Tenerife

Before heading out to Tenerife, make sure you’ve got suitable travel and medical insurance in place. Policies can vary between providers, so always check exactly what’s covered — don’t just go for the cheapest option. Even a small accident or illness can be expensive without the right protection, especially if private healthcare is needed.

While it’s not a replacement for insurance, UK residents should carry a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This allows access to state healthcare in Spain, including Tenerife, at a reduced cost — or sometimes for free. If you still have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can continue to use it until it expires. You can find more details or apply for a GHIC at www.gov.uk.

If you fall ill while in Tenerife, there are plenty of options for medical care. For minor issues, pharmacies (farmacias) are easy to find — look out for the green cross sign — and staff are generally helpful and well-informed. For more serious concerns, there are both public and private medical centres and hospitals across the island, particularly around Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Examples include Hospiten Sur (Costa Adeje) and Quirónsalud Tenerife (Santa Cruz), both offering English-speaking staff and excellent facilities.

Having comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, as private medical treatment can be costly without it.

You will need an additional 6 months validity on your passport from the end date of your holiday. Plus your passport must not be more than 10 years old. For more info please visit the following government advice Visit Europe from 1 January 2021 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

If you need police assistance while in Tenerife, you can contact the Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil, both of which have stations across the island. There are police stations in popular tourist areas such as Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, and Costa Adeje. For non-emergency issues or to report a minor crime (like lost property or theft), you can visit the nearest station in person or call the local police helpline at +34 922 787 011 (south Tenerife).

In case of an emergency, dial 112, which is the general emergency number used across Spain for police, ambulance, and fire services. English-speaking operators are available.

Many hotels and apartment complexes in Tenerife have their own security staff, so if you experience any issues in or around your accommodation, it’s best to speak to them first. They can often handle minor problems quickly or help you contact local authorities if needed.

You’ll find plenty of ATMs all over Tenerife, especially around Playa de las Américas, Costa Adeje, and Los Cristianos — the main party and tourist areas. Before using them, check with your bank to see what fees they charge for international withdrawals, as some ATMs in Spain may apply an extra transaction fee on top of your bank’s charges.

Most clubs, bars, and restaurants in Tenerife accept card payments, but a few smaller beach bars or local spots might still prefer cash. It’s always a good idea to carry a mix of euros and card so you’re ready for anything.

Prepaid travel cards are another great option — you can load them with euros before your trip to help you budget and avoid overspending. They’re also much safer than carrying large amounts of cash.

Online banks and travel-friendly cards like Revolut, Monzo, and Wise work perfectly in Tenerife. They allow you to spend abroad with low or no fees, and many let you withdraw a limited amount of cash for free. Some of our reps swear by them — check which one fits your travel style best!