Passports
European Union citizens can travel to Tenerife with theire own national ID card alone. If your country does not issue identity cards, then a valid Passport is required. All non-EU nationals will be required a valid Passport.
Money Matters
Banks are open weekdays from 09.00 h to 14.00 h. However from June 1st thill October 31st they close 1 hour earlier on Saturdays. You will be always required to show your passport to change money and banks will always charge a commission fee. Most hotels, travel agents and Exchange offices 'Cambio' will also change your money but at a lower rate than the bank.
Credit / Debit cards are accepted every where.
Electricity info
The current used in Tenerife and throughout the Canary islands is 220 Volts AC 50Hz and plugs have two round pins as found on the European continent.
Travellers from the USA will need a voltage converter, however the better hotels do have provision for 110 Volt appliances like shavers.
Travellers from the UK will need a plug adapter and it si better to buy it in the UK as they are hard to find in the Canaries.
Time
Tenerife and the rest of the Canary Islands maintain Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC) which is identical to the UK. One hour behind of most European countries and mainland Spain.
Driving in Tenerife
Theoretically you need an International Driving licence to rent a car in the Canary islands. However, you can rent a car with a valid standar driving licence.
You will find most of the International car rental companies on the island and many Spanish companies. Generally, you will always get a better price if you book before hand are probably the most competitive.
Rental prices on the Canary Islands are considerably lower than on the mainland. Check out the following Travel Services page for some great deals on car hire.
Regardless of which company you use, make sure you understand what is included in the price you pay and what your liabilities are. Minimum age to rent a car is 21years old.
In Tenerife we drive on the right hand side of the road and steering wheels are fitted on the left side of the car. Seat belts must be fasten at all times and the blood alcohol limit is 0.25%. Motorcyclists must wear crash helmets on bikes of 125cc or above.
Weather
The minimum and maximum annual average air temperatures in Tenerife are about 15ºC in winter and 24ºC in summer. Therefore we enjoy wonderful weather in one of the world's best and most delightful climates.
The Island offers a surprising variety of micro-climatic weather zones. The great altitude of Mount Teide gets up to three months of snow - yet it is still possible to enjoy a swim on the beach within an hour's ride. The coastal areas enjoy sunshine, nearly no clouds and highest temperatures.
Weather at Puerto de la Cruz
