10 Biggest Tourist SCAMS in Spain

[@spainrevealed]

👉 I hope that was helpful! Get more safety advice in my Madrid city guide: swiy.io/MadridRevealed

[@DeeLee-p8c]

Heres the best tip ever. Tell anyone who approaches you in Spain or elsewhere to F....k OFF. This works.

[@DeeLee-p8c]

.

[@kangaroosolid6115]

Thank you for doing this video, very helpful

[@jimmyjamescomputers8585]

so how is spain safe with all this

[@katrineroberts4084]

The romero (rosemary) scam8s the same scam as the lucky Heather scam in most cities in the UK. But especially London.

[@j.joseph5353]

These tips are applicable wherever you travel. The scams may change slightly, but overall they're the same throughout the world.

[@GringlesFacil]

Totally

[@davidjma7226]

Not where I live. Not at all. We live in safe, crime free Muscat, Oman.

[@j.joseph5353]

@@davidjma7226 Perhaps, but that's not exactly a tourist destination.

[@davidjma7226]

@j.joseph5353 Actually you are quite wrong. Tourism here is a large % of GDP after oil and gas and is up 35% year on year with 2024 projected to be 24% up on 2023. Faster than Dubai and most mediterranian countries.

[@j.joseph5353]

@@davidjma7226 You're trying too hard.

[@willmosswick]

The best way I've found to fight off scammers is simply to laugh when they approach me, shake my head and walk pass them. This signals that I know what they're doing and ythat I'm not going to fall for it. Every single time they change course and don't even bother with me. Another tip is to not make eye contact, if you accidentally look at them simply look away, laugh, shake your head and walk pass. Works like a charm every time.

[@seanflewin9803]

Good one

[@autumn-g1n]

Yes i agree. I had a few ladies approach me selling lucky rosemary in Malaga two weeks ago when I visited. Because I had been prepared after watching this video, I blanked her immediately. I saw some people get caught in the Web tho. So Thank-you for saving me some hassel.❤

[@John-ob7dh]

I always put my leg through my back pack or bag like that in a cafe. Good tip.

[@ianhill4585]

The flower scam is a popular one here in the UK. Saw it regularly at our newly re opened street market, a free -( not free)" free gift", subject to a donation. 😮

[@alexriddock177]

I got caught with the Bracelet one while visiting Madrid (Right in Plaza Mayor where you opened the video actually!). My girlfriend and her mum were showing me around as that's their hometown. Got stopped by one guy who opened by complimenting my shoes, naturally I said thanks and that was it, I was in the conversation. Initially he told me the bracelet was free, then after I was trying to leave, he then changed his mind, asked for €10, then €5. Then tried to tell me he was trying to feed his kids. Thankfully he wasn't physically pushy or aggressive and my girlfriend and her mum knew exactly what was going on. You definitely have to know how to exit these conversations easily or completely avoid them. Thanks for bringing this up!

[@glennwatson3313]

How did you get "caught?" You did not lose any money.

[@cosmopoliteancie]

I learned a Hard lesson in Porto, Portugal. A taxi driver charged me with €75, he drove me a long way around. He drove stright to the hotel, when I started gps in my phone and told him that I have been driving small trucks in my home country. Next day I had to call for a taxi - it cost me €30.. same way back. Every time I get into a taxi now, I start my own GPS immediately.. Letting them know that I know too

[@edwardmcardle9069]

I always make a price with driver of taxi to destination before l get in,of not happy there is always lot more.Do your homework before you travel.

[@cosmopoliteancie]

@@edwardmcardle9069 I don't take taxis that often, usually take other options..

[@cosmopoliteancie]

moved between different European countries, all with their own rules - a lot you learn as you go. You just have to be responsive

[@joaomonteiro1562]

I'm sorry for that. Next time use Uber. Ubers are extremely cheap here in Porto, Portugal. Greetings from Porto.

[@stevenbrown7473]

Use uber problem solved

[@joanward2896]

These tips are very good to remember but it is not only Spain it is all over the World.

[@shangyien]

If you would prefer not to spend anything on your museum tickets, go in the last two hours of the day. It's free at he Prado, Sofia Reina and the Thyssein-Bornemisza museums. That's long enough to walk around a museum and you can go back again the next evening to see another section.

[@chronic2023]

If you don't mind the crowds and long lines, sure. I paid to enter the Prado in the afternoon and could walk around with no crowds. Entering was easy as there was no line. When the free entry crowd came it was chaos. Fortunately, I was almost done by then. As I left I saw a very long line that stretched all the way around the front of the Prado. No thanks.

[@MrSbpool]

I was "scammed" at O'Hare Airport in Chicago while using a ticket machine. A big guy on the next machine asked me what I needed and paid for it with his own card. Then he said "welcome to America" It absolutely made my trip ❤

[@rumiesun.]

Chicago? the biggest scam in America is iRS

[@susieadams1553]

How do you know it was his card ? It might have been a stolen one . Still it would be nice to think he did you a favour but life has taught me to be suspicious unfortunately you have to have your guard up which is a shame really . Thankfully there are generally more good people than thieves but the thieves need to be punished more .

[@NinaAgua]

The water throughout Spain is not safe to drink. Too much limescale and also fluoride in some areas.

[@Gerard_2024]

@@NinaAgua This is an unrelated problem. Nothing to do with being scammed in Chicago. Why introduce it here ? Off-topic by a mile.

[@NinaAgua]

@@Gerard_2024 True, no idea why l posted that here, must have had one too many!

[@NEEEBODY]

Just found and subscribed... I did chuckle at the lady at 9:02, putting her rucksack over the back of her chair in the restaurant... she obviously doesn't watch the channel 🤣🤣

[@alexcaz4833]

Yeah! I got approached by the rosemary scammers in Sevilla. I bought a bocadillo with jamon and sat down to eat it by the Cathedral. As I was about to eat I got approached and she held out a rosemary. I said “no gracias”, but she was insistent. So I took it and from that point she asked for my hand to do a palm reading. After she was done she asked for money. I said I just have some change and she was like “ no, I only take paper. I’ll give you change” she said. I was like “well that’s all I have, you can take it or leave it.” Boy was she mad afterwards 😂😂😂

[@carmenaranjita5321]

A mi madre se lo hicieron y ella es española😂

[@Ccr4of5]

Similar experience in Granada

[@petedavid5127]

What a hell hole Spain is

[@raleo7466]

Remember, you are never obligated to give money for an item, just ignore the scammers if they get too aggresive, if they attempt to hurt you that's harassment and physical abuse, and they don't want the police being called on them. Also, don't pick taxis, I know a few taxi drivers and they have modded taxi consoles which with a flip of a switch start charging double rate. They often use that with tourists or drunk people. Use an Uber or similar "pay before you ride" apps

[@WendyWilliamsLiving]

We LOVE Spain! We had one issue with not one, but several added menu items being brought to us, along with "upsized" portions, resulting in an extra 50 Euros added to the tab. We enjoyed the food, but knew we had been "quietly" scammed. Now we know better 🙂

[@earlineahonima4867]

Very helpful, every bit of this video. I used Welcome Pickups on my last trip to Barcelona at the suggestion of my hotel. Upon my arrival, the driver was in the Welcome area outside the baggage claim area with my name on his iPad, and the pickup was easy and pleasant. On my return, the Welcome Pickup driver arrived at my hotel right on time and was also pleasant and helpful. I paid for both trips in advance, and so no money was exchanged. I plan to use them again whenever I can.

[@marie-christinelafontaine6043]

When we went to Spain, 2 years ago, we were almost scammed/robbed in Barcelona (Madrid was perfect) - first in the subway, a lady tried to get my husband's wallet from his front pocket. I raised my voice and ensured everyone knew she was a pickpocket, she got out swiftly at the first station. Then a taxi that picked up at the train station to our hotel tried to shortchanged me for 10 euros. I live in Mexico and know that one very well lol - so I took the change and the time to count it very clearly in front of the driver before putting it in my bag, he went "oh sorry!" and gave me my 10 euros. :D

[@cosmopoliteancie]

I am in Spain now, and will add some tips. I bought a neckless band to my phone, because I "allways" dropped it on floors/ground, with broken glass. But a plus is, that thieves cannot take it either. I am a woman, but I bought a sling bag for men. They are made stronger. I use it like a regular purse, but it hangs forward, diagonally from the shoulder

[@mikeoglen6848]

I had a 'sling bag' in Barcelona - got robbed of my wallet by two girls just before I got on the train...

[@cosmopoliteancie]

@@mikeoglen6848 Oh, sorry to hear that. I have my sling bag in the front, with a hand on the zipper.. but I have not gone with train. I uses buses.. I had to buy a new suitcase, hard plastic and with lockers. The drivers down here, don't see IF anyone opens your bag. One tip I got was to step out from the bus at every stop and see that everything is ok. Theives are everywere 🤮

[@dougmacpherson2610]

Is the currency checking scam still being done by the “currency police”?

[@ryanmunroe9030]

I got honey trapped in a bar in Málaga on my first night of my holiday(I visit several times a year) I was held up at knife point on the way back to my apartment and he stole my bag with my money, phone & bank cards. I was lucky the police got me into my apartment where my iPad and other bank card’s were. I couldn’t cancel my bank card because I couldn’t call the bank, when I got home (the next day after paying a fortune for another flight) he had tried to withdraw money from my bank several times but got nothing! Cost me a fortune to be robbed for nothing of value 😮‍💨

[@JaneDoe19635]

Cross your legs next time!

[@ryanmunroe9030]

@@JaneDoe19635 Where’s the fun in that?

[@chrissmurray255]

*I would definitely NOT ask for tap water in Spain - free or not.* I live in Southern Spain, and I have a water filtration system at home to take the 'impurities' out of the tap water. The state of the filters when I change them is disgusting...disturbing, even. If you need a drink of water - and in Spain during the summer, you'll need lots - always, _ALWAYS!_ go for bottled water...whatever the cost. _The locals drink bottled water - you should too._

[@DavinciWhite]

I salute you, enjoying my tap water. Right now in Madrid, but I usually travel around the country. I will enjoy saluting you every time I drink tap water! Which usually happens every day...

[@chrissmurray255]

@@DavinciWhite Your reply is bordering on 'odd', but here's what I have gleaned from it... _"Thank you for your sage advice regarding drinking tap water in Southern Spain, and your concern for the health of travellers, tourists, and residents alike. However, I must inform you, and anyone reading your post, that drinking tap water in Madrid seems to be perfectly safe - for me, at least"._

[@user-wn4kj6wo6c]

I've lived in London. I think the same you. The wáter un London is unhealthy Disgusting.

[@user-wn4kj6wo6c]

​@@chrissmurray255En el Sur de España el agua del grifo es perfecta. Como todo el Sur. Yo he vivido en Inglaterra, si no han muerto bebiendo su agua no se preocupen, pueden beber cualquier agua del mundo sin problemas.

[@daveharruk]

Tap water is as safe in Spain as any other EU country - whether or not you like the taste is a different thing,but it is extremely unlikely that you will become ill because of drinking it because it is regularly checked in labs under EU law. Bottled water has had a fair few issues with quality control so it isn't a panacea.

[@Comet-220]

1:55 Sometimes the people asking for the charity donations are scammers. Any money you give them will never be passed to a charity but end up lining their pockets.

[@peter-hy3rp]

There definitely are restaurant scams in Spain. From "accidentally" adding extra drinks to your final bill or turning a €9.95 menu del día into a €13.95 a la carte one. Or substituting more expensive drinks for what you actually had.

[@user-wn4kj6wo6c]

No true. You are a liar.

[@ibrajimenez2098]

I've had this happened in the U.S

[@miguelbp4857]

The police said there's nothing they could do, standard Spanish police behavior

[@Cristian-vh5fh]

The laws in Spain are meant to protect thieves.

[@jimriceva]

James, I wish I had seen this before my trip! This is an important video for any travelers. May 25, in Seville, Jardines de Catalina de Ribera, I got hit by the bird poop pickpocket. That [glass bowl] sprayed a ton of stuff on my wife and me. I should have caught on, that there aren't eagles with upset stomachs flying around Spain. He took me for €150, plus two of my credit cards. Disgust is a powerful distraction.

[@joho9815]

I'm sorry that happened to you

[@jimriceva]

@@joho9815 I'm lucky - €150 wasn't enough to disrupt my trip or my life.

[@susieadams1553]

I am very sorry to hear this as well 😔 . I am surprised he would pick on a couple - as a lone female traveller this makes me very nervous . Where were the Spanish police when you needed them ? Hopefully this low life has been caught and locked up.

[@jimriceva]

​@@susieadams1553 I'm lucky, it didn't ruin my trip or materially affect me, just a mildly expensive lesson. And now you and a bunch of people on youtube know, and that's the most important thing. I assume hitting a couple means we'll be distracted with each other.

[@jimriceva]

@@joho9815 as I said on another comment, I'm lucky, it didn't ruin my trip or materially affect me, just a mildly expensive lesson. And now you and a bunch of people on youtube know, and that's the most important thing.

[@moonmist9]

A big hotel on Venus beach in Marbella has fish prices listed on the menu (which you have to look up digitally as it's not printed on paper), but for tired tourists it's easy to miss the fine print which says that the prices are for 100 grams of fish (who eats only 100 grams of fish)??? We had to pay close to 100 Euros for that fish which wasn't even tasty. The smirking waiter looked like he was very proud of himself. We didn't go near that place again. I feel like this is a scam. Who puts fine print on a menu, and then makes you look at it on tiny phone screens?

[@poleonpoleon706]

This happened to me in Gdansk in Poland and I was served a whole fish but charged for its whole weight, I refused to pay it and argued until they let go .it's not an honest practice as much as they say it's normal to do this. Why would we need a price per 100g anyway.

[@ashscot50]

​@@poleonpoleon706because they buy fish by weight, don't you?

[@mrn13]

Excellent "dynamic summarising what to come introduction walking towards the camera and the camera backs" to the background of Plaza Mayor! Bonsoir from Paris, where the same advices are applicable 10/10

[@lizellymeza]

All GREAT tips!!! Just shared this vid w/ my sister who leaves w/ her fam to Spain tomorrow 😅

[@mariaassuntavella8840]

Yes. Happened to my son in Berlin. A guy showing you a large paper , he put it on table and when we refused to give money he left picking up the mobile. They are always 2 or 3 od them.

[@jakeforrest]

Whenever traveling, I only have the things in my wallet that I need. Meaning, if I don’t drive a car, I don’t bring my drivers license. And I don’t keep all my credit cards in my wallet. Sometimes I even keep a little cash in my wallet, and my credit card in another pocket. Occasionally, if I go to a disco, where you have a drink card and pay at exit, I put a large bank note into one of my sock (in case I lose my wallet) Discos are notorious for pickpockets.

[@sav7568]

The bottom line is to ignore anyone who is nice to you for no obvious reason.

[@cutiepiesam5682]

thats my plan😀

[@darendrury6591]

Is a hugger mugger, considered a scam? While hugging and practically kissing you, giving it the "Hey my friend so nice to see you again" while he hugs and rifles through your pockets, front and back ones, leaving with your 250 euros, in his hand, to which, he is gone in a flash, while you stand there wondering "who my long time, no see friend was!

[@ghosthdel3098]

We dont ignpre the politicians however they re they biggest thiefs and scammer in every country.

[@wendywebster-sv2li]

My hubby like you has followed Martins money tips for years , we’ve had some really good deals for gas and electric that he’s recommended over the years. Hubby says they should make him Chancellor of the Exchequer. Pie looks delicious, I buy a ham once a month and do more or less the same as you it’s so versatile all the different things you can make. X

[@Super.Aguacate]

My advice (for the first scam on this video): Say "No Gracias" to the scammer, don't make eye contact and KEEP walking, the scammer needs you stop moving to steal your wallet or ask you for money/info. Say "No Gracias", and keep walking without making eye contact.

[@fluffyfour]

Just wondering why you blurred the faces of the scammers? Should they not be shown as what they are doing is wrong? Why are they getting privacy and respect for scamming tourists? If there's a reason I've not considered, I would honestly like to know.

[@spainrevealed]

Good question. In my mind, this video is not about avoiding any specific person, it's about helping tourists avoid certain scam situations, not people. Also, to "out" people in a video is not my responsibility or something I'm comfortable doing. But by showing the scam situations, people know how to avoid these situations. That's the purpose of the video. It's also possible that some of the people who commit scams are victims themselves of mafia and mistreatment, and I wouldn't want to bring more harm on them.

[@ArguableDish137]

It is illegal in the EU to record/photograph someone and share the video/photograph without their consent, and that privacy right does not get revoked because you are doing something suspicious or even illegal.

[@fwlenard]

@@spainrevealed Excellent explanation. Thank you.

[@rickallen1749]

@@ArguableDish137so are ctv cameras and dash cams illegal Ç

[@loneranger5928]

In public, you can photograph or video. There is no privacy. when in a public place. Taking a picture and then calling a person scanner on social media could have legal ramifications.

[@bkm2797]

Sounds like some good advice James. Thank you for sharing👍❤️

[@somebody_told_me]

Even though I am mad at this situation, but your video is great, thanks ❤️

[@elconquistador9921]

Great advice. As far as carrying cash, I’ve noticed that most of the restaurants I’ve been to in Spain will take a credit card but I’ve been into a few in Portugal that didn’t. I brought some friends to a small local spot and when the bill came, luckily I had cash on me because no one else did. And until here recently, I’ve always had to carry cash for taxis in places like Seville.

[@chriscoughlan5221]

In May 2012 i was sitting just outside the Bernabéu( Real Madrid stadium) i had 30 mins to kill. When this seemingly innocent man flashed a map in my face asking for directions. Luckily i was one step ahead of him, i saw his accomplice try to sneak behind me to try to steal my rucksack

[@sugzerep2993]

Hola Jaime, I'm a coffee addict and would love to see a "Places to have good coffee" in Madrid and other major cities like BCN, Valencia and Sevilla. I don't want to default to Starbucks as a known quantity vs risking a poor coffee somewhere.

[@danhall789]

Nomad Coffee Lab in Barcelona is great if you like to pick your beans!

[@Sansam3]

James, the camerawork has gone up a notch in this video and so has the editing. Is it a new team working with you? Kudos guys.

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you! I’m now working with a camera operator :) Same great editor!

[@Julia-zo6lu]

Barcelona last year in May was hell. Police every day chasing thieves all over the city. In Madrid (past April) we felt very safe allover the city.

[@albertnielsen1154]

Nobody can grab valuables from your backpack, because there aren't any in it. A bottle of water, a map of town, paper handkerchiefs, those are the only valuables. Passport, wallet, money, phone, are in your pockets or smarter in an old-fashioned soft pencil case with a zipper and a strap to run the waist belt through, keep it *inside* your trousers or your dress or skirt. Good luck.

[@Budosoul]

Tio me encanta tu canal. Lo descubrí hace unos días y es muy bueno. Vente pa Murcia!

[@northernanorak]

In addition to the pay by card advice, my tip for those in the UK and other countries where Santander bank operate is to get their basic account and use it to transfer cash to from your main account and withdraw from Santander ATMs - perfect MasterCard rate and no ATM owner fees.

[@guywells9356]

Visiting Barcelona with work colleagues we went for a fixed price menu. The price on the English menu was 10 euros more than the same Spanish language menu. Our Spanish colleague sorted it but pretty Outrageous.

[@katrineroberts4084]

Thats definitely outrageous.

[@katrineroberts4084]

I have an international account and always choose £s. Now I know that this isn't the best option. Thanks

[@Bend-Oregon]

EXCELLENT scam prevention info.! Thank you.

[@procurorick]

James, the quality of the photography in your videos has improved a lot! Congratulations to you and your team!

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you very much!

[@marciajimenez7347]

I went to a restaurant and gave the lady our credit card. I said I’d like to pay with euros and she insisted we had to pay in US dollars, saying the restaurant would have to pay fees if we paid with euros. Is that legal? Great video as always.

[@ashscot50]

It's nonsense and it's not legal

[@loneranger5928]

Good video 👍 follow your intuition, be alert enjoy your holidays. I like Spain and feel safer walking around at night than I do at home.

[@paulacravello]

It's common practice to steal phones and bags. The burglars are waiting, checking tourist all the time. It's the full time job for them.

[@MrReymoclif714]

Hannibal and the wrist band?

[@woznylukasz09]

Kiwi giving the best travel advice for trip to Madrid. What a crazy world :) But James, Thank you very much for the tips!

[@arcybarrios]

As an FYI, this is not unique to just Spain but these scams are quite common to a lot of the popular tourist cities across Europe

[@waltonbrown]

Yep, happened to me in Madrid last month, I told her/them to fuck off, in ENGLISH. They understood.

[@joshr9417]

I was in Budapest and a women tried to spill beer on me, she was sitting way to close. She didn't manage to get any on me but she did get a nice forceful shove and was told to get the fuck away from me, every one understands what that word means.

[@Svinosapiens]

Occasionally, in restaurants - they just put prices on the menu with the mark "tax not included" at the bottom using the smallest font possible :) Also, charging an extra % when sitting on the terrace is common in tourist places.

[@timstalam]

A guy came up to me and my buddy's table while we were drinking beers on La Rambla, was very smooth when he chatted and placed a bracelet on my wrist - I was impressed by the boldness - luckily I have no awkwardness to call people out on their strange or abnormal behavior, and thought it was quite funny actually. I think he knew I wasn't going to accept or budge on his attempt and he quickly left. I did respect his hustle, but I will never pay for something I don't want

[@jagmarc]

The bracelet is cheap enough to give away for free.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for the advice. Watching from the Philippines where scams are not to this level ....yet. Pretty safe place and many people will look out for you is what I have found.

[@plfoo2782]

My family and I visited Madrid late May 2024. Luckily, we were forewarned about pickpockets. I carried my passport and money in a pouch under my t shirt and basically, hugged my handbag. I had just handed 50 Euros to my sis. Subsequently, an old gypsy approached my mum and sis, asking for a donation, going very near them. Being vigilant, I automatically shouted at her in order to alert them. The old lady quickly went away towards her "boss". We then decided to get coffee. While we were distracted with our orders at the counter, I turned around and saw that she had followed us. She was going very near to my sis and mum again. I shouted once more and the old lady pretended to turn around and ask other patrons for money instead. None of the other customers seemed bothered about the commotion at all. Luckily, there were no more such incidences after that.

[@ashscot50]

NEVER carry your passport outside your hotel safe.

[@Docwagon1776]

ATMs are fine if you decline conversion, you'll just pay your own bank's fees. At least if you're using a US bank and have a travel card, it's the cheapest way to get cash. I tend to keep about 200 Euro or so and never exchange it back to USD. I like having some paper money in my pocket as soon as I land and not having to get to an ATM in an airport or the like.

[@ashscot50]

That's not correct. Almost every bank ATM in Spain charges a fee for cash withdrawals in addition to your own bank fees. If you feel the need to have Euros in cash, take some USD and change them at a casa de cambio that you will find on almost every street, advertising rates with nil commission (built into the rate).

[@herbertgonswa3503]

Very good tips, thank you, but sometimes they are washed with every waters, as we say in Germany, means they know every trick to get you. I´m very careful, but years ago i stumbled about the rosemary trick, but at that time with roses. They got only some coines but it make me angry. Greetings from Hamburg

[@crqdea6654]

THANKS VERY HELPFUL👍🏿

[@sfafew3708]

Keep walking at same pace, no answer, no eye contact and they'll look like what they really are. If they try to block your way, make a very swift movement sideways, so everyone around spots them as active scammers. Anyone approaching you on a notorious tourist spot, is not there making a new friendship or giving you a good deal, quaranteed.

[@athomeinRwanda]

Don't make eye-contact. Keep on walking. My impression is that couples are more vulnerable to scams than solo travellers. You both need to be aware of potential scams.

[@markantonuccio4821]

I was in Madrid looking at a metro or subway map trying to orient myself. I had never ridden the metro there before. My Spanish is limited. A friendly man saw me struggling with my map and offered to help explain how to read it. He spoke some English. After helping me, he asked for money. Felling obligated I gave him a couple Euros. He saw my wallet , how much money I had and saw where I put it. When on the subway a woman tried to pick pocket me. I think I was set up and his partner, the woman, were working together.

[@lorrainemortimer6106]

These tips & relevant telephone numbers should be noted - great informative video - it goes to show no matter how long you have lived or visited Spain - these thieves have no concience - My sister has lived in Spain for 40 yrs+ & has had business property etc & she was robbed whilst shopping in her local town - so it just goes to show these scams can happen any where not only in cities & tourist areas

[@padders1068]

Thanks James! Great tips and as other commenters have mentioned, these apply whether your are travelling in the world. ❤ to you, Yoly and the little one!

[@jimmcintosh9045]

Partner had her purse stolen Barcelona at Montjuic station and Rome near Spanish Stepps train. Bird poo con tried on me in Barcelona on way to bus station and guy offered to take me to his apartment to clean but my partner had tissues to clean me anyway, but two guys who threw the muck followed us until i turned and glowered at them. Couldn't wait to get on bus to airport quick enough!

[@tinalettieri]

All these tips apply in some form in any big city. Bank tellers don't learn to identify counterfeit by studying counterfeit, the learn by handling real currency. Learn what the legitimate services are in the place you're visiting. I had a fake taxi driver approach me at Termini inRoma as I was headed to the queue.

[@victoriadell614]

Love your videos, but was that Colleen from Les Frenchies in your clipboard shot?

[@siphonsnob]

Maybe James was also a cameo in Les Frenchies video on Scams in Paris.

[@victoriadell614]

@@siphonsnobHa! Maybe!

[@QGDeclined]

You pulled your phone out of your back pocket multiple times in this video lol. Good stuff!

[@davehollingworth5537]

noticed that too....made me chuckle!

[@marketcernikova7024]

Hello James, woah, yeah, the old Rosemary and Petition scammers! Happened to me 15 years ago!

[@pauliusraila5798]

Sooo good that you create this video scam dictionary 👍❤ For me also car rentals are wide ocean...

[@TheArina33]

Thank you very much excellent tips ❤❤❤

[@MarthaWink-c9m]

I love your new shirt James! Kinda nice to see something besides the brown plaid. ;)

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you! I hate shopping, as you can tell! haha

[@OnMyWayVirtualCityTours]

9:42 It took me so long to figure out how to ask for non-bottled water. Asking for "un vaso de agua" will do the trick, but just "agua" refers to bottled water. Not the case in the US or France.

[@GR-uc1gq]

Wrong

[@oceanadex]

Excellent recommendations!!! I will review it again!

[@Sean-tj5cu]

I was sitting at a table inside a restaurant in Tenerife and this guy came in asking for money with a little shitty piece of paper. I was already annoyed because we had been waiting over an hour for our food ( which we never received and got a full refund and on the drinks because I complained) and I angrily said to him 'Estás de coña? Estamos comiendo, largate.' He definitely got the message. Another time in Benalmádena a guy tried to give me a bracelet ( you know the ones...) and he said you're my brother take it, I said to him, 'I'll take it, but you're getting no money' he pulled it off my wrist very fast and proceeded to his next victim.

[@AviadorLPA]

4:25 the bracelet trick is popular at paris as well

[@VictorLamme]

In Barcelona there's also quite a bit of violent robbery, where you're just pulled into an alley and robbed at knife point. Particularly in Barri Gotic, Rambla region. Don't walk there with a flashy watch or purse.

[@musashidanmcgrath]

It's now known as the most dangerous part of Spain. Full of Africans and Romanis. A once beautiful área destroyed by migrants.

[@fredcookerly9385]

We got "scammed" by the flower guy last weekend in the Plaza de Santa Ana. Saw it coming, but his unique approach still got us. In the end we were out 2 Euros (which he probably needed more than we did) and went home with 2 plastic flowers. And I agree, very little need for a ton of cash now adays. Ten years ago, sure, but COVID helped change that. Just keep enough to pay for those less than 5 Euros cafe bills.

[@spainrevealed]

I hope they were nice flowers at least! :)

[@mrn13]

He didn't needed them, his organised crime boss did

[@Comments_From_All_Channels]

​@@spainrevealedDo a collaboration video with Rick Steves

[@Louloudia1000]

Check the c bdc

[@MrTomo4415]

Good advice but it’s the same anywhere. Even in your own town

[@joho9815]

I just subscribed to your channel. Lots of good info that can be used anywhere. I will be traveling to Spain though this fall.

[@Retiredtraveler1961]

These tips are Common sense. Anywhere you travel these same rules apply….there’s nothing unique to Spain. Anyone who doesn’t safe guard their belongings is a fool asking to be swindled. Whether Bangkok or Rome, or Buenos Aires, trust no one, keep your valuables under your belt, use only reliable transportation, and don’t act like an idiot in public flaunting money or valuables, you’re asking to be robbed.

[@fwlenard]

I would argue that it's not common sense. First time travelers that don't live in tourist areas are not expecting these sorts of scams. It's great that they have made these videos to teach people.

[@tinalettieri]

With the scammers you don't say "no gracias" you say. "andarse!" firmly. In Palermo, "basta!" worked.

[@Izeaboy]

thanks for the info! really good video!

[@AnnikenAllis]

Uber didn't work in Alicante last year. We booked through a local taxi app to go to the airport at 4am & they cancelled late evening before & we had to catch last bus to the airport around midnight for 6am flight. Not a scam but very frustrating! Alicante Airport said shuttle bus to city was 24 hours, it wasn't!

[@gia248]

Grear tip about restaurants

[@shu93129]

X is a safe country, but make sure you bolt your backpack and phone to yourself with stainless steel bolts, avoid contact with anyone you don't personally know in public spaces, ideally don't travel by taxi, quadruple check every website you visit,..... I think at that point country X is no longer particularly safe.

[@samhuangto]

someone once tried to help me in new York for my metro train ticket but than we got scammed because they swapped the cards 😓😓

[@carolinenord461]

Thanks James for information 👍❤️

[@secondhomespain]

Try not to look like a tourist, socks with sandals, hats and caps, safari bermudas, etc...

[@musashidanmcgrath]

In other words, don't look like an American. 😂

[@reginabillotti]

Which cities have reliable public transportation connections between peripheral airports/train stations and city centers?

[@tsuchan]

It's a useful video; and I had the subway ticket scam pulled on me in Paris - I was only saved by my friend. These days I don't travel... especially in tourist hot-spots. As Miyagi-san said in Karate kid, "Best defence - no be there".

[@l.alfonsoduluc6253]

Thanks for all your info. Just a tip to ALL. Whenever possible, use CASH. There is a HUGE push for digital. The plan is to get rid of our freedom that cash provides. Remember that NO ONE can refuse legal tender. No one.

[@westindie8561]

I am always horrified when I see people going cashless.

[@bIuez71]

In 9:00 the lady behind you hanged her backpack on the chair back😅😂

[@Bartrum]

great advice, I would definitely recommend getting a Wise card and air tags.

[@spainrevealed]

Awesome! I’ve put a link to wise in the description . Safe travels!

[@vboyz21]

Revolut is a better option as it’s official in Spain now.

[@Bartrum]

@@vboyz21 better in what way? Wise gives you a Belgian IBAN, Spain is part of the EU and businesses are obliged to accept payment from Belgian IBANs.

[@vboyz21]

@@Bartrum in my experience, it has better prices/exchange rates and better customers services. It also gives you a Spanish IBAN now, before it was based in Lithuania. Plus if your mates and or partner has it too then you can easily create groups to split bills. Right now the majority of my money is in USD so with my plan I'm able to convert 10k making everyday purchases for 9$ a month. Well worth it in my opinion but then again I used Wise for about a month in 2021 so I'm not sure how it is now.

[@TheAries209]

@@spainrevealed Does an air tag work for non apple products?

[@michaelfishman7174]

Just ignore people who approach you. Period !!!!!!!

[@soundslight7754]

Great video with tons of useful tips. Thanks for sharing

[@kennyPAGC]

Soy español y siempre he pensado que los bares están obligados por ley a darte agua si la pides. Sin embargo estuve investigando y no encontré una respuesta clara. Tú que lo mencionas, ¿estás 100% seguro de que es así?

[@fwlenard]

Sí, creo que se puso en vigor esa ley en el verano del 2022.

[@TheOnlyTaps]

Great watch as always and very useful 👊🏿

[@richardherkert7436]

I lost my wallet in Barcelona while sitting on a bench, only found out half an hour later. I go back; it’s not there. Walking away a little bummed out, someone taps me on my shoulder. He found the wallet and saw me looking at the bench, i got it back with everything still inside. At a later day someone bumped into me in Raval, immediately checked my pocket, phone gone. I turn around and this guy just gives the phone back and exits the scene, it was too busy to run and probably he didnt like the look in my eyes. I might be the luckiest dude in Barcelona :D

[@jacquelineunderhill5031]

You were the luckiest dude in barcelona🤣

[@daveharruk]

For spending,one card isn't enough. For cash machine withdrawals in Spain,I use a UK Santander debit card as this allows free withdrawals (at the prevaling exchange rate,without a loading fee) at their machines which are very common in all parts of Spain. Otherwise,I use Starling,as that charges no fees either to withdraw or loading anywhere in the world (unless as above the local ATM provider charges). Wise is not the worst but these are better

[@John-ob7dh]

I just dont engage with anyone who approached me or speak to me when i am in a foreign country ,they are just not there.

[@TimPaterson-ui1pc]

Another excellent video! What sorts of videos are coming soon? I'll be in Madrid in August (I know how hot it'll be!)

[@VictorLamme]

There's the one you may encounter while driving your car: people waving at you from another car as if something is wrong with it, and gesturing to follow them to a parking lot. What happens next can be guessed...

[@Simco_]

I assume oral sex.