Hi all,

Despite being in Spain over 4 years, my latest property i've moved into, is the first to have the orange gas bottles. Which are used to run the hot water.

When I moved in the two bottles there had gas in them, but now running out. How do I go about changing them? Ive noticed at the petrol station down the road they have them.

I've just never needed to change them before so could do with a bit of a heads up as to the procedure, especially as this area isnt particularly english speaking. Do i need any documentation for the gas installation? I just take the old bottle down? Any particular way they should be transported? What are they going to ask me etc.

Do i just go into the station and say "necesito cambiar mi botella de gas" and the guy will come out and assist?


Sorry easy questions i know.. just want a heads up as to what to expect

Cheers

Repsol come round my Urb once a week. I can leave my empty outside the gate, he stops changes it and will take mine round to my shed. It is slightly dearer that way but as I don't drive it is an option. I also get them taken round to garage and ask una bombona por favor. I pay and she comes out to change bottle/s.

Hola Amiga,

We were recently in exactly the same situation. There are 2 ways you can go on this.

1. Take your empty gas bottles to the petrol station park near the gas stands, then go to the till and pay the money for full bottles and the attendant comes along to change them for you. Take the bottles home and reinstall them.

We asked about how best to transport them and got the "what are you foreigners like" look and were told it didn't matter. Maybe make sure there's something in the car that you can put against them to stop them falling around as you turn the corners

2. Find the local 'bloke' who delivers the bottles in your area (usually spotted around and about in his van) and ask him to come round to give you 2 full ones. He will give you a little form to fill out while he is there, take a small deposit for the bottles (about 5 euros here) charge you for the full ones and, if you remind him, give you his number so you can ring him direct to order for delivery the next time. Generally, order the day before for next day delivery except at weekends. We tried to ring repsol but they didn't get back to us, so I just stopped the first bottle man I saw one day.

Option 2 carries an extra charge of 50cents per bottle over the price at the petrol station.

"Necesito 2 bombonas de butano" will probably get you what you want with either option.

Good luck

Hi

We normally just get our bottles of gas from the garage, park up near the cage with your empty bottles, go inside and tell them what you want, and they come and exchange them for you - never had any problems - i usally say 2dos botellas de butano2 and that gets me what i want

I just say "dos mas" and point at the old ones - but then I'm a man of few words

And I think you are only allowed to take two in your car in one go.

The buying process is easy though.

I don't think they really care though - I once carried 8 without the repsol attendant saying anything.

Hi

It´s not Repsol who nick you for too many gas bottles in a car, it´s Guadia Civil !!!

Our local ventas will exchange gas bottles, but they add another euro or two on top.

Davexf

I guess it depends where you buy it then.

We have been stopped taking more than 2.

Luckily we only need the bottles now for our gas bbq.

Its all BS, one or ten going off will send you into outer space

No
Yes
Apparently it is illegal to carry them in your car unless they are upright and properly restrained. I put mine on their sides on the back seat and put the seat belt on them. I've never had a problem
For the money
Yes - but BOMBONA would be better

Or, the delivery lorry should come round once or twice a week. In La Linea he announces his presence by grabbing two bottles by the neck and banging them to and fro against the other bottles in the truck - makes a hell of a racket. Just take your bottle out when he's there, swap it and give him the money.

Guys thank you so much for your responses. Much appreciated. I know now its nice and simple and not gonna get any embarasement. I'll just strap mine into the back seat hehe.

Thanks again!

Problems only arise when you need an extra bottle ie/ no swap, They (Repsol) will want to come and inspect your set up, for a fee of course, before you can purchase one. I have had two bottles nicked recently and may have to go through this process again as I don't know how long the certificate lasts, my last one was a few years ago, there is a fee and also deposit on each bottle.

I hate thieves.

bottle ie/ no swap, They (Repsol) will want to come and inspect your set up, for a fee of course, before you can purchase one.

I had no bottle and needed one for the fire I got one from the garage, had to pay a deposit but it wasn't that much about 10 euros I think and fill out a form but never needed anyone to come out and check anything? I use the garage method as not out their permanent and find that easiest way.

Thanks again guys. Went to the petrol station. Paid the woman.. was 15 euros for a new bottle. Bloody bargain! She was just like ok go over there and said something in Spanish. Im like errrr.
They just had it open. So just grabbed a full one and put my empty one in the pile. Thankfully another customer was there, and he showed me which ones were the full ones. Tho its quite obvious because theyre much heavier!

Hopefully this thread will help others!

Thanks again!

Half a bottle lasted me 2 months for hot water. So its a bargain at only 15 euros. You save loads of money by only showering once a week :P (j/k on that part!)