The time in Gran Canaria is the same as GMT. Summer time is GMT + 1 which is from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
Weather
The average temperatures oscillate in the summer months between 26 ºC and
28 ºC (79 - 82 °F), often exceeding 30 °C (86 °F). In the winter months the temperature is slightly cooler between 22 ºC and 24 ºC (71 - 75 °F).
Language
Spanish is the official language, although in most of the hotels, restaurants and stores they will be able to attend to you in English, German or French.
Flight Time
The approximate flight time from London to Gran Canaria is 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Airports
Gran Canaria airport is located 11 miles south of the capital. It has many facilities, including; duty free shop, gift shops, a mini supermarket, coffee shops, bars and fast food stands. There is also a 24 hour medical service, pharmacy and a children's play room.
Currency
The official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. There are notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, 1 and 2 Euros.
Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.
Most banks usually open from Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 13.00 or 14.00 hrs.
Telephone Services
International telephone calls can be made from almost anywhere in the Canary Islands. The distinctive blue booths are easy to find. You have the choice of using coins, phone cards (tarjetas telefónicas) and sometimes credit cards. The country code for Gran Canaria is the same as Spain (34) followed by a nine digit number usually starting with 928.Telephone calls made from bars, restaurants and hotels are usually a great deal more expensive than the street pay booths. The cheap rate for international calls is the night tariff from 22.00 to 08.00 hrs and all day Sunday.
Country dialling code: 34
Outgoing code: 00 + your country code (UK = 44, i.e. 00 44 1582)
Four mobile phone operators provide thorough GSM 900/1800 coverage throughout the Canary Islands. Roaming is provided by Orange, Vodafone, Movistar and Yoigo. Email and Internet access is available at Internet cafes in most towns and resorts, access costs around 5 Euro per hour.
Passport Information
To travel to Gran Canaria you will need a full 10 year British passport valid for at least 6 months after your return to the UK.
Visa Information
No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days for those holding a passport endorsed British Citizen, European Community, British Dependent Territories Citizen or British Subject. Other passport holders require a visa and a passport valid at least three months beyond visa expiry date.
Health & Safety/Vaccinations
There are no vaccination requirements for any International Traveller, however please consult your doctor/nurse before travelling.
Health facilities are generally of a good standard.
EHIC (old E111)
A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you're in Gran Canaria. This is a free card that you should submit about 6 weeks before you plan to leave to allow the card to reach you on time. Travel insurance is also required on top of this to cover all situations and emergencies.
Embassy
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Tel.: + 34 928 262 508
Fax: + 34 928 267 774
Tourist Offices/Information
Tourist office in the UK: 0207 486 8077
Tourist office in Gran Canaria: Tel. +34 928 262508
Fax. +34 928 267774 Gran Canaria has an extensive network of tourist information offices that are situated in every city and town on the island.
Duty Free
The duty free allowance for Gran Canaria is;
200 cigarettes; or 100 cigarillos; or 50 cigars; or 250 gms of tobacco, 2 litres of still table wine, 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22% volume; or 2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other liqueurs, 60ml of perfume and £145 worth of all other goods including gifts and souvenirs.
Electricity
The electricity supply is 220V AC, 50Hz - so most 240V appliances will work satisfactorily on this slightly lower voltage. The plugs are mainly of the two pin (circular pins) variety. The higher power plugs have thicker pins, and an earth/ground connection. UK adapter plugs are easily obtained almost anywhere.
Tipping
Hotel and restaurant bills usually include service charges, but additional tips are welcomed for services rendered. In restaurants tips of about 15% are expected. Value-added-tax is usually included in restaurant bills, designated 'I.V.A', and may be mistaken for a service charge. Drivers of metered taxis expect tips of 10-15%. It is customary to tip small amounts, usually 5-10% for most services, including guides.
Food & Drink
Tap Water is safe to drink but not recommended for its taste as it tends to be desalinated seawater. The locals almost all invariably drink bottled water.
Water from public spouts and fountains should not be drunk unless there is a sign saying 'Aqua Potable' (Water Not Drinkable). In bars, supermarkets or restaurants ask for 'agua sin gas' (still) or 'agua con gas' (sparkling).Like in all countries different products may be used when preparing foods, to be on the safe side ensure vegetables are cooked and fruit peeled. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot.
Postal Services
There are efficient internal and international postal services to all countries. Airmail within Europe usually takes around five days. Poste Restante facilities are available at main post offices. Stamps can be bought in post offices which are also situated around the island.
Driving in Gran Canaria
In Gran Canaria you must drive on the right hand side of the road and steering wheels are fitted on the left side of the car. The use of seatbelts is compulsory. Children under the age of 12 may not travel in the front seats of the vehicle.
The speed limit on motorways is 120 km/h, while in towns and cities it's 50 km/h, unless otherwise indicated. Parking is prohibited on white or yellow lines and blue lines indicate a restricted parking area where you must purchase a ticket from a 'pay-and-display' machine.
To hire a car you must be over 21 with a clean driving license and one years experience, you will also require your passport
Public Holidays
- 1st January: New Year's Day
- 6th January: Epiphany
- 13th April: Maundy Thursday
- 14th April: Good Friday
- 1st May: International Labour Day
- 15th August: Assumption
- 12th October: National Day
- 1st November: All Saints Day
- 6th December: Constitution Day
- 8th December: Immaculate Conception
- 25th December: Christmas Day
- 26th December: St. Stephen's Day
