation to Social Clubs, non-profit associations that we will discuss in the next paragraph, where cannabis can be consumed. However, purchasing drugs from criminals is still a crime punishable by imprisonment.

Possession of drugs for personal use is allowed up to a maximum supply for 10 days, meaning around 25 grams. Beyond this limit, hefty fines apply and one can be charged with trafficking.

Cannabis Social Clubs are associations where people can go to consume cannabis and other substances. They are very similar to coffee shops in Amsterdam, but have stricter rules. They are not businesses, so the purpose is not to make money, but to provide members with a protected space to consume drugs. In Spain, there are about 500 clubs, with only one in Minorca. To access the club, you must be at least 21 years old, be introduced by someone, and pay a membership fee of about 10 euros. In many cases, access is much easier if you meet the right promoter of the association.

Some social clubs in Minorca:

Ateneu Llibertari Nura

Address: Apdo. de correos 108

Ciutadella de Menorca

Phone: 971 38 44 55

As in many other European countries, prostitution is legal in Spain, but all related activities, especially facilitation and exploitation, are prohibited. Brothels are also legal, usually referred to as "Eros Centers" or clubs where prostitutes work and are organized as cooperatives or businesses. Street prostitution is almost completely absent.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST ADULTS AND MINORS.

We remind you that those committing crimes against minors (sexual abuse, exploitation, prostitution) abroad will be prosecuted according to Italian law upon returning to our country.

Speed Limits

The speed limit in cities is 60 km/h and on highways is 90 km/h. On motorways, the speed limit is 120 km/h.

USE OF HEADLIGHTS

It is mandatory to use low-beam headlights in tunnels and in poor visibility conditions.

DRINKING AND DRIVING

In Spain, there are three limits for blood alcohol concentration, with some tolerance for tourists.

**Tourists 0.25 mg/l

Professionals 0.15 mg/l

New drivers 0.15 mg/l** - and drinking before driving is not allowed.

It is mandatory to undergo a breath test if requested by the authorities. Refusing is considered a very serious offense.

Child seats: children under 3 years must travel in an appropriate car seat. Those aged 3 to 12 can travel in the front seat with an approved child seat or in the back seat with adult seat belts.

Reflective safety vests: you won't be fined for not having one on board, but it is still mandatory to use it when exiting a stationary vehicle on the road outside urban areas.

Using a cellphone while driving is prohibited.

Fines and penalties

In Spain, fines for foreigners must be paid at the time of notification. If you are unable to pay at that moment, there is a real risk of vehicle seizure until the fine is paid.

If you arrive in Minorca by car or plan to rent one on-site, you can drive with an Italian driver's license. To circulate, it is not necessary to have the Green Card, just the vehicle registration document. If the car is not yours, it is best to have a notarized authorization signed by the owner. Seat belts are **mandatory in all equipped seats.

Italians visiting Minorca for study, vacation, or work are entitled to healthcare just like in Italy. To receive it, however, it is necessary to carry the Italian Health Card issued by the local health authority. The card covers all standard emergency services and reimbursement for medical expenses incurred.

Spanish private doctors and hospitals do not accept the European Health Card. If you wish to receive medical assistance in such facilities, you will have to pay for the costs or take out health insurance coverage.

The Italian health card does not cover the costs of potential emergency transport in Italy. Spanish healthcare facilities are of excellent quality, in line with European and Italian standards.

The Emergency Services of Minorca can be reached by calling the European number 112, which can be dialed free of charge from any mobile phone and public telephone booths. This is the number to call in case of accidents or various emergencies. You will likely be answered in Spanish or English, so if you do not know these two languages, pass the phone to a Spanish speaker who can help you ask for assistance.

These are the hospitals in Minorca to contact in case of emergency:

Hospital Mateu Orfila in Maó

Ronda de Malbúger, 07703 Maó

Phone: +34 971 48 70 00

There are also various public clinics in individual villages and several private clinics scattered across the island. In more touristy areas and on the busiest beaches, there is always a Red Cross station.

Pharmacies in Minorca are indicated with the word Farmacia and a green cross. The pharmacies in Minorca stock all the medications available in Italy. They sell over-the-counter drugs without a prescription and prescription medications, which you will therefore need to bring from Italy. If you use particularly rare medications, it's a good idea to bring them from Italy.

The address of the night pharmacies is posted on the boards of those that are closed. They are usually open from 9 AM to 1 PM and from 4:30 PM to 8 PM from Monday to Saturday, while on Sundays they are open from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. Here is the list of pharmacies that are always open.

Airport Pharmacy: every day 9 AM - 9 PM

Farmacia Martí Sureda: Plaça Dels Pins, 20, Ciutadella De Menorca,

Spain has an excellent mobile phone network in line with European standards, so you will have no difficulty calling and receiving calls with your Italian mobile phone. As soon as you arrive in Minorca, your phone will connect to one of the active operators in Spain. However, it's good to check all costs before you leave by asking your provider about call and message rates.

To call from Minorca to Italy, you need to dial our international prefix +39 followed by the landline or mobile number. To receive calls from Italy to Spain, the prefix they must dial is 0034. There are no issues for mobile phones. As soon as you enter Spanish territory, your operator will automatically connect to the Spanish provider with which it has commercial agreements.

The electrical current is the same as in Italy, at 220 volts. The most common sockets are round pin plugs. Bring adapters with you because many sockets, especially in older homes and hotels, may not match your devices. Usually, hotels have several adapters available for their guests.

The official currency used in Minorca and Spain is the Euro, so you can use the notes and coins you use in Italy. As in our country, there are 7 banknotes and 8 coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; 1 and 2 Euros and banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euros.

In Minorca, the most common credit cards are widely accepted. Before entering a store or restaurant, always check that the logo for your credit card is on the door. You will need to show your passport or ID for payments with cards. You can withdraw Euros in cash from ATMs (bank machines) available day and night in every part of Minorca.

In case of loss of cards, here are the numbers to call in Minorca:

• Visa 900-99-1124

• American Express 800-263-92-279

• Master Card 900-97-1231

• Maestro Card 0039-02-34980132

• Diners Club 0039 02-3216-2656

Banks are open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 2 PM or 2:30 PM. Some branches open on Saturday mornings.

Compared to the rest of Spain, which remains one of the more affordable European nations, prices in the Balearic Islands are higher, especially in the peak season (from June to August), which is also the period of super crowded beaches.

Minorca, compared to the more touristy Ibiza and Mallorca, is a more reserved destination and loved especially by those seeking tranquility and nature. Being a UNESCO Natural Heritage site, concrete damage is limited and hence there is not a very wide offering of hotels, resorts, and apartments.

This slightly raises prices, especially if booking late. Our advice is to act early and book in advance to catch the most convenient deals.

• Lunch or dinner in a pub or fast food: 10 € per person

• A full meal in a mid-range restaurant: 40 € for two

• Lunch or dinner in a high-end restaurant: 50 - 60 € for two

• A can of Coca-Cola: 1.77 €

• A 33 cl beer: 2.50 €

• A coffee: 1.20 €

• A cappuccino: 1.50 €

• A pack of cigarettes: 5.00 €

Minorca offers a good range of accommodations of all types. Prices start from 40 € even for a bed in a hostel or low-category hotel. In summer, it's not unusual to find flight + hotel packages for around 1000 euros per person for 7-10 nights in the peak of summer. If you're looking for a hotel, we recommend checking those offered by Booking.com. There are about 180 hotels with prices, photos, and reviews from guests who have stayed before you. Go to Booking.com

If something goes wrong in Minorca, there is an Italian Consulate Correspondent to turn to.

Consular Correspondent in Minorca

Isle of Minorca

Tel. 0034 971365448-cell. 0034 610215014

ornell@vodafone.es