Having been to Italy three times and seeing NO evidence of crime, I'm concerned about our upcoming trip to Seville, Granada and Madrid.
1. Is it safe to have a copy of our passport with us and the original in the hotel?
2. Is a neck or waist money belt sufficient?
3. Is a day pack not suggested?
4. What is the safest way to carry our camera?
Thanks all~

From my experience in both Spain and Italy, it's no different. I've never carried or wore a money belt or day pack, and usually kept my camera in my handbag. When I carried a larger SLR, I'd either just hang it around my neck, or carry a camera bag and put my other necessities in there instead of carrying a handbag. As far as a passport, I usually keep it locked up in the hotel, and carry my drivers license in the event that picture ID is needed. I always have the intention to make copies of my passport and carry them, but never remember.

There is another thread on Fodor's that you might want to read, but I would wear some type of money belt.

"Spain - safety and pickpocketing" - a query Posted by: huntley on Feb 24, 10 at 8:06pm
Posted in: Europe

Tagged: Spain

My attitude is pretty similar to MFNYC I never wear a money belt anywhere

We just got back from 10 days in Spain (Madrid, Sevilla, Granada, Segovia). I had read about the pickpocketing, etc. and told my husband that it sounded worse than Italy. Now considering that Italy is our favorite country and we really do feel safe, even with 2 pickpocket attempts, I wasn't exactly worried but did wonder. At the end of our trip my husband said "gee I'm almost disappointed that we didn't see/experience any of the stuff we were prepared for". Probably one reason is that we were there in March and it was COLD, not top tourist season. If you are used to Italy and know the different things to be aware of (i.e. crowded public transport) I think you'll be fine in Spain.

As for carrying stuff - neither of us use a money belt. I carry the passports in my purse. My wallet is a zippered type that is attached to my purse so it can't just be taken without taking the entire thing. We both carry cameras - again, mine is in my purse and my husband carries his in a pocket. My friend who has a large, expensive camera, wears it around her neck as she is constantly taking pictures.

We loved our trip, found the people to be truly above and beyond friendly, very helpful. One thing that I would like to point out is that I often used my very poor Spanish and it would have been quite easy for waiters, etc. to "take advantage" as I really only understood about every 5th word and said "si, si" to everything. Not once did food or wine come out in outrageous amounts or at outlandish prices. There were at least a few places where we left feeling like old friends. So bottom line - we felt very safe in Spain and are anxious to go back.

hi patiboo,

having travelled recently in both Italy and Spain, I agree that really there isn't alot of difference, though there do tend to be more "horror" stories about spain.

the first time we went to Rome, i used a money belt, and found it a bit cumbersome to be honest. after that I've never worried unless I've not wanted to take my handbag for some other reason, and really, there's been no problems either way.

the worst areas I've found are
1. the no 64 and 40 bus in Rome. Hang onto your handbag/backpack.
2. the barcelona underground. [no wallets in rear pockets, please]
3. the paris metro - I'm sure someone tried to dip me last week but my hand and the zip of my handbag defeated them.

and don't fall for the "can you just help me with this map/I've jsut found this ring" scams. Just walk on by.

like you, I've had few problems with waiters and other people trying to diddle me and when an "anomoly" occurs, I put it down to experience. I'm sure you'll be jsut as safe in Spain as you were in Italy.

I've been to Spain a couple of times. I always wear a money belt under my shirt, around my waist when I travel in Europe. Chances are that nothing will happen, but occasionally.... My sister and I were sitting in a (sort of) outdoor restaurant in La Boqueria in Barcelona when her purse was stolen by a clever thief posing as a waiter.

For the only time in all our travels together, she had given me her passport and debit card to put in my money belt, so the really important stuff was safe. She did lose a very good camera.

People will say that you just have to exercise caution, but these thieves spend a lot of time figuring out new ways to cheat you. All you have to do is drop your guard once at the wrong time.

We have notice no particular difference in Italy or Spain or anywhere else. We have spent about 300 days in Europe over 18 years and never lost anything or have had, to the best of our knowledge, an attempt made on us. However, faithfully use money belts. But it is your choice. Good friends used to make fun of us for our emphasis on money belts and other security measures. And to be doubly safe the husband carried everything for both of them in his front pocket -- "No one take it without my knowledge." During their fifth trip in a Paris train station they lost everything -- all credit, debit cards, all cash, two passports, train tickets, etc. They now wear money belts. Just because you haven't had a problem doesn't mean that you will not.

Just came back from Barcelona, have also been to Madrid, Seville, Granada, etc. Been to Italy many times. I do not think Spain is any worse. According to statistics Barcelona is the number one pick-pocket location (anywhere?) but I have to say I saw nothing suspicious and lots of police presence everywhere. However, I ALWAYS wear a money belt with my passport, Credit cards and extra cash (under clothing style, I prefer the waist style) and don't access it in public. I just don't find it at all uncomfortable, even in the summer. After the first day of a trip I don't even notice I have it on. And the hassle of ruining your trip if you were a victim of theft (or loss) is just not worth it. I carry a copy of the face page of my passport and one credit card and a days worth of cash in mt pocketbook (or front pocket).

I have a money belt but use it rarely -- it is a hassle unless you're willing to access it in public, which defeats the purpose. I have a wallet that's on a sturdy strap which has a loop to go around my belt. It hangs the wallet in my front pocket, and it is thus quite secure. Don't recall where I got it (I've had it forever), but I'm sure you can find one online.

Thanks to all of you for your thoughtful responses and specific information.

Just back from Spain and we did thwart one pickpocketing attempt in Madrid while we were walking to the Prado. 2 girls working together using maps to disguise the fact that one hand was free under the map ready to snatch a wallet or zip open a purse. We'd experienced the same ploy in Amsterdam, so we were alert to the possibility, and sure enough they tried to get into my wife's purse, even though she had it pulled around to the front of her left side. I thought they were pretty brazen about it.