In order to make the best of their stay in Tenerife, tourists should take into consideration a series of useful information meant to keep them from embarrassing situations.

Money

Currency

Being a country integrated in the European Union, Spain – and, hence, Tenerife – has already adopted the sole currency of the Union, that is, the Euro. People traveling to Tenerife from outside Europe should keep in mind notes refer to 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro bills, whereas coins are represented by 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and by 1 and 2 euro coins.

Money exchange

Banks open weekdays and even on Saturdays, but the opening hours depend on each individual bank. Money exchange is possible at banks, exchange desks and hotels, but tourists should keep in mind commissions are commonly held for each transaction.

ATMs and credit cards

ATMs are to be found at the airports, ports and bank branch offices, so tourists are able to get money whenever they need it. Cards are largely used, but as a rule at hotels, large shopping centers and some restaurants. However, since tourists will not be able to use them whenever they are to make payments, they should also carry some cash along.

Communications

Post offices

Los correos, as post offices are referred to in Spanish, are to be found throughout Tenerife. Each municipality has at least one post office. For instance, there are seven offices of this kind only in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, four in San Cristobal de La Laguna, one in Tegueste, three in Arona and two in Adeje, for instance. For further details on location, contact information and services, visit the official website of the Spanish Post.

Internet connection (WiFi)

People who need access to the Internet while in Tenerife should rely on the Internet Cafés located in most of the cities on the island. 15 minutes of access cost 50 cents to 1 euro, whereas for one hour, visitors are to pay some 2 to 3 euros. Furthermore, tourists can refer to their hotel reception whether connection to the Internet is available in the hotel.

Useful numbers and addresses

British Embassy in Spain

Name:
British Embassy in Spain
Address:
Torre Espacio, 259D, Paseo de la Castellana, 28046, Madrid, Spain
Telephone:
0034 917 146 300
Website:
www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk

British Consulate in Tenerife

Name:
British Consulate in Tenerife
Address:
8, 1, Plaza Weyler, 38003, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Spain
Telephone:
0034 922 286 863
Fax:
0034 922 289 903
Email:
Tenerife.Consulate@fco.gov.uk
Website:
www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: from 08:30 to 13:30 (closed on public holidays)

Naval emergencies

Name:
Naval emergencies
Telephone:
0034 900 202 202

Civil Guard

Name:
Civil Guard
Telephone:
0034 922 282 202

Local Police

Name:
Local Police
Telephone:
0034 922 330 114

Lost and found at Tenerife North Airport

Name:
Lost and found at Tenerife North Airport
Telephone:
0034 922 635 855

Lost and found at Tenerife South Airport

Name:
Lost and found at Tenerife South Airport
Telephone:
0034 922 759 391

Medical emergencies

Name:
Medical emergencies
Telephone:
061

Red Cross

Name:
Red Cross
Telephone:
0034 922 282 924

Others

Tourist information offices

Tens of tourist information offices can be spotted throughout Tenerife, in the Metropolitan Area, in the South Area, as well as in the North Area, in virtually all municipalities.

Time zone

GMT (October to March)

Spoken language

Spanish is the official language in Tenerife. Due to the highly developed tourism, plenty of people working in tourism related establishments, as well as locals speak English.

Papers

European Union citizens can enter Tenerife with a mere identification card. Tourists heading for Tenerife from outside the Union need a passport. In order to avoid embarrassing situations, tourists are advised against carrying their identification card or passport in the original during their walks in Tenerife, and they are recommended to make some copies they should permanently carry with them.

In addition, European citizens are encouraged to acquire an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) form in order to address possible medical issues.

Electricity

AC 220 or 225 volts, 50 Hz; two-pin plugs. If necessary, adaptor plugs can be purchased from supermarkets.

Tap water

Tourist re advised to use bottled water instead of tap water. Tap water is generally drinkable, and this quality is often indicated by signs, but it has a poor taste, which is precisely why buying bottled water is preferable.

Gay community

Spain and, hence, Tenerife tolerate gay communities. Of all the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is said to enhance the most leisure gay activities. However, homosexuals heading for Tenerife will surely find this particular island has plenty to offer in this respect.

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