Lanzarote FAQ's and travel tips

Lanzarote enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year. The island enjoys sunshine and high temperatures every month of the year Try to bring travellers cheques and credit cards rather than cash, ensuring your cheques are insured in the case of theft or loss. Cash only what you need for the day and lock away what you're not using in a safety deposit box in your apartment or complex. Banks are the best bet to exchange money (6 days a week 08:30 - 13:30, closed Sundays).

Bring your driving license if you have one, even if you don't plan on hiring a car. It's not heavy, doesn't take up space and you may find yourself deciding to hire a car after all as you discover how much there is to see around the island, once you're there.

Don't bring your favourite foods from back home with you unless they really are bizarre and hard to find back there. Food products are imported to Lanzarote from all over Europe, due to the large amount of tourists that visit here on self-catering holidays. The same goes with toiletries. Whilst water is hygenically safe for cleaning teeth, washing food etc, it is very high in mineral content which can cause bad stomach aches so it is better to buy bottled water from any supermarket. All ice cubes here are made from mineral water too, so safe to consume. If your flight lands here after around 9pm, you might want to bring a small amount of coffee/tea/sugar/milk and a small bottle of mineral water all ready to make your first "brew" as facilities around many complexes will be closed when you get there.

Bring plenty to read, don't forget you'll be spending a lot of time by the pool or on the beach and foreign magazines and books are a bit expensive here. Some complexes have a "book exchange" facility so check that at reception or the pool bar.

Pack a small first aid kit with plasters, antiseptic, headache and stomach-ache pills, maybe ear-plugs if you're a light sleeper. Also make sure you have an insurance policy that covers you if you need to visit a private medical centre here, as they can be a bit expensive. When you get to your apartment or see your rep, find out the emergency medical number to call that your insurance covers then keep that number with you at all times. Don't rely on the local emergency health system. The electricity here is 220v and sockets are 2-pin.

Lanzarote is a duty-free island and camcorders here compared to UK prices are around 20-30% cheaper in most cases, as are cameras and all other electrical goods are very much cheaper too. Shop around and compare prices. It's best to know what you want and how much you'd normally pay for it before you get here, then ensure you get all the extras you need for it and everything works. Be prepared also for some hard selling from most shops, be firm with them when you know what you want or go to another shop if they get on your nerves! Also along the lines of duty-free, check what your allowance is for going home. Everything you buy on the island must be within the limits set by customs. Duty-free cigarettes, alcohol and perfumes are cheaper on the island than in the airports!

You won't need your passport with you as a tourist here unless you want to change money, are using the services of a bank or driving a car so at all other times, keep it locked away. Rent a safety deposit box from your reception.

Take care of your valuables when you're on the beaches, especially at weekends, best off leaving them in a safe if they're not in use. Also, when out of your apartment, ensure all windows and doors are locked behind you and electricals (especially the cooker) are turned off.  Don't leave valuables behind in a parked car.

Know your rights before you go on holiday. Basically, if something goes wrong or you're not happy whilst you're on holiday, tell your holiday representative straight away and give them a chance to put things right for you.

When it's time to go home?
Be aware that the European standard for checking out of your accommodation is 12 midday. Check with reception regarding the time and a place for you to use/put luggage until you're ready to leave for the airport. There may be facilities for you to shower and change through the afternoon/evening, but you may have to pay extra for this so ask in advance!

Are there Internet cafes?
Yes, you'll find the major resorts and towns all have Internet cafes.

What do I need to bring if I want to hire a car?
Your driving licence - all nationalities welcomed - and your passport.

Is Lanzarote a good destination for kids/families/singles/young fun/ a quiet holiday......
If you're looking for "young fun" style holidays then definately head to Puerto del Carmen. Otherwise, Lanzarote is very much a family holiday destination and for people looking for something a bit quieter, a more relaxing holiday and dream beaches. Very popular with windsurfers too.

What injections do I need to get before I arrive?
None!

Will my mobile phone work there?
Quite probably, yes. I know the major companies from the UK

Are there plenty of cash points (ATM) around?
Yes, accepting all the major cards including those with the cirus logo (not Link cashpoint cards from the UK)