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British travel creator Ruben Chorlton-Owen is sounding the alarm for holidaymakers heading to Tenerife for the school half-term at the end of May — beware these three tourist traps.
With more than 100,000 followers on Instagram, he posted a video after visiting the Canary Islands resort to show what travelers are actually encountering on the ground.
First on his list: “fake pharmacies.” He explains some shops cleverly skirt local regulations and lure tourists with blue LED signs instead of the usual green pharmacy signs, creating the impression they sell real medicine.
Chorlton-Owen says these are legal businesses that mimic pharmacy signage, and many visitors fall for it. The products they sell aren’t genuine medications, so tourists often report that the items didn’t work.
He points out that these places often operate more like souvenir shops, selling sunscreen or paracetamol at inflated prices. If you have pain or need medicine, find a real pharmacy — look for a sign that says “farmacia.”
He also warned about currency exchange, ATMs, and transport choices. Local exchange booths and some ATMs can charge high fees and offer poor rates, so he recommends exchanging cash before you travel when possible.
For saving on fares, he advises using officially licensed local taxis. “Licensed taxis are not only safer but usually much cheaper than ride-hailing apps,” he says, warning that using apps like Uber can cost up to four times the usual fare.
He also flagged risks of crime and fines on beaches and when walking at night during the summer season. Avoid empty alleys when heading back to your accommodation late or after drinking.
“Secluded alleys are prime pickpocket territory,” Chorlton-Owen warns. “Stay alert, don’t overdrink, and if you’re out late, take a licensed taxi to get back safely.”
Finally, he stressed that drinking on Tenerife’s beaches carries stiff fines. If you’re caught drinking on the beach, fines range from €750 (approximately $802.50) to €3,000 (approximately $3,210.00), he says, so stick to drinking inside bars, hotels, or your Airbnb and don’t bring glass bottles to the shore.
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