All European photocard driving licences are valid in Spain as well as some other countries and certain US states. A list of valid driving licenses can be found here. These licences, however, will need to presented to the local Department of Traffic office at Catedratico Ferre Vidiella 4, Alicante, where it will be stamped and registered.

Citizens from other countries have up to six months to exchange their licences, which can be done through the same office, and will take a Spanish written and/or practical driving test.

Many expats however choose to exchange their valid licence for a Spanish one as it can cause less problems if stopped by the police, some of whom are not aware of the reciprocal rule and can issue on the spot fines for driving with what they believe are invalid licences.

If importing a car, there is a six month grace period until the car must be issued with Spanish licence plates. The car will need to be registered and import taxes paid. Forms to start this process are available from the Delegacion de Economia y Hacienda at Plaza de la Montañeta, 8, telephone 965 147060. The bureacracy can be overwhelming and hiring a gestor, an official ‘middleman’ between you and the Government, who can guide you through the process, makes it much easier. English speaking gestors can be found at www.paginasamarillas.es, in the Yellow Pages, or from personal recommendation.

Public transport is prominent, efficient and well-supported in Alicante. The new tram system runs several lines through the city, some underground, linking the port with the outlying town of Denia. The tram is subsidised by the Valencian local government, making it a cheap and viable option for many. Information on timetables, prices and stops can be found at www.fgvalicante.com/tram/html/home/home.asp

There are a number of private bus companies running from Alicante’s central bus station situated at Calle Portugal, 17. A full list of companies and routes can be found here

Taxis are also a good option, and not too costly. For example, a taxi from Alicante Airport to the town centre costs around 20 euros. A list of companies, telephone numbers and taxi ranks can be found here

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