Practical Information: Las Palmas De Gran Canaria

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Staying connected in Las Palmas is straightforward, with various mobile options.

Connectivity Options

Major Providers: Vodafone, Orange, Movistar, Yoigo.
Purchase Location: Official stores, phone shops, sometimes airports/supermarkets (passport required).
ESIM: Digital solution for local plans via Airalo.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi Availability

Access to internet is widely available throughout the city.

Access Points

Hotels/Apartments: Most accommodations offer free Wi-Fi.
Cafes/Restaurants: Many establishments provide free Wi-Fi for customers.
Portable Wi-Fi: Consider a device from Solis Wi-Fi for consistent personal access.

Postal Services

Spain's national postal service facilitates mail and package delivery.

Correos Information

Correos: The national postal service of Spain.
Locations: Post offices ("Oficina de Correos") are widely available.
Services: Purchase stamps, send postcards or packages.

Language Barriers & Translation

Navigating communication in Spanish.

Communication Support

Official Language: Spanish (Castilian). Canarian dialect exists.
Translation Tools: Google Translate (offline capable), a small Spanish phrasebook.
Language Learning: Rosetta Stone for deeper learning.

Important Phrases

Common Greetings & Requests

Hola: Hello (OH-lah)
Adiós: Goodbye (ah-dee-OHS)
Por favor: Please (por fah-VOR)
Gracias: Thank you (GRAH-syahs)

Useful Phrases for Travelers

De nada: You're welcome (deh NAH-dah)
¿Cuánto cuesta?: How much does it cost? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah?)
La cuenta, por favor: The bill, please (lah KWEHN-tah, por fah-VOR)
Ayuda: Help (ah-YOO-dah)

Communication Tip

English is spoken in tourist areas.

Business Hours & Schedules

Navigating daily operations in Las Palmas. Be aware of varying schedules for different establishments.

Shop Hours

Small shops: Mon-Sat 09:30-13:30/14:00 & 16:30/17:00-20:00/21:00 (siesta). Large stores: Mon-Sat 10:00-22:00 (non-stop).

Dining Times

Lunch: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM/4:00 PM. Dinner: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM/11:30 PM (earlier in some tourist spots).

Banking Hours

Traditional bank hours: Mon-Fri 08:30 AM - 2:00 PM/2:30 PM. ATMs are widely available 24/7.

Public Holidays

Spain observes national, regional (Canarian), and local (Las Palmas) holidays.

Dates Partial List

Jan 1 (New Year's Day), Jan 6 (Epiphany).
Maundy Thursday & Good Friday (Semana Santa, dates vary).
May 1 (Labour Day), May 30 (Canary Islands Day), June 24 (City's Founding Day).

Seasonal & Special Closures

Most services operate year-round, but be aware of minor exceptions.

Operating Notes

Some smaller family-run businesses may close for a few weeks in August for summer holidays.
Museums are often closed on Mondays. Always verify specific timings for attractions.
Most shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays, except for certain large supermarkets.

ATMs & Banking Access

ATM Availability

ATMs (Cajeros Automáticos) are widely available 24/7.
Fees may be applicable, depending on your home bank and the ATM operator.
Look for ATMs from major Spanish banks (e.g., BBVA, Santander, CaixaBank) for potentially lower fees.

Banking Services

Bank branches mainly operate during weekday mornings.
Some larger branches might open one afternoon a week.
Currency exchange is available at banks, but ATMs are typically more convenient for cash withdrawals.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

Formal and informal greetings are part of daily interactions.

How to Greet

Formal: "Buenos días," "Buenas tardes," "Buenas noches." Handshake for introductions.
Casual: A simple "Hola."
Kisses: Two kisses on the cheek (right then left) common among friends. Observe before initiating.

Dining & Tipping Practices

Dining Etiquette

Seating: Wait to be seated in restaurants.
Hands: Keep hands above the table while eating.
"¡Buen provecho!": A common, friendly phrase to say to others dining nearby.

Photography Permissions & Restrictions

Capture memories respectfully.

Guidance for Photography

Public Spaces: Generally acceptable for public spaces, landscapes, buildings.
People: Always ask permission for close-ups, especially children. Be discreet.
Religious Sites: Look for "no photography" signs, particularly during services. Flash is often prohibited.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Navigate conversations with cultural awareness.

Topics to Avoid

Politics: Can be sensitive; avoid heated debates regarding regional identity or national politics.
Franco Era: Do not make light of or praise the Franco dictatorship.
Bullfighting: Not practiced in Canary Islands; often met with strong disapproval.

Important Social Considerations

Attire for Settings

Casual dress is common.
Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting religious sites.
Some upscale restaurants may request smart casual attire.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Spain is progressive regarding gender equality. Public spaces are safe for women travelers.
Las Palmas and Gran Canaria are welcoming and tolerant towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal in Spain.

General Conduct

Being Polite

Efforts to use basic Spanish phrases are appreciated.
Be polite and patient; service may operate at a relaxed island pace.
Keep voices low in sacred spaces or quiet environments.

Religious Site Etiquette

Dress modestly when entering churches or cathedrals.
Silence mobile phones before entering.
Do not interrupt ongoing services; wait to look around after.

Cultural Respect

Adhering to local etiquette fosters positive interactions and a appreciation of Gran Canarian culture.

Accessibility Information

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has improved its accessibility, though older areas present certain challenges.

Infrastructure for Mobility

Mobility access varies across the city's areas.

Pavements & Buildings

Main streets, promenades (Las Canteras), and newer public buildings feature smooth pavements and curb ramps.
Older areas like Vegueta have uneven cobblestones and narrow sidewalks, which can be challenging.
Newer public buildings, shopping centers, and many modern hotels are generally accessible.

Accessible Attractions & Transportation

sites and transport options accommodate various needs.

Getting Around

Playa de Las Canteras: Accessible points with wooden walkways and adapted bathing services.
Buses: Most newer Guaguas Municipales and Global buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Taxis: Some specialized accessible taxis are available; pre-booking is recommended.

Visual or Hearing Impairments

Support for sensory impairments is integrated where possible.

Sensory Support

Public transport systems may feature visual (digital displays) and auditory (announcements) information.
Some museums or attractions may provide specific accessible tours, audio guides, or sign language interpretation (verify in advance).
Modern venues like Auditorio Alfredo Kraus and Poema del Mar Aquarium are designed with accessibility features.

Resources for Accessibility Information

Seek out current information for detailed planning.

Information Channels

Contact local tourist information offices directly for specific accessibility details.
Websites for major attractions or transport companies often have dedicated accessibility sections.
Hotels or specialized travel agencies may offer guidance for accessible travel planning.

Accessibility Venues

Poema del Mar Aquarium

Modern design with full accessibility, including ramps and elevators.

Auditorio Alfredo Kraus

A modern cultural landmark, built with comprehensive accessibility in mind.

El Corte Inglés

Large department stores generally offer excellent accessibility with wide aisles and elevators.

Inclusivity Note

While progress is being made, pre-planning is advised for travelers with specific accessibility needs, especially for older, historic sites.

Practical Information