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Barcelona safety tips |
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Safety in Barcelona
Let's make one thing clear from the outset; Barcelona is a very safe city, both to live in, and to visit.
It's true that there are a fair number of skilled pickpockets and scam operators in the main tourist areas of town, but episodes that involve physical violence of any kind are very rare, and that is why Barcelona is generally regarded as being very safe for visitors.
The most common occurance is that that handbags, phones and wallets are expertly stolen, often without their owners even noticing, and again we must say that in terms of physical assault, Barcelona is very safe.
If you found this article because you have already been robbed, then we are sympathise and suggest you scroll down to the bottom of this page to find emergency numbers and a link to the police station, where you can report the theft.
With very few exceptions it's perfectly safe to walk the streets of Barcelona in the centre of town. It's safe to take money out of an ATM cash machine anywhere in the city, even on the famous walking street, La Rambla, which is the area of Barcelona that is most affected by pickpocket crime.
The Barcelona nightlife is also very safe compared to many European cities. Perhaps because Spaniards and Catalans rarely have too much to drink, and of course they are a rather peaceful and tolerant nation. Bar fights and street brawls are virtually non-existent in Barcelona's nightlife.
Back to the pickpockets. It is true that many visitors to Barcelona are robbed, and especially in the dense tourist areas like La Rambla. But if you use your common sense and take some very simple precautions, like the ones that we have listed below, you will be able to go home with out any bad memories.
The places to take these special precautions are La Ramba, anywhere around the top tourist attractions in Barcelona, when you are on or around Barcelona tour buses and trains and in particular be aware in the Metro system. The rest of Barcelona is perfectly safe.
We are not going to scare visitors by publishing pages and pages about robberies. Yes, unfortunately some people do get robbed every day in Barcelona. But the stories are always the same, so there is really no point in repeating them.
We would rather tell you, how you can avoid becoming the victim of theft in Barcelona. It’s really simple. Just follow the safety tips below and the chances of you being robbed in Barcelona are really miniscule.
I have lived in Barcelona for 8 years and walked Las Ramblas a thousand times and never been robbed once. Here are a few tips. This seems like a long list, but once you have read it, you can see that it really just a question of using your common sense and taking a few precautions.
By the way, these pickpocket safety tips will work all over the world, not just in Barcelona.
1. Dress in your normal clothes
Many of us seem to have a secret wardrobe of really old, really colourful, vacation outfits, which have usually been bought on other holidays and you now reserve exclusively for scaring people in foreign countries! These frightening holidaymaker outfits, aparting scaring small children, really make you stand out in a crowd and a huge target for pickpockets.
Barcelona is very much a jeans and casual wear city, so just wear what you would at home. A good rule of thumb is, if you don’t wear it at home, don’t wear it on holiday!
And leave the sports fan shirts at home guys. If you buy a FC Barcelona shirt or a T-shirt with Barcelona slogans, then try and leave them in the suitcase until you get back home.
2. Leave the slogans at home .
Try to avoid clothes that advertise that you come from another country. It’s fine to be proud of your heritage, but it makes you stand out a mile. Leave caps, T-shirts, bags with flags and all slogans like “Scotland the brave” or "I'm an alien! Take me to your Lager! " and similar messages at home.
3. Bring trousers.
Many tourists make the mistake of thinking that Spain is a tropical climate and you can wear shorts and short skirts all year round. Breaking news. It's not and you can't. Click here for all year weather information about Barcelona.
When you are here, look at what the locals are wearing and follow their lead. If they are in summer gear, then get out the shorts by all means. If you are the only person on the street in shorts and flip-flops, then be extra careful of pick-pockets. because they have you in their sights. Or change to trousers - you might be warmer too!
4. Keep the guidebooks and maps out of sight
Keep the guidebooks and maps well hidden unless you need them. Even if you don’t look Spanish, you can avoid pickpockets simply by looking as if you are a foreign resident of Barcelona. Many tourists walk around clutching their guide books and maps at all times. Why? No real reason.
It makes them obvious targets for pickpockets Why walk around holding a guide book or map all the time? Consult it and then put it away. When you want to consult it again, then go into a doorway or somewhere safe that is not in full view of everyone, and get the map out again.
And we recommende that you use a small and light guidebook or a foldable map of Barcelona.
5. Put your bag under the table
In cafés and restaurants in Barcelona DON’T put your bag over the back of a chair or in the empty chair next to yours. That is the easiest target of all for a pickpocket. Put your bag between legs, preferably with the strap wrapped around your knee or the table leg.
6. Hide stuff of value
Or in other words – Don’t show off! The tourists, who get robbed first, are the ones are showing the pickpockets all the goodies.
Look. I’ve got a cool Nikon camera with a telephoto lens hanging round my neck.
Look, I’ve got a cool bum-bag full of cash and mobile phones and credit cards.
Look, I’ve put my newest model mobile on the table next to my coffee cup.
Look I’ve got a big fat wallet sticking out of my back pocket.
Look I’ve got a rucksack with a foreign flag on and I left one of flaps open for you Mr. Pickpocket.
Stop showing off your wealth and you might get to keep it. The pickpockets go for first for the people who are showing them all the best stuff to steal. Don't be a walking WalMart!
The less you have on display– the less interesting a target you become. It's simple. So again. Keep the expensive cameras and phones in your bags or pockets. When you get to a place of interest in Barcelona, THEN take out your camera and take some photos.
When you have finished, put the camera away instead of leaving it dangling around your neck. If you have a big camera, then consider a neutral camera bag, that doesn’t say NIKON all over it. Or simply remove the labels.
7. Don't put phones on the table
Don’t put anything like wallets or mobile phones on the restaurant or café tables in Barcelona. Especially outdoors and on La Rambla. And be wary of kids or beggars trying to sell newspapers or magazines to you, purportedly donating profits to help the homeless.
If you do forget and leave something in full view on the cafe table, these kids will quickly target you. Their trick is to put the paper down on the table pretending to let you see it, then as they leave they deftly scoop up your phone or wallet, when they pick up the paper again. It's a free magic show, but rather costly!
8. Wear your rucksack on your front
If you have a shoulder bag, then tuck it under your arm. Make sure your bags are closed and zipped and in your sight especially when you are in the Metro.
Try to avoid shoulder bags, money pouches and camera straps with thin straps. Pickpockets can slice through them in a second and slip away with the the bag without you even feeling it.
9. Avoid physical contact
Beware of anybody touching you at any time, or approaching you. This is a misdirection technique intended to distract, while they rob you. Scamsters often operate in teams and while you are talking or being distracted by one, you might be robbed by another.
There is a very typical metro trick in Barcelona on the escalators. Someone in front of you drops coins and keys on the steps. Total confusion. While you are helping pick things up, you are being robbed.
Another pickpocket trick is for one or two pickpockets to pretend to hug you and be your friend. They often try this when they can see that you are drunk late at night. So don't drink and hug! At least don't hug strangers under the influence.
Another trick is to claim that you have pigeon droppings on your shoulderm, which they will help you brush off. There are many scam variants. Avoid physical contact. Push them away if necessary.
Pickpockets will very rarely attack you. If they feel that they have been spotted, they just shrug their shoulders and wait for another victim. Be wary of offers of help and be very aware if you accept them.
10. Don’t play any street games
The three bottle tops and the pea is the best known. It is a total scam. The people standing nearby encouraging you to play are part of the scam.
The free shows on La Rambla and elsewhere are fine and good fun. But be especially aware while you are watching the free shows and human statues on La Rambla, because the show is distracting you and the pickpockets know it.
Enjoy the show, but keep a hand on your money.
11. Don’t take ALL your money and credits cards with you
Leave some at the hotel or apartment. A good rule of thumb is not to take unnecessary plastic cards on holiday. You don’t need video cards, gym cards, library cards, and all the other loyalty cards you have at home in Barcelona.
Take them out of your wallet before you leave home. If you are unlucky and have your wallet stolen, then at least you will not have to replace every card in your collection.
12. Tips about ID and passports
You need some photo ID to make credit cards purchases, so if you want to make a major purchase then of course you need to have them.
But if you are just out for the day and don’t plan to spend too much, then leave them at the hotel. Most quality hotels are safe, but hostels are a different matter. Ask if they have a safe in the reception or another system for safeguarding valuable items.
And it’s a good idea to have a few copies of your passport with you, just in case.
13. Keep a bit of cash in a separate pocket
If you are unlucky and have your wallet or bag snatched then at least you will have a few euros for food and the bus home to your hotel in Barcelona. If you are a couple, then don't put both wallets, phones etc in the same bag!
14. Make a list of important phone numbers
Write down a few personal phone numbers and keep them separate from your wallet. Some people have their phone stolen and find that they cannot actually recall any numbers in their head. Remember you can always call the emergency numbers in Barcelona for help.
15. Safety on the beaches of Barcelona
Barcelona has many great beaches. If the beach is very crowded then try not to have anything of real value and keep it covered. Don’t fall asleep. Don’t leave your stuff on the beach, while everyone in your group goes for a swim.
You can try the old safety precaution of putting your wallet in your shoe. But heed the words of comedian Jerry Seinfeld says,
We go to the beach, go in the water, put your wallet in the sneaker, who's gonna know?
What criminal mind could penetrate this fortress of security?
"I put it down by the toe. They never look there."
"They check the heels, they move on."
16. Safety in the metro of Barcelona
We recommend that you choose a purse or bag with a secure clasp. Keep the purse or bag close to your body and in front or under your arm. Try and keep your hand on the clasp when you are in the Barcelona metro system if possible
The safest place for a wallet is in your side trouser pocket with your hand on it - never in your rear trouser pocket. Another good tip is to put a thick rubber band around your wallet. The rubber band will create more friction and resistance than the smooth leather, if your wallet is being removed from your pocket. This means that there is a greater chance that you will notice it.
Look out for loud arguments or commotions that may be staged in order to distract you, while an accomplice picks your pocket.
If you have something stolen, yell out immediately to warn others. Don't be afraid to SHOUT! Tell the train or bus operator, and shout for someone to call the police. This creates a bigger chance of someone discarding your wallet before running.
If a person finds your wallet, then ask them to wait until the police get there. This could be an accomplice! Often a friend of the pickpocket will pretend to find your wallet and return it, (without the cash) to stop you running after the pickpocket, who is his friend!
Be extra careful if the Barcelona metro is crowded or if you are bumped or jostled.
17. Don’t drink too much
Sorry to spoil the party, but most pickpocket scams are particularly effective if you have had too much to drink
18. Report a theft
There is a good chance the money will be gone if your wallet is found, but perhaps a friendly Catalan will find your wallet and hand it to the police. It might have a lot of cards and photos intact. And you will be able to claim insurance with an official police report.
 Click here for emergency numbers in Barcelona
Click here to open a link to Barcelona police website where you can report theft online.
Click to bookmark this article
Other useful links:
http://travel.howstuffworks.com/pickpocket.htm
Great site about pickpocketing techniques and how to avoid them!
http://www.jones.tc/barna/scams.html
This is a link to an personal website, which has a long list of street scams and pickpocket techniques in Barcelona that visitors to Barcelona have experienced. Please note that the list was started in 1996, so although the list is long and the stories are true, they are from a long period of time during which millions of visitors have been in Barcleona and were not robbed or scammed.
The reality is that Barcelona is very safe as there is very rarely any physical violence. However it is true that the immense popularity of Barcelona as a tourist destination in the last 15 years has brought a lot of scamsters and pick-pockets to the city. If you keep your wits about you, it is quite simple to avoid being the target of crime in Barcelona.
Article from the Observer in 2003 about 10 most common tourist scams.
http://travel.guardian.co.uk/budget/story/0,,785420,00.html
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Barcelona, Spain
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17°C
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17°C
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