Worried about scams in Barcelona? Unfortunately, there are people out there looking to make easy money and take advantage of visitors to Barcelona, so I wanted to write this article to help you avoid falling victim to Barcelona tourist scams. Even though Barcelona is generally a safe city, these are some of the typical Barcelona scams to look out for so you can be prepared!
Is Barcelona Safe?
Barcelona is generally a safe city, and I don’t want to scare you or make you paranoid! However, I do want you to be prepared so you can enjoy your time here safely and not worry about anything. Hopefully, my tips will help you avoid these common street scams in Barcelona and allow you to enjoy your visit without any unpleasant incidents!
Violent crime in Barcelona is very rare, and compared to other major European cities like Paris or Rome, Barcelona is still a very safe city.
Gun crime just doesn’t happen here, and I feel much safer in Barcelona than I would in many cities in the United States. However, pickpocketing, petty crime and tourist scams in Barcelona are annoyingly common.
Common Barcelona Scams
Pickpocketing
As I’ve mentioned, Barcelona is infamous for pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas, on public transportation, and around popular attractions.
Last time I lived in Barcelona, I got pickpocketed twice in one week which was very annoying, and both times on the metro! The first time I was drunk and didn’t realise until the next day, but the second time I knew as soon as it had happened, as it was busy and people were pushing past me to get off the train. It was very frustrating, but I wasn’t harmed.
To avoid any problems with pickpockets, don’t leave your purse, wallet or phone in a pocket and instead keep them in a theft-proof bag or in a hidden pocket inside your clothes. Keep your hand on your bag at all times on the metro and as you walk around, and be especially vigilant on the metro and in busy areas.
Aside from sneaky pickpockets, watch out for these other tricks and scams to part you with your belongings or cash!
Have You Got Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Barcelona?
Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. I never leave home without travel insurance, so consider getting insurance for your Barcelona trip to cover things like emergency medical, lost luggage, stolen items and trip cancellation, as well as adventure sports and activities if you need them
I have used SafetyWing travel medical insurance for several of my trips abroad, and while (thankfully!) I’ve never had to make a claim, I love how they make it really easy for you to buy and claim when you need to.
SafetyWing’s Essential Plan is ideal for travellers who need emergency medical coverage while abroad. You can choose fixed dates for short trips, or pay on a 28-day cycle if you’re on a long trip, so you can end your coverage easily when you head home.
You can sign up before you go or while you are travelling, there is coverage across more than 180 countries (coverage in the US is extra), and SafetyWing provide 24/7 human support and a simple claims process so you can get your money back within a few days.
If you’re looking for travel insurance or health coverage for your next adventure, SafetyWing could be a great option for you!
Distraction Techniques
Scammers and thieves often use distraction techniques like spilling something on you or dropping something on the floor to divert your attention while an accomplice steals from you. Stay alert and be cautious if someone insists on helping you in these situations.
The bird poop trick is a common one, where someone squirts mustard or some foul-smelling “bird poop” on you, and offers to help clean it up so they can take your stuff while you’re distracted. Another annoying scam I’ve heard about it someone falling on the floor and as you help them up they help themselves to your watch.
Restaurant Phone Snatch
This is an all too common Barcelona scam. NEVER leave your phone or wallet on the table while you are eating or drinking in a bar. It’s all too easy for someone to pick it up when you’re not looking. Scammers and thieves can distract you by waving a piece of paper or something for you to look at while grabbing your phone at the same time. Then they’re gone just as quickly – along with your phone.
Bag Snatching
One of the biggest tourist mistakes I see all the time is people underestimating the risk of pickpockets and bag snatchers in Barcelona. Opportunistic thieves and scammers are on the lookout for easy targets, so don’t make it easy for them!
Do not leave your bags unattended at any time, whether that is on the beach, on the metro, at the airport, in a cafe or anywhere else. And when I say unattended, I mean not attached to you!
Don’t leave your bag on the beach while you go swimming. Once, I was sitting at the beach with a friend and spotted someone crawling behind us in an attempt to grab my bag, which was right next to me!
A friend of a friend had their backpack snatched at the train station when they left it on the floor next to them but turned away for a moment, and it was gone.
To help keep your belongings safe, never leave a bag on the back of a chair in a restaurant, or even on the floor by your without first looping it around a chair or table leg. I’ve heard of theives sneaking under a table to grab bags, or casually looping the strap around their foot to subtly drag it towards them.
I usually leave my bag on my lap to stop anyone from snatching it away and always have a hand on it.
Happy Dancers
Typically, this happens in the evening when you have had a few drinks and you might be approached by happy people wanting to dance with you. It’s is all fun and laughs until you realise your wallet has disappeared! Drunk people are easy targets, so enjoy yourself, but still be aware of what’s going on around you.
Airport Car Hire Scam
When you collect your rental car from the airport car park, be aware of anyone approaching you or the car to tell you there is a flat tyre or a scratch on the vehicle. As you inspect the damage/flat tyre, or head back to the desk to report it, they will empty the car of your belongings.
Do not leave anything unattended in the car – even if it is locked – as professionals can get in and out undetected. This is a particular problem for solo travellers as thieves target people who are alone, and it happened to a friend of mine at Barcelona airport, so don’t let it happen to you!
The Distressed Tourist
Most people are good and kind and want to help others when they are in distress, but sadly scammers will use this to their advantage. A typical Barcelona scam is someone, usually well-dressed and polite, who has lost their phone or wallet and needs help to call someone or buy something to help them get home.
While it is hard to turn down someone asking for help, don’t fall for the scam. If you are concerned, just recommend they go to the police station or ask for help at a nearby hotel or restaurant and walk away.
Fake Accommodation Listings
When booking accommodation online, make sure you use reputable websites and read the reviews carefully. Scammers can create fake accommodation listings that appear real, and use cheap rates to entice people to book, only to find the place doesn’t exist.
I never book accommodation that doesn’t have several good reviews and I am careful to follow the official payment methods through the website – never clicking on links in emails or messages.
I recently had a message from Booking.com about a reservation I had made, requesting me to click on a link and update my credit card details – even if it looks official, log into your account and make the changes there, never click on links that may be suspicious!
I later found out that I wasn’t the only one this had happened to, whether it was hackers or a dodgy employee somewhere, I don’t know, but always go back to the official website to make any changes to your booking or personal details.
Undercover Police Officers
Be cautious of people posing as police officers who may ask to see your identification or request a fine for a supposed offence. While police are entitled to ask you for ID, do not hand over your documents or any money to anyone unless they show you official ID themselves. If in doubt, go to the nearest police station.
Street Performer or Seller Scams
Some street performers might approach you for a photo, and then demand payment. The same goes for people offering flowers, balloons, bird food, or anything that they thrust into your hand. If you do want to interact with them, be clear about any expectations and costs before taking part!
This is a particular problem on La Rambla and in front of the Gothic Cathedral, where people with white face paint and heart-shaped balloons try to tempt children or any unsuspecting visitor with balloons and then demand money for taking photos of them.
A friend of mine experienced this and told me the woman demanded €10 from her just for taking a couple of photos! I have also heard that they work with local pickpockets who strike while you are distracted but I don’t know if that is true!
It’s a similar story with the men feeding the cute green parakeets in Ciutadella Park and near the Arc de Triomf on Passeig de Lluis Companys. Aside from probably being unhealthy for the birds, they will offer sunflower seeds to you so you can get photos with the birds, and then demand cash – far more than what the bag of seeds would cost!
This can be an unpleasant experience, if you weren’t expecting it, and is especially difficult to explain to kids who just want a balloon, so make sure they know not to take anything from strangers.
ATM Scams
Be cautious when using ATMs, especially those in less crowded areas in case anyone is lurking nearby. Skimming devices and hidden cameras can be used to steal your card information and PIN. Stick to official ATMs in well-lit and busy areas, preferably inside or outside reputable banks, and always cover the keypad as you are typing in your PIN.
Cash Scams
It’s less of an issue these days as most transactions are cashless, but if you are using cash then make sure you check what notes you are handing over and count the change carefully. Fake coins or giving change in the wrong currency is not uncommon anywhere and can happen in Barcelona.
Restaurant Scams
Some restaurants may overcharge or add items to your bill that you didn’t order. Always check your bill carefully, and if you notice any discrepancies, address them with the staff.
It’s not a scam exactly but do be aware of supplements for dining on the terrace area (usually 10%) and discretionary service charges that may be added to your bill.
I also don’t like it when I can’t see the amount I’m paying when I’m asked to wave my card, or when staff automatically select pay in GBP without asking (usually it is cheaper to pay in the local currency, i.e. Euros, especially with a travel card like Wise).
You just need to keep an eye on these things, and if I’m unsure I always ask for a copy of the receipt so I can check it before I leave.
Barcelona Taxi Scams
Always use official yellow and black taxis which all have meters. It’s not common but some unscrupulous drivers may try to overcharge tourists, especially if they sense you’re unfamiliar with the usual rates, and should that happen you can report them.
Uber is in Barcelona now and can be a good way to guarantee prices before you get in, especially for long drives like from the airport, although I prefer to use the FreeNow app to order a taxi as I’ve found it to be more reliable.
You can get 50% (up to 6,00 €) off your 1st Freenow trip when you use my referral code: 5g66isxps ➡️ download the app here
Fake Tickets or Tours
Be cautious about buying tickets for attractions or guided tours from street vendors, or from people in Facebook groups. Stick to reputable ticket offices or book in advance through official channels to avoid counterfeit tickets or scams.
Counterfeit Goods
Be aware that when you buy branded goods from unofficial stores they may well be counterfeit. Street markets and street sellers typically sell knock-offs for cheap, so if that’s what you’re looking for then no problem, but if you want the real deal then stick to reputable stores to make sure they are authentic.
It is actually illegal to buy items from the guys selling handbags or football shirts on the streets, although I’ve never seen anyone get fined – usually the people selling are quick to take their stuff and leave at the first sign of police.
Fake Charity Requests / Petitions
Be sceptical of people claiming to represent charities and asking for donations on the street. Similarly, scammers may approach you with a petition or survey which seems harmless, but then ask for a donation, or pickpocket you while you are distracted.
If you want to contribute something, consider donating through established organizations online like Esperanca rather than giving money directly to individuals. I usually avoid any kind of approaches like this and walk away immediately.
What to do if you are Scammed in Barcelona
If you are one of the unlucky ones who does fall foul of Barcelona pickpockets or are a victim of any other scam or crime in Barcelona, the next step is to act quickly.
If you are a victim or witness of an offence, notify the police immediately at the emergency telephone number 112 or in person at the nearest police station or to a uniformed police officer on the street. To get a police report you will need to go to the police station. Remember to keep the police report for insurance purposes if you have had anything stolen.
The emergency number in Spain is 112.
Go to a Police Station in Barcelona
There are several police stations in Barcelona where you can report a crime, the most common ones for tourists are:
- Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 76-80 in El Raval (view on Google Maps)
- Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 32 in Barceloneta (view on Google Maps)
- Barcelona airport in Terminal 1
- And one in Plaça Catalunya metro station if you are robbed on the metro.
- There is also a Guàrdia Urbana office on La Rambla, 43 which has a tourist police department (view on Google Maps)
This website shows the location of other police stations you can use.
While in Spain, you can also call a dedicated English-speaking police line on 062 from a local number or from a foreign mobile on +34 90 210 2112 from 9am – 9pm 7 days a week.
Cancel Your Cards
Cancel your credit cards and phone immediately before the thief has the chance to run up any bills.
If you still have your phone, many credit and bank cards can be cancelled straight away on the banking app. Otherwise, borrow a friend’s phone, or use a payphone or the phone at your accommodation to call your card company. If you are alone, you will be able to call from the police station.
Report the theft as soon as you can – to the metro attendants if you’re underground, or to the nearest policeman and they will tell you what to do. You will have to go to the police station to get a crime number to be able to claim on your insurance, which unfortunately takes valuable sightseeing time out of your day in Barcelona.
The most important thing to remember is to not let it ruin your holiday.
As long as you are safe, remember that possessions are just objects; phones can be replaced, money can be claimed on insurance, and the rest of Barcelona is still waiting for you to enjoy!
Barcelona Safety Tips
Simply by being aware of these common Barcelona scams you can hopefully prevent them, and protect yourself with some simple measures.
Follow Your Gut
If it feels like someone is trying to scam you, they probably are. I’m not saying there are no good Samaritans in Barcelona, but use your judgement and don’t be afraid to walk away from something that doesn’t feel right.
Leave Valuables at Home
If you don’t need it, don’t bring it with you. Avoid flashy jewellery and watches, wads of cash and expensive tech equipment that isn’t absolutely essential.
Use a Theft-Proof Bag
Choosing the right bag can help to prevent pickpocketing. A bag with a zip is much better than an open tote-style bag, and make sure that the zip is facing forward to stop people sneaking their hand in behind. Keep your hand on the bag as much as you can, and on the front of your body instead of behind.
If you have a backpack, keep it on your front, or invest in a theft-proof backpack so no-one can open it up without you realising.
There are various styles of anti-theft backpacks to choose from. Muted colours are more common in Barcelona, so you’ll blend in with the locals instead of sticking out like a blatant tourist. These are a few of my favourites:
And Hidden Pocket Clothing
I have an infinity scarf with a hidden pocket that I wore the last time I flew into Barcelona, and it was a huge weight off my mind knowing that my passport was safely stashed in the pocket, out of sight and out of reach.
I’m not a big fan of money belts but they can be useful, although an actual belt with a hidden pocket seems like a better idea if you’re only trying to conceal some cash and not larger items like a passport or credit cards.
Unfortunately, most of the theft-proof items aren’t the most fashionable (although I love the scarves!), but it could be worth sacrificing your style for a few days to avoid being robbed in Barcelona!
Get a Phone Case with a Long Strap
Keep your phone attached to you to reduce the risk of it being snatched. I have a similar phone case to this one, with a long strap and a built-in wallet to fit a couple of cards – I never leave home without it!
If you go to the beach, I’d also recommend a waterproof phone pouch so you can keep your phone with you at all times. Don’t leave anything valuable unattended at the beach.
Spread Your Money and Cards Around
Don’t keep all of your valuables in one place. Hiding small amounts of cash in different places, including hidden pockets is a great way to make sure that if you do get pickpocketed, they’ll only get a small amount.
I hope this article has helped you prepare for any potential scams in Barcelona! If you have any other questions or concerns about your trip, head over to our Facebook group to ask for advice. Additionally, The police in Barcelona have more tips on their website for staying safe in Barcelona, and this post on my other website has more advice on how to hide money while travelling.