Organize your stay Canary Islands
Money Canary Islands
Spain was part of the first train of the changeover to the euro. You will therefore use the same currency in the Canary Islands as in Spain and France.
Budget & Tips Canary Islands
In general, the cost of living is cheaper in the Canary Islands than in France, but these are averages in both cases. Prices are a little higher in the tourist areas and in the big cities. The price of accommodation will vary the most depending on important local events, but less than in the Iberian Peninsula. In the Canary Islands, the main season is winter, especially Christmas, since the destination is the closest European sun in this season. A coffee rarely costs more than 1,50 €, as well as a fruit juice, and a person can get full during a tapeo for about 10 to 15 €.
Small budget: count 30 to 40 € for a car rental per day, 35 € for a night in the cheapest hotels in a double room or studio rental, and 15 € per person in the most affordable restaurants, wine not included.
Medium budget: count €50 per day for a mid-range car rental, €50 to €100 for an apartment rental or a room in a 3-star hotel or resort, and about €35 per person for a restaurant with wine.
Big budget: count from 70 to 80 € per day for the rental of a luxury sedan or a 4x4, from 100 to 300 € per day for a double room in a luxury hotel (or even a grand luxury hotel) including a multitude of services, especially in the high-end resorts (sports, spa, etc.). For a good table, count on 35 to 45 € per person
Tipping is included in the bill, but it can be appreciated to leave 5 to 10% of the bill. Bargaining is not practiced, except in the mercadillos, small markets (jewelry, clothes, bags, etc.) that flourish especially in the summer. The VAT system (IVA) applied in the Canary Islands is different from that of the mainland. It is the IGIC (Impuesto General Indirecto Canario), with the same purpose, but not the same rate: from 0 to 35% in the Canary Islands against 10 to 21% in mainland France. But for most products, a 7% rate applies. It is generally included in the prices displayed. To reduce your budget, consider taking multi-trip cards, offered in all the islands, if you travel by bus, it is more economical and it facilitates entry. No special days for museums, which are not very expensive and are not so numerous. You will be offered passes, including several visits. Make sure that you have the time and the desire to do everything.
Passport and visas Canary Islands
For both the Canary Islands and Spain, members of the European Union only need a valid identity card or passport. As far as pets are concerned, check beforehand whether they can accompany you. There are three standards to be met: they must be accompanied by their owners or their representative, they must be perfectly identified and the health documents must include a transcript in Spanish. This is slowly changing, but many Spanish hotels or campsites do not accept pets and some transports, buses for example, have them travel in the hold. If it is accepted, you will be asked for an extra charge, justified by the cleaning required. To check this, please refer to the customs information service (www.douane.gouv.fr).
Health Canary Islands
There are no particularly serious diseases listed in the Canary Islands. Mosquitoes are present, but despite the proximity of the African continent, there is no risk of malaria. No vaccinations are necessary. However, make sure that your vaccination booklet is up to date. The tap water is drinkable, but it is not always pleasant to the taste.
On the other hand, be very careful with the sun's rays. And remember that these islands are on a par with the Moroccan desert. Even if the trade winds soften the rays, the risks of severe burns are important. And have made the fortune of some clinics in the south. You should know that you may not be allowed to fly if you have a severe burn that has not been sufficiently treated. Finally, the ocean is beautiful, but it is not a setting. Beware of the tides and the small stones sometimes carried by the waves.
Emergencies: 112, as in the whole European Union, accessible 24 hours a day, from a landline or a cell phone. In case of a serious problem, contact the French Consulate, which provides a list of French-speaking doctors.
Time difference Canary Islands
It will be one hour. When it is noon in France or on the peninsula, it is 11 am in the Canary Islands. In addition, you will notice a break between 2pm and 5pm: lunch time, the comida fuerte, the main meal and sometimes the siesta.
Spoken languages Canary Islands
The language spoken in the Canary Islands is Spanish, with a rather singing rhythm, but sometimes with a very strong accent, difficult to understand in rural areas. The strongest is that of La Gomera, where some elders still speak silbo, a whistling language inherited from the Guanches, now an intangible heritage of humanity.
Communication Canary Islands
Wi-fi zones have been opened in major cities, especially those with universities. It is also available, with an access code, in cafés, restaurants and hotels. More or less effective for the latter, where it may only perform well at the reception desk. But an effort has sometimes been made to install routers on each floor. Some of them still have a computer in the reception area. Some locutorios, communication rooms with computers, can help out in the cities.
Electricity and measurements Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are connected to 220 volts, but it is possible that the voltage is reduced to 110 volts in the very old bâtisses : rural tourism enthusiasts will therefore take their adapter with them. Like the French, the Spaniards use the international system of units and therefore speak in metres, kilometres, tonnes..
Luggage Canary Islands
For the beach, the classic gear: swimsuit, towels, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Hikers should wear good walking shoes, light because of the heat and strong, with vibram soles. Don't just bring shorts, light pants and a long-sleeved shirt to avoid sunburn in shade-free areas. If you are going to Teide, cable car or not, bring a sweater and jeans, as it can get chilly, just like on inter-island boat crossings. A headlamp can be useful for climbing the summits in the early morning.
