How safe is Spain for travelers?

Safety and the most common scams

Spain is stable for personal safety, but the tourist centres of Madrid and Barcelona concentrate petty theft and organized scams. All four of the classics work the same way: someone creates contact or distraction, and an accomplice takes your things.

• The rosemary blessing - a sprig is offered as a good-luck gift near a major monument. Take it and your hand is grabbed, your palm read, and 10 € to 20 € aggressively demanded. Refuse and she shouts to embarrass you into paying.
• Petition girls - a group with clipboards pretends to collect signatures for a deaf-mute charity. The clipboard is held at eye level so you cannot see your belongings, while an accomplice works your pockets or backpack.
• Bird poop - a thief squirts a liquid resembling droppings or mustard onto your clothes, a "helpful passer-by" appears to point it out and clean you up, and your wallet or phone leaves your pocket during the fuss.
• Airport and transit theft - organized crews target freshly landed tourists with large luggage, at airports and at ticket machines, working the moments of distraction while you buy tickets or board.

The protective measures are simple: wear bags across the body with zips facing forward, never leave a phone lying on a restaurant table, and avoid all interaction with strangers who approach you in the street.