Two questions - Albergue etiquette and credenciales!

[Nephelokokkygia]

Good morning everybody,

There are probably already several threads out there regarding this but I wanted to ask:

1) Might sound like a daft question but are we to leave the details section of one's credencial blank until filled out at the cathedral in Santiago, and does it have to be stamped twice a day if you're doing the full SJPP-Santiago walk?

2) When you've checked in to an albergue, although I'm aware most of them won't allow packs on the bed, is it still considered normal/safe to leave your pack there if you're heading out in to the village, town or city you're staying in?

 

[dougfitz]

The credencial details should be filled out where you start, other, obviously, than the finish date. The Pilgrim Office advice is

The first page is like a cover letter and should be completed at the place of issue with the Pilgrim’s data.

On the matter of stamps, this is what the Pilgrim Office website states:

• You must collect the stamps on the “Credencial del Peregrino” from the places you pass through to certify that you have been there. Stamps from churches, hostels, monasteries, cathedrals and all places related to the Way are preferred, but if not they can also be stamped in other institutions: town halls, cafés, etc. You have to stamp the Credencial twice a day at least on the last 100 km (for pilgrims on foot or on horseback) or on the last 200 km (for cyclists pilgrims).

Many people will tell you that they have received their Compostela with only one stamp per day. I did in 2010. But it is quite easy to collect two or more stamps a day, even before the final 100km, and it makes sure that there is no question about this when you do get to the Pilgrim Office.

 

[C clearly]

Welcome! To answer your second question first... yes, it is normal to leave your backpack near your bed while you go out and about the town. Just be sure to carry valuables such as phone, passport, bank cards and money on your person at all times.

About the credential and the stamps, DougFitz (above) has referred you to the precise information. The official rule is simple: Get 2 stamps per day on the last 100 km. In theory, it doesn't matter what you do before that (if all you want is the Compostela, not the certificate of distance). In practice, the person issuing the credential usually has some discretion in deciding if you have provided enough evidence that you walked the required distance.

 

[dougfitz]

Welcome! To answer your second question first... yes, it is normal to leave your backpack near your bed while you go out and about the town. Just be sure to carry valuables such as phone, passport, bank cards and money on your person at all times.

About the credential and the stamps, DougFitz (above) has referred you to the precise information. The official rule is simple: Get 2 stamps per day on the last 100 km. In theory, it doesn't matter what you do before that. In practice, the person issuing the credential usually has some discretion in deciding if you have provided enough evidence that you walked the required distance.

It is important to get a stamp at places before the last 1ookm if you want to get the certificate of distance for all the distance that you have walked. Other that that, as @C clearly says, it is the evidence that you walked the last 100 km that counts.

 

[C clearly]

It is important to get a stamp at places before the last 1ookm if you want to get the certificate of distance for all the distance that you have walked. Other that that, as @C clearly says, it is the evidence that you walked the last 100 km that counts.

Yes, good point. I have edited my answer to be more complete, in case someone doesn't read down to your post.

 

[MikeJS]

I have walked 3 caminos and never got 2 stamps a day. Normally only get a stamp at each albergue. Never had a problem getting the certificates at the end.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I have walked 3 caminos and never got 2 stamps a day. Normally only get a stamp at each albergue. Never had a problem getting the certificates at the end.

How disappointed would you have been if a very rules oriented clerk had been working that day and denied you the compostela? Since it takes no effort to get two sellos in the last 100 km, I suggest following the rules (unless defying rules is part of your psyche).

 

[Stivandrer]

I have walked 3 caminos and never got 2 stamps a day. Normally only get a stamp at each albergue. Never had a problem getting the certificates at the end.

It is down to your honest face.....

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola @falcon269, it is (was) my understanding that the two stamps per day specifically applies to those pilgrims who start around Sarria!

I started in Pamplona and only on rare occasions did I get two stamps west of Sarria. (BTW is was very clear on my credenciale where I started from so maybe this error was ignored. I also was on a bike which I had indicated on the passport.)

 

[dougfitz]

Hola @falcon269, it is (was) my understanding that the two stamps per day specifically applies to those pilgrims who start around Sarria!

I started in Pamplona and only on rare occasions did I get two stamps west of Sarria. (BTW is was very clear on my credenciale where I started from so maybe this error was ignored. I also was on a bike which I had indicated on the passport.)

The Pilgrim Office rules do not establish a specific pattern for those who walk further than the minimum. It establishes a minimum requirement from 100 km - two stamps a day for everyone who walks, 200km for cyclists.

Ps - the rules are applied by humans, with all the vagaries implied in that.
Pps edited to add cyclists. Thank you FLEUR.

 

[FLEUR]

I believe cyclists need to have pedalled the last 200km in order to qualify for their compostele

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have walked 3 caminos and never got 2 stamps a day. Normally only get a stamp at each albergue. Never had a problem getting the certificates at the end.

I was ignorant of the rules on my first Camino in 2015, so only got one stamp per day, starting in SJPdP. I was issued a credential in Santiago, but the person filling out my certificate did scrutinize my passport closely and at the time I wondered why. I consider myself rather fortunate. I will be going again this spring and will make sure I get two stamps per day from Sarria on "just to be sure".

 

[C clearly]

it is (was) my understanding...

Your understanding is not correct. The requirements are clearly stated on the website. The pilgrim office and the volunteers may choose to enforce strictly or not. If you want to be confident of getting the compostella, you should follow the rules.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Your understanding is not correct. The requirements are clearly stated on the website. The pilgrim office and the volunteers may choose to enforce strictly or not. If you want to be confident of getting the compostella, you should follow the rules.

OK - but it did not appear to matter the official in the Cathedral Office - I was given the full Compostela. I think I was asked if I had ridden the last 200 km to which I could truthfully reply YES. Will need to be more diligent when I walk the Frances in May - but think I might end up filling more than one credenciale - might have to staple them together. Cheers

 

[joecamino]

I've seen point about "backpacks on bed" being a breach of etiquette; can anyone please share why?

 

[donalomahony]

I've seen point about "backpacks on bed" being a breach of etiquette; can anyone please share why?

Hi @joecamino

Three reasons

They carry dust and dirt

They may spread bedbugs

They may be wet from rain or sweat

Good manners says keep them on the floor so that tomorrow's pilgrim gets a clean bed.

D.

 

[MikeJS]

I've seen point about "backpacks on bed" being a breach of etiquette; can anyone please share why?

Because you pack has been on lots of less dirty places and we don’t want the contamination on the beds. Same way I would never put my suitcase on my bed at home.

 

[Stivandrer]

..and please do not use the chair that may be sitting at the end of your bunk to place your backpack permanently either.
The chairs are for sharing, and for comfortably sitting when dressing or otherwise.
If you do not want your bag to touch the ground for fear of critters, you might strap it to the end of the bed at your level.
Usually the bunk beds are made of of metal, and I usually trust these to tether my rucksack here...

 

[hecate105]

Rules were made for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men....

 

[trecile]

And also, please don't put your backpack at the base of the ladder that the person in the top bunk needs to use.

 

[J F Gregory]

I realize that we only have to have our credential stamped 2 times a day the last 100 km. I got mine stamped where ever I was at bars city halls and kept track of the place in my journal for future reference because of loosing my memory.

 

[joecamino]

I like the idea of "stamps as memories of places." Is there enough room in passport if I went stamp crazy?

 

[Tincatinker]

Joe, just get a couple of credencials, or three or four. You can fill them all up and then make a start on your notebook / guidebook / national passport (not advised)

 

[Stivandrer]

I like the idea of "stamps as memories of places." Is there enough room in passport if I went stamp crazy?

- Then you can buy another credential and glue them together....
so stamp to your hearts delight...

 

[Bradypus]

- Then you can buy another credential and glue them together....
so stamp to your hearts delight...

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/question-about-sellos.41133/#post-417644

 

[joecamino]

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/question-about-sellos.41133/#post-417644

Thank you- that's lovely!

 

[Gillean]

Rules were made for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men....

The fools usually think they are the wise ones. Maybe they are.

 

[Luther]

How disappointed would you have been if a very rules oriented clerk had been working that day and denied you the compostela? Since it takes no effort to get two sellos in the last 100 km, I suggest following the rules (unless defying rules is part of your psyche).

I left early in the AM from OPedrouza (before 6:00) and there just wasn't anything open to get a stamp. The trailside tents and stands weren't open, or the churches I passed, until I hit Santiago. As I stood in line at the Pilgrim's office I got worried that it would be a problem, but as I had started in SJPP, and had a second credential started, it was never questioned.

 

[Ralph Keith Redhead]

Good morning everybody,

There are probably already several threads out there regarding this but I wanted to ask:

1) Might sound like a daft question but are we to leave the details section of one's credencial blank until filled out at the cathedral in Santiago, and does it have to be stamped twice a day if you're doing the full SJPP-Santiago walk?

2) When you've checked in to an albergue, although I'm aware most of them won't allow packs on the bed, is it still considered normal/safe to leave your pack there if you're heading out in to the village, town or city you're staying in?

Hi Nephelokokkygia - the stamps are all unique, some quite grand and flamboyant, others special in other ways. It helps to have your Pass with you at all times - for example, at Pamplona Museum, you get free entry into the museum if you present your Pass and, of course, you get a grand stamp from the museum. Many places along the Way do this, and I like going through my Pass at home as it gives me reminders of all the special places along the way - cafes and restraurants will give you a stamp too, they're proud to do it! I got several stamps some days from all sorts of places, and tourist offices like to stamp your pass and take your info for statistical purposes. Obviously, at the smaller, quieter places there are less venues. If you think you would like to collect more stamps other than the regular ones, then take an extra pass or do as I do which is to photocopy blank pages and stick the copies in my pass. Never lose it, keep it safe and dry. Very best wishes. Buen Camino

 

[Gareth Griffith]

If you can get a stamp out of the hospitaleros at Granon you will be doing very well.

 

[C clearly]

If you can get a stamp out of the hospitaleros at Granon you will be doing very well.

I believe they have a policy of not having a stamp.

 

[Gareth Griffith]

I believe they have a policy of not having a stamp.

That's why you'll be doing very well to get one!

 

[C clearly]

That's why you'll be doing very well to get one!

Define "well" !

 

[AbbyDee]

And also, please don't put your backpack at the base of the ladder that the person in the top bunk needs to use.

Once more, something that "should" be obvious to everyone. :^)

 

[trecile]

Once more, something that "should" be obvious to everyone. :^)

You'd think so! But on more than one occasion that's where the person in the bottom bunk put their backpack.

 

[dougfitz]

You'd think so! But on more than one occasion that's where the person in the bottom bunk put their backpack.

Yes, common sense and what might be obvious are neither particularly common nor particularly obvious!

 

[AbbyDee]

Yes, common sense and what might be obvious are neither particularly common nor particularly obvious!

T'is ever the case.

 

[Kelly Catlow]

I was ignorant of the rules on my first Camino in 2015, so only got one stamp per day, starting in SJPdP. I was issued a credential in Santiago, but the person filling out my certificate did scrutinize my passport closely and at the time I wondered why. I consider myself rather fortunate. I will be going again this spring and will make sure I get two stamps per day from Sarria on "just to be sure".

I know the place you stay will give you a stamp but how do you get the second? Are there places to pop into?

 

[AbbyDee]

I know the place you stay will give you a stamp but how do you get the second? Are there places to pop into?

From what I have been given to understand, stamps are available in a lot of places: churches have them, some cafes and bars have them and I am sure there are many more!

Buen Camino!

 

[gloria lowe]

Good morning everybody,

There are probably already several threads out there regarding this but I wanted to ask:

1) Might sound like a daft question but are we to leave the details section of one's credencial blank until filled out at the cathedral in Santiago, and does it have to be stamped twice a day if you're doing the full SJPP-Santiago walk?

2) When you've checked in to an albergue, although I'm aware most of them won't allow packs on the bed, is it still considered normal/safe to leave your pack there if you're heading out in to the village, town or city you're staying in?

 

[gloria lowe]

I just love to collect the stamps as some are so beautiful so I just get stamps anywhere. Going again May 9 from St Jean. Anyone else leaving that day?

 

[Hutton24]

Good morning everybody,

There are probably already several threads out there regarding this but I wanted to ask:

1) Might sound like a daft question but are we to leave the details section of one's credencial blank until filled out at the cathedral in Santiago, and does it have to be stamped twice a day if you're doing the full SJPP-Santiago walk?

2) When you've checked in to an albergue, although I'm aware most of them won't allow packs on the bed, is it still considered normal/safe to leave your pack there if you're heading out in to the village, town or city you're staying in?

No. 1 - starting before Sarria you only need a stamp per day.
No. 2 - Just take your most valuable items with you when you go out.

Have fun.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I know the place you stay will give you a stamp but how do you get the second? Are there places to pop into?

Yes..., bars, restaurants and churches are all good places to collect additional stamps along the way.

 

[dougfitz]

No. 1 - starting before Sarria you only need a stamp per day.

This runs the risk of being misinterpreted. The Pilgrim Office web site is quite clear - you have to stamp the Credencial twice a day at least on the last 100 km (for pilgrims on foot or on horseback) or on the last 200 km (for cyclists pilgrims). The web site is silent on how many stamps are needed before the last 100km. If you want the Certificate of Distance, you would need to provide some evidence of where you started (and where you might have missed).

 

[Hutton24]

This runs the risk of being misinterpreted. The Pilgrim Office web site is quite clear - you have to stamp the Credencial twice a day at least on the last 100 km (for pilgrims on foot or on horseback) or on the last 200 km (for cyclists pilgrims). The web site is silent on how many stamps are needed before the last 100km. If you want the Certificate of Distance, you would need to provide some evidence of where you started (and where you might have missed).

Only going on what we were told back in 2013 and what we experienced - Sarria onwards you need two stamps per day.
We always made sure we got at least one per day and we started in Pamplona and went all the way to SDC.

 

[ELHS220]

Good morning everybody,

There are probably already several threads out there regarding this but I wanted to ask:

1) Might sound like a daft question but are we to leave the details section of one's credencial blank until filled out at the cathedral in Santiago, and does it have to be stamped twice a day if you're doing the full SJPP-Santiago walk?

2) When you've checked in to an albergue, although I'm aware most of them won't allow packs on the bed, is it still considered normal/safe to leave your pack there if you're heading out in to the village, town or city you're staying in?

I have commented about "number of sellos" posts before, and will chime in again here. I went "sello berserk", filling seven credenciales and a part of an eighth. I then scanned each page, uploaded them to a commercial website, and had a nice 24"x36" poster made. I am planning to do the Camino a second time this year, starting in mid-May and fully intend to go sello berserk once again.

 

[Kelly Catlow]

From what I have been given to understand, stamps are available in a lot of places: churches have them, some cafes and bars have them and I am sure there are many more!

Buen Camino!

Thank you xx

 

[jsalt]

I have commented about "number of sellos" posts before, and will chime in again here. I went "sello berserk", filling seven credenciales and a part of an eighth. I then scanned each page, uploaded them to a commercial website, and had a nice 24"x36" poster made. I am planning to do the Camino a second time this year, starting in mid-May and fully intend to go sello berserk once again.

Fabulous poster! And I like the Compostela being in the centre. Could you give the link to the website? I would love to do the same.
Jill

 

[kelleymac]

Define "well" !

If you can get a stamp out of the hospitaleros at Granon you will be doing very well.

They drew a heart in my credenciale.

 

[Kelly Catlow]

Fabulous poster! And I like the Compostela being in the centre. Could you give the link to the website? I would love to do the same.
Jill

Me too!!!

 

[tpmchugh]

If you can get a stamp out of the hospitaleros at Granon you will be doing very well.

You get your stamp in Grañon at the shop facing the church. Her husband owns the albergue just up the street so I suppose its his way of making sure his wife gets good business

 

[trecile]

I got a stamp at one of the bars. They have it out on the counter and you stamp it yourself.

 

[Kelly Catlow]

You get your stamp in Grañon at the shop facing the church. Her husband owns the albergue just up the street so I suppose its his way of making sure his wife gets good business

How do you know where to get them? Is there a sign up the front?

 

[Bradypus]

How do you know where to get them? Is there a sign up the front?

Ernesto at La Casa de la Sonrisas told me that I could find one in the bar which must be about 20m from his door. No sign that I could see but almost every business along the CF has a sello - especially bars.

 

[trecile]

Ernesto at La Casa de la Sonrisas told me that I could find one in the bar which must be about 20m from his door. No sign that I could see but almost every business along the CF has a sello - especially bars.

Yup, that's the bar where I got mine.

 

[Kelly Catlow]

Ernesto at La Casa de la Sonrisas told me that I could find one in the bar which must be about 20m from his door. No sign that I could see but almost every business along the CF has a sello - especially bars.

Thank you

 

[ELHS220]

Fabulous poster! And I like the Compostela being in the centre. Could you give the link to the website? I would love to do the same.
Jill

The website is: www.collage.com
A 60% off promotion on first time orders should appear when you go there.
I was able to use this perk more than once by using different e-mails for subsequent orders.
The poster is actually 20 x 30 and came framed. They do have 24 x 36, but unframed.

Another good site to check out for Camino memorabilia is: www.vistaprint.com.
I had some two-sided Camino shirts made using photos taken on the Camino, as well as some nice calendars. They also offer frequent promotions.

And, last but not least: Go to Etsy and search Camino de Santiago. There is a shop that sells shirts covered with Camino sellos. He can make one with your personal ones if you wish, or you can buy the "generic" one. I liked the generic better because it is of the "all-over" design type, and I like the silky material better than the personalized one too!

 

[ELHS220]

Here is a picture of the "sello" shirt.

 

[Terry R]

Greetings to everyone, I really appreciate all of your input and your passion throughout this fantastic forum. I am going on my first Camino at the end of May, till mid June.
I will be doing the Northern passage, and I have a question regarding etiquette. When going out in town after a long hike, what is considered proper footwear for visiting the various sites and restaurants? Are flip flops ok, or is this looked down upon? Thanks for any help, everyone have a nice day.

 

[Veronicad1]

I have walked 3 caminos and never got 2 stamps a day. Normally only get a stamp at each albergue. Never had a problem getting the certificates at the end.

I would love to know what shoes you wore!

 

[C clearly]

Are flip flops ok, or is this looked down upon?

Not by the crowd wearing Crocs or dirty hiking boots to dinner.

 

[TunaBlue5150]

Good morning everybody,

There are probably already several threads out there regarding this but I wanted to ask:

1) Might sound like a daft question but are we to leave the details section of one's credencial blank until filled out at the cathedral in Santiago, and does it have to be stamped twice a day if you're doing the full SJPP-Santiago walk?

2) When you've checked in to an albergue, although I'm aware most of them won't allow packs on the bed, is it still considered normal/safe to leave your pack there if you're heading out in to the village, town or city you're staying in?

1. My friend inadvertently took my credential and I didn't get it back for several days. On other occasions, I didn't bother getting it stamped or forgot. And other times I got it stamped several times a day. It was not a focal point for me, and I didn't much care if the certificate was issued when I got to Santiago. Well, in the end, they fingered through and gave me the certificate. Get it stamped every night at your albergue. Once you get about 100 miles out, you can self-stamp your pilgrim passport at a variety of locations.

2. I always left my pack in the provided storage areas. Some albergues have lockers that lock, usually reserved for the bigger municipals. I did run into one fellow whose pack was stolen. I understand that it's a rare situation to lose a pack to theft. Everyone watches out for each other.

 

[november_moon]

When going out in town after a long hike, what is considered proper footwear for visiting the various sites and restaurants? Are flip flops ok, or is this looked down upon?

I brought flip flops, but bought a pair of hiking sandals along the way to wear after I was done walking. I found that my feet wanted something more supportive than my flip flops in the evening if I was going any farther than the bar across the street. And sometimes it was cold, so I wanted to wear socks with my sandals. Don't laugh - socks and sandals are the height of fashion on the Camino. Socks and flip flops can be a challenge, but socks and hiking sandals are comfy - keep your feet warm while still allowing them to air out after being in boots all day. And yeah, no one cares about your shoes. There are a couple cities that you go through with some nicer restaurants where you won't be dressed properly anyway, but anywhere that your hiking clothes are dressy enough, your sandals will be too.

 

[Terry R]

I brought flip flops, but bought a pair of hiking sandals along the way to wear after I was done walking. I found that my feet wanted something more supportive than my flip flops in the evening if I was going any farther than the bar across the street. And sometimes it was cold, so I wanted to wear socks with my sandals. Don't laugh - socks and sandals are the height of fashion on the Camino. Socks and flip flops can be a challenge, but socks and hiking sandals are comfy - keep your feet warm while still allowing them to air out after being in boots all day. And yeah, no one cares about your shoes. There are a couple cities that you go through with some nicer restaurants where you won't be dressed properly anyway, but anywhere that your hiking clothes are dressy enough, your sandals will be too.

Thanx November_Moon, that was some solid advice. It would also be the first time in my life wearing sandals and socks at the same time Have a great one.

 

[Kanga]

Yes, sandals and socks is a great look on a cold evening. I guarantee you will feel "a la mode".

 

[HeidiL]

And socks and crocs are high fashion - sooo elegant!

I guarantee that after a couple of weeks you'll also feel very stylish if you've had a chance to wash your trousers lately...

By the way, Nephelokokkygia, I love your avatar costume! The hat will keep the sun off on the Meseta, as well as amuse your fellow walkers.

 

[notion900]

Greetings to everyone, I really appreciate all of your input and your passion throughout this fantastic forum. I am going on my first Camino at the end of May, till mid June.
I will be doing the Northern passage, and I have a question regarding etiquette. When going out in town after a long hike, what is considered proper footwear for visiting the various sites and restaurants? Are flip flops ok, or is this looked down upon? Thanks for any help, everyone have a nice day.

Flip flops are perfectly ok from an etiquette standpoint, but you may find yourself doing quite a few things in the afternoons and evenings, and it can be tiring to walk about in them. I try to go swimming nearly every afternoon and I have got sore feet from stupidly walking to the pool or swimming spot in my flip-flops, even though my feet had been fine on arrival. I do also have crocs but they are bulky. Whatever you bring should preferably be good for the shower as well as the restaurant, which is the challenge.

 

[november_moon]

I guarantee that after a couple of weeks you'll also feel very stylish if you've had a chance to wash your trousers lately...

YES!

And those times when you find a good washer and dryer and wash ALL your clothes - it's the most amazing feeling to walk on with a backpack full of completely clean (and dried) clothes. I always felt like me and my clean clothes could conquer the world.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Post Script to my comments of 17 March - Well started on my Camino Walk on May 1st, 2017, from St Jean. From Sarria I did get more than one stamp on some days but was not totally diligent. Again in Santiago the Pilgrim Office neither commented on the number of stamps from Sarria nor challenged me about it. As I have stated elsewhere so I would not run out of space I did paste two credentials together - so it would have been clear where I started and how many days I had taken to reach Santiago.
As for following the rules: guidance of wise men; obedience of fools?? Buen Camino!!

 

[naplesdon]

OMG, another ancient thread!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

OMG, another ancient thread!

I like em!