Tipping
It is customary to tip taxi drivers 10% of the fare. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill, you can leave a couple more Euro change if you like.

What to bring
Film and videocassettes, batteries are normally cheaper ; but sunscreen, disposable diapers, sporting goods and books are all generally more expensive in Canary Islands. Local stores carry a good selection of most items.

What to wear
Most indoor establishments are air conditioned-you may need a lightweight jacket or long sleeves. The strong trade winds may make wraparound and billowing skirts a problem. Overly revealing clothes and bathing suits are not appropriate, except on the beach.

Climate
Also called "Islands of Eternal Spring", the Canary Islands have most of the time a great weather : sun and an air temperature never under 16ºC in winter/25ºC in summer.

Health
Eat and drink freely. Take sensible precautions against the sun, especially between 10 am and 3 pm. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended, as well as a light beach cover-up. Neither the tradewinds nor clouds will protect you from sunburn. In case of serious sunburn, drink plenty of fluids, take cool baths, use a body lotion containing aloe vera and take it easy for a day or two. Sunstroke can be dangerous, especially for children, people who are overweight and the elderly; watch for dizziness, fever, headaches and nausea.

For minor aliments, medicines are available at local pharmacies. Most stay open nonstop until about 3:00 pm. Several are open twenty-four hours a day on a rotating basis; enquire at your hotel or check the newspapers. For more serious problems, your hotel will be able to refer you to an English-speaking doctor or dentist.

Centro de Salud Arrecife - (34) 928 80 32 60
Cruz Roja Arrecife - (34) 928 81 48 66
Hospital General Arrecife - (34) 928 80 16 36
Hospital Insular Arrecife - (34) 928 81 00 00

Water
Tap water is distilled directly from the sea, tastes good, and is better not to drink it. Specially treated bottled water is cheap and readily available for drinking, either still (sin gas) or fizzy (con gas).

Electricity
The electricity supply is slightly below the voltage in the UK (220 rather than 240 volts).