The time in Tenerife 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
Tenerife features the lowest temperature difference between summer and winter for virtually anywhere in the world. From late September to late May it is usually very warm however June, July, August and September can be very hot, reaching temperatures of 28 - 30°C.
Language
The language spoken in Tenerife is Spanish, although English is widely understood.
Flight Time
The approximate flight time from London to Tenerife is 4 hours.
Airports
There are two airports in Tenerife. Reina Sofia airport in the south and Los Rodeos airport in the north. Depending on which resort you are visiting determines which airport that you fly into, both airports have numerous facilities. The south airport is much bigger then the north Airport, with more facilities including a couple of restaurants a few duty free shops, souvenir shops and ATM machines. The north Airport does have a duty free shop and a restaurant, but is on a much smaller scale when compared with the south airport.
Currency
The official currency in Tenerife is the Euro and the coins in Tenerife are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. The paper bills on the other hand are made up of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. There are plenty of banks in Tenerife especially around the main resorts. Banking hours are usually Mon-Fri 0900-1400, Sat 0900-1300 and there are also 24 hour cash machines situated around the resorts.
Telephone Services
Country dialling code: 34
Outgoing code: 00 + your country code then you miss off the first zero of the number you are calling (UK = 44, i.e. 00 44 1582)
Pay phones are either blue or green and accept either coins or phone cards, which are sold at post offices, tobacco shops, and newsagents. Three mobile phone operators provide thorough GSM 900/1800 coverage throughout the Canary Islands. Email and internet access is available at internet cafes in most towns and resorts.
Passport Information
A passport is required to enter Tenerife and must be valid for 3 months after date of departure; however it is recommended that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
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 there. 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
British Consulate
Plaza Weyler, 8, 1º
38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Tel- (34) 922 28 68 63
Tourist Offices/Information
Tourist office in the UK 0207 486 8077
Tourist office in Tenerife:
Plaza de España,
1 - 38002 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
(34) 922239811
Tenerife's main tourist office is located in the Plaza de España, 1 - 38002 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, there are also smaller tourist offices spread around the island in the many tourist resorts.
Duty Free
Tenerife (as well as the other Canary Islands) is a duty free area so tobacco, wines, spirits and perfumes are much cheaper than in other EU countries. There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for resale.
For guidance, goods are considered to be for your own use if you have no more than: 200 cigarettes, or 250g smoking tobacco, or 50 cigars, 1 litre of spirits over 22%, 2 litres sparkling wine, 2 litres of any other wine, 60ml perfume, 250ml eau de toilette and up to £145 worth of other goods including gifts and souvenirs.
The price you pay includes VAT and duty, since these vary from country to country, you may be able to pick up some cheap goods. Shops at airports and on ships may also provide some tax free bargains.
Electricity
The electricity supply in Tenerife is 220v, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Tipping
Hotel and restaurant bills usually include service charges, but additional tips are welcomed. In restaurants tips of about 10 - 15% of the total bill are expected. Drivers of metered taxis expect tips of 10 to 15% of the total bill. It is customary to tip small amounts, usually 5-10% for most services, including guides.
Food & Drink
We suggest that you don't drink the tap water in Tenerife. There is nothing wrong with it, but due to its volcanic origins it tends to have a high mineral content which can upset a delicate stomach. Bottled water there is inexpensive and very good. 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 Tenerife
To drive in Tenerife, you must be 21 years or more, with atleast 2 years driving experience. Generally, car hire is cheap in Tenerife. Driving is on the right in Tenerife is not a problem for most nationalities, but British drivers should initially take a little extra care - as, they will be on 'wrong side of the road'. All road signs are international. Visitors in Tenerife can drive using a valid international driving licence, or their British driving licence, provided it is valid for the class of vehicle they wish to drive. You will also need 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
