Prices in Cafés

Many cafés offer special deals, such as €7 for a three-course meal, while drinks can be disproportionately expensive—for example, a simple glass of juice might cost €3. It’s best to check these details in advance, as many places take advantage of those who don’t.

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Some cafés, such as Chinese buffets where you can eat as much as you like for a fixed price, add a 7% VAT separately on top of the advertised price. They also require at least one drink per person, and these drinks aren’t the cheapest. In any case, expect to pay around €17 for a meal at a Chinese buffet. We tried one in Los Cristianos, which had plenty of seafood and even ice cream (cheaper for kids).

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Don’t rush to follow the “greeters” who try to lure you into their restaurant. Instead, check reviews on TripAdvisor, look up the café on Google—many already have user ratings and feedback. If you’re going on a tour, ask your guide for the best places to eat. You can also ask the hotel staff for recommendations.

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Photographing with Parrots

 

In Tenerife, many places offer the opportunity to take photos with parrots, as they are used as a symbol of the island. For example, you can take a picture near Los Cristianos at Monkey Park, where a single photo costs €8.

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On the streets, especially in the evenings along the promenade, photographers with parrots will take and print your photo on the spot. However, agree on the price beforehand—find out how much a single photo with parrots will cost. Some photographers avoid mentioning the price until the end, which can result in a charge of up to €50 for two pictures. If the price seems unreasonable, don’t hesitate to refuse the offer. It’s always best to agree on the price in advance, as some photographers try to take advantage of tourists by charging as much as possible. While a photo with parrots can be a great travel memory, compare different offers and ensure you settle on a fair price for both parties.

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Sometimes, street photographers (especially in Puerto de la Cruz) aggressively place birds on passing children’s shoulders, let them play, take a photo, and then pressure parents to pay. It’s best to walk past such photographers quickly.​

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Fake Electronics

 

Cheap brand-name electronics next to souvenir shops? Probably not the best purchase. A warranty in the Canary Islands while you're at home? Not ideal. When you walk into such a store, the salespeople will try to convince you that their electronics are exactly what you need for your trip.

The best you might get there are unbranded headphones—something you won’t mind if they don’t last long and if you genuinely need them for your travels. If you really need electronics or other expensive items, it's best to buy them in a supermarket. Always ask to check if the product works correctly.

If you're paying by card, always double-check the amount entered—just in case a "mistake" was made.