7 Biggest Tourist Scams in Spain
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- Опубліковано 1 чер 2024
- Are you heading to Spain for a fun Spanish vacation? Well let me tell you about a few of the scams and not scams you should know about before you head to Spain so you are better prepared, whether you are going to Madrid, Barcelona, the Costa del Sol or a smaller village these tips will help you enjoy Spain even more.
Tourist informaiton on Spain.
Filmed in Girona, Spain
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Copyright Mark Wolters 2024
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I grew up in Spain and did nursing school there. I just wanted to point out what was mentioned in the video: some beggers have very obvious medical conditions, weird body shapes, etc. But Spain has a really good social and health care system. So most of the times they decide to NOT get treatment in order to get more money from tourists. The rest of the recommendations are also quite true :) but Spain is an amazing country otherwise, specially for tourists 🩷☀️
the beggars with obvious medical conditions, are for the most part from Romania and/or Bulgaria and are part of organised crime. Very many of these conditions are totally fake and there are plenty of vids to be found on how they perform their "act". It also needs to be clarified that Romania & Bulgaria have free healthcare.
this is a good visual tip!
It's the same everywhere. Even in The States, which sadly does not have socialize medicine, the cities where the beggars tend to be are liberal cities that tend to offer Social Services for them including job training, temporary housing, food, and even some medical. However, they tend to refuse treatment. Some of it is because they have mental disabilities where they don't trust the government, etc, or like how you said, they know they'll make more money off of tourists.
@@DrVVVinK so it is a mental disabilitiy these days if u dont trust the government? :D this sounds so weird to me im sorry :D
Prefieren pedir a trabajar y eso q reciben una paga del gobierno .
I have one. When in the Costa Blanca area, specifically on the Levante beach Benidorm (or anywhere else you see them), if you’re lounging on the beach, NEVER EVER EVER, buy a cocktail or drink from the guys walking around selling them. Not only are they NOT affiliated with any of the restaurants along the beach, but they prepare those drinks in the back alley, sometimes in a dirty van so they’re not seen. They give you the worst and cheapest alcohol, prepared in horribly filthy conditions with zero regard for hygiene. Avoid them at all costs.
Indeed. And it might be an opportunity to steal your stuff. Avoid beach vendors at all costs.
Had a “tourist” couple approach us in Nice, said they were just robbed and needed money. We told them to go to the police. They didn’t like that.
Another very useful video blog for those less familiar with Spain.
I’ve lived in Spain for 25+ years so would add a couple of minor points:
Re ordering food. Yes, tapas is ideal for a light meal for one person, or ordering a couple or more tapas makes a meal for one more varied. And yes, ordering “una ración” of the same maybe far too much food & of course more expensive. However, there’s often the option of a happy medium of “una media ración” - half portion. Just ask the waiter. There’s usually portion sizes to suit everyone.
Re the scams involving people claiming they need money to “get back to…” usually because of some concocted emergency, don’t be fooled! As you say, they are very convincing, smartly dressed, & well-versed. But they can also be found in airports, usually in the car parks next to the terminals.
I’ve had them approach me at Malaga airport, always well presented. I politely told them I had no cash on me & walked on despite their pleading & sob story, but I can well believe others being taken in.
Hope this helps!
Don’t give to beggars anywhere in the world
This is more of a tip for USA travelers: Don't go into a regular restaurant in Spain thinking about asking for "Tortilla Chips & Salsa". Just because Spain & Mexico share the same language, that does not mean that they share the same culture. Look for a Mexican restaurant; there may be a couple in Barcelona or Madrid. I actually overheard an American tourist, at a neighbouring table, asked a waiter this at a Barcelona restaurant.
Scams are different everywhere and it's so great to know what's the scam of the day where you are to be smart and safe.
10:29 Even in my hometown in South Carolina (a regional vacation spot), you have to dodge timeshare salesman in the summer tourist season. Truly an international experience!
Guard your phone with everything you have in Barcelona.
And be careful of the taxis.....
I'm a Spanish man who has travelled the world. I have only been mugged in Spain
And don't take it out needlessly. I've seen so many tourists near La Rambla literally just holding their phones in their hands while walking around and looking at the architecture.
If you're not using your phone, put it in your bag. Also, there's no need to take a thousand pictures. Just enjoy the experience without your phone.
@@jdm9251 Sir I have been living in the UK for last 30 years
@@jdm9251 In 30 years in the UK I have never been mugged but last two times I went to Spain I had my phone stolen. Your comment is just silly. In the same way British people move to other countries Spanish people do the same. Next!
I was just in Spain for a week and a half and honestly I felt very safe the whole time I was there. There’s definitely some beggars but that’s in every big city so I’m used to just ignoring them and I wore a crossbody bag the whole time to ensure all my valuables were in front of me and kept nothing of value in my pockets. Good call out on not eating at places on la rambla or plaza mayor, those are definitely tourist traps. Wouldn’t call tapa/racione a scam though…it’s basically the same as restaurants having dishes that come in different sizes (small/medium/large) like you have in USA/UK/Canada
We saw the "here's a gift for you" scam in several different Spanish cities and I also had to save my goodhearted boyfriend from one on our first day in Malaga.
As for the "wrong clothes" thing: I see it all the time here in my hometown (Zurich, Switzerland). People who walk around in shorts when everybody else is wearing coats and long pants. It screams "I'm a tourist" from miles away.
Let everyone dress like they want! We are all unique! I have trained my body not to be cold, so l will dress summerful where you where your skipants!
Who cares?? All that matters is that you be happy with who you are! And not what others find you should wear...say... be...!
@@livinglifetothefullest22that doesn't change the fact that you look like a tourist.
The thing I noticed in Seville was the touristy places always charged for the bread even if you didn't touch it, but instantly dropped it off the bill when you queried it.
My friend hid in his pockets some fake money. After a day in Barcelona 5 of 7 pockets were empty and he did not even feel how it got emptied.
I have to say many of these thieves are not local, there's not much control about what type of people are entering Spain and how many bad illegals are around, so sad.
Bro I lived in Barcelona for 5 years and never got robbed. You must have attended the worst tourist hotspots and traps
@@osasunaitor haha, maybe! I think they see who is tourist and who is not and leave the locals in peace.
@@IamVel probably... It's still embarrassing that so much crime goes unpunished, tourists don't deserve to go through this shit
@@osasunaitorbro??
Regarding petitions: usually the belief here is that they want your address and send then some other members to your home. As they are europe wide organized it doesnt matter whether it is in a different country.
Quite popular in Berlin by Sinti and Roma
I spent 3 days in Barcelona about 10 years ago, and nearly got pickpocketed every day... I spent the last half my last day on the Tourist Bus to keep safe, couldnt wait to leave.
I was respectful, etc, but as a single guy, and clearly not a resident (reddish hair, Irish looks) i guess i really stood out
Beautiful Place, terrible safety wise for solo tourists.
It is probably twenty times worse now thanks to the (illegal) inmigration from the north of Africa.
The weather warning is so true - take layers (I even include a thermal vest) and a pak a mac (they are now fairly stylish brands - not the old hoodie type pak a mac).
My best keep warm item is pashmina - put it round my neck or body and feel warm instantly.
thx for this xcellent video. For ITALY-travelers: All the scams - except food - also apply to all the main cities in Italy
Hey Mark, great video and very important tips
Be careful with pickpockets in the undergrounds of largest cities, such as Madrid or Barcelona. Do never leave bags on the floor unatended or don't wear your wallets in the back side of your jeans/trousers.
I´ve been watching your videos for years despite not really traveling to those places but Im getting ready to go to Spain so yeayyyyyyyyy , your video is right on time!
Use your common sense and there won't be a problem. Spain is extremely safe. The turistic areas in Barcelona... no so much.
This video was really useful and interesting! Thank you friend for sharing such valuable information.We’ve subscribed to the channel to stay updated on more helpful content like this. Great job and keep it up!
👍💛
I was sitting at a table outside a bar in Alicante a few years ago and a guy wearing a business suit came up to me and asked me where the beach was. A few things I thought were odd. One, why is he going to the beach in his suit? Two, he can't have been looking for the beach for long as it's just round the corner and there are signs everywhere. Also he said ¿Dónde es la playa? which is incorrect. It should be ¿Dónde está la playa? So I knew he wasn't Spanish. Anyway, I told him, he said thank you and left. A few minutes later my wife realised her bag was gone. It had been the old distraction trick. He distracted us whilst his accomplice sneaked up behind and took her bag. I have to say that in decades of going to Spain I've only had that and one other incident so it's not so bad really.
Lots of scams out there but you’re right; 99% of the time, you’re all good. It’s that 1% that gets people in trouble. Stay safe everyone!
Mark, as someone who has enjoyed consuming travel and nature docs my entire life, I bestow upon you the honored position of Modern Rick Steves and heir apparent of Rudy Maxa. You get it, and i always enjoy your videos. Thank you.
Everyone on Facebook need to see your videos! Because boy I tell you I have never seen some of the most uninformed people in my life in those travel group pages lol
Whenever I travel, I leave most of my stuff at the hotel and I take just my credit card, I.D, medical card some extra money and my cell phone, in a small fanny pack. That’s the way to avoid troubles and to keep your things under control. And also beware if you leave your cell phone at a bar or restaurant table, specially in the terrazas…it can go with the wind.
About accommodation scams, that’s a huge issue for locals too, they’re pushing people out of their places. I read a while ago that a fortnight in Rías Baixas (in Galicia) would be around 1.900 euros.
Great video, Mark. I'm off to Madrid in July for 3 nights (going to see Metallica twice hehe) and I will definitely be keeping these tips in mind. Muchas gracias from Dublin! ;D
You're right about sangria - worst hangover I ever had. And that was in Vancouver.
Still waiting for the friendliest countries video 🙌🏻
Well, we let our guard down on top of Montjuic in Barcelona and a guy on an E-Scooter ripped my wife's phone out of her hand and dashed away down the road. Luckily we had apple care but this was a major inconvenience and the police was utterly useless. We could even locate the phone in a building in Hospital de Llobregat, but they said there are several parties living at this address and it's impossible to get a warrant.
Ilegal immigrant on a E- Scooter. Many criminals from other nations have come to Spain in the past 20 y to make an easy living due to the soft crime laws. The police truly can not do anything because the liberal legal system favourr thiefs and criminals.
I also want to add that today the pickpockets in Barcelona do venture outside of the center. Basically anyone is a target late at night/during the fiesta. It's always good anywhere in the world to be conscious. There are tons of recent stories of locals being robbed or other Spaniards, not just tourists although tourists are an easier target. It's about the phones
As a local from Barcelona, I must stress the ATM scam. Also, do not use ATM's that are not from a bank -that is to say, that are not literally stuck by the door of Santander, Sabadell Bank, whatever. In the town centre there's lots of ATM's randomly in shops, in the street, etc. and the comissions are huge. That's a legal scam but a scam nonetheless
We traveled the whole Western countries and spent time mostly in Spain and Italy. We ran into a gas station scam in Malaga off the highway. My husband paid for a full tank and when I started the car, it was less than half. The Good thing is that we noticed that right away and he went back to mention it. The person at the register apologized and filled our gas tank full.
First time I hear this. Weird.
As a spaniard, they would trick me too. You can't be on guard when you don't think you need to.
When on vacations, anywhere, I never reply to stranger asking for something, by something I mean everything, money, petition, direction, ... and on top of that all those saying "you win this or that, please follow me", I'm just not interested.
Yep Barcelona is definitely known for pickpockets.
I wouldn't call most of this a scam, it's called not being oblivious and paying attention. Agree that your tip regarding ATMs is a good one and don't ever give anyone cash - ever.
The free bracelet/flower thing happened to me in Washington DC years ago. I was so mad lol I didn't give her any money but it caught me off guard. Coming from Latin America I used to have the feeling that I can figure out all of the scams and outsmart scammers/pickpockets, but apparently people get creative in other countries too. 😅
Don't buy cocktails drink at the beach in Barcelona from the man who pass buy with a bag of them, you don't know how they make them. But is ok to get a can of beer as long they are sealed
Jamie Amsterdam at pickpockets is great
Are you still using cash ? Most of those troubles go away when you use cards. Last 3-4 years of travel and I have not used cash.
Mistake I made for Andalusia in March: not bringing shorts. Andalusia can have summer weather in March. You need to have shorts just in case it happens so you don't sweat in your jeans.
Do you know you can buy a pair of shorts in the € 1 shop? That's what I did last time I went to Spain
We can also have snow in March too.
This March was cold wet windy and also had a big snow dump here in the Sierra Nevada.
Pack for all types of weather.
Except maybe July and August.
Today is June 11th and here in the mountains it's 17⁰c, cloudy and starting to rain.
I love Spain too now i learned this language all days
Don't bring anything worth stealing. Or keep it in trouser pockets.
You know what pickpocket means right?
@@Lewis_Standing Right. Thats whyI keep my wallet in my trouser pocket, and always has my hand in the pocket as well holding on to the wallet
@@wncjan you can also buy a wallet that is like a belt around your stomach, its completely flat and you cant see it with shirt on.
@@DenisBonichov I know and I have one of these but I hate to fumble under my clothes when I have to pay for things. Much easier just to pull my wallet from my pocket, pay and put it back to the pocket.
@@wncjan thats true. But i like to store extra credit cards and bigger money notes there.
A nice tip if you are travelling. Have a "fake" wallet with expired cards and if someone threatens you , give that wallet they wont realise it till you are gone.
Not a scam, but when I was in my early 20s (about 10 years ago), I had quite a few female acquaintances who went to Barcelona and ended up being the victim of assault at the hands of young men there. I don't know if it's gotten better in the years since, but I always advise young women to really keep their wits about them when partying in Barcelona. It can get dangerous quickly.
Young men from the North Africa. It´s getting worse in many cities. When I was young Spain was the safest nation in the world for women. Not anymore.
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Bread on the table isnt free in Europe.
It is.
Here in Andalucia it is still law that tapas ( quite often served with bread ) comes free with particular drinks.
Sure it is calculated into profit margins, but should you ask for a drink sin tapas, you will still pay the same price for the drink.
We're going to Spain in TWO DAYS! I have a question: if we are four adults traveling together, isn't it best to order "raciones"? Thank you in advance!
Hola I'm spanish, from Cadiz, and if u are a group of 4, probably better to eat raciones...hope u have a good time and enjoy Spain 🇪🇸
I've spent quite a bit of time in Spain and have lived in Sevilla the last 2 years and there is not the same level of pickpocketing in Sevilla as there is in Barcelona. I've never had attempts in Sevilla but have had several in Barcelona. Be careful at ATM's, one time I had a kid put up a blank sheet of paper on my screen while I was trying to retrieve cash, fortunately he wasn't good at it and he got nothing. Another time near the Sagrada Familia there was a couple that were working together, one young woman stopped me to ask where McDonalds and I noticed out of the corner of my eye that behind me there was this guy who was reaching for my backpack. They ran off when they realized that I was on to them. So, definitely be aware of distractions. As far as tapas/raciones, that's not a scam, they dont do that to trick you or anything, the pricing is clear. It's your fault if you don't understand how it works. I think this video needs to be split in two, one for true scams and one for things that aren't necessarily scams but things to be aware of.
I had my phone stolen in Chile a couple years ago so now I treat it like it's a stack of $100 bills. Many years ago I fell victim to the Bird Poop scam in Ronda, and I lost about 150 Euros, stupid me. And the scam you mentioned about the weight of the food in grams reminds me of the Tea House scam in China where the tea is priced PER GRAM.and the bill is $500 per cup. (Don't worry I didn't fall for that one.)
In barcelona at the moment! Are you coming here anyday soon?
We are very safe in Altea
All wine (mostly) is cheap
It’s just taxed to high heaven
Beware of airport Taxis.
I refuse to use taxi after being taken for ride lol there scammers, hotel shuttles or airport bus better option 🇨🇦🇨🇦
Hi..we are going to barcelona, seville, madrid, day trip to cordoba n granada mid june. Does it get chilly or windy at night or evening? Do we need jacket?
Most likely it will just be very warm, but doesn't hurt to bring something. Can be around 20 C some late nights/early mornings
Hace calor. Soy de Málaga. Pero trae alguna chaqueta para la noche... Hace días que llevamos ropa completamente de verano, y las playas llenas de gente. Feliz estancia en España 😊
Unlikely
Perhaps up north but I'm just outside Granada and our night time temperature at the moment ( June 11th ) are around 18⁰c.
I would however still bring a coat of some kind as you can never tell what the weather will do, although let's be honest, our summer is pretty predictable to be fair.
Today though for example is 17⁰c at 14:00 and cloudy here in the Sierra Nevada and looking like it could rain.
So yeah bring a coat incase.
Also I suppose it depends where you are travelling from.
If you're coming from Saudi Arabia then you'll probably find it cold hey 😂
Agreed! Most of those tips seem to be for Americans that live in the suburbs. 😂 I live in a decent size city and when my friends that live in the suburbs of smaller cities come to visit, I have to go over things like, no don't talk to that person, let's move on. Don't give money to that person for public transportation, etc... Just y'day I saw an unhoused woman who is always begging on the streets eating at an Indian restaurant I cannot afford. 🤣🤣 She was in the restaurant's patio, with her table full of different dishes, and she can eat.
Picpokets are in all tourist city's in Europe
He states that in the video.
For those who don't understand the concept of a Tapa versus a Ración. A Tapa is a taste of something, it's small , it's a bite or two. A Ración is a portion for 1 person, but European style portion. It is not going to be Italian American or Cuban style portions. Remember that the way they eat is , appetizer, first dish, second dish, and desert. Each one of those is small so you can have a full lunch or dinner. Unless you eat paella, many times they don't mix the carbs with the protein in the same plate. They are eaten separately.
Uh where? Italy? Because I live in Spain and there's no first dish, second dish, no carbs and protein mixed.
A typical distraction is young women twirling in very brightly colored dresses in Barcelona. We saw a young man with one short leg looking poor and begging for money by the Royal Palace in Madrid. That evening, we saw him with his mother, dressed nicely and enjoying the holiday festivities. Men should wear a money belt and women should use purses with locking zippers and a strap that can't be cut.
The fake bags on the floor sold everywhere (not only Spain) is not a scam. If you believe a you are buying a Louis Vuitton for €30, you deserve to be scammed
I got really sunburned in Barcelona once. Respect the sun. Big scam.
The best jamón has some white fat and dark red color
Spanish ham from lidl😮😅
Arc de Triomf at 7:04 is in France (Paris) not in Spain
Arc de Triomf
Ciutat Vella,
08018
Barcelona
How are the prices in the shops at the beginning scams? Anyone should know how to read the prices and weight. Those that are actually scams are found in all other countries as well. The beggar scam is often run by a leader of a clan who collects the money at the end. I recognize some in my neighborhood and have seen some guy or another in a Mercedes giving instructions to them, even adolescents. There are also mothers with young children in the clans begging.
He said "it's not really a scam, just a thing to be aware of" like 3 times my guy
Not Spain, but my daughter was in Rio de Janero last fall and was in a taxi at a stop light with the window rolled down *just a bit*. She was looking at her phone and someone reached in and took it.
South America is pretty notorious for that.
Well, I guess I must be the 99% because I just spent three weeks in Spain and none of this happened
Show about bad air conditioning every where no matter where you book from. Am not sure if it’s exactly a scam. It tended to get really hot in Spain and their air conditioning is not very good and you start to feel it from
The airport.
My family and I chose not to go to Spain because of the scammers. 🤷♀️
That is just daft.
There are scammers in every nation.
You don't just have to go to the major tourist hotspots.
This is a beautiful country where you will find both amazing sites to visit and fantastic people and culture.
Honestly where I live in Andalucia you can leave your car running while you pop in the local grocery store.
Please do visit, you'll have an amazing time if you just go to the smaller places.
Don't be put off by reports, come to rural Spain and then just do day trips to the bigger sites of interest.
You won't regret it.
I told you before that they would rip you off
When will you go to South Korea?
feel like way more than 1% of tourists get pickpocketed in spain or europe.
ANY THING PARANORMAL????????????
I was hunted by a pickpocktier on a bus to Park Guell. I kept my money in a transparant plastic sleeve.
I noticed her looking at me when I was putting it back into my pocket as I was getting on the bus.
I then noticed her getting near me. She was using her tote bag to cover her hand reaching for my pockets. It was fun. I had lots of pockets on my shorts and she tried to get to all of them.
When she was getting close to the pocket with my money in, I moved to the other side of the bus when a crowd were getting off. She moved with me. She gave up when I sat down.
Then theres another one which I wasnt sure was a scam.
I was taking pictures on my smartphone with my family at Sagrada. Then this beautiful woman approached and offered to take the picture for us. I declined. Because I wasn't sure if she would run off with my smartphone.
It's so sad, I often see people that could with a hand for a photo but afraid to ask if I can help.
I don't blame people though in them being afraid.
Isn't keeping your money in a transparent plastic sleeve rather unwise?
You’re funny, saying you’re one who outsmarts pickpockets.
@@reddwarfer999 I keep most of my money in my wallet. The sleeve is for few notes and change.
Saying that, kind gentlemen working at the train station said it was a bad idea as it would attract pickpockets. He was right.
@@DubCmusicTV it was luck, I guess when I noticed her. She was attractive, wearing sun glasses. Number of people I spoke to who've been to Spain had their wallets stolen. One was 'lucky'.
As his wallet was lifted, the undercover police apprehended the pickpocketier in the act, but he had to spend the lengthy afternoon/evening at the police station sorting out the statements.
Another scam is charging your credit card twice, especially at restaurants. Hate this country. I never had to deal with so much scam and stupidity. Service is absolute zero. Many vacation rentals do not even have ac. I would rather overpay in Italy than underpay in Spain.
Adios guiri 👋
@NoeliaRuiz-ls8yw ¡Si, adios! Get a job and maybe one day you can afford to buy yourself an air conditioner or have a vacation in a civilized country. 😂
I am in Spain for many months the last 3 years. I only had one lady giving me sage... and ask me for money. So...? I can miss 1 euro... she happy and me not plunching into poverty...🤷🏻♀️
Let's try to be nice to the other! That makes a much better world!🙏🏼🙏🏼
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I was attacked in Girona in October during the anti Jewish riots. Girona is the wealthiest city in Spain but it still has issues
😄😄😄
Girona is not the wealthiest city in Spain.
Thieves
All imports, none Spaniards.
I don't think Girona is pronounced with initial 'h'; you're in Catalonia.
Cmon Mark- this is clickbait. I’m disappointed that you titled this video “scams.”
None of these are Spain-specific scams. These are mostly common sense alerts applicable to any European city.
Do better, please!
Agreed. He's got to make content to make money but I'm watching fewer and fewer of his videos these days. The information density is gone, too much click bait and fluff. But his 'what not to do' angle is probably what got him so big over other travel bloggers, so I accept his marketing is apparently working.
Why go there if they are so dishonest?
They are not, this video paints the wrong picture of this country.
All major cities worldwide can be dangerous.
Spain is in general extremely safe and honest.
Where I live you can leave your car running whilst you go into the grocery store for example.
Don't believe everything you are told about Spain.
It's a fantastic country.
@woltersworld I am not sure if you are aware, but you should make clear those pickpockets are in their vast majority non spanish but inmigrants from a different country.
If you don´t make that clear, it seems you are saying "the spanish people will take your belongings..."
Stay away from Barcelona. Not much there except for the odd church and mobs of tourists.
Respectfully disagree. Yes there are touristy areas but there are plenty of area that offer an authentic Spanish experience.
Stay in a local neighborhood and find some tapas restaurants. Try some of the great hiking trails that overlook the city. Take a bike ride through a park. Strike up a conversation at a plaza. There’s plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. I had a wonderful time and encourage you to give it another chance