How to avoid Barcelona pickpockets – Part 2. BATTLE HARDENED tips from the front lines of the Barcelona pickpocket war.
The thing about war stories is that it’s better to hear them than to live them. These are more tips from 15 years of living in Barcelona to keep you at peace with this place.
I’m giving you everything I have to keep you safe.
Check out my other Barcelona pickpocket video with more tips:
Avoid pickpockets in Barcelona
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEHtlQ-zOLg
The FIRST time I had crime experience here in Barcelona was in 2004. They took my wallet with 2€. That is one of the strategies I want to talk about. Let’s put the pickpockets out of business. Here we go:
So here are my 4 bullet-proof tips.
1. Do not carry a camera the size of a cannon. Big cameras scream “target.” Don’t be low hanging fruit. If you’re a serious photographer, I’m guessing you already have a travel system. Keep your bag on the front of your body to avoid crime problems in Barcelona.
2. Be careful of crowds, on the metro and out on the street. Pickpockets seem to work in teams. They target people standing up, especially near the door of the metro. They seem to be masters at creating an atmosphere and using body language to suggest they are not observing you. Meanwhile, one member of them interacts with you on one side and the “teammate” tries to move on you from the other.
3. Lock your bag under your table. When you sit down, lock your bag. This may sound paranoid but let me explain. I think what happens is that people sit down and are mindful of their bag after just taking it off. However, after half a meal or most of a conversation, they forget about it. Personally, I like to keep my bag between my legs, touching a leg. I slip the strap under the table or chair leg. It’s super safe like that. Whatever you do, don’t hang your bag over the BACK of the chair. Don’t put it down behind you. This is exactly what pickpockets want
4. Carry a minimal amount of everything. Minimal cash, one credit card, no passport. I never go anywhere with my passport unless I have a very good reason. If you need ID, a foreign driver’s license or an ID card is good enough. The stores in Barcelona never ask me for ID when I use my credit or ATM card.
5. There are “theft-proof” products on Amazon. I’ve never bought or used one, but if you travel a lot, take a look what they’ve got. I think they are systems that you mostly wear on the front of your body, which is what I recommend with all bags while walking around the center of Barcelona.
Crime in Barcelona is really not a problem, other than pickpockets. In 15 years, I don’t think I’ve hardly ever heard of violent crime. The subway and underground are safe.
Don’t be paranoid. Be safe.
James Waylon Living in Barelona
www.jameswaylon.com
Barcelona's secret Rambla. A hidden gem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvvwP19uIOA&t=4s
Barcelona's captured neighborhoods. Be the first tourist ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7NShpoNx2A&t=49s
The Barcelona Joan Miro Museum & my secret day hike
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrYQDypLISg&t=14s
Barcelona Correfocs - What is it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbEbeL3m31E&t=8s
Castells in Barcelona & Catalonia -- Human Castles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmbOjhH5GKw&t=3s
