Language

Spanish is the official language of Gran Canaria, but most locals speak other European tongues as well as English.

Currency

The euro is used in Gran Canaria. Banknotes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500, while coins are available in 1 or 2 euro and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. There are several ATMs on the island and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express) are widely accepted. Travelers’ checks are also taken, but they should be in sterling pounds or euros which can be changed at exchange bureaux or in banks. The airport, major hotels, some travel agencies, and all banks offer foreign currency exchange services.

Time

Gran Canaria is on Western European Time or UTC +0.

Electricity

Outlet plugs are similar to the ones found in Europe with two round pins and run at 220 Volts AC 50 Hertz. Travelers from the US need to bring a voltage converter and adapter because they can be difficult to find in Gran Canaria.

Communications

Just like Spain, the dialing code for Gran Canaria is +34. Numbers have nine digits and usually start with 928. It is possible to make international calls from anywhere on the island. Payphones are distinctive for their blue color, and they work with coins and phone cards, or in some cases, credit cards. There are plenty of internet cafés in Gran Canaria, and they are much better to use than the dial-up connections offered in some hotel rooms because the PABX system could damage your laptop’s processor. You can also use Wi-Fi, which is free in most major restaurants and hotels.

Duty-free

Gran Canaria is a free trade zone, so import duties are minimal. However, there are still limits to the amount of liquor, tobacco, perfume, coffee products, and gifts that can be brought into the island. Travelers may import: 200 cigarettes, 250 g of tobacco or 50 cigars without incurring customs duty. Additional limits are 250 ml eau de toilette, one liter of spirits over 22 percent alcohol by volume, two liters of alcohol less than 22 percent alcohol, two liters of wine, 50 g of perfume, 200 g of coffee extract or 500 g of coffee, 40 g of tea extract or 100 g of tea. The value of all gifts should not exceed €37.26.

Tourist Offices

Airport: +34-928-574-117 Pueblo Canario: +34-928-243-593 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: +34-928-219-600 Avenida Jose Mesa y Lopez: +34-928-446-824 Mogan: +34-382-158-804 Playa del Ingles: +34-928-771-550 Teror: +34-382-613-808 Telde: +34-928-013-331

Consulates in Gran Canaria

United States Consulate, Las Palmas: +34-928-27-12-59
British Consulate, Las Palmas: +34-928-262-508
French Consulate, Las Palmas: +34-382-29-23-71
German Consulate, Las Palmas: +34-928-491-880 or +34-928-491-870
Italian Consulate, Las Palmas: +34-928-241-911
Finnish Consulate, Las Palmas: +34-928-431-598
Belgium Consulate, Las Palmas: +34-928-461-718
Japanese Consulate, Las Palmas: +34-382-244-012/3466
Irish Consulate, Las Palmas: +34-928-297-728

Emergency

Ambulance or Fire: 112
Police: 091
Red Cross: +34-928-22-22-22