Jazmin Li
Tenerife's official currency is the Euro, which is also used throughout the Canary Islands. While it may be possible to pay in pounds in some places, it is not generally accepted. It is recommended that you exchange your money for euros before your trip or at a currency exchange at the airport, such as Global Exchange, which is located in the public arrivals hall of Tenerife South Airport. ATMs are also available at the airport and throughout Tenerife, but they often charge fees for withdrawing money. Cards are widely accepted in larger cities, hotels, restaurants, and shops, so carrying a mix of cash and cards is advisable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency in Tenerife | Euro |
| Exchange money | Banks, exchange bureaus, or airports |
| Exchange bureaus | Widely available in tourist areas |
| ATMs | Widely available, withdrawals in euros may incur fees |
| Cash | Widely accepted, especially in smaller towns and markets |
| Credit and debit cards | Widely accepted, Visa and Mastercard are the most common |
| Contactless | Commonly used, same as the UK |
| Currency exchange at Tenerife Airport | Global Exchange provides currency exchange services |
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What You'll Learn
Currency exchange services at Tenerife Airport
When travelling to Tenerife, it is important to be aware of the local currency and the various options for exchanging your money. The official currency of the Canary Islands is the Euro. While you can use your English money at currency exchange services at Tenerife Airport, it is advisable to also have some euros on hand, especially for small purchases, tips, and places that may not accept card payments. Here is some information about currency exchange services at Tenerife Airport:
Currency Exchange Services at Tenerife South Airport
Tenerife South Airport offers currency exchange services provided by "Global Exchange". These desks can be found in both the arrivals and departures halls, specifically on the ground floor of the airport in the public arrivals hall. To get there, walk past the AENA information desk and Café Ritazza, and you will find the Global Exchange desk in front of the tour operators.
ATM Services at Tenerife South Airport
In addition to currency exchange desks, Tenerife South Airport also provides several cash points or ATMs. Euronet has cash machines that accept various cards, including Mastercard, Cirrus, Maestro, EC, Union Pay, American Express, JCB, Visa, Visa Electron, and Plus. There is also a Banca March cashpoint located in the public arrivals hall. Using your debit or credit card at these ATMs can be a convenient way to obtain euros, but be sure to check with your bank beforehand as withdrawals may incur additional fees.
Alternative Options for Currency Exchange
If you want to avoid exchanging currency at the airport, there are other options available. You can exchange your home currency for euros at banks or exchange bureaus, usually found in tourist areas. Banks typically offer better exchange rates than airports or hotels, but be cautious of any commissions charged by exchange bureaus. Additionally, you can use prepaid travel cards, which can be loaded with euros before your trip and used like a debit card, helping you manage your budget and avoid exchange rate fluctuations.
Tips for Using Money in Tenerife
When paying by card, it is recommended to select the option to pay in euros when given a choice of currencies. This allows your card to handle the conversion and often provides a fairer exchange rate. Additionally, when withdrawing cash from ATMs, choose to be charged in euros to avoid undisclosed exchange rates and additional fees. Finally, it is always a good idea to have a mix of cash and cards when travelling to Tenerife, ensuring smooth financial transactions during your stay.
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Using a Santander card in Tenerife
When travelling to Tenerife, it's important to manage your finances efficiently. The official currency of the Canary Islands is the Euro, so you'll need to exchange your pounds for euros. While you can do this at banks, exchange bureaus, or airports, banks typically offer better exchange rates than airports or hotels.
If you have a Santander card, there are a few things you should know about using it in Tenerife. Firstly, you can use your Santander card to withdraw cash from Santander ATMs in Tenerife without incurring any additional fees. However, keep in mind that withdrawals from ATMs of other banks may result in charges. Additionally, using your Santander card for purchases in shops, restaurants, or other establishments may also incur charges. Therefore, it is recommended to use a card that does not charge for foreign transactions, such as the Halifax Clarity card or Revolut, for making purchases.
It is also important to ensure that your card is ready for use in Tenerife. If you've forgotten your PIN, you can use the Santander mobile app to view it or request a new one through online banking. If your card is locked, you will need to unlock it before travelling by using a Santander or Link cash machine in the UK. If you are travelling outside the EU, inform Santander so they can place a note on your account. Additionally, if you've turned off 'international payments' in your card controls, you'll need to turn them on before using your card abroad.
When using your card in Tenerife, always select to pay in euros when given the choice between GBP and EUR. This will allow your card to perform the currency conversion. Decline any offers by ATMs or payment terminals to convert the currency for you, as this may result in unfavourable exchange rates. It is also recommended to have a mix of cash and cards, as cash is widely accepted in the Canary Islands, especially in smaller towns, markets, and some local businesses. Additionally, having local currency on hand is useful for small purchases, tips, and places that may not accept cards.
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Using a card in Tenerife
The official currency of Tenerife is the Euro, and it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for small purchases, tips, and places that do not accept cards. However, using a card is a convenient option in Tenerife. Here are some tips for using a card in Tenerife:
Contactless Card Payments
Contactless card payments are widely accepted in Tenerife, similar to the UK. Most shops, restaurants, and larger cities accept card payments. However, it is always good to carry some cash as some smaller businesses and cheaper bars and restaurants may be cash-only.
Choosing the Right Card
When selecting a card to use in Tenerife, consider the following:
- No foreign transaction fees: Cards like the Nationwide Flexplus debit card and the Nationwide Select credit card do not charge any commission for foreign transactions.
- Competitive exchange rates: Cards like the Halifax Clarity credit card and Santander debit card offer bank rates when converting currency, which can be more favourable than rates offered by retailers or currency exchange places.
- Prepaid travel cards: These cards can be loaded with euros before your trip and used like a debit card, helping you manage your budget and avoid exchange rate fluctuations.
ATM Withdrawals
ATMs are readily available in Tenerife and provide a convenient way to obtain euros. However, withdrawals may incur fees:
- Using a credit card: Withdrawing cash from an ATM using a credit card, such as the Halifax Clarity card, may result in immediate interest charges. To minimise these charges, consider repaying the amount to your current account as soon as possible.
- Foreign ATM fees: Using a foreign card at a Spanish bank ATM may result in additional fees of a few euros per withdrawal. If you have a Santander debit card, consider using a Santander ATM to avoid these fees.
Choosing the Currency
When using your card for purchases or ATM withdrawals, always select to pay in euros when given the choice between GBP and EUR. Let your card handle the conversion to get a better exchange rate. Decline any ATM offers to convert the currency for you, as these may not be as favourable.
Mobile Payments
Mobile payment methods such as Google Pay or Apple Pay should function similarly to how they do in the UK when accepted.
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Exchanging money in Tenerife
The currency used in Tenerife is the euro, so you will need to exchange your pounds for euros before you travel or once you arrive at the airport.
Exchanging Money at the Airport
You can exchange your money at Tenerife South Airport, where "Global Exchange" provides currency exchange services. They have desks in both arrivals and departures. However, it is worth noting that airport exchanges often have steep exchange rate fees, so it may be better to exchange a small amount of money at the airport and then find a better exchange rate elsewhere.
Exchanging Money Elsewhere
You can exchange your money for euros at banks, exchange bureaus, or post offices. Banks typically offer better exchange rates than airports or hotels, and exchange bureaus in tourist areas tend to charge lower commission rates. ATMs are also widely available in Tenerife and offer a convenient way to get euros, but withdrawals may incur fees, so check with your bank beforehand.
Using Cards
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Tenerife, particularly in larger cities, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express and Discover may be less so. Prepaid travel cards can also be loaded with euros before your trip and used like a debit card, helping you manage your budget and avoid exchange rate fluctuations.
Using Cash
Cash is widely accepted across Tenerife, especially in smaller towns, markets, and some local businesses. It is advisable to have some cash on hand for small purchases, tips, and places that do not accept cards. However, keep in mind that many places in Tenerife are now cashless, so be sure to bring a card that works overseas.
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Tipping in Tenerife
The official currency of Tenerife is the euro. You can exchange your home currency for euros at banks, exchange bureaus, or airports. Banks typically offer better exchange rates than airports or hotels. There are numerous exchange bureaus in tourist areas, but be cautious of the exchange rates and any commissions charged. ATMs are widely available and offer a convenient way to get euros.
Tipping taxi drivers is also not mandatory, but it is considered polite to round up to the nearest euro. Employees in Tenerife often provide exceptional service, hoping to earn a little extra in tips. While it is not mandatory to tip, it is important to remember that living costs, especially rent, are high and can exceed what many locals make, so tips are very important to those in the service industry.
It is worth noting that some sources mention that US tourists tend to tip well and often, which may influence expectations and the level of service provided. As such, it is good to be aware of tipping norms and how they may vary across different service sectors. Overall, tipping in Tenerife is a way to show your appreciation for good service and to reward those who make your visit memorable.
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Frequently asked questions
The currency in Tenerife is the Euro, so it is recommended that you exchange your money for Euros before your trip. You can exchange your money for Euros at Tenerife Airport, but you may be charged higher fees.
You can exchange your home currency for Euros at banks, exchange bureaus, or airports. Banks typically offer better exchange rates than airports. There are numerous exchange bureaus in tourist areas, but be cautious of the exchange rates and any commissions charged.
Debit and credit cards can be used in many restaurants and bars across the island, but some remote areas may not have this facility, so it is recommended that you carry some cash.
Cash is widely accepted across Tenerife, especially in smaller towns, markets, and some local businesses. Having some cash on hand is advisable for small purchases, tips, and places that do not accept cards.
