Shopping

Exchange rates can vary quite dramatically from day to day, and place to place. Some places that don't charge commissions offer bad exchange rates and vice versa. Always shop around.

Most of the larger shopping centres and hypermarkets are open throughout the day from about 10:00am until as late as 22:00, although most of the smaller shops tend to close for 'siesta' between 14:00 and 17:00. Shopping centres and hypermarkets should have all the everyday items that you need but, just like back home, you often need to hunt around for bargains or specialist shops.

Banks are open from 9:00am to 14:00 weekdays and from 9:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays in winter and closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Post offices & services
Generally from 8:30 to 14:30 weekdays and 9:30 to 13:30 on Saturdays.
Stamps (sellos) are on sale in all tabacconists and in most shops that sell postcards. Some shops are also providing a weekly postal service through TNT, at the same price as you would normally pay, but they only accept cards and letters.

Market Days
Exceptional bargains of all shapes and sizes, including many sought after crafts, can be found in the street markets. Fuengirola's tuesday market is probably the biggest on the coast, where you can get everything at amazing prices.
Market days are as follows for the different areas:

Benalmadena on Friday at Tivoli World.

Fuengirola on Tuesday

Marbella East on Friday at La Vibora (Las Chapas).
Marbella Centre on Monday near the Stadium.
Marbella on Saturday near the bullring (Puerto Banus).
Marbella West on Thursday at Divina Pastora (San Pedro).

Mijas Costa every Wednesday at La Cala

Gibraltar - A tax haven
Gibraltar is not a member of the European Union and is a tax-free haven for European nationals and there are plenty of bargains to be found - although duty-free allowances are restricted.So do not take more than you are entitled to, as most vehicles are searched at the border crossing!
Most establishments in Gibraltar accept both sterling and euros. Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted.

Tipping
Tipping is a kind gesture to show your appreciation for services rendered, although it is not obligatory. A standard 10 percent of the bill is considered to be a good tip, especially in bars and restaurants. In some places, such as petrol stations, 10 per cent may be a bit more than needed, where one would usually leave small change, for example, 50 cents or 1€uro

Complaints
Problems are usually resolved satisfactory simply by talking. However, in the event that you feel the need to make an official complaint whlist you are here, all businesses are required to have a book of triplicate complaint forms at the disposal of their clientele. One copy remains with the establishment, one copy goes to you and the other copy should be sent to the regional authorities (i.e. town hall or town hall operated tourist information office).

Beware of timeshare touts
Timeshare touts are a pest and are everywhere during the summer months. they approach you saying that you could win a prize from a scratchcard. Surprise surprise you win every time. This is a ploy to get you to a sales office where you will be subjected to a two hour grilling on the benefits of timeshare. Do not be fooled by scratch card prizes. Simply and firmly tell the tout to go away. If you do decide to learn about timeshare do not give your credit card details to a sales person. If in doubt do NOWT!

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