Canary Islands Essential Information

 

 

 Canary Islands Currency

The currency of the Canary Islands is the Euro which Spain adopted on the 1st January 1999.

Banks

The banks in the Canary Islands are generally open weekdays between 9 am and 2 pm and also on Saturdays, but it is worth noting that on Saturdays during the peak season (June – October) they can  close one hour earlier.

Many travel agents, hotels and car rental offices and exchange offices, otherwise known as “Cambio” will change money for you but it is well worth comparing the commission charge and exchange rate as these as these can vary quite considerably.

As with many things you tend to pay a higher amount for convenience. and the same applies in the Canary Islands, so you will generally find that the best rates are available from the banks.

Make sure you have your passport available when exchanging currency as this will almost certainly be required.

Credit Cards

Credit cards and debit cards are also another way of accessing your funds from abroad and this can be very flexible as you’ll be able to access your cash anywhere there is a suitable ATM available.

Canary Islands exchange rates are dictated by the banks so this method can offer some of the best exchange rates. You will however be charged ATM charges so it would be best to make planned withdrawals as opposed to many small withdrawals.

Also check when any interest will be charged if using a credit card as many credit card companies will charge interest from day one on cash advances.

Medical and Travel Insurance

Your highly unlikely to be exposed to any tropical diseases when visiting the Canary Islands but all the same you need to be aware of the basics.

The worse problems that most people will experience will tend to be restricted to sunburn from to much unprotected exposure (so make sure you come armed with some good suncream), Dehydration (make sure you drink plenty of water) and insect bites.

On the Canary Islands you will be able to find many English speaking Doctors, and if you are unfortunate enough to have a tooth ache whilst on holiday, Dentists as well.Just ask you local travel representative or your hotel reception and they will be able to point you in the right direction.

The Canary Islands also have many local chemists (Farmacia) on the Islands and you will be able to identify these by the green cross sign outside their premises.

Many people travel without adequate health insurance but if you have ever been unfortunate enough to need emergency medical care or repatriation you will understand that the risk is quite simply not worth taking.

Medical insurance is a personal choice, and even though EU citizens can obtain a refund of most medical costs by using form E111 (available from Health Offices in your country many practises are private.

Electricity Supply

The electricity supply in the Canary Islands is rated at 220 volts AC/ 50 Hz, but unlike the UK the Canary Islands favour the European standard plug which has two round pins.

If you are planning to bring electrical appliances on your holiday be sure to bring a two pin adaptor but if you forget you should be able to purchase one from one of the local shops.

Occasionally power cuts do happen in the Canary Islands so it is always a good idea to bring along a small torch as well. This can also be useful if you need to walk along any unlit paths when going out in the evenings.