Nine Trouble-Saving Tips in Valencia

By Devyn Fussman
It’s true that there’s no teacher like experience, but there are still a few things that are helpful to know- and that I wish I’d known – before going to Valencia.

 

1. When you go to talk to your bank about using money overseas, ask if they can give you a chip card (a credit card with a computer chip in it). Most places in Europe won’t take cards that don’t have the chips, and it’s much easier than trying to count out cash in a long line. Also ask if they can order euros for you, and get a decent amount. I did this before leaving and it made the first week a much smoother transition since I didn’t have to run around trying to find a place to exchange money. When you place your order, ask that the denominations be mixed up so you’re not weighed down with too many little bills or at risk with too many big ones. 

 

2. The tables and chairs on the streets are not public; they belong to the restaurants in front of them. This isn’t obvious because the umbrellas will sometimes have different logos, but if you sit down it means you’re going to buy something. I had no idea that was the case and almost annoyed a server by eating another restaurant’s food at one of her tables! To save face, I quickly ordered water (which, by the way, is not free in Spain). The way cafés work in Valencia and in other parts of Europe is the customer sits down and the server walks over and takes the order. Unlike in America, the servers aren’t going to keep checking on you to see if you need anything. They don’t rush you at all and won’t give you the bill until you ask for it. When you want to pay, remember the magic words: La cuenta, por favor.

 

3. Another difference from America is that in Valencia, cafés are treated more like actual restaurants and less like makeshift office spaces. People don’t sit and stay; nobody breaks out a laptop and studies for finals like they do in Tallahassee. The one place that might be an exception is Starbucks, but even then you should expect to buy some food and drink in exchange for your stay.

 

4. Buy a reusable tote bag at the Bazar Feliz (the convenience store near the study center) or bring one with you. This is a huge help when it comes to grocery shopping, because you have to carry everything you buy and the stores here will charge you for plastic bags.  Bring a tote or buy one at the grocery store, and take a backpack too for extra space. Publix has spoiled us by always bagging our groceries, providing the bags free of charge, and loading up our cars for us. In Valencia, not only do you have to pay for the bags, you have to fill them yourself! That was a bit of a surprise to me when the cashier rang me up and immediately pushed my stuff to the side and helped the next customer. 

 

5. Don’t disregard the coins. In America, quarters are the only coins with any real value most of the time, so we tend to just throw them aside. But with the euro that’s not the case. There are coins that are worth one or two euros, and you can actually buy things with them.

 

6. Restaurants in Valencia don’t provide free refills. But what they do provide is a bottle for your drink in addition to a glass, so you can take it with you if you don’t finish. The portions they give tend to be reasonable, so if you pace yourself well you shouldn’t even need a refill.

 

7. Don’t expect a lot from breakfast time. At FSU we’re used to having big breakfasts at Dennys, Einsteins and Dunkin Donuts, but in Spain breakfast isn’t as much of a thing. It’s usually a piece of bread, some coffee, and maybe a piece of fruit. The main meal of the day is lunch, so you’re not likely to find a lot in terms of pancakes or omelets. But Pan de Queso, which is right across the street from the Gold building, has some delicious bread for good prices, and they accept cheques too.

 

8. When you go on the excursions, pay attention to the directions used to get where you’re going. The way they usually work is that you’ll be escorted to the site, but once you get there you’re on your own, so it’s important to know how to get back. Take notes if you have to, and be sure to use landmarks that are unique. I made the mistake of using a pharmacy as my landmark, not realizing that there are two of them on every corner! Try something more specific, like a graffiti drawing or a historical site.

 

9. If you start to feel homesick, the best medicine is to distract yourself. I always found that it hit me the hardest when I was just lying around my room doing nothing; as soon as I left I felt much better. Get out and do something to take your mind off it, even if all you do is go for a walk. The beauty of Valencia and all that goes on will give you something else to think about, and when classes and excursions start, you’ll be so busy you won’t have time to be homesick!