As you prepare for your trip to the IEEE NANO 2024 Conference, here’s some useful information to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience in Gijón, Spain.
💲Currency
Like the rest of Spain, the official currency in Gijón is the EURO (€). If you need to convert your currency, you can use a currency converter.
🗯️Official Language
The official language throughout the Principality of Asturias is Spanish (Castilian). All public information is provided in Spanish, and the entire population speaks it. While the Asturian language is quite widespread, it is not official and is always accompanied by Spanish. Here are some typical Asturian expressions you might hear in Gijón, along with their translations:
caleya: country road with poor access
carbayon: oak, a hundred-year-old tree that was located in Oviedo and gives its nickname to the Oventenses
fame: hunger
fartuco: full of food
folixa: party
foriatu: people from outside Asturias
orbayu: very light rain
pigazú: short nap
puxa: long live (Long live the NANO2024!)
⚡Electricity and Sockets
The voltage in Spain is 220V, and the plugs are European type (two round pins). Many hotels and restaurants also offer plugs for USB chargers, so you can easily charge your devices.
🥗Meal Times
In Gijón, meal times usually start at 1:00 PM and end at 4:00 PM for lunch. Dinners typically start at 8:30 PM and end at 11:30 PM. In areas farther from the city center, closing times may be shorter. Additionally, some restaurants offer non-stop service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
⏰Business Hours
Business hours in the city center are quite extensive, with supermarkets open from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (some open also on Sunday). Smaller businesses are usually closed on Sundays.
⛅Climate
Gijón experiences temperate temperatures throughout the year and a high degree of humidity. Winters are typically rainy, while summers have occasional rain. You might encounter orbayu, a fine rain similar to drizzle. The saying that accompanies orbayu is: “It seems not, but wet”.
💊24-Hour and On-Call Pharmacies
Gijón has two 24-hour pharmacies:
Paseo de Begoña, nº 7 (next to the Jovellanos Theater)
Avenida del Llano, 57
For other pharmacies on duty from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, you can consult the website of the Official College of Pharmacists of Asturias.
🆘Telephone Numbers of Interest
Emergencies: 112
Local Police: 092
National Police: 091
Prefix of Spain: +34
Gijón Tourist Information: 985 341 771
Cabueñes Hospital: 985 185 004
Youth Hospital: 985 320 050
Red Cross Hospital: 985 195 000
Begoña Hospital: 985 367 711
💸Price Variations
Within Gijón, prices can vary significantly. The most expensive areas are located in the city center and near the beach of San Lorenzo and Puerto Deportivo. Cheaper options can be found in more remote neighborhoods or rural areas.
🍻Prices in Bars and Restaurants
The gastronomic variety of Asturias, and particularly Gijón, is extensive, making it difficult to define a global price range. Here are some common prices in the downtown area:
Bottle of cider: €3
Bottle of selected cider: €3.50
Third of beer: €2.50
Rod: €2
Glass of wine: €2.50
🗺️Interactive Map
Would you like to visit the city before or after the conference? Here is an interactive map of Gijón. You will be able to plan your routes around the city and discover all the points of interest at a simple glance.
We hope you find this information helpful as you prepare for your visit to Gijón for the IEEE NANO 2024 Conference.
Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you!