Consumer-Protection

Consumer-Protection

Latest Consumer-Protection news and updates about Spain

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consumer-protection

Choosing the Ideal Air Conditioner for Your Home in Spain: A Guide for Expats

As the climate in Spain continues to warm up, selecting the right air conditioner for your home has become more crucial than ever. For expats living in Spain, navigating the various options available can be overwhelming, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and budget.

Understanding Your Options

When it comes to air conditioners, one of the most popular choices is the split unit air conditioner. This type of system, consisting of both an indoor and an outdoor unit, is ideal for homes with exterior walls. The outdoor unit houses the compressor, while the indoor unit contains the air filter and cooling coil, providing efficient temperature control without the need for ductwork[3].

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consumer-protection

Affordable Cars in Spain: What Expats Need to Know for 2025

As the year 2024 comes to a close, many expats in Spain are looking ahead to the upcoming year, particularly when it comes to affordable car options. The Spanish automotive market has seen significant growth, with November 2024 marking the third consecutive month of year-on-year growth, a 6.1% increase in car sales[2].

Current Best-Selling Cars in Spain

Before diving into the future models, it's worth noting the current best-selling cars in Spain. The Dacia Sandero has maintained its top spot, with 27,207 cumulative sales after the first eleven months of 2024, a 17.7% increase from the previous year. The Toyota Corolla and Seat Ibiza follow closely, with the Corolla seeing a 14.6% increase and the Ibiza a notable 30% rise in sales[1].

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consumer-protection

Warning Issued by Spanish Police: New Scam Involving Package Labels Targets Expats and Locals

In a recent alert, the Spanish National Police have warned citizens and expats about a sophisticated and deceptive scam that has been targeting individuals across the country. This new scam involves the manipulation of package labels, exploiting the trust and convenience associated with online shopping.

How the Scam Works

The scam begins when victims receive a package with a label that appears to be from a legitimate courier service, such as Correos, DHL, or UPS. However, the package is actually sent by the scammers themselves. The label typically includes a fake tracking number and other details that make it look authentic.

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consumer-protection

Warning Issued: The Hidden Dangers of Cleaning Cans with a Napkin

In a recent alert that has sent ripples through the expat community in Spain, a food technologist has highlighted a potentially hazardous practice that many of us may have unwittingly adopted: cleaning food cans with a napkin before opening them.

The Alert

The warning, issued on December 13, 2024, cautions against the common habit of wiping down food cans with a napkin or cloth to remove dust or other debris before opening. This seemingly innocuous action could have serious health implications.

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consumer-protection

Christmas Dinner Costs Soar: What Expats in Spain Need to Know

As the festive season approaches, many expats in Spain are preparing for their Christmas celebrations, but this year's festivities come with a notable increase in costs. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect and some trends that might influence your holiday menu.

Rising Costs of Christmas Dinner

In the UK, a benchmark for many Christmas traditions, the cost of a Christmas dinner for four has risen by 6.5% this year, significantly outpacing inflation. According to market researchers Kantar, a festive feast now costs approximately £32.57, up from £30.58 last year[1].

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consumer-protection

Spanish Government Imposes Hefty Fines on Budget Airlines Over Baggage and Seating Fees

In a significant move that could reshape the business model of budget airlines, the Spanish Ministry of Consumer Rights has imposed substantial fines on several low-cost carriers for what it deems as "abusive practices" related to baggage fees and seating arrangements.

The Fines

On November 22, 2024, the ministry announced fines totaling €179 million against five budget airlines. The largest fine, €107.78 million, was levied against Irish airline Ryanair, followed by Spanish carrier Vueling with €39.2 million, EasyJet with €29 million, and Scandinavian airline Norwegian and Spanish carrier Volotea with fines of over €1 million each.

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