Travel Tips
Money
Currency
Being a country integrated in the European Union, Spain and, hence, Gran Canaria, has adopted the sole European currency, that is, the Euro. People traveling to Gran Canaria from outside Europe and who are not familiar with this currency 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 from 9am to 1 or 2 pm, and ATMs are available nonstop. People who want to exchange currency can do that by resorting to exchange desks, banks or at their hotel’s reception, but they must keep in mind commissions are to be held for such transactions. Furthermore, people who want to exchange money at banks will need their passport, but, on the other hand, banks do not hold commissions.
Traveler’s checks and credit cards
Tourists can use both traveler’s checks and credit cards in Gran Canaria, but these means of payment are accepted only at hotels, large shopping centers and certain restaurants. However, in order to avoid embarrassing situations, tourists are advised to constantly hold cash while spending their vacation in Gran Canaria.
Communications
Internet connection (WiFi)
Tourists who need access to the Internet while in Gran Canaria can resort to the Internet Cafés located in most of the cities, where one hour of connection amounts to some 5 Euros. In addition, tourists can inquire at their hotel’s reception whether the connection to the Internet is made available by the said hotel.
Public phones
Public phones are available in Gran Canaria at each and every corner. In order to resort to such facilities, tourists can use coins, special cards or credit cards. The smallest rates for international calls are practiced weekdays between 10pm and 8am and on Sundays.
Post offices
In Gran Canaria there are about 30 post offices, most of them being located in the municipality of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. For details on location, contact information and services, visit the official website of the Spanish Post.
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:
- ukinspain.fco.gov.uk
British Consulate in Gran Canaria
- Name:
- British Consulate in Gran Canaria
- Address:
- 6-3, Calle Luis Morote, 35007, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain
- Telephone:
- 0034 928 262 508
- Fax:
- 0034 928 267 774
- Email:
- LasPalmas.Consulate@fco.gov.uk
- Website:
- ukinspain.fco.gov.uk
- Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 1:30pm (closed on public holidays)
Emergencies
- Name:
- Emergencies
- Telephone:
- 112
Ambulance
- Name:
- Ambulance
- Telephone:
- 061
Police
- Name:
- Police
- Telephone:
- 091
Fire Brigade
- Name:
- Fire Brigade
- Telephone:
- 080
Lost and found at Gran Canaria Gando Airport
- Name:
- Lost and found at Gran Canaria Gando Airport
- Telephone:
- 0034 928 579 096
Others
Tourist information offices
In Gran Canaria there are tens of tourist information offices. Most of them are clustered on the east coast, as well as in the center of the island. However, tourist might just as well expect to find such offices on the west coast as well, though their presence is rather scarce.
Time zone
1 hour ahead of GMT (from March to September)
Spoken language
Given Gran Canaria pertains to Spain, the official spoken language is Spanish. Yet, due to the highly developed tourism, both people working in this field and locals speak English too and sometimes even German.
Papers
People who want to visit Gran Canaria and are European citizens can enter Spain, Gran Canaria included, by holding a mere identification card. Tourists coming from regions outside the European Union need a valid passport, as well as a visa.
Customs regulations
The customs regulations operating in Gran Canaria are identical with the ones of the members European Union. Limits of products brought in or brought off Gran Canaria refer to the following: 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of alcohol, 50 grams of perfume, just to give several examples.
Tap water
Despite being drinkable, tap water is not recommended. It is said to have a poor taste, which is why bottled water outranks it in terms of tourist preferences.
Gay community
The Canary Islands have been ascertained as to their indulgence of the gay life, but Gran Canaria is undoubtedly a hub of gay life and has built a reputation in this respect. The south part of the island is the where the gay life is at its best in Gran Canaria.