| a tip for anyone visiting barcelona
Posted: 3/14/2008 3:50:32 AM | I just thought i'd mention this on here. a friend of mine has just come home from a few days in Barcelona and had the worst time ever. she went as part of group of females and 3 attempts were made at snatching their bags, the 1st time was as they had only just got off the bus . there's a major problem with people praying on tourists in this city (as in others i'm sure).
I just thought i'd post this in case anyone was thinking of visiting barcelona in the future  | |
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| a tip for anyone visiting barcelona
Posted: 3/14/2008 8:07:35 AM | I've just visited Barcelona as well and I know of this problem as my sister in law was robbed all the kitty money on the metro, however I didnt feel threatened at all and just carried about what I needed and nothing else. Keep your wits about you and all should be well.
truly beautiful city by the way | |
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| a tip for anyone visiting barcelona
Posted: 3/14/2008 8:13:07 AM | oh just thought I'd mention - avoid Las Ramblas- its expensive!!
I thought I would be able to find a supermarket everywhere just to buy a bottle of water, fruit etc, but I really struggled. We paid 30 euros for 2 baguettes, 2 coffees on Las Ramblas, different street, same order only 5 euros in a local bar the next day! so guess the cafe owners are robbers too! | |
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| a tip for anyone visiting barcelona
Posted: 3/14/2008 12:38:44 PM | OP - same thing in some other European cities eg Rome, Madrid, Lisbon etc - I have travelled to all of these and some, and the trick is to be careful. Several of my friends have been to Barcelona, no problems... but than they are all very seasoned travellers.
On my travels I usually don't carry a purse but have the credit card and some cash in the pockets, and that too in different ones. So far luck has been on my side... | |
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| a tip for anyone visiting barcelona
Posted: 3/18/2008 8:11:56 PM | I recommend going, - my understanding from when i was briefed prior to my trip is that although assulty is illegal pick pocketing is not. Be careful, control access to your wallet and have fun!
Check out the la ramblas and segrada familia and gaudi's park - it is all good | |
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| a tip for anyone visiting barcelona
Posted: 3/18/2008 9:25:42 PM | | I visited Barcelona last year and can attest to La Ramblas being expensive but it is a great place to check out none the less. As far as the pick pockets go YES ABSOLUTELY, my friend and I watched a team of pick pockets working. They were hanging around some gypsy performers, sword swallowing, lying on nails, eating fire. It was entertaining to watch the performance of both the pick pockets and the distraction. The Gypsies didn't seem to be getting many tips and I wondered how they could do this for so long for so little until... We saw a couple of guys working the crowd especially the women. They would get in behind them and press in as though they were watching the show. As they did they would make a play for cash and valuables. It was not very sophisticated and was fairly plain to see but they only need to score a few times to make it worth while. Oh I could tell they were together 'cause the pick pocket was getting cigarettes from the one performer- we watched for about 30 minutes. La Ramblas is just off the docks so alot of toursits flock up there towing their baggage, cameras and goodies so they are easy targets. Don't be scared but don't be stupid either. Go with someone, watch out for each other, keep your purse/wallet in front of you and be aware in crowds. | |
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| a tip for anyone visiting barcelona
Posted: 3/22/2008 10:41:22 AM | | the basic essential rule in any spanish city is NEVER - EVER casrry a handbag oor purse- it will be gone within minutes no matter how carefull you are; you MUST use one of the many concealed belts or wallets sold in any camp shop. be warned - and if accosted by as gipsy, never even pause to talk - it may seem rude but you must keep walking and ignore them however plausible their spiel. | |
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| a tip for anyone visiting barcelona
Posted: 3/22/2008 7:42:22 PM | | I spent a couple of weeks in Rota and Seville and never carried a purse for this very reason. I always carried a small amount of cash and one credit card in the front pocket of my jeans. When I had to carry my passport and other items I had a hidden money belt worn under my clothing. I'm sorry this happend to your friend, but they should have done their homework in traveling abroad. You should always try NOT to look like a tourist. | |
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| a tip for anyone visiting barcelona
Posted: 3/28/2008 3:59:39 PM | I've been there.. (Feb 2008)
No problems traveling the Metro, or going down the main street of all the vendors/minds/performers..
I ate off the beaten path.. Reasonable...
I carried a small backpack with my daily needs..
Would go again.. this time Madrid... possible take the rail system to that city... | |
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| a tip for anyone visiting barcelona
Posted: 4/1/2008 8:25:22 AM | | Ya Iv been all over europe and your best bet where ever you go is to keep your money hidden. Don't advertise it by caring a purse. In my case i just kept money in my front pocket (Not in a wallet) and it worked out alright!! When i was in Barcelona I had no wories at all I walked down all the allies and had no problems. Just ovoid walking by yourself down those allies at night. good luck with the rest of your travels! play safe! | |
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