Money & duty free for Canary Islands

Exchange rates:

Euro
C$1 = €0.72
£1 = €1.19
US$1 = €0.96

Currency & Money

Currency information

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents (céntimos). Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Credit cards

MasterCard/Cirrus and Visa/Plus are accepted in nearly all ATMs, which are common throughout the country. These credit cards can generally be used outside main towns and cities, although cash is your safest bet.

ATM

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard/Cirrus and Visa/Plus are accepted in nearly all ATMs, which are common throughout the country. There are usually at least one bank and ATM in each village.

Travellers cheques

Traveller's cheques are disappearing from use fast, and it's far more convenient to travel with credit cards these days. Nevertheless, you can still change them in main bank branches and exchange bureaux, and they are accepted in major hotels. It is advisable to bring them in sterling or dollars as there have been increasing reports of Euro cheques being refused.

Banking hours

Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1400. Some branches open Saturdays too, from October to April.

Currency restriction

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Currency exchange

Money can be changed in any bank, and at most travel agencies, major hotels and airports.

Canary Islands duty free

The Canary Islands are an Autonomous Community within Spain and, although the archipelago is part of the EU, it has not signed up to the same duty free agreements.

There are, therefore, restrictions on what you can bring in and take out of the Canary Islands – even when travelling to and from other parts of the EU. The following goods may be taken into the Canary Islands by travellers over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 25 cigars or 250g of other tobacco products.
• 1L of spirits.
• 2L of fortified wine (such as sherry or port), sparkling wine or any other drink that is less than 22% volume.
• In addition you may also bring back 1L of beer or 4L of still wine.
• Other goods to a value of €430.

Banned imports

Meat and dairy products from outside the EU, unlicensed drugs and unauthorised firearms and ammunition.

Banned exports

Endangered species require an export permit.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.