Language

Locals tend to speak Castilian Spanish, although with the large influx of British and Irish tourists each year, most people have learned at least introductory English. Even if visitors speak Spanish, the regional dialect and accent may be somewhat hard to understand.

Currency

As part of the European Union, Lanzarote uses the euro (€) as currency. Visitors who fly into the island will find ATMs at Lanzarote Airport, although the fees for cash withdrawal are extremely high compared to those in Arrecife and other towns. Banking hours are only from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. which is when currency exchanges can be made.

Time

Lanzarote and the Canary Islands are one hour ahead of GMT (GMT +1). This means the island follows Western European Time (WET).

Electricity

Lanzarote and the Canary Islands use 220 Volts of electricity at 50 Hertz. The plugs are the same as those on the European continent, which consist of two round pins. American travelers will need both a travel adapter and voltage converter.

Communications

Lanzarote’s international dialing code is +34, followed usually by a nine-digit number. Around the island, it is cheaper to place calls on Sundays or after 10:00 p.m. Vodafone and Telefonica MoviStar are two of the more reliable phone providers offering services in Lanzarote. Make sure you get a roaming plan from your cell company before reaching the island. Post offices are open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., except on Saturdays when they close even earlier at 1:00 p.m. Bars, cafés and hotels generally have cheap internet access, although the higher-end hotels are more expensive than public areas. Resorts, towns, and cities all have ample internet cafés, so visitors will have no problem connecting to the web.

Duty-free

Travelers can import up 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco to Lanzarote or any of the Canary Islands. In addition, one liter of spirits 22 percent alcohol or higher by volume may be brought in, along with two liters of fortified wine or the equivalent less than 22 percent alcohol. Goods up to the value of €490 are also permitted into the island free of charge.

Tourist Office

Turismo Lanzarote, Arrecife: +34-928-811-762 or http://www.turismolanzarote.com/en/

Consulates in Lanzarote

Honorary Consulate of Ireland, Arrecife: +34-928-815-262

Emergency

Emergency services: 112