Banks: 08.30 to 14.00, Monday to Friday; some open 16.00 to 20.00, Thursdays
Post Offices: 08.30 to 21.30, Monday to Saturday
Government Offices: 07.00 to 14.00, Monday to Friday (summer); 09.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.30, Monday to Friday (winter)
Business Centres: 09.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.30, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09.00 to 21.00, Monday to Saturday; some open on Sundays

On the whole, Lanzarote is a safe destination for visitors. Violence is rare, especially as it pertains to tourists. The greatest threat facing visitors is petty theft, whether at the hands of pickpockets or through less confrontational car break-ins. The easiest way to guard your belongings is to slim down your travel load, carrying only those valuables deemed essential to your journey. It is also a wise precaution to secure any extra cash you may be carrying in a money belt under a layer of clothing. Larger valuables are best deposited in the hotel safe.

220V, 50Hz; round two-pinned plugs

In the event that you fall ill while visiting Lanzarote, you'll enjoy access to high-quality health care. The most substantial medical problem plaguing tourists is overexposure to the sun, making sunscreen application and proper hydration important precautionary steps for all visitors. Citizens of other EU nations qualify for discounted medical treatment by showing their European Health Insurance Card. For less serious medical problems, a consultation with a local pharmacist is likely all that's needed.

Emergency services: 061

The official language of the Canaries is Spanish, spoken with a distinct Caribbean flavour.

Lanzarote uses the euro (EUR) for daily commerce, with €1.00 equal to 100 cents.

The following goods and products can be carried into Lanzarote from outside of the EU duty-free: 250 grams of tobacco (200 cigarettes or 50 cigars); two litres of sparkling wine; one litre of spirits (or two litres of liqueur); two additional litres of wine; 60 ml of perfume; and 250 ml of eau de toilette. Duty-free shopping is also available throughout the Canary Islands and not only in airports.

Visitors to Lanzarote will encounter a unique blend of native cultures seasoned with mainland Spanish sensibilities. Locals value smart fashion, whether dining out or attending business meetings, and visitors may find that they feel under-dressed in some presumably casual environments. Smaller businesses close for afternoon siesta, which usually lasts for around three hours.

Citizens of neighbouring EU nations (as well as those from Norway and Iceland) do not need to arrange a visa before visiting the Canary Islands. Nationals of countries not included in the visa-waiver programme must apply for a tourist visa at their nearest Spanish embassy before travelling to Lanzarote.

Lanzarote's primary tourist information office is found in Arrecife. Phone: +34 928 801 517.