Tenerife, Canary Islands
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 assists 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 4:30 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 restaurants close between lunch and dinner service.
Open earlier (around 7:00 AM/8:00 AM) and stay open until late evening or midnight, offering coffee, drinks, and light 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.
Travel during the shoulder season for better prices and fewer crowds. Booking flights and accommodations in advance is often beneficial.
Embrace local customs for a respectful and enjoyable visit.
A handshake is common 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 generally do not bring the bill unprompted; asking for "la cuenta" is common.
Cultural awareness improves your experience. Respect local customs and traditions, even if they differ from your own.
Spain is progressive regarding LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. Tenerife, especially 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 support local businesses.
Supporting local Guachinches (traditional eateries) and small family-run shops directly distributes tourism income within the community.
Look for products made locally and sold directly by artisans. This confirms that profits go directly to the producers.
