Spain

Petty crime

Petty crime is common in large cities. It’s a serious problem in Barcelona, especially on public transport and in tourist areas.

Petty crime includes:

• bag snatching
• pickpocketing
• theft from cars

Thieves are very active during the peak summer tourist season. They target:

• tourist attractions
• public transport, railway stations and cruise terminals
• museums
• beaches
• hotel foyers

Take care when placing bags on chairs or on the ground in restaurants and outdoor cafes.

Thieves often work in gangs. Thieves try to distract you by:

• using a large map to offer help
• deliberately spilling something on you

While you’re distracted, another thief steals your belongings.

To avoid petty crime:

• take care of your personal belongings, especially in crowds
• leave your passport and other valuables in a safe location
• avoid walking in quiet, poorly lit streets
• monitor the media for news on crime.

Keep your passport and other ID separate. Carry a photocopy of your passport for ID.

Road crime

Road crime occurs throughout Spain.

Take care when driving along the Mediterranean coast from Marseille in France to Valencia in Spain. Cars with foreign number plates are often targets.

Thieves in pairs may convince you to stop because of a ‘problem’ with your vehicle, then offer to help with a flat or slashed tyre. While one helps, the other steals your belongings.

Keep luggage and personal belongings out of sight.

To stay safe when on the road:

• be wary of offers of help
• always keep car doors locked, even when driving
• use secure parking facilities when you can, especially overnight
• don’t leave your vehicle unattended for long periods of time

Thieves also break into caravans and motor homes, particularly in public parking areas.

Credit card fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud can occur.

Avoid using ATMs that open onto the street, especially at night. Use ATMs in banks, shops and shopping centres.

Drink spiking

Cases of drink spiking, followed by theft and sexual assault, are reported.

To protect yourself from crime:

• stick with people you trust in bars and nightclubs
• never accept food or drinks from strangers
• don’t leave your food or drink unattended

More information:

Scams

Scams are common.

Be aware of the latest scams. Don’t become a victim.

Some complex scam operations are based in Spain. Inheritance scams are the most common.

Inheritance scams involve receiving an email from someone claiming to be a lawyer. They tell you an unknown Spanish relative has died and left you money.

If you’ve been a victim of a scam, don’t travel to Spain. Seek legal advice.

Running of the Bulls

The annual Running of the Bulls takes place in Pamplona in July.

Taking part is dangerous. Every year, people are badly injured and sometimes killed.

People are also killed or badly injured jumping from fountains during the festivities in Pamplona.

Your travel insurance may not cover you if:

• you take part in the Running of the Bulls
• jump from fountains
• take other risks

Medicare does not cover you if you’re in Spain.

Check the details of your travel insurance policy. Don’t take unnecessary risks.

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government