Travel tips · Tenerife · Spain
Tenerife travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Tenerife is Spanish but distinctly Canarian: people speak a soft Spanish with a Latin American lilt, call the bus a guagua and honour Guanche heritage alongside Catholic fiestas. The south coast is international and resort-focused, while the north and the capital keep a slower, local rhythm of long lunches and village festivals.
Key facts
- Language
- Spanish
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is treated, but much of it is desalinated and quality varies by…
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number)
Things to know
- Greet with 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' when entering small shops and bars.
- Swimwear is for the beach and promenade; cover up in supermarkets, churches and town centres.
- Topless sunbathing is common on beaches, but full nudity is limited to recognised naturist spots.
- In Teide National Park, stay on marked trails and never take volcanic rocks or plants, which are protected.
- Mealtimes are late; a restaurant full of local families at 9pm is normal.
- Book Teide cable car and summit ahead: Book cable-car slots online in advance, and apply for the summit permit weeks or months ahead because daily numbers are strictly limited.
- The Canary Islands use their own lower sales tax (IGIC) instead of mainland Spain's VAT, so fuel, alcohol and many everyday goods cost less.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected. Locals leave small change in bars; in restaurants rounding up or leaving about 5–10% for good service is appreciated.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Buenos días | Good morning |
| Gracias | Thank you |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please |
| ¿Dónde para la guagua? | Where does the bus stop? (guagua = bus) |
| Un barraquito, por favor | A layered Tenerife coffee, please |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much is it? |
What to wear
Bring layers: shorts and sandals suit the coast, but Teide and the northern hills call for a fleece, long trousers and walking shoes even in summer.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is treated, but much of it is desalinated and quality varies by town; many residents drink bottled water, so ask at your accommodation.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- EU roaming applies, as the Canary Islands are part of the EU; mobile coverage is good on the coasts but patchy in ravines such as Masca and Anaga.
- Time zone
- Atlantic/Canary
Petty theft is the main concern: break-ins happen at busy viewpoints and trailheads, so leave nothing visible in hire cars. The Atlantic can be dangerous, especially on the north coast, so respect beach flags and stay out of the water when waves break on the rocks. At Teide, altitude, strong sun and cold nights catch visitors out.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Spain's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Tenerife?
Tipping is not expected. Locals leave small change in bars; in restaurants rounding up or leaving about 5–10% for good service is appreciated.
+Can you drink the tap water in Tenerife?
Tap water is treated, but much of it is desalinated and quality varies by town; many residents drink bottled water, so ask at your accommodation.
+What plugs are used in Tenerife?
Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Tenerife?
Spanish.