Las Palmas De Gran Canaria Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

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

Connectivity Options

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

Internet Access & Wi-Fi Availability

Access to internet is widely available city-wide.

Access Points

Hotels/Apartments: The majority of lodgings offer free Wi-Fi.
Cafes/Restaurants: Many venues 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, a thai rescue service-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 visitor 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 city) holidays.

Dates Partial List

January 1ST (New Year's Day), Jan 6 (Epiphany).
Maundy Thursday & Good Friday (Easter Week, dates vary).
May 1ST (International Workers' 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.
Galleries 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 function during weekday mornings.
Some larger branches might open one afternoon a week.
Currency exchange is available at banks, but ATMs are typically more handy for cash withdrawals.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

Formal and unofficial greetings are part of daily interactions.

How to Greet

Formal: "Good morning," "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 over the table while eating.
"¡Buen provecho!": A common, friendly phrase to say to others dining nearby.

Photography Permissions & Restrictions

Record moments respectfully.

Guidance for Photography

Public Spaces: Generally acceptable for public spaces, landscapes, buildings.
People: Always get permission for close-ups, notably for children. Be discreet.
Religious Sites: Look for "photography forbidden" 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 wear 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 A Paradise in the atlantic are welcoming and tolerant towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender who someone 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 chill 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 encircling 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 thoroughfares, promenades (Las Canteras), and newer public buildings feature smooth pavements and curb ramps.
Older areas like Vegueta have uneven cobbled streets and narrow sidewalks, which can be challenging.
More recent public buildings, shopping centers, and many up-to-date hotels are generally accessible.

Accessible Attractions & Transportation

sites and transport options accommodate various needs.

Getting Around

Playa plural) 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 specialty accessible transport 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 cultural institutions 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 thorough planning.

Information Channels

Reach out to local tourist information offices directly for specific accessibility details.
Websites for major attractions or transport companies often feature specific accessibility sections.
Hotels or boutique travel agencies may offer guidance for accessible tourism planning.

Accessibility Venues

Poema del Mar Aquarium

Modern design with entire accessibility, including ramps and elevators.

Auditorio Alfredo Kraus

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

El Corte Inglés

Large big stores generally provide great access 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.

Las Palmas De Gran Canaria Travel Tips