Spain

Stay Safe in Spain

According to different statistics and analysis, Spain has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. Crime indexes show locals and tourists alike are confident enough that they are not going to be physically attacked because of their race, ethnic origin, or color when in Spain. It goes the same with violent crimes and assaults.

Although Spain is generally a safe country to visit, taking safety precautions wouldn't hurt. And unfortunately, petty theft is common. Here's a list of some helpful tips and ideas for a safe travel experience in Spain.

  • Pack light. If you are thinking of bringing a lot of stuff on your Spanish expedition, especially if it is just for a short or temporary stay, think again. Walking the streets of Spain looking exactly like a newcomer while struggling with huge suitcases might bring you unwanted attention. Packing light is the first tip to consider. By doing so, you can increase your mobility and lessen the risks of attracting thieves (plus cheaper baggage fees!).
  • Pack smart. Aside from packing light, make sure to also pack smart. Handbags are usually considered a thief magnet in Spain. Imagine how thrilled they could get thinking about your personal belongings stuffed in one place. Instead of strolling the streets of Madrid or Barcelona in a handbag, use a body bag or a fanny pack. Bags like these allow you to carry your valuables close to your body. Bring a money belt too so that you can place your cards and money in a separate place or wear a piece of clothing with a hidden pocket. Don’t forget to secure your hotel room.
  • Be extra careful when dining out. For you to enjoy your Spanish meal when eating out, place your bag on your lap. You can also put your bag somewhere you can keep an eye on or coil the bag strap on your leg so you can get prompted when somebody else tries to steal it. 
  • Join the crowd. Madrid and Barcelona are not just well-loved by tourists but pickpockets too. If you find yourself roaming around big and busy cities like these, make sure you walk in and with the crowd to avoid getting preyed on by these types of people.
  • Use ATMs in banks. When needing to withdraw cash, avoid going to the ATMs near the sidewalks. There are kid thieves too, and most of their targets are people withdrawing cash in ATMs in that location because they can just easily grab the money as it goes out of the machine. Take note that they work in groups just like most adult pickpockets in Spain.
  • Trust your instincts. While judging people without enough bases is not the right thing to do; being wary of your environment - as a newcomer - can help you distinguish future dangers. There's no harm in trusting and or acknowledging that little gut instinct that shows up in particular situations like a stranger uncomfortably looking at you, or a group of people suddenly trying to crowd around you. If you feel uneasy, do not just disregard it because it might be telling you something. The best thing to do is to keep your composure as you remove yourself from the situation. Always remember Europe's emergency hotline (112) which can also be reached through fax or SMS and Spain’s safety department for tourists or foreigners. Go to the nearest police station in your area to report a crime or any disputes or call 092 for the local town police department.

Be able to familiarize yourself with some of the emergency terms in Spain so in case a problem arises, you could communicate easily.

 

Help! Emergency!

¡Ayuda! ¡Emergencia!

ah-yoo-dah  eh-mehr-hehn-thyah

Accident

accidente

ahk-thee-dehn-teh

Doctor

médico

meh-dee-koh

Pharmacy

farmacia

fahr-mah-thyah

I would like to report a crime. 

Yo quiero denunciar un crimen.

Yo-kee-air-oh de-noon-thyahr oon kree-mehn

My house is on fire.

Mi casa está en llamas.

mee kah-sah ehs-tah ehn yah-mahs

My address is at/I live at

Mi dirección es/

Vivo en

mee dee-rehk-thyohn ehs/bee-boh en

 

Also, save yourself a copy of the Spanish helplines below.

 

Ambulance

062 

Fire department

080

Municipal police

092

National Spanish Police

091

Red Cross Helpline

900 100 333 

 

To get a complete guide and travel advisory, visit the website of your country’s embassy and consulate within Spain.