The Biggest Tourist Traps and Common Barcelona Scams (and how to avoid them)
Last Updated on 19th July 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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Millions of people visit Catalan’s capital annually, after all, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and has plenty of draws to it. Unfortunately with lots of people comes lots of opportunities for those looking to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists and make a pretty penny.
One of the best ways to avoid a scam is to know how to spot one. Here’s you guide on how to avoid the tourist traps and common scams in Barcelona, as well as what to do in the occasion that you fall victim to one.
It’s often stated that Barcelona is one of the worst cities in Europe for pickpocketing and theft! Nonetheless, this fact alone should by no means deter you from travelling to this beautiful and vibrant city and it also doesn’t reflect any light on the friendly nature of the city’s fellow visitors and residents.
The truth is that whenever you visit a touristy place (London, Paris, Rome, and NYC all spring to mind), amongst the kind, generous and lovely people you can meet, there are also unfortunately some who are looking to take advantage of those who don’t know the city well and want to profit from the crowds in any way possible.
Most Common Tourist Scams
The Bird Poo Scam
Some people like to tell you that to have a bird poo on you is good luck… whether or not that’s the case, it certainly is not in Barcelona!
Someone may purposefully spray something on you, or say there’s something there and a swarm of ‘helpful locals’ may attempt to help clean you up, all the while sneakily taking all of the valuable possessions you might be carrying.
It can be quite a flustering and overwhelming situation, the best way is if multiple people try to help you out with one stain, try and remove yourself from the group and keep a close guard on your bag and any accessories you might be wearing. This common scam has also been reported in other countries but is particularly prevalent in Barcelona city.
The Overly Helpful Local
As you’ve probably gathered from the above scam, there is such a thing as someone being too helpful… Of course, not everyone helping you is trying to scam you, but it’s certainly better to be cautious when accepting help from someone else when abroad.
Tourists usually make for easy targets as it’s easier to take advantage when someone looks a little lost or doesn’t necessarily know the native language.
This isn’t to say you can’t speak to passers-by and ask for directions, I just suggest being extra wary of those who approach or seek you out.
The Broken Camera
This scam works on almost everyone because if someone is asking you to take a picture of them, you’re unlikely to say no to such an innocent request. The person will pose for a photograph and upon you handing back the camera (which is already likely broken) they will accuse you and demand payment for the damages.
The best way to avoid this if you do get passed a camera is to hand it back gently, and if they start accusing you or making a scene of the situation, do your best to walk away and avoid engaging with the individual any further.
Sweet Lady Offering Rosemary (run!)
You may be approached by a sweet old lady offering you a sprig of rosemary as a blessing, or they may even go as far as telling your fortune, but they will then demand payment for this after the fact, so be aware of this when someone approaches you with rosemary!
Another similar scam is the ‘free’ rose scam, wherein someone will typically target couples or restaurant diners and offer a rose, for which they expect you to pay. It is not a gesture of goodwill, so do not accept if you don’t wish to pay.
Restaurants without prices
If a restaurant doesn’t show prices on the menu be cautious as they may take advantage of the fact you are tourists. The most common extra cost that you may not ask for (or realise costs) is when olives and bread are placed on your table, if you do not want to pay for them simply refuse them when given to you.
In Spain, it is illegal for restaurants to charge for the necessities to eat a meal, like napkins, cutlery etc. However, you may find they try their luck by adding a “cubierto” (cover) charge, in this instance you should ask your server to remove this from the bill if included.
Another thing to note, if you ask for tap water it’s always free, this is the case all over Spain.
Pickpockets
Pickpockets are everywhere, especially in major cities where there are more opportunities, so the best way to avoid being pickpocketed is to be smart about how you carry your belongings.
In Barcelona, I strongly recommend against wearing a handbag. Instead, consider opting for a crossover body bag or rucksack which you can wear to your side in busier spots.
Always make sure that your bags are well fastened/ secured. And finally, avoid opening your bag in crowded places. If you’re simply carrying a wallet, then don’t leave it in your back pocket.
Pickpockets in Barcelona often work in groups so be sure to be extra aware if someone stops you, it always pays off to be more cautious than not.
The typical way pickpockets operate is to distract the person with conversation, while another person from the group steals valuable possessions. Another way is purposefully bumping into someone.
Overcharging Taxis
Taxis are pretty regulated throughout Spain, however, as with most places across the globe there are ‘fake taxi drivers’ waiting for their moment to rip off tourists, particularly at airports or train stations when people are most vulnerable and tired, just looking for a mode of transport to their hotel.
Official taxis in Barcelona are distinctive and easy to spot thanks to their black and yellow colour scheme. When taking a taxi from the airport, official metered taxis will always be in the taxi bay and generally speaking no taxi will try and approach you for business, so be cautious if someone does.
Some particular warning signs to look out for include taxi drivers who claim the meter is not working or will only accept cash. You can check the estimated price of your fare on this site here. If you are ever unsure, go directly to an official taxi rank when possible.
ATM Machines
This applies to anywhere in the world really, but be ultra cautious if someone approaches you while you’re using an ATM. Whether someone is trying to steal or clone your card, the outcome is always negative, so to avoid this be sure to always turn down help at an ATM.
If the machine isn’t working, take a moment to find a different one or head to a tourist office to ask for advice, this will save you a lot in the long run.
‘Friendship bracelet’ or String Trick
This is pretty common all across Europe, someone may approach you and offer to make you a bracelet, or in worst cases try to grab your arm and put the string around you and then demand for payment.
In any case, one of the best ways to avoid this is simply to avoid anyone who has a lot of strings on their arm or to refuse immediately if someone approaches you and offers to tie a bracelet to your wrist.
Fake Front Desk Call
The bottom line rule is if you ever get asked for card details over the phone DO NOT give them. Not your bank, hotel, or anyone else for that matter will ever ask for such personal information on the phone, so always hang up if someone asks for these details.
In Barcelona, and many other places, quite a common scam is to call the hotel phone and pose as the hotel receptionist, asking for card details as there has been a “problem with your payment”.
If you are unsure, I would always say you will go down to reception and then politely hang up, in almost every case this will be a scam and the person working at reception can assure you of this.
Belongings at the Beach (DON’T leave them unattended!)
Although tempting to just enjoy a dip in the warm sparkling sea and come back to your beach towels with all your things still there, unfortunately, it’s not the world we live in, so don’t do it!
Leaving your belongings unattended on a busy and crowded beach is the easiest way to lose them all. People are too busy minding their own things to be looking after yours too, and scammers and thieves will take the opportunity if given.
As such, as annoying as it might be, if you are in groups take turns going into the water and always be sure someone from your group is keeping an eye on your belongings.
What to do if you’ve been scammed?
If there’s one piece of advice that I want to emphasise, it’s that you should always remember there is no shame in being deceived or conned.
If anything, it’s just your honesty and goodwill were taken advantage of. It can feel invasive and embarrassing and unfortunately, but sometimes it’s simply unavoidable.
If the worst happens, then the best outcome is that you are safe and still have the means to continue travelling or get home.
Once in a safe place, check if you are covered with travel insurance and depending on the situation consider reporting to the police (which you may have to do to claim back on travel insurance), though it has to be said in a lot of instances you are not likely to get your belongings back.
Sadly these things happen, no matter where you go in the world there are scams, and each country has their own unique types of scams, so the only way to try and avoid them is to be aware and try to read up on them before you go!
Read our How to Avoid Common Tourist Paris Scams & Pickpockets guide if you’re visiting Paris soon! Or our How to Avoid Common Tourist Scams & Pickpockets in Italy guide.
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