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Passport and Visa
Make sure your passport and student visa are in order. The student visa can only be obtained in the U.S. Without a passport and proper visa, Spanish immigration authorities will put you on the next flight back to the U.S.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards and Cash
Talk to your bank or credit card company to make sure that all credit or debit cards you plan to use while in Spain and Europe can indeed be used there and will not expire during your stay. If you plan to use a debit or ATM card, find out from which account (checking or savings) the money will be drawn since depositing money in your home bank account will be more difficult once you are in Spain. Also, find out what ATM network your card is connected to (e.g., Plus or Cirrus) and how prevalent that network is in the places you plan to travel. Although you will likely be able to use an ATM at one of the Spanish airports to obtain euros when you land (provided your card is connected to a major network), it is recommended you purchase $100 in euros before departing to be sure that you have some cash on hand when you arrive in Spain. Depending on your bank, it may take a few days to get the foreign currency, so please do not leave it to the last minute.
Packing
If you pack judiciously, you will arrive with two suitcases. Keep in mind you must handle your own luggage through airports and in and out of taxi cabs, so pack as lightly as you possibly can. Furthermore, while U.S.-based airlines determine excess baggage charges based on the number of bags, European airlines determine excess baggage charges based on weight. One strategy is to lay out all of the stuff you think you will need for your stay, and then eliminate half of it. Another strategy is to plan daily changes of clothes for three weeks — one hot, one cool, and one very cold week. Although winter temperatures are not as low as in New York or Pennsylvania, it can be cold and rainy in Seville. You should plan on wearing several layers (clothes that will serve in summer and winter). You will definitely need warm clothes (sweaters etc), but the amount of time in which you´ll need them is less than in New York and Pennsylvania. Since Sevilla is in Andalucía, the south of Spain, the summers are hotter and longer than what you may be used to. Items like toiletries and batteries are readily available in Spain, but you might not find all of the brand-names that you are accustomed to in the U.S. and, if you do find them, they might be slightly more expensive. Style is similar in Europe as in the US, especially for young people, so casual dress for students (nice jeans) is fine. People wearing shorts are sometimes not allowed in churches and monasteries. The same can be said about tank tops and short skirts. Women may want to bring clothing with pockets so bank cards and money may be carried on your person rather than in a purse. (Purse-snatchings have become more common in recent years in Seville and other areas of Spain frequented by tourists.). U.S. baggage regulations require that checked luggage to be unlocked at all times, so please do not pack valuable items (e.g., jewelry or electronic equipment) in your checked bags; you should keep them in your carry-on luggage. Other items which you will want to bring (either in your carry-on or your checked luggage):
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