Barcelona SCAMS: Tips For Avoiding Crime and Pickpockets in Spain.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ค. 2024
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On this week's episode, I show you the most common scams to look our for when visiting Barcelona, Spain. Many of these swindles are also found throughout other parts of Europe as well. This video is designed to help you stay safe, and ensure you have the best time in this beautiful city!
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As an experienced traveller I would add one more advice: if you don't look wealthy, you will not be targeted by the scammers and pickpockets. It works for us every time. ;)
Did this in France that not even the beggar came up to me when he approached everyone else 😂
I wished this worked for me. I've been told I have this "wealthy" look all over my face lol
What does looking wealthy?
I don't know. I look wealthy. In most cases I like to dress my self. I traveled more than 40 countries, even countries like Iran, Lebanon etc. And in many countries I was more than 20 times. But never got scammed. Of course some tried it. But I am a Russian guy, I am a kickboxer and KM. So, I will kick ass 🤣
Wear very normal, everyday clothes, no expensive designer labels, avoid trying to look like a model much as you might want to see and be seen
when i went to barcelona a guy approached me in the metro and asked for a lighter. i found the fact that he was smoking in a non smoking zone quite interesting so i innocently decided to hand him the lighter. he then proceeded to thank me with a hug and a little dance. luckily, a guy that was walking next to us at the same time came closer and said “he took your phone”. i ran like crazy shouting “police, police” and got to a bifurcation. heard someone saying he had taken the right path and instinctively followed it but then i heard dissonant voices saying the opposite. in less than a second my mind actually processed that the one person saying to go to the right was probably with the thief and when i came back to the second corridor the filthy thief was coming back running in my direction. thankfully i was able to grab him by the coat and get my phone back, but only because i was extremely lucky
Wow, what a story! Thanks for sharing. Glad you're safe. Thanks for subscribing!!
Yes you were lucky 🍀
The lighter and hug was exactly what happened to my friend in Madrid. My friend and I thought he was was flirting on my friend. 🤦🏻♂️
That's how it is. Since the Communist mayor arrived, she has destroyed the city. They lure Muslims, giving them free salaries, just to get voters. The same thing that the left has done in most of the big cities of Europe. Socialism is a great misfortune.
Same
As a former security officer in Barcelona subway I must say that you just delivered a quite good tips. It's all about applying common sense, being cautious and trust no one. Be careful with having too much alcohol (lose control) specially in areas with hookers around mainly in Ramblas area at night. Golden rule: Never confront anyone in case somebody is trying to assault you or something worse and call the police (dial 112). In case is inevitable, defend yourself, run to a safe place and dial 112. That's it, same rules I used when I went to the States and worked good for me. Enjoy your time in Barcelona, such a wonderful place to visit.
Sigma
Id like to add one more from a personal experience. I was waiting for a train (not Metro) from BCN to Sitges. There were only a few people on the entire platform and i saw 3 people who were standing/sitting quite apart from one another. 2 were wearing plain street clothes and 1 was wearing a suit. But something was telling me these 3 people were a group. When the train arrived and the doors opened, there were these 2 British guys getting on the train and those 3 guys, with all the door they could choose, decided to follow the 2 guys, rushing and pushing them onto the train. I went and followed them and sure enough I saw one of them sneaked his hand into one of the guy's jacket pocket and took out his wallet. I quickly yelled at the guy and the Brit turned around and snatched his wallet back off of the pickpocket's hand. The trio stayed on the train and got off in the next stop but were giving me the dirty look the whole time. I accidentally bumped into the 2 guys later that night at a pub and they bought me a beer as a thank you. lol
STATE CLEARLY THE RACE OF THE ASSAULTERS!
@@javiergilvidal1558probably gypsy
@@melovetorun Most probably: niggas -or moors.
Why wasn't police called so they could be apprehended?
@NajLahsen The main reason the street crime is so bad throughout Europe is because the law is soft on it. The cops probably wouldn't do much even if you called them.
What I hate most about scammers, is that they ruin genuine human contact. Like, I'd love it if some dude jumped in a picture and we had this quick, spontaneous back n forth and went on our merry way. But now, I would have to block it from happening - regardless of their motive.
You're so right! They destroy the social fabric.
@@BrentTimm "do not help them" - Well, a European with blond hair will blond hair is not going to ripp you off. It is a certain ethnic group from Romania, that is responsible for most of the scams you mentioned, not only in Barcelona, all across Europe. You could have mentioned that...
Yea, sometimes i think my mom is overprotective but she was right when saying don't trust anyone :(
Ignore them, most who do that aren't Spanish so can be discounted.
Yes that's what makes me so sad when people actually pay them. Paying them just perpetuates the problem and keeps them "employed"
Never bring the passport with you an the streets. You will perhaps never need to show an ID, but if you need so, just bring a photocopy with you. Also have a photocopy of your credit card AND have with you the phone number to call to block it. And keep everything in a quality belt bag with a thick solid strap to it, purses are at risk, they can cut through them from behind. NEVER stop to talk/argue/help/answer/greet with anyone unless you want to talk with someone of our choice.
I completely agree!
Completely spot on it has to be the tourists initiative to start conversation or do anything no else's. The tourist has to maintain control not the stranger.
When we were in Europe my husband turned down every offer one of these scammers. he threw roses, wrist straps, light up balls, and other items on the ground when they wouldn't take their "free" gifts " back.
They would curse in a foreign language but who cares.
When they would come up to us he would yell " go away" That worked a lot.
So, why don't you arrest them, put them in jail?
It's too bad that a person on vacation can't enjoy the lovely cities with all the lovely sights as that person must always be on guard against thieves. When my wife and I were in Rome, not only did we have to worry about the pickpockets, but we spent a lot of the time declining the offers of a "free" rose.
This sorrows me that you go there as angry Americans and assume everyone is a scammer when likely several of those interactions were just nice people.
Romanians ?
Exact same thing happens in Rome around the popular sites. They use the same tricks of forcing "free gifts" to you.
A few years ago, my wife and I went to Barcelona. It’s an amazing city with great architecture, art and amazing food! That said, pickpockets and shady people are everywhere and no matter what you do, they know you’re a tourist. We were followed by a couple of teenagers for several metro stations and were only able to lose them by pretending to go out of the train just to jump back in when the doors were closing. I would add to the video’s advices to split your cash into different pockets and always be aware of your surroundings.
I currently live in Barcelona.. everything he was saying is true, foreigners get treated like money magnets here.
Hope you're staying safe, Layluh! Thanks for subscribing.
Is that guy who sounds like he's going to cough up flem while riding a bike trying to distract you still knocking abart barca.
So obvious he's actually funny
@@BrentTimm how about families that have small children and baby stroller
And what are the best hotels please
My brother is planning to visit Barcelona end of this moth... Please some tips
@@zeinebhamid1269 Just look like you are assertive,do not take any bull shit and if you do not keep comfortable with the scammer in front of you tell them to fuck off,that simple.
@@qualitygoldfish2198 thanks
I’ve been all my life living in Barcelona, and as a citizen, I can give you some tips:
-Watch your things, but don’t overprotect them. Just be aware where they are, but don’t stand on the underground hugging your backpack like you are carrying a million dollars with you.
-Most of the robberies are committed in the underground or railway. Casually watch your bag or backpack when you are traveling, but don’t try too hard
-Don’t be scared of street performers that have real talent. They are just musicians or artists trying to show their work. Anyway it’s a great tip to still watch your belongings.
-Enjoy this city, and try to know as many citizens as you can. Have fun and talk to a lot of people. Everyone here is helpful and nice. Just make sure that if you meet someone you don’t know go to a very busy place.
Finally, don’t be afraid to travel. Time is limited and live is short. Last but not least, you will always be welcomed in our city!
This is very good information! Thanks for sharing 💚💚💚
StreetMagikEsp I lived here for several months in 2011 and had no real problems. Couple of people trying, but none successful as I know what they doing.
good advice on avoiding pickpockets, balanced
Best to use a modern anti theft backpack.
You need to get a modern anti theft backpack 🤫
My wife and have been to Europe many times. Spain Italy France Germany and UK.
His advice is pure gold. We have many attempts with most of these scams and never been taken. Have learned through experience. Exactly as he explains.
This video should be a training video for anyone visiting anywhere in Europe for the first time.
It really means so much to me that you watched my video and commented. Hopefully you were able to follow my channel :)
In regards to "overly friendly" people approaching me, I have been approached in a similar manner in New York City numerous times. When asked where I am from, I usually say "West Chickenbutt Nebraska USA" or "Juba, South Sudan" and let them try to relate to me.
Wow, you must be famous being from Chickenbutt Nebraska 🤣
@@grossmeister1181 LOL
Always tell them I'm from Krakozhia 😂
I’ve been to Barcelona many times and everything he’s saying is true to the last word
no, it is not INCREDIBLY safe. This is bullshit
@@filippolardieri5392 True. My brother got robbed in Barcelona, he basically rented a car and was driving through the city when suddenly someone ripped one of the backdoors open, grapped one of his bags and ran away..
You dont know anything about Barcelona.
So glad you enjoyed the video, Emma! Thanks for subscribing and take care!
@@filippolardieri5392 It's safe (as in it's not violent), but of course there are assholes preying on tourists. It's true of almost all cities that have so many tourists. Where do you live? This is not bullshit. I've encountered all this bullshit.
And when you're in the metro wear your backpack back to front, meaning backpack is resting on your chest. 🤣👍
Good point! Thanks for watching and subscribing!
So many are cut underneath with razor blades. Then its gone' just like.
Yes. They tried to rip the bag off my Mum as you get on the train.
Yup EXACTLY!
Call it front pack NOT backpack
I live in Barcelona, and I can confirm the scam related to “I’m lost, I need to use your phone”. This way stopped me, started to talk really fast to me in a perfect English, making up a story that didn’t make sense, and at the end asked to use my phone.
I told him several time to go to an hotel or a bar and use their phones but, not surprisingly, he ignored me.
I use my phone for work, in no scenario I will give my phone to a stranger 😌.
Oh wow!! Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Glad you're OK. Hope I earned your sub L)
This is brilliant thank you for making us aware. When you’re innocently wandering around you’re vulnerable 👍🏻🥰🙋🏻♀️ thanks again ❤
If you really want to avoid any of these problems the best thing you can do is come to visit Japan instead. I personally have dropped my wallet with over $2,500 and it was actually taken to a police station, money untouched. I know, unbelievable to some... but true!
Agree 100%
true
It is a different culture i japan, that's why. I like japan too
I wish. Japan is 100x as expensive as Barcelona, more than the money we might lose when we go to Barcelona!
@@Lana.a_ not really. it is not always that expensive in japan
I was in barcelona at a irish bar off of la rambla .
Outside smoking and someone came up to me trying to hand out flyers for a concert . He gave me a flyer for the show and gave me a hug . I went back inside the bar and ordered a drink, that’s when I noticed my wallet had been taken !!!! Boom it was that easy
Michael Law especially at English/Irish bars and pubs. Lived there for several months and there are so many fuckers scamming and thriving out there. One fella tried to rob my friend and I of our Rolex watches. He asked for the time and I said "you are wearing a watch, better luck next time"
He acknowledged we were on to him and fucked off, thankfully.
Better cut off alochols , travel and work smartly
Regarding la Rambla, the reason it is so popular is simply because it actually was a very popular spot amongst the locals. Having some relatives living there, I have been going to Barcelona since the 1990's, and we used to walk from Plaça Catalunya all the way to the harbour all the time. We usually bought a newspaper there and sometimes stopped at la Boqueria to get some ham or cheese.
Unfortunately, since the 2010's decade, la Rambla has become very "Disneylandified" i would say. Walking there isn't particularly pleasant now.
There is however one thing that IS actually worthy in la Rambla, and that's the Carrefour supermarket located on the upper side. It is a very convenient way to get groceries whilst in the city centre - and although it is more catered to tourists, they still have the decency to have the same prices as in any other Carrefour Market (yes, I did check for some products).
But yes, aside from this - definitely shop and eat somewhere else.
We just came back from Barcelona and we saw the 1st mime scam woman from this video while we were there. We saw her at the Boqueria Market and my daughter recognized her because we watched this video before we left.
I grew up in London and most of this is common sense to me, but this video should be compulsory viewing for anyone visiting a European city!
Don't get me wrong, Europe is generally very safe, but scam artists are very common. I am always shocked by how some visitors behave; having all their valuables on show, phones sticking out of their pockets, wallets in the back pocket, backpacks with valuables clearly accessible via zipped pockets.
Great video! Thanks for making this.
Andrew, I'm so glad you enjoyed this video. Hope you like my other videos.
can you name another European city on par with Barcelona for scams? just curious. if you ask me. Barcelona is the worst
Because they come from the America, where basically there is no pickpockets
@@AAron-gr3jk Rome 100%
@@chesca7295 I've worked in Rome for 6 months... near tourists areas... didn't get the impression it was as bad
I'm very tempted to just put a snake in bag and let them pickpocket me.
Be sure to make a video of it, must be hilarious
I live in Barcelona on a yacht, one time I had a bag with some rope had just bought, the Moroccan waiters asked me what was in the bag, I said "Snakes, would you like to put your hand in?". They all ran away!
Snake?🐍 nahhhh! You’ll hurt yourself. What about a finger guillotine? Does it even exist?
Perfecto!!!!!!!!!
@@emmamartin1448 a bag of rusty razor blades
I’m super drunk and have absolutely zero intention on visiting Europe. This video is amazing! Thank you!
i love this guy's vibe, he seems so friendly and well spoken!
Hello! It really means a lot to me that you took the time to watch this video and share your thoughts. Hope you subbed :)
“Ok let’s take a look at one of these pasty punks in action”
Destroyed me 😂😂💀
So glad you liked it! :) Hope you enjoy the rest of my videos. I am traveling to Guatemala next week for more adventures!
@@BrentTimm oh cool! I’ll be in Guate the first of March! Have a great time
Literally such good tips!! I’m currently travelling in Barcelona and I was almost the victim of a pickpocket team of two men trying to shove flyers in my face on a side street near Las Ramblas. Thanks for the tips and all the great travel content 😊👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Happy to help, and so glad you enjoyed it!
Heading to Barcelona tomorrow. Will be my first time traveling in Europe alone! Feeling excited and anxious. Your video helps a lot. Thanks!
Hope you have a great time!
Hello! It really means a lot to me that you took the time to watch this video and share your thoughts. Hope you subbed :)
I have just spent a week in Barcelona city and even though this video is 2yrs ago! I’m pleased I watched this and took advice! Nothing has changed the exact scammers are still there! This video kept me safe and alert to the disgusting cruel scammers! I was more aware and sorted the scammers before they got me! Many thanks for your valuable advice. xxx
It really means so much to me that you watched my video and commented. Hopefully you were able to follow my channel :)
I love how he screams "Don't buy a thing at Las Ramblas" standing in the center of crowded Las Ramblas
Well I have and nothing wrong...You just need to know the language and be aware of anything that doesn't look like the usual thing...These things happen anywhere...only they have their own style...By the way...those people look like foreigners...They do not look like Spaniards...
He also did it in front of the restaurants 🤣🤣🤣🤣I was thinking the same
" Las Ramblas should be avoided at all cost " Absolutely 100% true !!!! I was born in BCN . . . believe me, I know THAT far too well . Thanks so much for your valuable insight and great video !!!
What??????? In my city I don't avoid not 1 single street, by the way I'm from Barcelona, LA Ramblas is no problem, scamers and company will always be around just be aware and have some balls.
@@jonnyg.5778 This is false, I'm also from barcelona and the Ramblas is horrible at day and worse at night. My brother even got his necklace stolen in bright daylight.
Nose d'on treus que les rambles son segures i menys per un turista.
@@jonnyg.5778 No siguis mentider bolut, Barcelona és un desastre per als Turistes.
@@iub.9893 Juanito és tan Català com els Bascos lol
i went to las Ramblas with no incident...
Just back from Barcelona and I can confirm all of the information in this video is 100% correct. Stay the hell away from the main street of La Rambles. It's awful, keep on the side streets. Research places to eat, look for where the locals eat. It's a city full of thieves. Trust nobody
Born in Barcelona and lived there nearly 30 years, pretty accurate description dude..well done!
True story..I was at the traffic lights near the famous church. This guy came up and was eyeing up my bag. He attempted to get it and I grabbed it, flung the bag off my shoulder and offered it to him..screaming...take the f..king bag. He was so shocked that he ran away. Other than that, I had a very nice day.
I take it your not a liberal anymore
Reverse psychology
@@minhee7 yes person is using psychology to their advantage like full on role model
As you should
@@minhee7 lol
Well, you've described 95% of my city's obscure side. Well done there. We need to clean this city from those Scammers.
Europe has a lot of beautiful cities all marred by this type of thing eg paris
Yes! The government should do something to clean this up so there will be more tourists willing to visit.
Thanks for the tips! Always nice to know some specifics before traveling
Hello everyone, I just wanted to say to whoever is reading this, please trust and follow Brent's guide fully. He's done an amazing job explaining so much in this video. I recently came back from Spain, and this video was amazingly accurate, not only about the types of scams, but we actually saw the EXACT same people from this video. In Las Rambla, we saw the EXACT same two people that you can see in this video, they approached us and we immediately shut them down and at the park we sat and watched the coconut man bother tourist after tourist, demanding money and getting angry at them, over and over again, it's unbelievable. People, please do NOT fall for such scams, and as Brent says, why would you take food, that's not packaged and being held in the sun all day from a stranger. I felt sorry for the people we did see taking that coconut.
I would like to say a huge thank you to Brent, if it wasn't for him and this very very informative video, then we wouldn't of known about these people that sadly ruin these beautiful locations. Also for people that are worried and scared about being pickpocketed in a crowded place ( which in Barcelona, you will find yourself in such places very often ), don't worry. Anyone with half decent logic, is safe. Travel with minimal items, always have your stuff in front pockets or in bags with inside zippers, and honestly, just be aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine. In 3 days we travelled so much, visited most of the major sightseeing locations and overall had a fantastic time. Again, thank you so much Brent, I hope you see this, you helped me and probaly thousands, if not millions of other travellers that just want to have a pleasant experience! Much love!
I wish I have seen this video earlier, our passports got stolen ( the only time we kept them In the bag) along with our camera and other stuffs . Most traumatising experience for us . I was being over smart thinking it’s Europe, how bad it’s gonna be but was I so wrong! All of the things you said were absolutely right. Thanks for making the video and spreading awareness ❤️
But Barcelona is the pickpocket capital of Europe
@@icohen1627 True, because it's the tourist capital of Europe too
I also knew a couple lost their passports and camera.
Could u please share how that happened? What kind of bag did u have?
You learned a lesson the hard way.
I've been to BCN twice, once with a male friend and once with a female friend. I felt safe and nothing bad happened. This was over 5 years ago, so things might have changed. Travelled everywhere on the metro, went to all the tourist sites etc. Best tip I can give is, if you feel uncomfortable, do not hesitate in getting visibly annoyed and telling them to back off. Other tourists will notice and often step in to help, if not the local residents and legitimate business owners. All else fails, just call the police, that will make them run!
Very food advice, Khalid! Thanks for commenting and I hoped I earned your subscription!
Nobody helps. Don’t go
This is not true. I am a local and they tried to steal my watch in 2022. There were a lot people helping me, the biggest help came from a taxi driver and a tall African guy who pushed the thieve's back (one of the guys that sell copies of bags on the street that we call 'top manta') and made him fall on the street. The the police appeared. It happened in the Ramblas. I mean everybody in the city is aware of this problem and try to help if life is not in danger. @@itsjudystube7439
This is is such an informative video, thankyou! Going to Barcelona in 2 weeks, I thought I was clued up on the Barcelona scams but there were a few I didn’t know about! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Have fun and I hope you subbed!
Thank you so much for these scam tips. I love visiting Europe and can use the heads up 👍🏾
I got off a bus coming from France, went in a metro with my luggage to recharge a bus card. Girls buying tickets a the machine next to me must have been watching where I kept my money. As soon as I was done I went to escalators to go back to ground level, a girl that was waiting next to escalators hopped in front of me thus blocking me from going up faster, I was so lucky because my camera bag has very noisy anti theft Velcro opening. As soon as I heard it I turned around and saw one of the earlier 2 girls buying tickets pulling her arm back . In that bag was all my cash and credit cards ( that wasn't smart). Without that noise I would have been a bum with no money less than an hour after getting there.
I'm so glad they didn't steal from you! Safe travels 💜💜💜
luck is wth you
When I was vacationed in France -Palace of Versailles, my family and I couldn't use our credit card to buy train tickets back to Paris. A woman helped us buying train tickets for us using her credit card and would not want any money from us. There are also many kind persons in France, not just the scammers.
@@bigx9963 you are right, it is almost impossible to find a balance between being the right amount suspicious nd the right amount not suspicious at the same time
we always do too much of one or the other.
It would be cool to load a wallet with anthrax for them to steal and enjoy 😊
I lived in Barca for several months. Some of the sports we participated in was pickpocket fishing. We would wave our empty wallets about and pretend we were lost 😄to see how many would flock towards us.
Avoid las ramblas, best place is the old town off princessa. They mostly Moroccans, Algerians. Rarely Spanish or Catalan.
The police doesn't look into theft below €3-400, so theft is big business.
😂 That's hilarious!
I’ve heard of groups of pommy and German blokes baiting pickpockets and bashing the shit outta them lol 😂
We don't say Barça o Barca. This only applies to the football club but never to the city. Barcelona is just Barcelona.
If they catch someone who has stolen less than € 400 (either in cash or in value) they only count a "fault". In Barcelona, Catalonia, all over Spain there are thousands of people who have hundreds of faults and are on the street.
@@sollc1708 Això no és del tot cert, Soledat; it's also known as "the city of Barcelona", "the capital" (of Catalonia) ... In addition, Catalans fight among ourselves and people from outside Barcelona often mention the people of Barcelona as in "pixapins" or "camacus", the latter for a cliché that says that Barcelona's people use the term "Que maco" a lot to refer to when something is beautiful.
When I visited Barcelona, it was still in locked down period. I asked a person to take my pic and that person told me dont give your mobile to anyone there are so many thieves.
Yes, such good advice. Hope you were able to sub and share!
@@BrentTimm There was nothing much, no crowd. Shops were closed.
Travelling soon to Barcelona and found your video. Loved it! Thanks for the heads up.
Hope you enjoy it! Please subscribe :)
Some very useful tips here. Most of them also apply to a visit to any foreign/tourist location. For example, the girl wanting to learn English scam in China is known as the "teahouse scam". Victim is lured to a tea house and hit with an extortionate bill, followed up by threats for non-payment.
Maybe, if you think anyone is trying to scam you, don't be afraid to shout, get angry, be confrontational, if it is safe to do so. That worked for me with a taxi driver who tried to drive me to a rip-off jewellery shop, instead of my hotel. It might not be behaviour that you would do at home but when you're faced by a potential scammer, do it - it draws attention, which is not what they want.
I must admit that I've eaten in a few tourist trap restaurants myself. I'm going to try to avoid them in future trips that I take, as Covid (hopefully) starts to ease.
Stay safe, everyone and happy travels!
I’ve made long visits to Barcelona twice and it’s my favorite city in the world. But it is rife with pickpocketers! Nearly every trip on the metro, after exiting the train, either I or one of my companions found an outer pocket zipper on one of our bags unzipped. Needless to say, we already knew the drill and kept those pockets empty. Couple of other tips ... don’t leave your phone or wallet out on the table in a restaurant, and don’t hang your bag over the back of your chair. Even though Barcelona feels very safe, it’s not necessarily a good idea to walk back to your hotel alone past two in the morning. Buses and the metro run very late most nights and are easy to use, so use them, and if it’s after those hours, get a cab. Another idea is to wear your backpack on the front instead of on the back. Yes, it looks silly, but at least you don’t have to worry about what’s going on behind you! Enjoy beautiful Barcelona when you can travel there again, and don’t be scared. Just take precautions and be aware.
Very well said!
Can confirm, when I was 18 and travelling alone, at night walking back to the hostel, two Moroccans jumped me and got me to the floor, pulling a knife to my throat before robbing me!
I live just outside Barcelona and I agree with everything he's saying. Though he does kind of paint a picture of there being swarms of pickpockets in all the hot tourist zones as well as the metro. They are simply their favourite places as its easy to carry out their thefts, disappear in the crowds and select their next victim. In the bigger metro stations there are special police teams dedicated to identifying pickpockets and, in fact, there are some civilians who have their own methods for loudly pointing out the known offenders to the general public. The best advice is to just use common sense - when you're out and about take only what's necessary, be careful where you go flaunting your phone and just say "NO, GRACIAS!" to people who approach you.
Is it just Barcelona that's like that? What about the rest of Spain?
Thank you...where we can accommodate cheaply just out side Barcelona for one year
Thanks for the helpful tips Brent. I was in Paris a few years ago and I thought that I was prepared. I let my guard down when I went to Paris Disneyland thinking it would be safe. That was when I got my mobile phone stolen. I have an upcoming trip to Barcelona and I'm trying to out how to prepare and ran across your useful video. Great job!
Nice, Nice, Nice! Why are you not at 1 million subs?? I've experienced similar scams but dealing with "free" bracelets while vlogging in Rome, Italy JUST recently. Thanks @SnackChat Live for pointing out these types of scams and going in depth. Keep up the great work. 👍🏽
Thanks so much for your mind words! Really appreciate it! The scam bracelets are the worst!
@@BrentTimm I agree. Thank you for the response. 😊
Thank you for the tip on the ATM. I started using local bank ones when I've visited the country. Still, my heart is with Spain!
Great advice. Once you start to lookouts for these things it becomes much more obvious to spot. I noticed a lot of people looking us up and down when walking around. I find it helps if they see you make direct eye contact with them. In close quarters i always kept my hand on my phone and i had a cross body bag for anything else
Great video, you helped so many people who travel to Barcelona and get easily distracted by everything, while scammers and thieves get advantage and do their dirty work.
4:45 The trick is simply a piece of thread (like fishing thread). They used to do this trick in Dublin (Ireland) many years ago.
8:45 Fully agree with the pickpocket stereotype. Whenever I go to Barcelona with a friend I let them in front of me so I can keep an eye on them while they enjoy the city (I have been to Barcelona many times). One time I saw what it looked like a middle age couple which got really close to my friend from behind. I tapped the guy in the back and they disappeared.
12:27 The pretty woman wanting to learn English happened to me in Asia a good few times. Thankfully, I own a mirror and know I am no Brad Pitt so nobody caught me.
15:40 A common food scam is to put reasonable prices on the menu BUT to make certain small items very expensive. A classic one is the bread because in Spain eating with bread is "typical". They will even offer you nicely presented bread basket. Either ask to see the price, or simply don´t do it.
21:35 Shouting is truly the best policy! I have done it at night when someone was trying to steal from a person nearby (on a queue). I began shouting "thieves thieves police police". They got pretty angry but it attracted a lot of attention so it was safe.
I hope this helps.
One could always place a string of fish hooks inside an open knapsack worn on your back.. wait for the screams
Yeah. I just wish there were some way to punish these pieces of shit. Aside from maybe breaking their wrist if i find it inside my pocket, it's disgusting seeing how many get away with it.
😂😂😮😂😂
Thanks for this video mate.
Next week I am travelling to Barcelona and this video was very helpful to be aware of..
I'll give you a better advice (I'm from Naples, full of pickpockets as well):
Buy a couple of small locks, real locks with real keys, not toy locks. Use them for your backpack zippers, usually you'll be able to lock 2 zippers together that open the same compartment.
Literally no one ever stole from my bags. They are not prepared for locks, they look for easy and fast targets to rob.
Be safe and always buy locks when you travel.
Not good advice lol.
I’m only two minutes into your video and this is already one of the greatest produced awareness videos I’ve seen virtually all of them
Thank you so much, Kyle! That really means a lot to me! Thanks for subscribing!!
First video of you I watched and clicked subscribe afterwards. You have such friendly vibe to you. And thanks for the info too!
Patt, thanks for the kind words! I really hope your have a wonderful 2020 and enjoy my upcoming videos!
The whistling reminds me of the communication used by those on
La Gomera in the Canary Islands, perhaps it was influenced by that, unfortunately, in a bad way.
Glad you have informed us of these scammers. There is always someone looking to get what someone has worked for instead of actually getting legitimate work. Keep the videos coming, you do well with the presentation.
Thank you very much for very useful information. I am going to there this month. It's very helpful for me to prepare myself.
When I go on holiday if any scammers try and talk to me I just pretend to speak Russian. It works every time and they leave me alone 😂😂
Why so bro please
@@dogchanneldoglover5506 thats right, if you speak, Russian, Polish or any similiar language, scammers are afraid and leave alone, the best words blyat and kurva which mean anger and you neet to piss off.
😂
Thanks for the tips. I'm going to Barcelona in a few weeks and will be total alert to prevent from these scams. Great job!
how'd it go? Did the clowns kill you?
I lived there for several months and vouch for everything he says. Only one thing I'd say is slightly out is you don't need to walk 1km off Ramblas to find good food. There are good restaurants just off Ramblas.
Safe travels, or have a good trip.
At the beach end of las ramblas is the maritime museum with excellent , cheaper food..
@@Bringmeoneofthosechickens I had a very good time, the clowns didn't attack me. Spent a nice week in Barcelona :)
I am from Barcelona and I think I could give some extra advice:
I've never seen the mimes (I don't go to the Rambla pretty often), so I have not much to say.
But pickpocketers... Oh damn, they know how to do their work. They almost never go after locals, but rather tourists which are usually more distracted and probably have more money with them. My advice is that when you enter the metro, if you are wearing a backpack or you have your phone or wallet at the back, if there's space you should head directly towards a corner or a wall, that way you make it difficult for them to get near your pockets without you noticing it but still you don't seem overprotective like if you had a million dollars
11:23 I would say half of them are lying. I've seen "disabled" people suddently step out of their wheelchair and change turns their scam companion. A way you can check if they are scammers is by offering them food. If they accept, they are probably real poor people, if not, well...
13:50 Totally agree
16:39 If the police catches you buying those guys stuff, you can end up with a fine of up to 50€ if I remember it correctly, so don't do it
17:32 Another thing that just happens to tourists I guess ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
And I would like to add an extra danger, although it is not a scam: cyclists and electric scooter drivers LOVE not to use their dedicated lane and instead go through the sidewalk. Even the ones that use their lane almost never stop when the light's red, so be careful :)
Edit: Oh, and if you need help finding a place to go, you should ask young people who seem students, we won't scam you and most of us defend fairly well in English, while older people don't (if you ask a really old person though, they could know French)
Edit2: Street and Metro artists and musicians are all good people, don't be afraid of them, but it's a good idea to watch your things if a lot of people is around them
Xlnt informative (if not concerning) video... We go for out first visit next week, this video has helped greatly, thank you.
Me who will most likely never leave the house in my entire life:
Also me: *Hmm interesting*
I found your educational video super good, and should actually be shown by every airline in order to mislead tourists. Your educational video is super well done. These scammers now believe they have the right to cheat unsuspecting tourists where, when, and how.
Used to live in Barcelona, and have been back many times!! This guy is 100% Spot On! Keep your valuables safe and you head on a Swivel !! I still consider Barcelona to be my Home Away from Home!😍😍
Hello! It really means a lot to me that you took the time to watch this video and share your thoughts. Hope you subbed :)
As a half-spanish citizen who is living here, I do find a bit sad that new social interaction has been tarnished by fear of these pathetic scammers as there are some genuinely remarkable places and pleasant people in Barcelona
This video is absolutely spot on. I was in Barcelona last week I experienced many of what was talked about in the video. The coconut scam, the funny dressed ladies at the square, the guy selling sunglasses. Thanks for the video, it's really fantastic and very true👍
Hilary, I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. Hope you're safe and healthy during these times as well!
@@BrentTimm Many thanks I'm good. Stay well...
Aaah I love a god looky Looky man
You can usually find those knockoff sunglasses on Ebay or Amazon for $5 delivered. lol
Do not ignore this: thieves will also cut your backpack (cut the bottom, the sides...) to get to your belongings, so do not think only at outside pockets.
You're absolutely right!
what about planting dummy wallets in easy to get to places so they never go for the real haul?
Thanks for sharing this video and helpful tips! Taking notes. 😊😊
Thanks for this video man. I’m studying abroad in Barcelona soon so this really helped :)
Wow, that was an eye-opener! Nice to know these things.
Thanks for all your help, your video was very informative and will help fellow travelers. You have done a great service.
This guy knows his business! absolutely great advice for tourists !
Excellent video! Honestly everyone travelling to Europe in general should watch this video just to make sure your eyes are opened before it's too late😉
Dude I’m from Istanbul I thought we had scams and thieves but Barcelona definitely takes the prize home. It’s sad the government has accepted the loss
In Turkey also has scammers , scammers are everywhere
They are in every big city.
The biggest scam is Turkey illegally occupying Syria, funding jihadis, stealing oil
Im also from istanbul but I never had an experience like that nor did I see it happen
@@stronkserbia444 And mistreating discriminating the kurds
Social distancing pickpockets have all gone out of business lol
It's interesting to think about what they're doing now!
@@BrentTimm Robbing each other.
they will still find a way to bump into you
They've just violent unfortunately
they're probably doing online scams
Incredibly useful! Very well explained. Thanks for sharing
I go to Barcelona almost every week ( I live near by) and I was almost picked pocked going up the stairs in a metro station once, a friend of mine also going down the stairs while talking to me in another metro station, also inside El Corte Inglés down an escalator someone tried to open my back pack. Beware of stairs and escalators. Beware of crowded coffee shops, don’t hang your bags on the chair where you cannot see it or on the floor. His tips are very good though 👍🏼 Enjoy Barcelona!
There was a really cool series I watched called "Scam City" where dude went to popular main cities to expose and inform about the scams. All the ones shown in your video were on it, I especially remember the dancing paper characters.
Great advice, thank you. Im excited to visit there in a month!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Great advice! 🙏🏽😇🤓🙋🏽♀️
Back in 2018, we travelled across Europe and 1.) negotiated with every thing that was sold in the street markets 2.) Give the stuff back to the people when they give us something for "free" and then want money. They were demanding and we went from saying no thank you to saying "I SAID NO!! Do you not understand??!" then they'd leave with an attitude or swear at us while walking away.
ALWAYS put your foot down and don't show weakness when it comes to people like these. If someone took my pic and didn't want to give my phone back that's when you knock the lights out of them!
Bro!! You just made me relive my experience when I studied abroad at the U. of Pompeu Fabra!! The very first day my roommate’s purse was stolen! A bunch of drugs offered at La Rambla at night! I really love Barcelona!! Thank you for this video!!
So happy I could bring back your memories! I really appreciate you watching and subscribing!
Excellent educational advice based on experience. Thanks for your time efforts and sincerity.
Child you are soooo right in every respect ….very informative…I live in a big city and know the drill. Stay safe and watch your back …I see folks watching you from behind on every street you have been on (especially Rambas the main drag)in this video. Don’t for a minute disregard the fact that they may know who you are as a You Tuber “doing the tell on them”!
Thanks for you recommendations! I'm going to Barcelona with friends in June. I'm sharing this with them and on my social media. You have a LOT of energy and you keep us laughing too. Gracias!
I’m planning to go this September. How was your experience in June?
@@mondohdz531 We didn't go. They had financial problems. I went to Rome and did a Holland America Cruise instead. I get a free cruise otherwise I couldn't afford it.
Oh, yeah the one with "Where are you from?" "Oh I got a cousin living there, very nice country, nice people." "How long you stay?" etc... Then there comes the scam...
😅😂🤣👍👍👍
unless you scammed them before they scam you xD
Regards the where you from ,Oh you just dropped something .I totally blank them and keep walking.
This is so true. Always say your from Tajikistan.
I speak a little Welsh,works great on them😁
You mentioned back packs and keeping your valuables deep down possibly at the bottom. That's no good.
Slashers are used to this behaviour and know you'll keep your ipad and other valuables there.
The subway trians are really crowded the simply razor slice the bottom of your back pack and fish out your stuff. Be warned.
When riding the train, bus, etc putting it under your seat between your legs thinking they will never get it? Wrong. The slasher will. You have your backpack but it has been emptied!
This is the best most informative video on scams ever! Thank you Bent Timm.
Glad you enjoyed it! Hope I earned your sub!
I'll be in Barcelona next week, very valuable info, took close atention to your advice, thank's for sharing!
I've been living in BCN for 5 years and wanted to make a video about this as well...there were a few things you missed, but you did a great job either way. Beyond these scams, perhaps the biggest scam you didn't mention was how most of the hamburger places in BCN (with the exception of Foc i Oli and Bacoa) all have pork mixed in with beef. The menu says 100% beef though!
Emily Flowers you talking about foc bar?
That’s not a scam, lol, that’s just Spain, where a sandwich de vegetales means a jamon sandwich with vegetables added!
Sounds like McDonalds would be the biggest scam in the world then haha
That's a good result mate. In the UK they were putting horse meat everywhere.
damn imagine being muslim and not knowing
Great upload mate 👊🏻😁🍻🍻🍻🍻🇦🇺🍻🇦🇺🍻🇦🇺🍻🇦🇺🍻🇦🇺🍻🇦🇺😁🇦🇺
Bruh
Glad you enjoyed it Thanks for subscribing!!
great presentation!! Thanks. very interesting and helpful
The citizens of Barcelona should just come together and get rid of these scammers, I've seen it in Istanbul too with the dropping of a shoe brush. Everyone ignores it while it brings shame to their city.
I love this video. It's great to see for people who are traveling abroad. When I was in Spain, there was a gypsy scam where they would come up to you in a group and give you a coin or a branch of herbs as a persent. Then they would demand money. At times they would simply demand money and when you would pull out a few euros all you has left in your hand was those few euros and your wallet went running with down the street. I actually saw it happening.
Thanks for subscribing!! Take care, Eynat!
I love all of the tips that you provide here. But, the tip about leaving valuables back in the hotel room can be wrong. For instance, my partner and I stayed at the Eurostars hotel on the waterfront for 18 days, and at some point during our stay, 500 euros disappeared from our room. We filed a complaint with the hotel, but as you can imagine, nothing came of it. The Hotel room is NOT safe either. And the hotel safe, probably not 100% secure either since those safes all have a generic master passcode the staff can use to open.
Thanks for namedropping the hotel so we know which to avoid!
Wow, it really means a lot to me that you took the time to comment on my video! Thanks for sharing your experience as well. So sorry to hear that happened to you. Hope you like my upcoming vlogs and kindly subscribe if you haven't!
very true. They give a false sense of security. Maybe the worst offenders are the cheap & cheerful individual hotel room safes. My adsvice don't use them and buy a good quality adequate size money belt and get familiar using it before venturing out. Of course only open it in a secure area and even then check the surroundings first.
Also London. Wear handbags across your shoulder (diagonally) , wear backpacks in the front, and carry wallets in front pockets.
Be very aware of crossings. Some individuals from eastern Europe work in gangs. They block the way forward so you can't cross the street while the others steal from your back pack. I have witnessed this personally but not realising what was happening, i just climbed over the fence when the lights were on green. Yes, if traffic lights on green and the person in front of you won't move, push them out of your way.
Omg,,, Thanks for all the great info. Have a blessed Friday Jan 19, 2023