Sunday, 10 May 2020 11:07

Bars, Restaurants & Small Shops Reopen In Gran Canaria

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Photos Gran Canaria Photos Gran Canaria Gran Canaria enters phase one of de-escalation as Coronavirus case numbers continue to fall

Bars and restaurants with outside tables reopen tomorrow, Monday 11 May, at 50% of their capacity as Phase One of the lockdown de-escalation begins. Groups of up to 10 people can also meet in public places and restaurants (while maintaining safe distances) and small shops can reopen.

Gran Canaria and all of the Canary Islands are amongst the areas of Spain allowed to move into Phase One thanks to low and declining Coronavirus case levels. 

Bars, cafes and restaurants with outside seating can operate at 50% of their normal capacity with two metres between tables and no hand-held menus, serviette dispensers or toothpick holders. Toilets are open but only one person may use them at a time. 

Shops under 400 square metres in area are allowed to open with a limit of 30% of their standard maximum capacity. Shops (and restaureants, bars, etc) within shopping centrees are not allowed to open yet.

The time bands used to separate children from the elderly during Phase Zero remain in place but only for exercise. You can go to a shop or restaurant at any time of day. Shops and restaurants are expected to give priority to the elderly during their alloted exercise times. The time bands have not changed although the Canarian government can change them if they so choose. 

Outdoor sporting venues can now reopen for limited activities and professional athletes and federated sportspeople can do their sports within  their time bands. If you are a registered walker for example, you can drive to a place to walk). If you are not registed with the national federation, you cannot drive to exercise. Fishing is not allowed in Phase One. Outdoor sports companies can now operate again with socvial distancing and small groups. 

Other businesses that can open are car dealerships of any size, ITV vehicle inspection centers and garden centers (by appointment). Churches can reopen at 30% of capacity and small funerals are also allowed (up to 15 people in open air venues, 10 in enclosed ones). 

Gran Canaria residents are also allowed to travel to their second or holiday homes during Phase One but only within the island. 

Street markets can reopen but only with 25% of their normal number of stalls. Hotels can also reopen but their communal areas, such as buffet areas and swimming pools, must remain closed. 

People from the same household can now travel together in the same vehicle or tax i(up to nine seats) without wearing masks. People who live apart may travel in a car with a maximum of two peoploe per row of seats and while wearing masks. 

Read 7014 times Last modified on Sunday, 10 May 2020 11:43
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Tip of the day

  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    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. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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