Planning your trip will help you to achieve your aims and enjoy the experiences you want to enjoy without jeopardising your holiday.
Travel documents
Electricity
Clothing
Banks
Money
Medical assistance
Time zone
Language
Religion
Tipping
Businesses
Postal services
Safety in the area
Health facilities
For disabled persons
- A valid national identity document or passport if you are from within the European Union; otherwise, consult the embassy or consulate of your country of origin.
- The local electrical current is 220 volts. Electrical devices from the USA, Ireland or England require a transformer or, if applicable, an adaptor.
- We suggest beachwear and comfortable, cotton clothing. Don’t forget to pack a jumper or a jacket for the evenings or if you're visiting higher altitude areas.
- San Bartolomé de Tirajana has a wide range of bank branches and ATMs available 24/7. Bank opening hours are 8:30 to 14:00 from Monday to Friday. The majority of shops accept several types of credit cards.
- The official currency is the Euro.
- If you live in the European Union you have the right to medical assistance and free hospitalisation during your holidays at public health centres. In your country of origin, you must request a European Health Card. If you do not have one of these, you must pay the medical fees up front and request reimbursement for them when you return to your home country. Other countries with the same free services as European citizens include Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru. In all other cases, the provision of health services must be paid for if it is not covered by insurance.
- The archipelago of the Canary Islands follows the Greenwich Meantime time zone (GMT) for the entire year, except for between April and October when it changes to GMT+1. The Canary Islands are one hour behind the Spanish mainland for the entire year.
- Spanish, official language of Spain.
- The same as the rest of Spain: mostly Christian and Catholic. This area provides religious services, not just in Spanish and for Catholics, but in various languages and for various types of worship. An Ecumenical Church is used for this.
- These are not considered obligatory as they are already included in prices and bills. However, it is common to leave a tip if the service has been satisfactory, especially in bars, restaurants and hotels.
- Mornings from 9:00 until 13:00 and afternoons from 16:00 until 20:00. Some businesses do not close in the middle of the day.
- The Post and Telegraph Office is open all day from 8:30 until 20:30, and on Saturdays from 9:30 to 13:00. From 15 July to 15 September, the timetable is Monday to Friday 8:30 to 14:30, and on Saturdays from 9:30 to 13:00.
- The Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands has a Comprehensive Safety Plan, which coordinates all departments with responsibilities in the field of public safety to keep the islands on the archipelago safe and peaceful.
- The Maspalomas health services are among the best in Spain in terms of medical attention and health, with quality and service levels equal to the European average. Its network of hospitals and public and private healthcare institutions, as well as its emergency services (ambulances, firefighters and police) guarantee that the local inhabitants and the millions of tourists receive the attention they need throughout the entire year.
- If you have any special requirements, planning ahead will help make your trip to Maspalomas easier. In general, airlines, buses and boats, as well as shopping centres and accommodation are all accessible for everyone. The more modern local buses have ramps, some automatic and some manual. In general, city buses and beaches allow guide dogs.
