One number to remember: 112. It works everywhere in Europe, from any phone, even without a local SIM card. Operators speak Spanish and English. For French, say "francés por favor", an interpreter is available in a few minutes. Save this sheet in your favorites before landing. We hope you'll never need it.
Dial 061 to request an ambulance. The two main public hospitals: Hospital Universitario de Canarias (HUC, in La Laguna, the largest) and Hospital del Sur (in Arona, near Los Cristianos). With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), emergency care is covered with no upfront costs. Without it, you'll be treated first and billed later, keep all receipts for reimbursement when you return home. For minor emergencies (fever, sprain, insect bite), centros de salud (health centers) help you avoid long waits at hospital emergency rooms. There's one in each municipality.
Pharmacies (farmacias) are everywhere and recognizable by their glowing green cross. Regular hours: 9am-8pm on weekdays, 10am-2pm on Saturday. Each area has a pharmacy on duty (farmacia de guardia) open at night and on Sundays, the address is posted on the door of all pharmacies in the neighborhood. Many medications sold by prescription in France are available over-the-counter here. Paracetamol and ibuprofen cost €2-3 per box.
Tenerife is generally very safe, the crime rate is below the Spanish average. The most common issues: pickpocketing in southern tourist areas (Las Américas, Los Cristianos) and car theft at hiking trailheads. Never leave anything visible in your car, nothing. If you're robbed, file a denuncia (report) at the nearest police station, essential for insurance claims. 091 (Policía Nacional) handles theft, assault, and document matters. 092 (Policía Local) responds to traffic violations and nuisance complaints. The Guardia Civil (062) covers roads and rural areas.
The Honorary Consulate of France is located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It handles consular emergencies: lost passport, medical evacuation, assistance in case of detention. If you lose your documents, the consulate can issue an emergency travel document in 24-48 hours, bring 2 passport photos and a copy of your passport (always keep a digital copy in your email). For Belgian and Swiss citizens, the nearest consulates are in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
General emergencies: 112. Ambulances (SAMUR): 061. Fire department: 080. Policía Nacional: 091. Policía Local: 092. Guardia Civil: 062. Tenerife tourist information: 901 501 773. SOS Turista (assistance for victims of crime): 902 102 112. Road assistance: 900 123 505. To call France from Tenerife: +33 followed by the number without the 0. EU roaming is included in all European plans, no extra charges for calls and data.