traveler's safety in Spain

"...not carry things, as they can steal bags." You'd be hard-pressed to do much if you couldn't carry around a purse or day bag. The same routine precautions you'd take in any large city will serve you well in large cities in Spain...keep the bag under your arm if you can, try to pin the zipper closed, and watch your back when you're on the metro. You'll find this kind of crime lower in Spain than many other cities in western Europe. As for the car.....put luggage or other bags you don't want to carry in the trunk and, as Kent suggests, slip the GPS unit in your carry bag. Wipe off the suction cup mark anyway, just so some wayward thief doesn't bust in, thinking the GPS is hidden somewhere in the car.

Great - thanks much. This is exactly what I was looking for. Will let everyone know how it turns out!

Cathy....We were in Spain for four weeks this spring, touring by rental car. We stayed in twelve different locations. We did not have any difficulty at all. We did not encounter any other travelers that did. Remember to copy your important papers, credit cards, and passports and leave the copies at home with someone you can rely on - just in case. Advise your bank and credit card companies that you will be in Spain. Use the same precautions that you would use in any other European country and I think that you'll be fine.

We just spent 3 weeks in Spain and Portugal covering the following areas; Barcelona – San Sebastian - Rioja - Leon – Santiago – Porto – Sintra - Lisbon
We felt very safe everywhere we went and our car was never molested; even in Basque. You can see details and lots of pictures at our personal blog at, http://gadtravel.blogspot.com
We scan our important documents and email them to ourselves. Then we can always access them via the internet where ever we are.

Not only take everything out of the car when you leave it at night, but spread a local newspaper around to make it look like it belongs to a native. I will also leave some empty cartons or soft drink cans on the front and rear floors. Dont leave any maps in the car. I have rented cars in over 20 countries and never had a problem.

Also take photos of your car from all sides when you take it and before you return it. If you receive a charge for repairs after you return home they will be the only defense you have.

I recently posted these comments on the scam site. I do think it is necessary from time to time to remind travelers that most people do not have problems. This sites lists problem after problem after problem but only those who have had problems post their stories. How do you post a story about no problems? An Interpol report several years ago suggested that about 1 in 4 Americans had theft problems. Which means that 3 in 4 do not.

We have concluded from our experience of 300+days of travel that the chances of theft is even lower IF you take some reasonable precautions. We have had three friends who were pickpocketed. In all three cases, they admitted with hindsight, that they made some stupid moves that may have set themselves up as targets. Remember pickpockets are not random. They look for easy (successful ??) targets so don't appear to be an easy target. Just a few precautions which are constantly repeated on this site will keep you from adding to the Interpol report.

thanks MUCH for all the suggestions. I have realized as I was reading these that what was freaking me out was all the cautionary warnings about pickpocketing/stealing in Spain. We have hiked around Scotland for over 20 years, and never had a problem. This was in part because we know to take reasonable precautions, and in part because it isn't such a problem there anyway. But as I kept reading about Spain (we're the "hiking in the Pyrenees" couple), everything I read was alarmist. I appreciate the reminder that as long as we are careful, it shouldn't be much of a problem. (with no guarantees in life anywhere!) We'll be mostly in rural areas - no cities - and that should also help. Thanks again for all the comments and suggestions.

Last summer I spent 43 days in northern Spain walking the Camino Frances trail, beginning in St. Jean Pied-de-Port (France) and ending 500 miles later in Santiago. Each night I stayed in a different place, usually a pilgrim hostel, unless I was taking an extra break day somewhere (like Burgos or Leon). I had nothing stolen during that time, even though there were thousands of other walkers from all over the world on the path, including many Spaniards.

Of course, I was careful with my gear, since thefts have been reported on the Camino. But I wouldn't go to Spain expecting to be mugged on every street corner. The usual travel precautions should keep your vacation safe and sound. Have fun!

All the other suggestions are terrific - I don't want to repeat. However, with our GPS we take a few large, heavy duty rubber bands when we travel anywhere. Instead of using the suction cup and attachment, we rubber band the flat GPS screen onto the vents, knobs, cup rack or whatever else gets the sattelite reception. It's worked great in a variey of rental cars.

I live in Spain and wonder why people feel it is so unsafe. As for spreading newspapers in the car to make it look like a local owns it - no idea where that comes from.

People steal things everywhere in the world. Take the usual precautions. I would never wear a money belt and just carry a handbag as I would anywhere. In crowded places be more aware. When we travel within Spain or anywhere else, we put the GPS in the glove compartment. If the car gets broken into - well that is a bigger problem which I will worry about when and if it happens. We have occasionally taken the GPS with us (in my handbag) but only to get directions while walking.

Again - many thanks to all who have responded, and for your many suggestions/advice tips. I am feeling MUCH less freaked out - and looking forward to our trip!

just returned - had a FABULOUS time, with NO problems whatsoever! Came back with everything intact, met many wonderful people - and am looking forward to returning sometime. Thanks to everyone for all their suggestions and reassurances!

I lived in Spaid and France for one year each and was suprised how cheecky thieves can be. One instance: My husband was mugged, in broad daylight, just as he stepped into the underground suway system door. This was in Barcelona. The three guys orchestrated it very well because one jumped on his back, one was in front of him not allowing him completely into the train and another was a helper. It took them about 8 seconds to do that, rifle thru his pockets and leave just before the door slammed shut. It happend so quickly no one noticed, not even me until I sat down and turned around to sit forward. He wears a money bels but it is disconcergting to be attacked like that. Actually, he was able to kick the guy in front of him in his private parts and he almost didn't make it out of the train! That is my 68 year old balding husband. They had nerve attacking an elder...oh well.
So, be the first one on, last one off....back to a surface, money belt under your pants....I like to think about safety as avoiding being attacked or mugged and once all my ways are in place, I can relax and enjoy my trip.

I lived in Spaid and France for one year each and was suprised how cheecky thieves can be. One instance: My husband was mugged, in broad daylight, just as he stepped into the underground suway system door. This was in Barcelona. The three guys orchestrated it very well because one jumped on his back, one was in front of him not allowing him completely into the train and another was a helper. It took them about 8 seconds to do that, rifle thru his pockets and leave just before the door slammed shut. It happend so quickly no one noticed, not even me until I sat down and turned around to sit forward. He wears a money bels but it is disconcergting to be attacked like that. Actually, he was able to kick the guy in front of him in his private parts and he almost didn't make it out of the train! That is my 68 year old balding husband. They had nerve attacking an elder...oh well.
So, be the first one on, last one off....back to a surface, money belt under your pants....I like to think about safety as avoiding being attacked or mugged and once all my ways are in place, I can relax and enjoy my trip.

Cathy, While traveling in Spain with my family last year there were numerous attempted pickpocket issues. None were successful. My cousin who lives in Barcelona warned us. There is not a lot of violent crime there and the police presence is pretty good. I just would not leave anything tempting. I carry a money belt and I purse across me. In that purse are just like a jacket and my camera. Those things are not as big a deal if they are stolen. I have never had any problems. I also invested in a pacsafe bag which is slashproof among other things. I have not tried it yet. Good luck and don't let your fears hinder your great time in Spain. -Kim

Ladies, on 3 Oct. Cathy wrote that she had returned from her trip and that all had gone smoothly with no problems.