Tenerife Canary Islands Travel Guide
Spain's major mobile providers include Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo. Prepaid SIM cards are available for purchase, requiring your passport for registration.
Most hotels and accommodations provide free Wi-Fi. Many cafes and restaurants also have free Wi-Fi for customers. Spain's national postal service, Correos, is available.
Spanish (Castilian) is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. German is also commonly understood due to a significant German population.
A few basic Spanish phrases go a long way in local interactions and are appreciated by locals.
Carry a Small notebook and pen to jot down useful phrases or information. This helps when your phone is unavailable or battery is low.
Navigate local operating hours and airport services efficiently.
Shops typically open from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM, then close for a siesta, reopening from 4:1:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Larger supermarkets may operate continuously.
Lunch is served from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM; dinner from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM or later. Many eateries are closed in the afternoon service.
Open earlier (around 7:00 AM/8:00 AM) and stay open until late evening or midnight, offering coffee, drinks, and lightweight snacks.
Banks are generally open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. ATMs (Cajeros automáticos) are widely available 24/7 throughout Puerto de la Cruz.
National, Canary Islands, and local holidays can affect services. Many businesses, banks, and some public transport may operate on reduced hours or be closed.
Go during the shoulder season for better prices and fewer crowds. Booking flights and lodging in advance is often beneficial.
Embrace local customs for a respectful and enjoyable visit.
PEOPLE usually shake hands for formal introductions. One kiss on each cheek (right then left) is common between women, or between a woman and a man. Men usually shake hands.
It is polite to wait to be seated in restaurants. Keep your hands visible on the table. Waiters typically don't bring the bill unprompted; asking for "la cuenta" is common.
Cultural awareness enhances your experience. Respect local customs and traditions, even if they differ from your own.
Spain is progressive regarding LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. Tenerife, notably its larger towns and tourist areas, is generally welcoming and open.
Engage with locals with an open mind and a willingness to learn. This fosters positive interactions.
Your travel spending can positively impact the local economy. Choose to back local businesses.
Supporting local Guachinches (traditional eateries) and small family-run shops directly distributes tourism income within the community.
Seek out products made locally and sold straight by artisans. This confirms that profits go directly to the producers.
