SWINDLED?

If while you are visiting here and you find you have been grossly overcharged or deliberately cheated, you can go to the police and make a complaint. All shops must have on the premises a book called the ‘Ojos de Reclamaciones’ (ohoss deh rekla-massee-owe-nez) which you can ask for to record your complaint. You need to write in details of your complaint, fill in your personal details ie: Passport Number, Holiday and Home Address and then sign it. You take the top copy and send it to the inspectors address on the top of the form. The inspectors will investigate your complaint inform you of the outcome. This is a very serious situation for a shop owner, so do not take this course of action lightly. If the shop or business say they do not have any Ojos de reclamaciones you can go to the Consumer Protection Office, Tourist Authorities, or if a serious offence the police, and they will take matters up for you. Usually the threat will open a way to a solution. Whenever you have a problem in Tenerife which relates to tourism matters you should contact the police or Spanish Tourist Office.

DANGERS & NUISANCES

Tenerife is not really dangerous and the worst that is likely to happen to you is sunburn or a hangover. Violence against tourists is very unusual. Common sense at all times should spare you any grief. The most common crime in Tenerife is theft from hire cars. Should you leave your car overnight in the street of one of the big resorts or towns, there is every chance that your car will be broken into. Do not leave anything of value in your car (even locked in the boot) or in your Villa or Apartment.   Use the Safe’s that is in some of our Villas and Apartments.(Compostela Beach Only).
If you loose or have stolen any bags, expensive items or especially your passport you MUST first report this to the police. They will issue you with a ‘Denuncia’ to show you have reported its loss. You then take the ‘Denuncia’ to your consulate in Santa Cruz. They will issue you with a temporary passport, which will allow you to leave Tenerife and travel home. Note that when making a claim, Insurance companies usually demand a Denuncia as proof that the items were lost or stolen and then reported. If your passport expires in Tenerife, you can renew from Tenerife.

British Consulate.

Office Hours:
Normally open to the public between 0830 and 1400 local time
(GMT plus any Daylight Saving Time)
During July and August, 0800 - 1330 on Monday to Thursdays,
and 0800 - 1300 on Fridays.