allison_SF

Hi all.

I will be traveling to Barcelona alone in April for a week.

I have read about the horrors of the city being the pick-pocket capital of the world. Having had near misses in France and Italy, I am not knew to this.

Would love to hear back from women who have traveled to Barcelona or similar cities solo. Besides the common sense tips, of not being out late, not carrying a purse, dressing like locals etc, I wondered if you had advice to enjoy the city.

I can run, have taken some karate and have lived in NYC...

Many thanks for reading.

Allison

tenaya

You sound just what those muggers need! I was mugged and robbed in Seville with an almost repeat performance in Puerto Santa Maria (near Cadiz). When I told this to friends living there expecting sympathy they looked blank --- i.e. "So what". One told me I was lucky I didn't wear ear-rings as standard question (by muggers) was "With or without pain?"
Seville was "my own fault" - although tired I went for a stroll toward end of siesta - already dark (winter) - easy meat.
Second time a thug on a motor bike came on to the sidewalk as I got off the bus (middle of the day). I have never had karate lessons nor lived in New York but he left the sidewalk in a great hurry. I kicked him as I went for my handbag appearing as though I went for a gun (good tip).
I wish you an enjoyable trip of course - but I'd love to see you in action!!!

dutyfree

I am a flight attendant who goes overseas everyweek for work. I was just in Barcelona last week and have to admit that Las Ramblas area is starting to gear up in full force for the spring breakers as opposed to last month when I was there.

The advice that I would pass on to you is to not take anything you wouldn't want to lose;wear a money belt under your shirt for big bills or credit card and be aware of your surroundings along with the people who pass you on the street and you will be fine.

The pickpockets sense who is an easy mark and are always watching.Women seem to put their defenses down in restaurants and leave their purses under the table or on the back of their chairs.
If you are on public transportation be aware of your "body space" and who is near you.
Don't fall for the spilling of something on your clothes or someone distracting you with questions that you cannot answer,etc.
If you have lived in NYC or any big city you will be fine.Just have your antenna up when you are out and about.Have fun-I left some tapas and red wine for you to enjoy!!

gwan

I haven't been to Barcelona, but I've spent about 3 1/2 years living & travelling in Europe (mostly alone for the travelling part) & I think common sense is generally all you need. I'm sure someone will correct me with more local knowledge of Barcelona, but I imagine it will be pretty much the same as Italy, petty theft-wise. The State Department has info on general scams and situations to avoid http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1024.html

allison_SF

Muchos gracias ladies! I appreciate the pointers!

cruiseluv

In Barcelona I try not to use a purse. I wear pants that have front pockets, usually closed with a zipper or button. I just carry one credit card, some euros and an ID, in case I'm asked for it when I use the CC. Dont stand in corners/ middle of the sidewalk looking at a map. Walk like you know where you're going. And I don't carry a camera.

allison_SF

Thanks. It will be quite hard to not carry a camera...I have one on my cell phone, but I'm worried about even carrying that.

Do you know if it is possible to purchase a T10 card from the airport with a credit card?

BigRuss

Check this out:

http://kovakspi.com/phpbb/viewforum....0ac6fe0ba299c0

wug

I was just in Barcelona a few weeks ago. I spent a lot of time walking around on my own. I travel a lot and didn't feel it was any worse than any other large city. It sounds like you know what to do. Be aware, walk with a purpose and don't look like a target. That's all a part of your karate training anyway, so you'll be fine. (BTW, I've trained in karate for many years. I love hearing about others who have been involved in a martial art.)

isabel

Barcelona statistically has somewhat more pickpocket incidents than other cities, and of course you should be careful, but that doesn't mean you will be a victim every time you turn around. I've been to Barcelona twice in recent years and it feels just like any other European city - and by that I mean at least as safe as any US city.

Number One thing to do though is wear a money belt - under the clothing. They come in waist and neck styles (and some others). In it go your passport, credit cards, ATM cards and cash. In your pocket or purse go just enough money for the day and one credit card if you plan to use one for things other than the hotel. If I'm going to use an ATM I make sure I go back to the hotel or someplace private (like a rest room) and put the withdrawal and the card back in the money belt as soon as reasonably possible. Never access it in public. Then, if you should be pick-pocked your trip won't be ruined, all they'll get is a little cash and maybe one credit card (I always travel with two).

But besides that, common sense is your best bet. If a street looks deserted and sketchy, take a different route. Hold onto your bag in the metro or crowded places. Don't be out very late at night. Be cautious, but don't be scared.

allison_SF

thank you both for replying and for the encouragement!

wug: about the karate--me too! cheers.

isabel: my jacket has an inside pocket. i will be sure not to take the jacket off. thanks for the detailed advice.

alihutch

I've been to Barcelona a few times. Always carry a wee rucksack tucked under my arm with my wallet and camera and long lens in and keeps my wits about me. in a restaurant or bar I keep my bag between myfeet, just like I do at home. Never wear a moneybelt. (well I did once in Turkey, and that was the only time I lost anything) Never seen anyone pick pocketed in Barcelona.
Er...never done karate either!

Please don't be scared, just keep your wits about you.

oopsy

I haven't yet, but I will be on my own in Barcelona for a bit this year. I'm not too worried. I'll be attentive to my surroundings, use a messenger style bag when I have a bag and hold it in front of me, leave my passport and extra credit card in the safe, walk with purpose, trust my instincts, use ATMs inside banks... While there is a lot of pickpocket crime in Barcelona, I don't believe there are many muggings (which I see as quite different than pickpocketing). I remember last year hating having my bag in my lap at restaurants, bars, and cafes.

And yes, you can use cash to purchase a T-10 card. I think we only used our credit card twice in 9 days in Barcelona last year.

karens

I spent 3 days wandering around Barcelona by myself during the day (was with my husband on a business trip, and I joined the group for dinners and at night). I was also concerned about the pickpocket issue, but I truly had no problem.

I wore a money belt, and an over the shoulder, small handbag that was just big enough for my phone, money, and a small water bottle. (I used my phone as my camera). I've been around NYC and some not-so-nice parts of Philly by myself, and my radar never went off in Barcelona - nor was I involved in any uncomfortable situations.

I hope you have a great time!

lincasanova

There are an average of 222 robberies and 53 arrests every single day in Barcelona. (Official statistic posted in El Pais newspaper.)

So.. comparing to NYC.. Barcelona has 81,030 robberies/yr and NYC the following in one write-up I found in the NYTimes:


..."Still, violent crime this year is rising across several categories, even though the overall crime rate in the city’s 76 police precincts is showing a decrease of 2.3 percent. Rapes have increased to 324 as of April 4, from 277 in the same period a year ago; robberies are flat, at 4,477 each year; felony assaults have risen to 3,836 from 3,707..."

so even combining NYC felony assaults and robberies, which I assume include homes being robbed, Barcelona has 10 times more of that type of aggression.


Please correct or help me find different statistics if possible.

So Barcelona is "not just like any big city". An additional bit of caution and "streetwiseness" MUST be exercised.. and you should be fine.

I have happily visited Barcelona for 40 years and never been robbed, but my friends who live there have on more than one occasion.. and they aren't carrying a camera.

oopsy

Lincasanova, in the states robbery means the taking of possessions by force or intimidation. Your standard slight of hand pickpocketing, lifting of purse off restaurant chair, etc., would not be included in that stat. Pickpocketing here is not considered a violent crime and hence is not included in the stats you quoted. That said, I have no idea what the pickpocketing stats for NYC are.

oopsy

Note: I also don't know how robbery is defined in Barcelona, so I don't know if pickpocketing is included in the Barcelona stat you cited either. So I don't know if we're comparing apples to apples or apples to oranges.

lincasanova

P. S. These precautions should be taken everywhere., not just Barcelona, don't get me wrong.

At this point I would equate these professional thieves like a pack of starved lions.. you are the prey. The clever, nimble ones get away, but the weak or unsuspecting are quickly taken down.

nytraveler

I have never been to Barcelona alone - and do understand that in certain areas there are esp high incidencs of perry crime such as pickpcketing.

However, I have traveled in many parts of europe - mostly large and medium size cities by myself many times - usually before or after a business meeting. I have never had any problems anywhere with pickpockets, muggers or any type of scammers. And I usually just carry my regular purse (a large zippered shoulder bag). Naturally I follow the usual rules of always watching/holding on to my belongings - and if returning to the hotel late at night (after midnight I usually take a cab) but have taken subway, tube or metro with no problems.

Caveat: I'm a native New Yorker and have noticed that may tourists don;t take precautions that to me are automatic - and have been since I was a child.

For Barcelona I would not visit the Ramblas alone at night - given the high crime rate in that area.

nytraveler

Sorry - that should be "petty" crime. And agree that the NYC statistics given above are for robberies and burglaries - which is nothing like pickpocketing (don;t know where you wold get those stats - assume most of the time it isn;t even reported).