Gran Canaria travel safety advice
There is relatively little crime in the resorts, the main annoyance is drunks causing trouble. As anywhere, one should not leave valuables unattended on the beach.
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, applying common sense for large cities is advisable. Some of the streets can be badly lit and the area around the harbour can be a bit threatening.
In the south, young guys may attack aged people trying to tear off a bag. It may happen even in the daytime on the central streets of Playa del Inglés.
On the beach, African women vendors may try to put a bracelet on your wrist and then charge an exorbitant fee for it. They will almost always approach you with a badly spoken "whea' you from my friend". Pay no attention and walk away as quickly as possible or you will be plagued. Some of these women can be aggressive however, so always be on your guard. Scream "Molestado!" if you have to and if you are forced into having to pay for bracelets, make sure you have a few small bills or change and convince them it's all you have.
Gay travelers be warned about being approached by very dark skinned Moroccan men. You can tell they are not Spanish from their different hair texture. They can approach you for sex tourism, and will tell you a cheaper price and then ask for more and more, so make sure you agree on one before. Or they can be very aggressive and not leave your place. one way of deterring them is telling them you are being treated for an STD, although you may be heavily insulted for this. It may also be recommended to do anything you want to do, in the many bars or clubs with darkrooms and places.
If you've been to Tenerife, you may be familiar with the so-called Lookey Lookey Men. Since they are not as common in Gran Canaria, they are usually not seen as problem, but can be annoying as they try to sell cheap items which are usually bootlegs.
|
This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!
|
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Gran Canaria
