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Is it best to take cash or card to Gran Canaria?

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.



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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.

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You can pay the taxi driver in cash or with a credit card or debit card.

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You might also notice that some small shops accept cards only for purchases above a certain amount, normally 10 euros. Also taxis usually take cards, but some do not or simply do not want to take anything other than cash. For these reasons, it is advisable to always carry a little bit of cash with you.

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Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip. Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

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Taxis don't expect tips but do appreciate them. It's polite to round up fares to the nearest euro as drivers often run out of change. Please note that the 7% IGIC charge added to most restaurant and bar bills in Gran Canaria is the equivalent of VAT and has nothing to do with a service charge.

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Should I tip in the Canary Islands? Tips are not mandatory as every establishment in Spain includes the service price. Tipping is usual in bars, restaurants, hotels and taxis depending on the client's generosity.

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Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges.

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The currency in Gran Canaria is the Euro. Make sure you've got some currency on you when you arrive in Gran Canaria, ready for any cash payments, like tipping. As for plastic, using your debit or credit card on the island is super easy. You can even take a travel money card for extra security.

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The Maspalomas market is all about haggling. Its indoor and outdoor stalls have all kinds of things for sale - plenty of clothes and shoes. It's open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am until lunch time and...

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While credit cards are easy to carry and more secure than cash, you should always have some local cash on you when traveling. It's just good sense. Besides the fact that some local shops and vendors won't accept credit cards, having some cash provides a safety net in case your bank shuts off your card for any reason.

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Plug type: Gran Canaria uses Type C, E and F plugs, so you'll need an adapter for UK appliances. Electricity: The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. Currency: Gran Canaria uses the euro.

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Under post-Brexit rules, Spanish border officials can ask travellers to show that they have 'economic resources' to cover the cost of their trip. This amounts to €100 for each day of their trip. They must also possess a minimum of €900 for their whole stay.

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Additional documents you may need for travel to Spain You may also be asked to prove that you have enough money for your stay. The required amount is roughly €108 per person per day with a minimum of €900 in total. Anyone asked can use cash, cheques, traveller's cheques or bank account statements as proof of funds.

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How do you ask for the bill in Gran Canaria? La cuenta, por favor: The bill, please.

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In Spain, tipping is entirely optional and it's not very common. You may see people leaving small change at cafés and bars and, eventually, someone tipping at a nice expensive restaurant. But most of the time, you won't see anyone other than tourists leaving a tip.

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Once you've reached your destination, avoid airport kiosks or other exchange houses. Your bank's ATM network is likely the best option. You may be able to withdraw cash in the local currency with competitive exchange rates and low fees (1% to 3%). Use your institution's app to find an ATM near you.

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US dollars: I carry $100–200 as a backup. While you won't use it for day-to-day purchases, American cash in your money belt comes in handy for emergencies, such as when banks go on strike or your ATM card stops working. I've been in Greece and Ireland when every bank went on strike, shutting down without warning.

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