Thursday, 12 February 2015 16:48

Gran Canaria Shopping: Where To Buy Quality Electronics

Gran Canaria is an excellent place to buy electronics if you know where to shop Gran Canaria is an excellent place to buy electronics if you know where to shop

We often get asked if it's safe to buy expensive electronics, such as cameras and mobile phones, in Gran Canaria. Our answer is yes, provided that you go to reputable shops and follow the same precautions as you would at home. 

Great prices, same rights

Electronics prices in Gran Canaria are excellent since the island have a low sales tax of just 7%. It makes most goods a minimum of 10% cheaper than they are in Spain or in most parts of Europe. Expect prices on big-ticket items such as cameras to up to 20% cheaper than in Europe

Whatever you buy, remember that Gran Canaria is in the EU and that you have the right to a receipt and guarantee papers that cover you in Europe.

Too good to be true?

If you come across a deal that's too good to be true, then you have to ask yourself how it's possible. This applies as much to sunglasses sellers on the streets as to high-end products in shops.

It's easy to check if you are getting good value for money. Go online and look up the item on Amazon or any big e-tailer. Don't expect the shop to match the price exactly but online prices are a good indicator of value.

WARNING: Don't buy electronics in Puerto Rico Shopping Centre or Puerto de Mogán 

We very rarely put negative content on our website, but we have received several complaints about the small electronics shops in Puerto Rico shopping centre and Puerto de Mogan.

There may well be reputable electronics shops in these areas, but there are simply too many stories of dishonest practices in these shopping areas to ignore. We've heard many stories of overcharging, fake goods and false promises.

Really, just don't do it. You will be scammed!

Alex says: We hate being negative but the Puerto Rico and Mogán shops are just not worth the hassle. Boycott them until they are forced to be honest. For more info on electronics shops in Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán, see this TripAdvisor forum thread.

 What to buy

 Almost all branded electronics are great value in Gran Canaria. As photographers, we know that dSLR cameras and lenses are often cheaper here than anywhere else in Europe. The shops also get them early and discount quickly. The same applies to mobile phones and video cameras. 

For pro and prosumer cameras there really is only one place to go...

Cameras? Just  go to Duke Fotografía

For cameras in Gran Canaria We advise you to go straight to Duke Fotografía in Las Palmas. This excellent camera store is where we buy our camera equipment in Gran Canaria. 

It stocks an excellent range of consumer, prosumer and professional standard cameras from the top brands and an excellent range of accessories.

For consumer "point-and-shoot" cameras head to Worten in the Atlantico Centre in Vecindario, El Mirador on the motorway into Las Palmas and El Muelle in Las Palmas. Or Media Markt in Las Terrazas (also on the motorway into Las Palmas) and Las Arenas. 

Electronics: Head to MediaMart, Wortens or Carrefour

These three large retailers have a good selection of electronics on sale and their prices are often better than comparable shops in Europe.  

Published in Shopping

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Tip of the day

  • 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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