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| Travel Information |
| USEFUL NUMBERS: |
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Any Emergency: 061
Civil Guard:
TEL: 922 79 14 14
Hospitals:
Las Americas:
922 75 00 22
Clinica San Eugenio:
922 79 10 00
International MEDSERVICE:
922 79 05 63
Ambulances: 061
Las Américas:
922 78 07 59
Los Cristianos:
922 79 05 05
Puerto de la Cruz:
922 38 38 12
Santa Cruz:
922 28 18 00
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National Police:
Tel: 922 72 54 00
Airports:
Los Rodeos, North: 922 25 79 40
Reina Sofia, South: 922 75 95 10
Chemists:
Duty Chemist 24 hrs: 922 28 24 24
Las Américas:
922 79 44 28
Los Cristianos:
922 79 08 47
Puerto la Cruz: 922 37 06 55 |
TRAVEL INFORMATION
When to come to Tenerife:
Canary Islands are often described as the 'islands of eternal spring'. That is quite true. Tenerife is a year round destination and you can really come at any time without disappointment.
Of course during winter it does get a little cooler, but compared to central and northern Europe it is still pure paradise. Inevitably, the warm winter does tend to draw the bulk of tourists and December to February can definitely be considered 'high season'.
Not quite so busy, but certainly also a high season are the months between May and October. The cool sea breezes can be very refreshing compared to the 'scorchers' associated with mainland Spain. Airfares are most attractive between November and mid December, also from March to May with the exception of Easter which is very popular indeed.
What to bring with you:
Our best advice to you is 'bring only the bare necessities'. You can buy almost anything you might need and probably a lot cheaper than in your country.
A backpack is surely one of the most useful items and comes in very handy for the day trips, shopping sprees and walks. A zipped backpack is a safe way to carry your belongings but a concealed money belt or shoulder wallet will certainly keep your money and documents safe from pickpockets.
Even though coastal temperatures are mild throughout the year, if you venture inland you may need a light sweater to keep you warm. For the Northern slopes some wet weather gear could save you from a surprise soaking.
If you are heading to the nightclubs, discos and finer restaurants, do take a set of smarter clothes as beachwear and trainers will not be accepted.
Passports & vaccinations:
Although Tenerife is a long way from Spain, it is Spanish territory and therefore all passport and residency rules are the same as on the Spanish mainland.
European Union citizens can travel to Tenerife with national ID cards alone. If your country does not issue identity cards, then a valid Passport is required. UK visitor passports are not acceptable.
All non-EU nationals require a full valid Passport.
Carry your ID card or Passport with you at all times. The police may ask to see it. As a backup, make photocopies of all your valuable documents and leave copies in your hotel accommodation as well as at home.
Nationals of the EU as well as Norway and Iceland do not require a Visa for a stay of up to 90 days. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days you will need to apply for a Residency Permit during the first month of your stay.
You will not require any vaccinations to visit the Canary islands, unless you are coming from an infected area. The most likely infection being 'Yellow Fever'. Make a point of checking with ourselves or local Spanish Embassy if in any doubt. EU citizens can obtain a refund of most medical costs by using form E111, which are available from Post Offices, Health or Social Security offices in your country.
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Money matters:
The Euro is the currency of the Economic and Monetary Union and was adopted by 11 State-members from the European Union on the 1st of January 1999: Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Austria and Finland. In 2001, Greece also adopted the Euro.
The symbol of the Euro currency is an "E" crossed by two parallel lines. It is inspired on the representation of the Greek letter epsilon, calling up the birth of the European civilization and the first letter of the word Europe. The two parallel lines represent the internal stability of the Euro.
The circulation of the Euro starts on the 1st of January with 7 different bank notes and 8 different coins: bank notes of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Euros, and coins of 2 and 1 Euros and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 centimes. Although the coins have both a European common side and a specific national side, they are accepted in all the countries that joined the Euro currency, and the same is applied to bank notes.
Both bank notes and coins were also conceived for people with visual disabilities. Therefore, the bank notes - besides having different sizes - count on elements that allow the identification of the different notes through touch.
Banks are open weekdays between 09.00 hrs and 14.00 hrs, however between June 1 and October 31 they close 1 hour earlier on Saturdays. You will always require 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.
Travellers Cheques are safe and easily cashed at banks and exchange offices throughout Tenerife. Remember that you should keep the bank receipt listing the cheque numbers separate as well as those that you have already cashed. If your cheques are stolen this will be of great help.
Credit/Debit cards are by far the best way to organise your funds. You don't have large amounts of cash to worry about and you have access to your money at all hours. The exchange rate is also often the best. You pay a charge for each cash advance and ATM transaction - so don't withdraw small amounts often.
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Opening Hours:
Shops are open Monday to Saturday between 09.00 hrs and 13.00 hrs. They open again after a long 'Siesta' from 16.00 hrs or a little later for another 3 or 4 hours (although most stay closed in the afternoon/evening on Saturdays).
The big supermarkets and department stores will do a 9 am to 9 pm stretch 6 days a week. Many Governmental offices will open only in the mornings. Apart from the major tourist resorts, shops are closed on Sundays.
Museums have very varied opening times and churches are totally unpredictable.
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Spanish food:
The cuisine of the Canary Islands combines traditional Spanish recipes with African and Latin American influences.
There are some mainland-imported meals, but the original is to be found in the Canary Islands specialties. Away from the standard Spanish food, and the many tourist-oriented "international" style restaurants in the hotels, there is a genuine local cuisine. It is much easier to find a real British pub or a fast-food restaurant than a 'Canarian tipico', usually distinguished by a short menu of soups, stews and grilled fish dishes.
The basis of Canarian cuisine is a variety of fresh vegetables, fruit and fish, generally light meals, more digestible in a warm climate. Meat usually features as part of a stew and steaks, mostly imported from Spain or South America and are for tourists only.
The traditional island food is gofio, a sort of flour made from toasted cereals, often a substitute for bread.
Also, being one of the best-known dishes, try the Papas Arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes).This last dish consists of potatoes boiled and salted with their skin. But, their real taste comes from the mojos (sauces), usually two olive oil-based sauces: the mojo picón (spicy sauce) and the mojo verde (green sauce). If you like fish, you will feel in paradise on those islands. Among the most typical regional recipes are Caldereta and Sancocho Canario, salted fish in a Mojo sauce. You will find a wide variety of international recipes of fish and seafood, too.
Among vegetarian dishes Potaje de Berros, a hot pot of chickpeas, is perhaps best known.The most typical dessert is bienmesabe, a mixture of honey, almond cream, eggs and rum. Besides that, you have a wide choice of tropical fruits, like mangoes and paw paw. Platanos Fritos, fried bananas, are in great demand. Not to be missed at all, is the local goat cheese, which is invariably good.
The Tapas concept is one of the most important Spanish contributions to the world of gastronomy. A Tapa is a light and small piece of food that Spaniards have either before lunch or dinner, always with a glass of wine or beer. The Tapas custom allows one to have several wines or beers before lunch or dinner, it hides the appetite (tapa el hambre). The Tapa can be presented in several ways: as a pincho (with a stick), as a mini-dish of a traditional recipe, as a canapé, etc...
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Disabled facilities:
Happily, there are good facilities for the disabled at all the terminals of the international airports in the Canaries. Playa de las Américas and Puerto de la Cruz have several wheelchair friendly hotels and more are being built.There actually exists a purpose built center in Los Cristianos called 'Mar y Sol Resort'. But that is the end of the good news!
Throughout the rest of the islands, facilities are lacking or do not exist at all. There are hardly any adapted toilets and you won't find disabled friendly hire cars (maybe an automatic) or public transport. The British based Royal Association for Disability And Rehabilitation (RADAR), publish a guide called 'Holidays & Travel Abroad: A Guide for Disabled People'. It includes information on Spain and the Canary Islands with plenty of contact details (Tel: 0171 250 3222).
Also, the British 'Holiday Care Service' can be requested to send you a fact sheet for the Canaries with very useful information (Tel: 01293 774 535).
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Tenerife is good for your Health - The La Oratava Valley is definitely good for your health. Researchers from Buchen, Germany have concluded results from investigations, which started in early 1990's, on effects on human health of this valley. Dr. Limberg said the health of children with heart, lung and respiratory conditions improved due to a combination of climate, height above sea level and ecological diversity. Further data from investigations carried out last century are to be compiled to create a more detailed study.
Exception - The British Consulate advise us that sinusitis sufferers may find their condition is aggravated by long term residence in Tenerife, presumably from the increased dust levels in a warm climate.
Sea Water Thalassso Therapy is available in the Canary Islands. This health center covers 6,800 square metes and holds 350-400 visitors daily. Extensive water area for relaxing and recovering strength, swimming against currents, micro-bubble seats, water jets for body pains, micro-bubble beds, cold pools and hot pools. Individual treatments and special programs.
Vaccinations, Health Info for Travellers:
British Visitors can get medical information from leaflets SA29 and 30, available in UK from the Dept of Health Form E111, which transfers your health care cover to other participating countries should be obtained from any DHSS or Post Office before travelling. In any case, ALL visitors should ensure they have proper travel insurance to cover all eventualities. Vaccine against Typhus or North African diseases are NOT required in the Canary Islands. Information issued to American travel agents, advising their customers to seek vaccination against typhus and hepatitis A & B before travelling to Tenerife is WRONG. Reports that people could catch cholera, rabies and diphtheria because the Canaries are only 100 kilometers off the coast of Africa are WRONG. The Islands are Spanish and from a health point of view, have the same resources and standards as Western Europe. Standard Immunizations for all Countries, not just Canary Islands.These are the standard world health recommendations for travellers which have been in force for many years and are still the official guidelines at the time of writing. Preparation for travelling is an ideal opportunity to have immunisations carried out, many of which will apply to your own country. For infected areas check with your doctor or travel clinic. Anti-malaria tablets and precautions against insect bites - Yellow fever (compulsory for some countries). In certain circumstances check with your doctor or travel clinic, Cholera - Meningoccal Meningitis - Tick-Borne Encephalitis - Tuberculosis - Japanese Encephalitis - Rabies - Hepatitis B - Diphtheria booster.
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AILMENTS
Travel Sickness - How to alleviate this burden.
(1) Don't read during the journey
(2) Avoid bad smells, egg sandwiches, smoke, fish
(3) Avoid cold draughts
(4) Avoid alcohol, it makes things worse
(5) Try to stay tranquil and quiet
(6) Visit your chemist and asked for travel sickness tablets and take them before you leave. Some can last up to 4 hours. These are not suitable for children as they can cause drowsiness, ask your pharmacist for advice on children's prescriptions
Tetanus - A dangerous disease and is caught by introduction of bacterial spores through even the slightest wound. The spores are found world wide, mainly in soil and manure. Everyone should be protected by immunisation as a child and boosters.
Rabies occurs in animals in Europe and North America as well as less developed countries - so avoid touching stray animals, whether wild, stray or appearing 'tame' If you are bitten by an animal while away on holiday:
(1) Wash wound using soap or detergent, apply alcohol if possible.
(2) Get medical attention fast, nearest doctor or hospital, if you need rabies vaccination ask for 'human diploid vaccine'.
(3) Note date and place of incident and description of animal.
(4) Inform local police.
(5) Whether you receive treatment abroad or not, consult your doctor as soon as you return.
If the animal is not wild/stray, ascertain identity of owner, exchange telephone numbers and address, arrange to contact them to see if animal becomes ill over a two week period. Find out if the animal has already received rabies vaccine and ask to see certificate.
Rabies vaccine is only necessary for those who may be exposed to high risk of infection or journeys to remote areas where medical treatment may not be available. Even if immunised this does not remove need for urgent treatment.
HIV-AIDS can be passed on in four main ways.
1. Through unprotected sex with an infected person.
2. Through the use of infected syringes, medical, dental, anything that punctures the skin such a tattooing equipment.
3. By transfusions of HIV infected blood.
4. From infected mother to baby before or during childbirth and breast feeding.
While on holidays do not have unprotected casual sex, the person you have sex with may look well and still be infected. Always use a condom they are the most effective protection against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Do not inject non-prescribed drugs. Do not have a tattoo, acupuncture, ears pierced unless you are sure the equipment is sterile.
Try and ensure any medical treatment particularly blood transfusions are absolutely necessary.
Make sure medical equipment is taken from a sealed pack.
If you need a transfusion ask for screened blood. If travelling to a place where equipment may be suspect take your own special kit.
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Dental Problems:
The Spanish word Dentista is not exactly synonymous with the English word Dentist. For all but simple dentistry, filling etc. you should go to Estomatologista or Odontologo.
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Health Cover - Visitors:
Visitors - Not on EC passports
Visitors to Tenerife who are not holders of European EC passports should take out travel and/or medical insurance. The standards of health care in Tenerife are very high, and the same modern and hi-tech resources used in advanced societies are used here. Consequently, in keeping with most other countries, medical costs tend to be high. If you have an accident, and do not have some form of cover, like the USA, you could get some nasty shocks when the bills come in.
Visitors - on EC passports
We always advise any traveller to Tenerife to take out travel insurance. If you are an EC citizen, you can also get an E111 form from your nearest post office before you travel. This will give you cover under the EAA agreements, where reciprocal health care is available between member states within the EC.
Using Form E111:
Treatment is obviously only provided by practitioners within the Spanish health care system, Consultorio's (Health Center) Centro Sanitario or Ambulatorio (Hospital/Clinic) within the health scheme. If you need a doctor in an emergency, make it clear you have form E111 and you want to be treated under the EC arrangements.
Form E111 can NOT be used if you live and work, or are resident in Tenerife - it is for visitors.
If you need treatment always have a photocopy of the form which you hand over to the doctor, you keep the original. Dental treatment is not covered. Medicines prescribed by health scheme practitioners can be obtained from any chemist (farmacia). You will have to pay 40% of the cost unless you are a UK or other EEA pensioner, in which case it would be free.
Any hospital treatment you may need will usually be arranged by a doctor. If you require urgent treatment, it will only be provided free of charge in a public ward at a state hospital.
Show your E111 immediately you arrive and hand over a photocopy. If you fail to do this you may be charged as a private patient. Under strict terms of Spanish health care, refunds of private patient charges can only be made if that treatment is given in a life or death situation when state hospital facilities are not available.
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