In Tenerife, a little time to think can keep a friendly offer from becoming an unwanted commitment. You can ask questions, check the details and walk away before agreeing. These five traps show you when that pause is useful.
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The 5 most common Tenerife scams
Scratch cards and holiday clubs
How it worksA scratch card promises a prize. To collect it, you are invited to tour a holiday resort. The invitation becomes a lengthy sales pitch with pressure to sign and pay immediately for holiday vouchers or membership.
WhereOn the street in resort towns, followed by presentations at hotel complexes. The trick is well known in the Canary Islands, and timeshares and holiday vouchers are also sold in Tenerife.
How to protect yourself
- Decline spontaneous trips to collect a prize.
- Do not sign or pay under pressure. Leave the presentation if you feel pushed.
- Have the contract length and benefits checked independently. Short term holiday vouchers have different protections from genuine long term timeshare contracts.
Rental extras and damage claims
How it worksAt collection, you are offered extra insurance. Pressure can lead you to buy protection you already have. After you return the car, a claim can follow for a barely visible scratch you did not cause. The amount is often charged straight to the payment method on file.
WhereAt car hire collection and after return in Tenerife.
How to protect yourself
- Check insurance, excess, exclusions and the fuel policy when booking your rental car.
- Have existing defects recorded in writing before signing and keep a copy.
- Return during opening hours, ask for an inspection and photograph the car inside and out.
- Request evidence for later damage claims and dispute unjustified demands in writing.
Taxi offers away from the rank
How it worksA driver offers you a ride away from the official taxi rank. You are encouraged to follow them instead of using the signed stand. You have no easy way to check whether the car is licensed, and passengers caught using unlicensed taxis in Spain can be fined.
WhereAt Tenerife South Airport, outside the signed terminal taxi rank.
How to protect yourself
- Go to the official taxi rank at the terminal.
- Decline offers from drivers elsewhere, even if you have to wait at the rank.
- Confirm the destination and how the fare will be calculated before boarding. Ask for a receipt in case you need to complain.
Fake police and wallet checks
How it worksSomeone poses as a police officer and asks for your wallet, supposedly to check your identity. Genuine officers ask for your identity document, not your wallet.
WhereOn foot and while driving. People in plain clothes in unmarked cars also pose as police.
How to protect yourself
- Ask to see official police ID, including from anyone in plain clothes.
- Show your identity document during a genuine check. Keep your wallet with you.
- Unmarked police cars have a flashing sign reading “Policía” or “Guardia Civil” in the rear window. In traffic matters, officers usually wear uniform and only ask for vehicle documents.
- Do not let a claim of authority pressure you into handing over your bag or wallet.
Distraction theft on arrival
How it worksWhile you deal with luggage or car hire, someone uses the distraction to take your valuables. Thieves also work in teams.
WhereAt airports and while arranging car hire. Keep an eye on your belongings in tourist centres and excursion areas across the Canary Islands too.
How to protect yourself
- Keep luggage and bags in sight, including during conversations.
- Store money and documents separately, and carry only the cash you need that day.
- Lock your car when leaving it, with no luggage or valuables visible inside.
Travel Tenerife with fewer surprises
The five traps above are not the only ones. Which ones really matter depends on how you travel: solo, with family, on a budget, or in peak season. That is why TravelCheck on iPhone builds your personalized scam report for Tenerife, usable offline, with Spanish phrases you can play aloud.
FAQ
What is the holiday scratch card trick?
A supposed prize can lead you to a sales presentation for holiday vouchers or club membership. You then face pressure to sign and pay a deposit immediately. Decline spontaneous trips to a presentation and do not decide on the spot. Short term vouchers and genuine long term timeshares have different consumer protections. If you have already signed, ask your European Consumer Centre to review the contract.
How do I avoid car hire disputes in Tenerife?
Compare your booking with the contract before signing. Check existing insurance, exclusions and the fuel policy. Have every visible defect recorded in writing and keep a copy. Return during opening hours where possible, ask for a joint inspection and photograph the car inside and out. If a damage claim arrives later, request evidence and dispute unjustified claims in writing.
Where should I take a taxi at Tenerife South Airport?
Go to the signed taxi rank at the terminal. Decline spontaneous offers from drivers in other areas. Confirm your destination and how the fare will be calculated before boarding, and ask for a receipt. Keep it in case you need to complain about the journey.
How do I recognise fake police?
An identity check that requires you to hand over your wallet is a warning sign. Genuine officers may ask for your identity document, but do not need your wallet for that. Ask to see official police ID, including from anyone in plain clothes. Keep your wallet with you. Do not refuse a genuine request to identify yourself.
How do I protect my belongings in Tenerife?
Keep your luggage and bag in sight, especially at the airport and while collecting your rental car. Distraction thieves also work in teams. Store important documents and money separately, and carry only the cash you need that day. Lock your car and leave no luggage or valuables visible inside.
