Street crime in Barcelona - why it's so prevalent, and affects tourists the most

[World Gallery]

Yes, we have travel insurance.

 

I have had the hardest time getting a private transfer. It is the strangest thing. For example, I was in touch with Spanish Trails. She took a month to get back to me (had excuses), then I told her I wanted to book. I had to email again a week later. She said she would send me the paypal link to pay a 40euro deposit, but that was last week. I sent another email but haven't heard back.

I was also in touch with Auto Vilar for a transfer. I thought I was getting the info and was about to book and he stopped answering emails, so I didn't book.

Another company recommended here wanted about 490Euroes for an airport transfer with a stop at Sagrada Familia!

 

If I could find a reliable transfer company that can actually answer my emails, I would consider booking. This problem never happened in any other port we are booked in. Strange!

[CruisingMouse]

If I could find a reliable transfer company that can actually answer my emails, I would consider booking. This problem never happened in any other port we are booked in. Strange!

 

 

Hi, when are you traveling if I may ask I didn't see it in your signature?

 

I found private transfers from airport to port, from port to hotel and then hotel to airport for all 3 transfers for the 2 of us it was 125 Euros. Pay upon arrival! I'm not sure what he would charge for a stop at Sagrada Familia but it's worth asking.

 

I received excellent customer service from him, very efficient in replying to my emails (except a delay over night do to the time difference but always replied the next morning.)

 

Not sure if I can post the website on here can I?? Last time I tried posting a website it got wiped out. You are welcome to email me ak16@sympatico.ca

 

Good luck... Ann

[Grannycb]

 

If I could find a reliable transfer company that can actually answer my emails, I would consider booking. This problem never happened in any other port we are booked in. Strange!

 

We've been happy with Barcelona Day Tours. Have you tried them?

[World Gallery]

We've been happy with Barcelona Day Tours. Have you tried them?

 

Yes, I had contacted them. The price for the 7 of us was quoted at 343Euros for the stop at the Sagrada Familia and them to the airport. That is too high for us! The prices I received from different companies were all over the board.

[maggieq]

Wow! We are looking at the 7 night med cruise out of Barcelona in September. I was very careful in Rome last October and found the surroundings nicer than nyc. However, would you recommend just going from airport to port and not even spending time in Barcelona. I don't want to be so scared that I can't enjoy myself.

 

Thanks!

[Turtles06]

Wow! We are looking at the 7 night med cruise out of Barcelona in September. I was very careful in Rome last October and found the surroundings nicer than nyc. However, would you recommend just going from airport to port and not even spending time in Barcelona. I don't want to be so scared that I can't enjoy myself.

 

Thanks!

 

With the caveat that it's been two years since we were in Barcelona, let me say that back then, when I was in this very forum researching our Med cruise, I got myself pretty freaked out about Barcelona after what I read on here, and I'm a big city kid. But we decided we would not let all this stuff stop us. We used Pac Safe bags, we were careful about what we did with our money and our cameras, tried to be alert for pickpockets, excercised the caution you'd exercise in any big city, and we were fine. We were in Barcelona in January, so it wasn't as crowded as it might be at other times, but unless things have really changed in two years, I would say to be careful as you were in Rome, be prudent, follow the great tips on this board for being safe, and have a great time!

 

(Again, the caveat is that it's been two years since we were there....)

Edited March 24, 2012 by Turtles06

[ozscotart]

I would recommend against leaving your handbag (purse) on the floor, even between or next to your feet. Friends had all their passports, documents, cards and cash stolen in Carluccios in London, a good cafe, when they had just moved back there from Australia. Evidently, this had happened before there, a well dressed woman sat down and replaced my friend's bag with a similar bag without her noticing.

There are a few sites listing some of the many scams in Barcelona

 

http://www.oh-barcelona.com/en/blog/2010/tourist-guide/information/barcelona-pickpockets-5026

 

Be careful out there !

[Langley Cruisers]

Wow, I'd hate to think you would miss seeing this city because of concerns about pickpockets. :(

 

I know Becky, I was so sad when I read this too! Barcelona is one of the greatest cities in the world! We were concerned about crime there too but took the necessary precautions without trying to be OCD about it... everything was fine. :) We had absolutely no issues in any of the cities on our Med cruise.

[rubysue]

I would recommend against leaving your handbag (purse) on the floor, even between or next to your feet. Friends had all their passports, documents, cards and cash stolen in Carluccios in London, a good cafe, when they had just moved back there from Australia. Evidently, this had happened before there, a well dressed woman sat down and replaced my friend's bag with a similar bag without her noticing.

There are a few sites listing some of the many scams in Barcelona

 

http://www.oh-barcelona.com/en/blog/2010/tourist-guide/information/barcelona-pickpockets-5026

 

Be careful out there !

 

This is why I recommended (in an earlier post) putting the strap of your bag or camera over your leg with it in full view and contact with your legs. A perp would have to yank your bag off your leg. At a sidewalk cafe, I have also found it to be a good idea to take an interior table, preferably one where your chair is against a wall, preventing an approach from that direction (behind your field of view). The worst situation isto be in an outside table where you are next to the flow of the crowd and can't see in all directions. Don't put any items on the table, even briefly (camera, wallet).

 

Fear is not appropriate, but prudence and situational awareness are essential. Don't drink too much and don't get distracted by gadgets.

 

Barcelona may require more attention than other cities, but it is certainly worth seeing.

[Missus Makkem]

Did you mean it is or is not out of the way? I am not sure I am reading this correctly. Yes, I was going to ask about the fare. Hoping it is not too much more. I think I am more comfortable doing it this way, meaning, just playing it be ear since it seems hard to predict an exact time that we can meet a driver.

 

No it is not out of your way.

Ask at the taxi rank @ pier for a fare to Airport & to airport via Familia ,

 

As said, most important to get to the airport safely.

[MAHA]

What about carrying cameras to be able to take pictures? Barcelona seems to be a very pretty city and I would hate to not have pictures of intersting places we see there. I have purchased a Pac Safe camera strap that has the wire in the strap. I don't want to have to keep taking my camera out of my Pac Safe purse as the camera is not a small point and shoot type, but a digital zoom point and shoot. Not a DSLR, but bigger than one that easily fits in and out of a purse. I don't wear pants with pockets and it would not fit in pockets anyway. What about a camcorder? My husband might want to take that around or he might wait for the other places in the Med to use it.

 

Thanks!

 

Mary Anne

[peteukmcr]

What about carrying cameras to be able to take pictures? Barcelona seems to be a very pretty city and I would hate to not have pictures of intersting places we see there. I have purchased a Pac Safe camera strap that has the wire in the strap. I don't want to have to keep taking my camera out of my Pac Safe purse as the camera is not a small point and shoot type, but a digital zoom point and shoot. Not a DSLR, but bigger than one that easily fits in and out of a purse. I don't wear pants with pockets and it would not fit in pockets anyway. What about a camcorder? My husband might want to take that around or he might wait for the other places in the Med to use it.

 

Thanks!

 

Mary Anne

Mary Anne, you are correct Barcelona is a very photogenic city with many photo opportunities, especially you have not been before.

 

Therefore, the only advise I can give for your camera (it sounds similar to one I have) is just to be very careful in ensuring you have hold of it at all times and that when taking photos ensure that any other valuables, bags, purses are secure (perhaps ask your husband to look after them whilst you take shots) and you'll be fine.

 

Alternatively, consider taking a small point and shoot which you could easily put in your pocket (we have a point and shoot in addition to the bigger one which we use). The quality of the point and shoot is comparable with the larger one, just not as good a zoom. Just a thought.

[mcmomny]

MAHA, Pacsafe sells a camera strap, that might be of help

 

We too are taking our first Med cruise this Sept and will be spending time before and after in Barcelona. Very much looking forward to it but also making sure we don't become victims.

 

I never travel with my "real" jewelry, wouldn't want anything to happen to it plus neither would my daughter who stands to inherit it when I'm gone!

 

Just my simple gold wedding band and costume jewelry, which has been stolen out of my bags before so now I carry them in my carry on

 

I bought a small Pacsafe purse, for little things, chapstick, lotion, small map, photo copies of ID and small amount of money.

 

My question is shopping bags, so if I do alot of shopping and buy some souvenirs will I become a target?

[skandls]

I bought one of the Pacsafe purses. It was so uncomfortable to wear that I left it at one of our hotels. So if you buy one make sure you like carrying it around.

[somersettop]

In Spain it is a legal requirement to carry some form of identification - this can be your passport or another form of photographic ID.

 

http://www.treatmentinspain.com/visitors/before-travel/

 

 

Ok

 

As someone who worked for Thomson in Spain, I spent many days escorting people to the embassy / consulate to obtain emergency passports, I would say always carry a copy, not the original. The Police in Spain have a right to ask you for ID at any point, however you often have to hand your passports over when checking in to spanish hotels (The hotel has to provide lists to the police) so if you are asked for ID the police will not be to stressed if they are not with you. If you are in trouble they might escort you to your hotel to collect the ID.

 

Having said all that - In Spain if you try to pay by credit or debit card you may well be asked for Photo ID as well as imputting PIN and also signing, as Card Theft / Fraud is very high. And the shop probably won't accept a copy.

 

So there you have it IMO take a (colour) photocopy of your passport with you, unless you have a card purchace in mind when you will need real photo ID.

 

Barcelona is no worse than any other city for crime, but the Ramblas and Airport/Train/Metro Stations can become very crowded so its easy to be a target if you dont take precautions.

[MAHA]

Mary Anne, you are correct Barcelona is a very photogenic city with many photo opportunities, especially you have not been before.

 

Therefore, the only advise I can give for your camera (it sounds similar to one I have) is just to be very careful in ensuring you have hold of it at all times and that when taking photos ensure that any other valuables, bags, purses are secure (perhaps ask your husband to look after them whilst you take shots) and you'll be fine.

 

Alternatively, consider taking a small point and shoot which you could easily put in your pocket (we have a point and shoot in addition to the bigger one which we use). The quality of the point and shoot is comparable with the larger one, just not as good a zoom. Just a thought.

 

Thanks for the ideas. Even our point and shoot camera is too big for a pocket and my pants don't have pockets anyway. We'll just be very vigilant. I am somewhat worried about staying in Barcelona, but really want to see the city.'

 

Mary Anne

[MAHA]

MAHA, Pacsafe sells a camera strap, that might be of help

 

We too are taking our first Med cruise this Sept and will be spending time before and after in Barcelona. Very much looking forward to it but also making sure we don't become victims.

 

I never travel with my "real" jewelry, wouldn't want anything to happen to it plus neither would my daughter who stands to inherit it when I'm gone!

 

Just my simple gold wedding band and costume jewelry, which has been stolen out of my bags before so now I carry them in my carry on

 

I bought a small Pacsafe purse, for little things, chapstick, lotion, small map, photo copies of ID and small amount of money.

 

My question is shopping bags, so if I do alot of shopping and buy some souvenirs will I become a target?

 

I have the Pac Safe camera strap for my camera and bought ones for both of my sons. I am tempted to also get one for the camcorder and the smaller point and shoot camera. I have a Pac Safe metrosafe 200 that can hold our cameras when we are not going to be using them for a while as well as other necessities for the day.

My sons have camera bags to put their cameras in.

 

Mary Anne

[MAHA]

I bought one of the Pacsafe purses. It was so uncomfortable to wear that I left it at one of our hotels. So if you buy one make sure you like carrying it around.

 

What was so uncomfortable about it? What model was it?

 

Thanks!

 

Mary Anne

[4774Papa]

What about carrying cameras to be able to take pictures? Barcelona seems to be a very pretty city and I would hate to not have pictures of intersting places we see there. I have purchased a Pac Safe camera strap that has the wire in the strap. I don't want to have to keep taking my camera out of my Pac Safe purse as the camera is not a small point and shoot type, but a digital zoom point and shoot. Not a DSLR, but bigger than one that easily fits in and out of a purse. I don't wear pants with pockets and it would not fit in pockets anyway. What about a camcorder? My husband might want to take that around or he might wait for the other places in the Med to use it.

 

Thanks!

 

Mary Anne

Mary Anne,

On our trip to Barcelona last March, we were very careful about protecting our valuables. My DW had a Pac Safe purse and I had a money belt. I used my point and shoot camera (I have replaced it with one that may be similar to yours). We constantly watched for threats, yet still enjoyed our time in Barcelona. The worst area is Las Ramblas. Also, watch it in the Metro.

 

Still, we are returning to Barcelona in May and plan to take more photos. Just follow precautions and keep a sense of awareness.

[celie1110]

Wow! Reading this thread has gotten me very nervous about staying in Barcelona pre-cruise. As NYC girl I thought I was pretty good about keeping my eye out for strange goings on. But now I am not so sure.

I am definitely going to get a SafePac bag for myself and an ankle wallet for DH. My husband wears jogging (sweat)pants- like the adiddas kind all the time, and I plan on getting him the ones with zipper pockets. I am also planning on making copies of our passports, drivers lic, and keep all those numbers handy that have been mentioned in this thread.

Hopefully I will have it covered and we will have a great time in Barcelona!

[BlewWater]

I found this sobering reading list about pickpockets, scam, and thieves. Reading through it definitely increased my understanding about these scams, and will make me less vulnerable to their ploys.

 

 

• Wikitravel, "Common Scams"; "Pickpockets"
  
• Rick Steves pages
  
  • "Tourist Scams in Europe"
    
  • "Tourist Scam Alert"
    
  • "Tourist Scam Alert: 2009"
    
  • "Tourist Scam Alert: 2008"
    
  • "Tourist Scam Alert: 2007"
    
  • "Tourist Scam Alert: 2006"
    
  • "Tourist Scams, 2005"
    
  • "Tourist Scams, 2004"
    
  • "Tourist Scams: 2002"
    

   

  [*]Corporate Travel Safety, "Barcelona and Madrid Pickpocket Scams"

  [*]Facebook page, "I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona"

[aloisia]

I found this sobering reading list about pickpockets, scam, and thieves. Reading through it definitely increased my understanding about these scams, and will make me less vulnerable to their ploys.

 

 

• Wikitravel, "Common Scams"; "Pickpockets"
  
• Rick Steves pages
  
  • "Tourist Scams in Europe"
    
  • "Tourist Scam Alert"
    
  • "Tourist Scam Alert: 2009"
    
  • "Tourist Scam Alert: 2008"
    
  • "Tourist Scam Alert: 2007"
    
  • "Tourist Scam Alert: 2006"
    
  • "Tourist Scams, 2005"
    
  • "Tourist Scams, 2004"
    
  • "Tourist Scams: 2002"
    

   

  [*]Corporate Travel Safety, "Barcelona and Madrid Pickpocket Scams"

  [*]Facebook page, "I know someone who got robbed in Barcelona"

 

Very informative read. Thanks for posting!

[Dushi]

celie1110-

 

I know what you mean. I am more vigilant of my belongings in Europe than I am in NYC.

 

We have been to BCN 3 times and have had no problems. If you carry a purse, make sure it is draped tightly accross your body and has a thick strap. I normally use a big camera and I just carry a messenger bag or sturdy tote to conceal it when not in use. Thieves tried to pickpocket my mom once but I happened to turn around and I yelled loudly that someone was trying to grab her wallet from her bag which scared the thief (a woman) away. I keep excess cash and credit cards hidden and use a purse with a minimal amount of cash (50 euros or less) in public areas where security is questionnable.

 

No matter how bad it is in BCN, it doesn't beat Naples. Hubby and I were surrounded by a group of thieves on a crowded bus from the train station to the port area in 2010. I had a bag with lots of zippers on the outside and nearly each one was opened. Luckily, I kept my valuables deep inside another zippered pocket. Hubby said he hadn't been felt up so much in years. He said he felt hands in every pants and jacket pocket. I was cursing at one obvious thief whom I caught opening one zipper while the one behind me was going through my jacket. After getting back on the ship, I heard that someone got pickpocketed - no surprise.

[LittleMissS]

MAHA-

 

Take a lot of photos in Barca...I did last summer. The architecture is amazing! I have a larger point and shoot, which I wore around my neck. I had my hand on it at all times. (mainly b/c I was afraid the strap would break...I didn't use anything special)

 

I read up on all of the safety issues and ways to keep myself safe. In fact, I was probably a little paranoid. I had ZERO issues while I was there (4 days). Was I aware of my surroundings? As a woman, I am always aware. Did I carry cash on me? Yes. I carried a Pacsafe bag (it was not uncomfortable...Metro 200, I think), but they aren't foolproof. Was my hand constantly on the strap of the bag (which I wore crossbody)? Yes.

 

I think you have to be aware and have some common sense. If you're walking somewhere that feels sketchy, be VERY aware of your belongings. (or leave that area) Don't keep thing in your picket. Take the bare minimum. I too go to NYC frequently (going next weekend). I'd say that I'm definitely more aware of my belongings in Europe...but you don't have to go overboard.

[looking_forward]

I've been to Barcelona and Madrid twice - no problems. I did carry a small wallet, zipped inside a zipper pocket in a zipped purse. I bought a small clutch that tucked easily under my armpit, and walked holding it. It was made of thick material, and had lots of embellishments and leather decorative straps. The smaller the target, the less likely the slash is what i hoped. Plus, not a name brand, not expensive, but something that says she can't afford a big expensive purse. Not American tourister or Pacsafe, or anything that labeled me as a tourist protecting my valuables. Nice clothes, not frumpy, but nothing to draw the eye immediately to me as being well off or tourist. That being said, I also took a 20e note and folded it real small and tucked it into stocking in my shoe. That way, even if everything was stolen, I still had money to get a cab back to hotel. Left passport, credit cards, majority of cash in hotel. Wallet had cash, one credit card, and a color photo copy of passport, that's it. Plain wedding band, plain costume jewelry.

 

I just couldn't get my brain around the idea of wearing credit cards and cash in my underwear. It was quite warm in Spain and I would not want to handle someone's cash or credit card that had been tucked in their underwear... Also, wearing a dress just didn't make it accessible. I would consider the idea of safety pinning something small inside the waistband, but as a small built woman, many of the undergarment wallets and such are very, very noticeable. Don't you always look more when someone is trying to hide something? Hmm, what do they have worth stealing? Just don't give any reason to draw attention to yourself. And, everyone in Las Ramblas is generally a tourist, so a camera was not the eye catcher, just the big fancy ones, complete with big camera bag were. Finally, BCN is about shopping, you blend in more when you're carrying one. They have many beautiful things to shop for, enjoy the trip and pay attention.