‘I live in Spain and there’s a common scam to avoid like the plague’ | Travel News | Travel
Spain is one of the UK’s leading holiday destinations and the majority of British visits are trouble free.
However, tourists are often targets for scammers as they tend to be less aware of their surroundings.
On Reddit, ‘Olyve_Oil’ said: “Avoid like the plague anyone trying to hand you flowers, bunches of rosemary or hell-bent on reading your palm. Don’t even acknowledge their presence.”
Although it may appear as though someone is giving away flowers for free, tourists will usually be expected to pay for them after they’ve accepted them.
The cost may vary and although tourists aren’t obligated to pay, they may feel pressured to do so.
This scam is commonly used in large cities and may be most often seen at popular tourist landmarks or public transport stations.
Another person added: “Do not accept roses or bouquets from people. They will force you to pay.”
Despite this, the original Reddit poster described Spain as one of the “safest places” they’d ever been.
They said: “It’s normal seeing dad, mum, two kids and all their grandparents out at 11pm sitting at some bar’s outdoor tables eating, drinking and having a conversation. Children are welcome everywhere.”
Spanish restaurants tend to stay open very late and it’s common to see children also up late at night.
Another person added: “I would go jogging at 6am and people were walking back from the club.
“Nightlife doesn’t get started until 1am sometimes. Resting in the afternoon is a real thing because of the temperature.”
Many people also warned tourists to be careful with their possessions as pickpockets are common in busy cities.
Barcelona’s Las Ramblas has been named as one of Europe’s worst hotspots for pickpockets.