“Do you like parties?” I laughed to my brother's shock. We have just arrived in Barcelona and the same guy on La Rambla, less than 100 meters away, offered us beer, drugs and sex.
As someone who previously lived in Spain (and won't shut up about it), I smile, shake my head, and allow the crowd to sweep me away. Meanwhile, his brother is losing his mind.
But he hasn't seen anything yet. If there's one thing more common than beer, drugs and sex on and around Barcelona's iconic pedestrian streets, it's pickpockets.
Come to think of it, for some reason, after living in Spain for three years, three months of which were in the Gothic district, which is probably Barcelona's biggest pickpocket area, I had multiple friends tell me that they had passed out. I asked him to tell me a variation of the story about waking up. I never got pickpocketed at the park because I never saw their wallets again.
That's because he's one of the most absent-minded people in the world, frequently walking home early in the morning, going to watch Barcelona games at the Camp Nou, or staying in an apartment where eight other people are constantly coming and going. A burglar jumped from the roof of the building next door onto our balcony even though we lived there (we were there once). )
How did you do it? This is the secret of my success.
wear shoes with holes
If your clothes are in worse condition than the people trying to rob you, you are more likely to be handed over to a wealthier target. For me, I love the combination of Nike runners with holes in the toes and skate socks with elastic.
dress like a freak
I dress like a Vinfluencer in terms of clothing, not for pickpocket protection, but for style, but hey, I'm killing two birds with one stone. Years before Gen Z thought it was cool, I had the long-socked tramp look that told would-be thieves it wasn't worth the effort…
leave your wallet at home
If you're heading out for a night out, keep one debit card and your ID in your jeans pocket. Don't take your wallet. And don't accept more cash than you're willing to lose (or spend).
See also: Be careful: Dangerous travel traps to avoid
Walk with confidence
If you're not sure, head to Espit Chupitos, a bar known for selling hundreds of shots (some served over fire). You can tell that they are tourists as they walk around nervously.
don't drink too much
Confidence is good, but overconfidence is even worse. Drinking too much is bad for a variety of reasons (and it's the biggest reason why so many people I know got pickpocketed in Barcelona).
Please be careful in crowded places
You should be careful of pickpockets in crowded areas. You should be careful of robbers in less crowded areas.
Avoid Madrid and Barcelona
Of the three years I spent in Spain, I was only in Barcelona for three months. The rest were in a small town in southern Spain called Jerez. That's why I didn't get pickpocketed while living in Spain. You can still get pickpocketed in small towns, but the chances of that happening are greatly reduced.
Beware of the airport shuttle bus (and subway)
Ironically, when I went back to Spain on vacation (when I didn't live there), I got pickpocketed on the airport shuttle bus before leaving Madrid airport. Police say this kind of thing happens all the time. The same goes for the subway.
See also: Flight attendants' 'genius' safety hacks
go out with friends
When I lived in Barcelona, ​​I was lucky enough to live with some good friends. We are all foreigners, work for the same banquet travel company, and often go out together. Being part of a close-knit group saved me from being pickpocketed, especially when walking around at night.
don't carry a backpack
This is a great way to suggest that you're carrying something of value. And forget about leaving it on the beach of La Barceloneta. Finally: if you have to wear a backpack, don't leave your wallet in your front pocket (this is how my wallet was stolen on the airport shuttle bus). Even better, buy an anti-theft backpack.
See also: Why you shouldn't go to cafes in Spain
Do not leave your cell phone or wallet on the table
This is a great way to shout “Take me away!”
Be aware of those around you if someone approaches you
If someone tries to sell you something or approaches you to give you a hug, it can be a distraction as someone else coming from behind may try to grab your phone or wallet. there is.
See also: 2 secrets to being treated like a local in Spain
don't stop walking
As in other big cities, if you don't want to risk getting scammed, don't stop walking when someone approaches you. Just smile, shake your head, and keep trudging along.
Read related topics: Travel advice
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