Shopping
The prices on Tenerife are generally somewhat less than in the UK, since the Canaries is a free trade zone, with a VAT at no more than 7 %. Shoes, bags, perfume, cosmetics, electronics, tobacco, alcohol and well-known brands are often cheaper. Gold and silver is not noticeably cheaper, with the exception of intricate jewellery, since labour is cheaper here. Pearl necklaces and jewellery by famous designers is also cheaper, as are branded watches and pens.
Avoid being cheated
Cameras, mobile phones and computer games are considerably cheaper. But be warned! Many shops dealing in these articles are none too honest, and once back home, you may find that you paid for something else than you got. It has happened that people have opened a box full of rocks. There are two main precautions you can take: Contact your tour operator, and let them recommend the best shop for your intended purchases. Most major tour operators cooperate with a number of reliable shops which will tell you what kinds of product warranty you may, or may not, take. After purchase; if you have been cheated, do not return to the shop. It is most often completely useless – suddenly they speak no English, they have never seen you before, it is closed and so on. Instead, go to OMIC. This is a consumer’s rights organization, located by Centro Culturel in Los Cristianos. This is your best chance of getting help – bring the receipt and the article you have bought. If you are going to buy electronics on Tenerife, we recommend the reliable chain store Visanta, which gives you a product warranty as well as an exchange policy. Their stores are located in the shoppingcentre Parque Santiago 3 in Playa de las Américas, and in Puerto de la Cruz. Website: www.visanta.com
Shopping on southern Tenerife
Opening hours are generally 10 am – 1.30 pm and 5 pm – 8 pm, but there are plenty of shops staying open all day, until 10 pm. Prices are generally fixed. Don’t but anything from street vendors. All street commerce is illegal, and there is no way to complain if you are cheated.
Américas Plaza
Is a small, more exclusive shopping area, offering Gucci as well as Levi´s. There are also bars and restaurants. In the evenings there is a beautiful light- and sound show by the large fountain. Mare Nostrum Resort.
Plaza del Duque
This is a shopping centre in Fañabe, not far from Hotel Bahia del Duque, about seven kilometres from Los Cristianos, and four kilometres from Playa de las Américas. It houses lots of tempting shops, with well-known brands, furniture, underwear, children’s clothing and a bakery, café and a large supermarket. Along the pedestrian streets you will also find a lot of charming shops, but they are often closed for siesta during the middle of the day.
Parque Santiago 3
Is a popular shopping centre, with clothes, electronics, souvenirs and jewellery, among other things. There are also banks, car rental, bars and restaurants.
Safari
Is the new shopping area on the same street as Parque Santiago 3 and Américas Plaza. Among other shops and outlets, you’ll find the Spanish chain store Zara, the electronics outlet Visanta, jewelry and bags. And don’t miss a coffee break at cosy Monkey Bar.
Textil
Azulito is a shop selling beautiful tablecloths from Tenerife and Asia, nice souvenirs or gifts for family and friends back home. You’ll find it on the pedestrian street below the church in the middle of Los Cristianos.
Markets
Thursdays and Saturdays around 9:00 am to 2.00 pm are market days in Fañabe, just in front of the shopping center El Duque, and on Sundays there is a market at the same time in Los Cristianos.
Beware of what you bring home, especially souvenirs made of plants or animals and pirate copies. Learn more here.
Respect Our Planet
Each of us can make a difference to our planet, so where better to start than during your relaxing getaway while you're in the destination? Check out a few simple tips from us:
- What makes sea water so clear? Answer: countless organisms in the waters, such as coral and fish. Avoid touching them when you're snorkeling or diving, as this helps the environment to stay colourful and diverse.
- Make sure you dispose of your rubbish properly in the containers. This helps to reduce the amounts of non-biodegradable plastic waste in our oceans. Thanks for protecting the flora and fauna living there!
