Legal Questions

To make a complaint, you are entitled to ask for the "Hoja de Reclamaciones" (claims form), which establishments and companies are legally obliged to have available to customers. These complaints are then presented at the corresponding Provincial Consumers’ Association.

Non-EU residents can claim back I.V.A. (Value Added Tax) on purchases carried out in Andalusia. Spanish legislation states that the minimum amount spent in one establishment on the same day must reach 90.15 Euro in order to request a tax-free receipt. The refund must be requested at the establishment in question, showing corresponding proof of residence. Within the subsequent 3 months, the purchaser should present the receipt and the items purchased at Customs to be stamped, and he/she should then request the refund from one of the offices of the various management companies located at the main airports in Spain/Andalusia.

According to European Community regulations, travellers may not bring foodstuffs of animal origin into Spain as part of their baggage, with the exception of powdered milk for children, in its original packaging. Other foodstuffs can be brought in, up to a maximum of 1 kg.

The minimum legal age for the purchase and consumption of alcohol and tobacco is 18.

In accordance with Spanish Act 28/2005 of 26 December and European regulations, smoking is prohibited in public buildings, healthcare and teaching centres, railways, maritime services and city transport services (except open-air), party or leisure venues with access permitted to under 18s, etc. Given the broadly restrictive nature of the Law, it is advisable to check with staff in the establishment in question before smoking.

According to the current Bill regarding Administrative Jurisdiction, the purchase and consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the street and, in general, in other open spaces except those established by the Local Council in question.