Watch Your Wallet! How to Avoid Being Pickpocketed in Spain

Kristin Espinar

Are you planning a trip to Spain and worried about pickpockets? Learn how to protect yourself with anti-theft bags, secure your valuables, and stay aware of common scams. Discover the top theft-proof travel gear to keep your belongings safe and enjoy a worry-free vacation and learn the best tips for how to avoid pickpockets in Spain.

The pickpocket stole the wallet of a female tourist.

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Understand Pickpocketing in Spain

Pickpocketing is a common issue for tourists visiting popular destinations in Spain like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. Petty theft and pickpocketing networks target crowded areas where tourists tend to gather, such as museums, metro stations, beaches, festivals, nightclubs, and restaurants.

Skilled pickpockets may use techniques like the “bump and grab,” where they bump into you and quickly steal your wallet or phone. Other tactics include the “mustard trick,” where they squirt mustard or another substance on your clothes as a distraction before picking your pocket. Some thieves work in teams, surrounding victims or blocking their view as an accomplice steals their valuables.

You’re most vulnerable to pickpockets when you’re distracted, not paying attention, or displaying visible valuables like cameras or jewelry. Be extra vigilant in crowded tourist sites, public transportation, markets, and areas with lots of foot traffic. Keep valuables secured and be alert when people approach or touch you in crowded spaces. Trust your instincts – if someone’s behavior seems suspicious, create distance. For this reason, it’s important to know how to avoid pickpockets in Spain.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

One of the best ways to avoid pickpockets is to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Pay close attention to who is around you, especially in crowded areas like public transportation, tourist sites, markets, and festivals where pickpockets tend to target victims.

Notice if anyone seems to be lurking nearby or deliberately watching you. Pickpockets often work in teams, with one person distracting the victim while another does the actual stealing. Be wary of people who seem to be getting unnecessarily close to you or asking you strange questions, as they may be trying to divert your attention. Keep your eyes open for any suspicious behavior like someone glancing around furtively or reaching near bags or pockets. The more tuned in you are to your surroundings, the less likely you’ll be caught off guard.

Secure Your Valuables

Spain is known for skilled pickpockets who target tourists carrying valuables like cash, credit cards, passports and phones. To avoid becoming a victim, take steps to secure your valuables in less accessible areas. This is easily the most important part of knowing how to avoid pickpockets in Spain.

Use interior pockets that are harder to access, like those inside jackets or deep in bags. Avoid exterior pockets which are easiest for thieves to dip into. Consider concealed storage pouches that can be worn under your clothes to hide cash, cards or passports on your person. A hidden money belt or neck pouch keeps valuables close but out of sight.

Leave non-essential valuables like spare credit cards or jewelry secured in your hotel room safe. Only carry minimal cash and the absolute essentials when out and about. The less you have on you, the less enticing of a target you are for pickpockets. Having photocopies of your passport and other ID on you, while keeping the originals secured, can also help if your documentation were to get stolen. By securing valuables cleverly, you reduce the opportunity for thieves.

Carry Minimal Cash

Carrying large amounts of cash can make you an attractive target for pickpockets in Spain. It’s best to rely primarily on credit/debit cards during your visit. Leave any extra cash and spare cards secured in your hotel room safe.

Only carry the minimal amount of cash that you expect to need for the day. Avoid flashing large wads of euros that signal you are a wealthy tourist.

If you want a cash backup, split your funds and keep the money distributed in different locations on your person. For example, keep your main spending money in your front pocket but stash a small emergency fund in your shoe or concealed money belt. That way, if your pocket gets picked, you have reserves available elsewhere.

Having multiple small caches of cash helps minimize your losses in case of theft. Just be sure to keep the locations concealed and not all in one spot like a purse or backpack. The key is to only access the cash you immediately need so you don’t reveal all of your hiding places.

Don’t Display Wealth

Pickpockets look for easy targets, so avoid openly displaying valuables that may attract thieves. This includes wearing flashy jewelry like expensive watches or diamond rings. Keep these stored safely in your bag or hotel room safe when not needed. Similarly, don’t wave around large amounts of cash, especially when paying at restaurants or bars. Only take out what you need.

When accessing valuables like your wallet or phone, be discreet. Don’t pull out your wallet to check the contents at a crowded tourist site. Try to be subtle when checking phones or taking out cash. The less you flaunt wealth, the less likely you are to be targeted. Pickpockets prey on distracted tourists who openly advertise what they have. Keep valuables secure and out of sight for peace of mind.

Stay Alert in Crowds

Pickpockets often target crowded areas like public transportation, tourist sites, markets, and festivals where they can more easily blend in and take advantage of distracted tourists. It’s important to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when navigating busy areas in Spain. If you are considering how to avoid pickpockets in Spain, you need to make being safe in crowds a priority.

Keep your hands on your bags and valuables at all times. Be wary of any distractions or people pressing up against you unnecessarily in a crowd, as this can be a pickpocketing tactic. Avoid crowded buses, metros, or trains when possible, as these tight spaces make it easy for thieves to slip hands into pockets and bags. If you must take public transportation, face your backpack away from others and keep valuables in your front pocket.

Stay focused on your surroundings and avoid being buried in your phone or maps when in dense crowds. Be aware if someone is watching you closely or trying to divert your attention. Also be cautious of people who try to separate you from your group or “accidentally” spill something on you as methods of distraction. Trust your instincts if a situation feels suspicious or unsafe.

Consider Anti-Theft Gear

Pickpockets often target tourists who may be less cautious with their belongings. Investing in some anti-theft gear can provide an extra layer of security for your valuables while traveling in Spain. These are some of the best products I can recommend for how to avoid pickpockets in Spain.

RFID Blocking Wallets and Passport Holders

RFID (radio frequency identification) blocking wallets and passport holders prevent thieves from scanning and stealing your personal information stored on RFID chips in credit cards, passports, and other identity documents. The material in these items blocks radio waves and keeps your data safe. Look for wallets and passport holders made of aluminum, stainless steel, or materials that specifically advertise RFID blocking capabilities. Try this HERO Neck Wallet – RFID Blocking Passport Holder – Easy to Conceal Travel Pouch on Amazon.

Slash-Proof Bags and Straps

A common pickpocketing tactic involves slashing bags or straps with a sharp razor to get quick access to the contents inside. Using a bag with slash-resistant material provides effective protection. Look for bags made with wire mesh, cut-proof Kevlar fabric, or reinforced straps. Some backpacks also come with steel cables built into the straps and locking capabilities. Try this Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bag, Black, One Size from Amazon. The Lululemon Belt Bag is another great option. Read more about it here: Safe and Stylish: Uncover the Magic of the Lululemon Belt Bag

Pickpocket-Proof Clothing

Specialized clothing is available with hidden interior pockets, compartments, and zippers that make it very difficult for pickpockets to access your belongings. These items include pickpocket-proof pants, undershirts, scarves, and jackets. The pockets are discreetly built into areas like the waistband, seams, or linings. While more expensive, this clothing provides extra peace of mind for securing cash, phones, passports, and other important items on your body. Try the Clever Companion Store on Amazon for some great products.

Stay Vigilant at Tourist Sites

Popular tourist sites like La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Prado Museum in Madrid often attract pickpockets looking to target distracted tourists. Thieves may employ scams or create distractions to catch you off guard. For example, someone may try to engage you in conversation or ask you to sign a petition while their accomplice picks your pocket. Others may pretend to “accidentally” spill something on you or drop something, using the confusion to steal your wallet or phone. This has happened to me frequently and I learned how to avoid pickpockets in Spain with this scam by holding my bag tightly in front of me at all times.

You may also want to check out this packing list: The Ultimate Europe Packing List: Pack Like a Pro

It’s best to be wary of strangers who approach you or offer unsolicited help at crowded sites. Decline petitions, ignore conversations, and don’t allow yourself to be distracted. Politely refuse any food or drink offered to you. Keep your distance from people near ticket machines or lines. Carry your own bags rather than allowing a stranger to help. By staying alert and not engaging, you reduce the risk of falling victim to pickpocket tricks.

Keep Photocopies Separate

One tactic to protect against pickpocketing is to keep photocopies of your passport, credit cards, and other important documents separate from the originals. When traveling, leave a photocopy of your passport at the hotel front desk in case it gets stolen or lost. Only carry the original when you need it.

Photocopies of your ID cards, driver’s license, and credit cards should also be kept in a different bag or pocket than the originals. If your wallet gets stolen, you’ll still have the photocopies to cancel cards and get replacements issued. Some travelers leave one photocopy in their hotel room as an extra backup.

The idea is that if a pickpocket grabs your wallet, they may discard photocopies once realizing they’re not originals. You’ll still have your actual passport, IDs and credit cards stored securely elsewhere on your person or locked up. Keeping photocopies separate minimizes how much can be stolen at once.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, don’t ignore that feeling. Your intuition is there for a reason. If someone seems to be hovering too close or paying too much attention to your belongings, don’t hesitate to casually move away or leave the area. It’s better to err on the side of caution than risk becoming a victim.

Similarly, if you witness any suspicious activity, report it to the authorities right away. Whether you see someone actively pickpocketing or notice shady characters lurking around tourist sites, alert the police. By speaking up, you could prevent others from being targeted and help authorities apprehend criminals.

Trust your gut instinct. If a situation seems questionable, remove yourself from it. Don’t worry about potentially offending someone or overreacting. Your safety and security should be the top priority.

FAQs: Pickpocketing in Spain

1. Does Spain have a pickpocket problem?

While Spain is generally safe for tourists, pickpocketing can be a concern in popular tourist destinations, especially in crowded areas such as transportation hubs, markets, and tourist attractions. However, with awareness and precautions, visitors can minimize the risk of falling victim to pickpockets. Use the tips above to learn how to avoid pickpockets in Spain.

2. How to carry your wallet in Spain?

To minimize the risk of pickpocketing, consider carrying your wallet in a secure manner. One effective method is to use a money belt worn under your clothing, which keeps your valuables hidden and close to your body. Alternatively, you can use a wallet with a chain or strap that attaches to your belt loops, making it more difficult for thieves to snatch it.

3. Do zipper pockets stop pickpockets?

Zipper pockets can be a helpful deterrent against pickpockets, as they provide an additional barrier that thieves must overcome to access your belongings. However, it’s essential to remain vigilant and not solely rely on zipper pockets for protection. Thieves may still attempt to pickpocket items from zipper pockets if they are left unattended or if the zipper is not fully secured.

4. How do I make sure I don’t get pickpocketed?

To reduce the risk of pickpocketing while in Spain, follow these tips:

Keep your belongings secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas.
Use a crossbody bag or backpack with secure closures, such as zippers or clasps.
Avoid displaying valuables such as jewelry, smartphones, and cameras in public.
Be cautious of strangers who approach you, especially in busy tourist areas.
Keep your wallet or purse close to your body and in front of you, rather than in back pockets or bags.
Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if something feels off.
Consider using a decoy wallet with minimal cash to hand over if approached by a thief.
If you are in a group, watch out for each other and keep an eye on each other’s belongings.

By taking these precautions and staying vigilant, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while traveling in Spain.

Packing Tips and Travel Tools

Dive into a variety of travel essentials and tips to enhance your next adventure. From safeguarding your phone with innovative waterproof pouches to selecting the most comfortable walking shoes for European streets, each article is designed to address specific travel needs and preferences. Whether you're planning a family trip to Europe, seeking stylish yet practical accessories like the Lululemon belt bag, or aiming to perfect your packing list, these guides will prepare you for a seamless and enjoyable journey.

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