If you see a group of people and one of them plays with three shakers or shells and a small ball on a cardboard or portable table, DO NOT STOP !.

That person will be asking people to guess where the ball is. Never guess as this is a swindle.

It seems in fact [...]]]>

Trileros in Barcelona

If you see a group of people and one of them plays with three shakers or shells and a small ball on a cardboard or portable table, DO NOT STOP !.

That person will be asking people to guess where the ball is. Never guess as this is a swindle.

It seems in fact easy, but as we say in Barcelona “the hand is quicker than the eye” so simply don’t try, in fact, don’t even get closer as you simply don’t have any chance of winning and you will only be asking for trouble. Also, sometimes there are pickpockets around so don’t even stay close to watch. You will never see locals playing at this, only tourists, so beware!

This scam is always performed by several people. The person moving the shakers/shells, two or three people betting (or pretending) and several checking that the police doesn’t show up. One of them will shout “agua” (water) if they see a police officer getting closer and everybody will run away.

Barcelona is in general a safe town where violent crime is rare, however you should always be aware of pickpockets as they are extremely good.

Tourist are usually the main target so just be extra careful with your belongings as sometimes robberies can be avoided by just being a little bit extra careful.

Basic security advices:

- Keep [...]]]>

Barcelona is in general a safe town where violent crime is rare, however you should always be aware of pickpockets as they are extremely good.

Tourist are usually the main target so just be extra careful with your belongings as sometimes robberies can be avoided by just being a little bit extra careful.

Basic security advices:

- Keep your documents safe: Do not carry your ID or passport, always leave it at your hotel. A photocopy is usually enough.

- Do not leave your luggage or belongings unattended at any given time.

- Suspect of anyone that seems to be too friendly.

- Do not let people getting too close to you.

- Be specially careful of people saying that you have a stain on your clothing, don’t let them clean it as they are probably trying to rob you.

- Do not show large amounts of money.

- Be careful with people asking for directions, as this is one of the tactics used. Again, don’t let people get too close.

- Be careful when withdrawing money from an ATM, always have a look around before withdrawing money.

- Call 112 in case of an emergency.

The above recommendations may sound a little bit stupid. However, people tend to be relaxed while on holidays, so just do what you would usually do at your city. There are also other scams (e.g. trileros) to be aware of.

The Mossos d’Esquadra (local police force) has English speaking staff at its Nou de la Rambla police station in case you need it. I would recommend that you mark its location in your map.

I would also recommend that you take note of useful telephone numbers in case of an emergency before you start you travel.