Currency exchange - How and Where

Barcelona is unfortunately well known for its pickpocketing problem, therefore instead of carrying large amount of cash, I would recommend using ATMs (automated teller machine) as it is the easiest way to get cash. However, before you start your travel, you should contact your bank in order to find out what charges they will apply. Rembember that in order to use your credit card abroad, you will need a valid PIN number. Also, if you have several credit cards, use the one that offers you the best deal (the one that applies the smallest charge).

However, if you have to exchange money (e.g. US Dollars or British pounds to Euros), I would strongly recommend that you use a regular bank (La Caixa, Caixa Catalunya, Caixa Penedes, ...) rather than exchange kiosks as the exchange ratio is more favorable in a regular bank. Moreover, financial institutions post their exchange rates outside so you will be able to compare their ratio to the ratios applied by the exchange kioks. Use only exchange kiosks as a last resort as they will rip you off.

When changing your money, ensure that you get loose change as it will be very useful if for example you have to use public transportation. As a safety measure, keep always the change in a different location than large notes.

Bank opening hours in Spain are Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm.

For those of you using American Express, there is an AM office in the city centre (Paseo de Gracia 101. Phone: 93 217 0070) that opens from Monday to Friday (9:30 to 18h) and on Saturday from 10-12.

Upcoming Running Competitions

A number of running competitions are organized on a regular basis in Barcelona and its surrounding areas.

You don't have to be superman to be able to complete them, just go at your own pace without worrying about anyone else and enjoy the feeling of crossing the finish line.

We all know how difficult it is to get the motivation to do some sport after a long day at work or at college. However, it is easier if you have a target. So why don't you register for one of the following running competitions listed below.

For those of you who like running why don't you register to any of the races taking part outside Barcelona. This will alow you to discover know a different area, less touristic, and to get in contact with the locals.

10/02/2008 - Half Marathon of Barcelona
29/02/2008 - Cursa Solidària - Barrio de Navas (BCN)

02/03/2008 - Marathon of Barcelona 2008
16/03/2008 - Cursa Popular de Muntanya de Vilanova i la Geltrú
29/03/2008 - VIII CROS DE MUNTANYA CAN CARALLEU - 9,5km
30/03/2008 - Half Marathon: Calçotada a Valls

06/04/2008 - Cursa dels Bombers - (BCN) 10km
13/04/2008 - 10 Km de Girona
27/04/2008 - Cursa 150 aniversari de los Bomberos de Vic 16km

11/05/2008 - Half Marathon in Girona
11/05/2008 - Cursa Popular in Girona
25/05/2008 - Cursa Policia de Catalunya - 10 km
31/05/2008 - 10 km de Granollers

01/06/2008 - Cursa de Pineda de Mar - 10km

Remember, success never comes easy, you have to work hard to achieve your target.