Going to Spain and Italy

That was the conclusion drawn by the police when she reported the theft, based on recollections by me and others. We were traveling as a group of 12 through Zurich. Several of us noted that we had to squeeze past a man dressed in what appeared to be a uniform of some type when we boarded the train. He was partially blocking the aisle. And one person remembered seeing a person of similar appearance (including the "uniform") at the airport, in the waiting area for the train. The ATM was also near that area (thus outside the security zone). Her main mistake was in putting the money she withdrew into her waist pack, which had a top zipper. It was probably an easy thing for him to manage as she squeezed past him to get on the train. But he was also taking advantage of the fact that this person was probably tired after a long flight (we were identifiably Americans) and preoccupied with managing baggage and getting on the train. And yes, Michael, this could happen at any ATM---one could always be observed withdrawing money and then followed. But I think the airport situation makes it a bit easier on the thief, due to crowds, fatigue, preoccupation with lugage and getting to the next transport, etc.

RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS: If you are looking at a small restaurant in Spain and Italy, they may not have a website or speak enough English to respond. I have emailed my hotel in advance, given the name of the restaurant (s) I wanted and they have handled the reservations. Just consider tipping the person who made them for you when you arrive at the hotel. This is really an extra service. In the larger hotels with a concierge, they expect to be tipped. EUROS IN ADVANCE: I always advise getting Euros in advance, about 100 per person to get transportation to your hotel and a meal with money leftover. Chase Bank customers must go to the bank and order Euros (allow about 5 business days) and but some even have them on hand. Ask for small denominations. I am always too tired, frazzled, just trying to get through customs and immigration to waste time getting local money at the airport. Also, I am always afraid the machine will be broken, it has run out of money, can't find it, etc. On the other hand, my husband will go to the airport with $50 US and get Euros when he arrives in Europe! It looks like Wells Fargo may offer on line purchase of currency for non customers but there is an added fee. Also check out Travelex, a reputable firm, which offers online purchase of currency. So choose an option most comfortable and convenient for you!

1. AVE trains in Spain have a security check but it is fast. We never encountered security checks for trains in Italy. 2. Best ship that sword home. I will bet the shop iss quite accustomed to doing this. 3. If the restaurant has a website you can find it with Google. If they don,t take reservations on the website, you can find the phone number and call. We found some places in Italybthat took bookings through the Italian equivalent of Open Table, a free service. I'll have to find the name, something like 2Spagh but that is not exactly it. 4. We like to have 50 euros or so in hand upon arrival so we do not have to use the airport ATM.

My first trip to Spain is planned for this fall. I've heard trains in Spain do have a TSA type inspection (because of potential ETA bombings) but can't tell you anything about their rules. I haven't experienced that type of inspection elsewhere in Europe. I've packed swords home from Europe. They have to be checked (not sure how they'll handle that on a train). I wrapped them in newspaper and put them in a mail tube. They made it home safely but were definitely opened and inspected somewhere along the line. I have never had a problem getting Euros on arrival at an airport. I have had some problem getting off a ferry and finding an ATM for local currency (didn't want to use the money exchanges on the boat). Normally I just have my debit card (my wife has a backup debit from a seperate account) and a couple hundred in US cash to exchange in an emergency.

The security for the Spanish trains is very light when compared to our TSA. Primarily looking for bombs because a sword or pistol is of little threat on a train. The AVE platforms are restricted till 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure. There will be a checkpoint at the entry to the platform. In large stations with multi platforms it will be at the head or top of the platform. In smaller stations where only a couple of platforms it could be at the top of the stairs or any natural choke point. You show your ticket, cannot remember if the passport was looked at, open your coat flasher style, and anything your are carrying goes through an x-ray scan. It is simply and quick. Since they do not start the process until 30 mins before, they is no reason to be there more than 20 mins early. If the sword will fit in your luggage, then send it home via checked luggage. It is just a matter of personal preference, but I always have 100 - 150 of the local currency when going in. Normally have it from the prior trip. For me, it is just one last thing to worry about after a long over night flight.

While the AVE trains in Spain have security screening for luggage (similar to Eurostar), other Cercanias-type trains don't (at least not that I've experienced). Like everywhere else, you buy tickets from a kiosk or a clerk at the ticket window, run it through the turnstile reader, head to the platform, and get on the train. It's a quick process. Personally, I thought it was sort of interesting that there was a very visible security/police presence in Puerta del Sol in Madrid all the time but not a lot of visible security at Atocha, which is were the commuter train terror attacks occurred. Anyone can just buy a ticket and jump right on a commuter train with no security at all, but it would be impossible to have security checks for commuter trains considering the huge number of people using those trains every day (imagine security checks for the subways in NYC or Toronto). As for Italy, I've never seen security like you'll have with the AVE trains in Spain. The Italian Eurostar may have it, but I can't comment on that. You can get Euro from an ATM at Barajas when you land...I can think of 2 separate ATM locations before you leave the secure area of the airport on your way to the exit/baggage claim. I used one of these machines so I had some Euro for the shuttle ride to central Madrid. We used Aerocity Shuttle, but there's a new express bus that only costs 2 Euro per person...pay driver in cash. Cheapest by far.

The Eurostar trains in Italy do not have security checks. At least they didn't last June when we rode them (they are very nice trains!) As for withdrawing cash from an airport ATM, I quit doing that after a friend was followed from the ATM and her money was taken as she boarded a second train at a busy downtown station. This was in Switzerland, of all places. The thief watched her withdraw the money, saw where she put it, and followed her until there was an opportunity. She lost 500 CHF.

That's really unfortunate. My guess is that your friend was in a public terminal area of the airport when she withdrew her cash...that's where potential thieves could be. It's fairly unlikely a thief would be in the secure area of an airport (i.e. in a concourse). Don't know where you get your cash now, but I'm not so sure an outdoor ATM on the side of a bank building would be any safer (although I get cash there, too). Crooks can target you anywhere...one must be vigilant when withdrawing cash anywhere.

Lola, how did your friend know that the thief watched her take out the money from the ATM, followed her into town and awaited his opportunity to rob her? Was she aware that this guy had watched & then followed her? Could it be that this is just conjecture on her part?

Travelex would be the last place I would buy currency in advance. Order it from your local bank or credit union. Yes, there will be a fee, but you're paying for the convenience. AAA also sells packs of euros, but again, the fees are relatively high.