subject: Safety Trips For A Trip To Barcelona [print this page] As long as you keep your wits about you and use your common sense you can beat the scamsters and enjoy one of the best holiday experiences ever in Barcelona. Heres a quick guide of things to look out for and handy safety tips.
Easy targets
Scammers and pickpockets are on the lookout for obvious tourists. If you wander around looking lost or reading a map youre clearly a member of the cheap flight and hotel deals crew. Try to blend in and look confident, even if you dont feel it. When you do need to use a map, go into a caf and sit down. Youll feel more in control and less like youre advertising your tourist-status.
Station safety
Stations are confusing and stressful. Youre lost, youre carrying loads of bags and youre clearly a tourist. This makes stations a hotspot for pickpockets and thieves. How to stay safe? Keep your tickets and wallet separate just in case. Try to collect your tickets in advance to avoid getting out your wallet. The best way to do this is to buy a travel pass that covers all your transportation needs before you arrive. Research the Barcelona Card before your travel, this way you wont need to deal with cash at the station and youll attract less attention from undesirables.
Beside the seaside
It is common sense, but youd be surprised how many people take valuables with them to the beach on the Costa Brava, only to leave them unattended when they go for a swim. If you do this they are almost certain to disappear. Dont take the gamble of asking a nearby sun worshipper to keep an eye on them. Only take essentials and leave the rest locked up at your hotel.
Officer identification
If youre stopped by an undercover policeman who asks to see your identification card, exercise caution. It is highly unlikely that an undercover policeman, or a uniformed one, will want to see your ID. This is a common scam, where thieves pose as police officials in order to make off with your wallet. Ask to see their ID, and dont be satisfied with someone flashing their ID card at you. Take a good look.
Group activities
Pickpockets and scammers will often operate in groups. They make it their business to confuse people. One causes a distraction while the other swipes their valuables. Be vigilant if someone asks you for directions, drops money in front of you or asks for a charity donation. Thieves work very fast; be alert and vigilant in busy areas, especially Las Ramblas.
Protect your belongings
By far the best way to make sure you and your belongings are safe during your Barcelona stay is to take out insurance before you travel. And make sure you meet all the terms and conditions of the policy before you leave. Some contracts stipulate that you need to prove the value of your goods in the event of an incident; do your research and youll avoid a nasty shock.
