Friday, 05 December 2014 00:00

The Few Dangers And Annoyances Of Playa Del Inglés Resort

Playa del Inglés crime is rare Playa del Inglés crime is rare

Playa del Inglés has an incredibly low crime rate given the number of people and the late opening hours. Most crimes are opportunistic and can be avoided by using common sense. Serious crimes such as muggings and break-ins are extremely rare but happen here as they do everywhere.

 

To stay safe in Playa don’t walk home late at night with all your holiday money on you (even if it is hidden in a money belt: muggers know about them). Keep your valuables close on the beaches and even by the pool and put them in your room safe, especially if you have ground floor accommodation.

Never go home with strangers, locals or tourists, no matter how good looking, without making a show of telling your friends where you are going.

Timeshare (now known as a vacation membership club) has been tamed in Playa del Inglés and sales people now have to have a desk and stay behind it. That doesn’t stop them getting carried away: We saw one timeshare guy carrying his desk over his head as he chased after a good prospect.

If you are interested in a timeshare then by all means talk to the sales guys and go and visit their premises. Be aware that they are experts and can convince anyone that a timeshare, sorry vacation club membership, is just what they want. Otherwise avoid eye contact and walk on by.

The no eye contact rule also applies to the African ladies who offer hair braiding or try and slap a good luck bracelet on your arm.

You may come across three card or shell game tricksters in Playa. Don’t do what we saw one guy do and drop his entire holiday roll on the middle card: All games for money hustlers on the streets are crooked and you won’t win, no matter how clever you think you are. Street games are illegal and the hustlers have a habit of bolting as soon as they see a policeman. They don't stop to give you your maoney back.

Common sense avoids 99% of scams and crimes in Playa del Inglés.

Published in Playa del Inglés
Published in Playa del Inglés
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  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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