Although politically part of Spain, daily life in the archipelago differs noticeably from mainland Spain (la Península) in many ways. Those who take the step to move to the islands experience a fascinating blend of European belonging, Caribbean flair, and unique customs regulations.
Culture: The Bridge to Latin America
Canarian identity differs significantly from that of the mainland. Historically, strong ties exist with Latin America—especially Cuba.
Festivities & Traditions: The local romerías (traditional festivals honoring patron saints) and the world-famous Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria shape the year.
Gastronomy: Down-to-earth, regional cuisine dominates: gofio (roasted grain flour), papas arrugadas con mojo (wrinkled potatoes with spicy sauce), fresh fish, and local cheese are central.
Lifestyle: The Rhythm of Eternal Spring Life on the islands differs from the mainland primarily due to the climate and the associated attitude toward life.
- Outdoor Life: Thanks to year-round mild temperatures, daily life largely takes place outdoors.
Pace & Mindset: The hustle and bustle of major mainland metropolises like Madrid or Barcelona gives way to a noticeable calmness (tranquilidad). This sometimes requires new arrivals to exercise patience during administrative procedures or services, but it ensures a high quality of life.
Language: The Caribbean Sound of Spanish
To many ears, Canarian Spanish sounds more like the Spanish spoken in the Caribbean than the Castellano of Northern and Central Spain.
| Term / Grammar | Canary Islands | Mainland Spain |
| Bus | La guagua | El autobús |
| Potato | La papa | La patata |
| Address 2nd Person Plural (“You all”) | Ustedes (always) | Vosotros |
| Pronunciation of “z” and “ce/ci” | Seseo (like a soft “s”) | Ceceo (like English “th”) |
The Special Customs Zone: Tax Law and Import Regulations
The most crucial difference in practice concerns tax and customs law. Although the Canary Islands belong to the customs territory of the European Union, they are not part of the EU VAT territory.
IGIC instead of VAT (IVA): Instead of Spanish VAT (21%), the Canarian Indirect General Tax (IGIC) applies, with a standard rate of just 7%.
Customs Declaration Required: Moving from mainland Spain to the islands is treated under customs law like an export and import from a third country. Every shipment requires an import customs declaration as well as a detailed inventario.
Duty-Free Import of Household Goods: To import your household effects tax-free, you must prove the transfer of your main residence and demonstrate that the goods have been in your possession for at least six months.
Those who appreciate the cultural characteristics and know the customs rules can enjoy a relaxed life on the islands. Phoenix Trans Internacional is here to support you directly on-site with all questions regarding the customs clearance of your removal goods
