A British man is urging anyone making a trip to Tenerife this half-term to be aware of several “tourist traps” that catch people out every year.
Ruben Chorlton-Owen regularly shares his travel tips and hacks with his 105,000 followers on Instagram (@rube ).
The 24-year-old, from Abersoch, North Wales, has recently visited the popular Canary Island hotspot.
READ MORE: ‘I’m a Brit living in Benidorm and THIS tourist habit makes me feel EMBARRASSED to be here’
- Advertisement -
But, while there, he spotted a few things that didn’t sit quite right with him.
And now, he’s urging people to be aware of a few common “tourist traps” that catch people out every year, as told in a clip racking up over 8,000 views.
“Make sure you try and get your cash before you come here,” Ruben, from Abersoch in North Wales, told What’s The Jam.
“Because the local currency exchanges or these ATMs will charge you a high markup and you’ll be getting a very bad deal for your money.”
If you end up needing a pharmacy, be careful of “fake” ones offering the same product for a bigger price.
- Advertisement -
He said: “They’re real shops, but they have the same LED signage [as a pharmacy] however in blue colour [rather than green].
“So it’s not entirely illegal and many tourists fall for it.
“People later find out the product hasn’t worked as it’s not an actual medical product.
- Advertisement -
“It’s important to find a proper ‘farmacia’ that sells actual drugs to help with any pains or issues.
“Fake ones also don’t really have a lot in there and also heavily charge way too much for things like sun cream or paracetamol.
“They’re just tourist shops really.”
While he praises the location for being “affordable” and “friendly” there is still danger to be aware of.
He said: “Make sure you use the licensed taxis.
“Not only are they genuine, but they’re also much more affordable than the Uber app.
“And you’ll also get charged four times the price that it should be.”
Ruben also issued a warning for anyone walking back to their accommodation late at night or after a day of drinking in the sunshine.
He advises steering clear of any places that look rundown and small alleyways.
He said: “It’s full of pickpockets.
“It can be quite dangerous, so just make sure you stay vigilant and you’re not having too much – or use the licensed taxi to get home when it’s late at night.”
And anyone wanting to enjoy a beer or cocktail on the beach, Ruben recommends thinking again, as it could lead to hefty fines.
He said: “If you do like to drink, make sure you don’t do it down the beach.
“The fines are now a minimum of €750 to €3,000.
“Make sure you just stick to the bars, your hotel room, your Airbnb.
“Don’t be taking any glass bottles at all down the beach, it really isn’t worth the risk.”
Ruben has had his fair share of mishaps while abroad, including a hot air balloon that went awry in Morocco and a ‘dodgy’ stay while in Iceland.
READ MORE: Brit reveals super easy hack to get cheaper Stansted Express train rates
