Pickpocketing in Spain

Traveling to another country can be very exciting but also scary. The last thing you want is to get to your hotel or Airbnb after a long day of exploring and realize that your wallet has been stolen. Let’s talk about safety in Spain and how to avoid pickpockets. Check out the Spain guides to obtain important telephone numbers in case of emergency.

Ways to Avoid Pickpocketing

I have good news for you! Spain is a very safe place to live. In fact, Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world. However, even though Spain is a very safe country, there are some aspects to keep in mind such as pickpocketing. There are a couple ways to avoid pickpocketing:

1. In areas with a lot of people like soccer stadiums, concerts, or the subway, position your backpack or purse in the front, not on your back.
2. When you go to a restaurant and are seated outside, do not hang your purse from your chair. Put your bag in your lap while seated. Also, do not leave your phone or wallet on the table when eating. Put it in your bag or in your front pockets.
3. Use a cross body bag or a belt bag. These types of bags are very comfortable and practical and will keep your belongings safe from pickpockets.
4. Look confident. If you are not confident when walking around the city, people will recognize you as a tourist. Fake it ‘til you make it!
5.  Be discreet. There is no need to take your wallet out or your expensive camera when you are not using it. Flashing expensive items will make you a prime target.
6. Keep your items nearby when going to the beach. Never leave your belongings unattended. If you are going to the beach alone, make sure you find a place where you are close to different groups of people. If you want to get in the water, you can ask one of the groups to keep an eye on your belongings while you quickly go in the water.
   I recommend you bring a Ziplock bag and put your wallet and phone inside. Then place the bag underneath your towel. You can even make a hole in the sand, put the Ziplock bag inside, then cover the hole with sand and cover it with the beach towel. It may seem excessive but better safe than sorry!

My recommendation is that you stay alert when you go to crowded places and use common sense. It is way harder for a pickpocket to steal your wallet or your phone if it is not easily accessible. Be aware of your surroundings and if something feels off, trust your gut, and ask for help!