Spain Personal Safety

To avoid unwanted attention, try to blend in as much as possible. Respecting local customs (in many cases, dressing more conservatively than you would at home) may ward off would-be hecklers. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings before setting out and carry yourself with confidence. Check maps in shops and restaurants rather than on the street. If you are traveling alone, be sure someone at home knows your itinerary and never tell anyone you meet that you’re by yourself. When walking at night, stick to busy, well-lit streets and if you ever feel uncomfortable, leave the area as quickly as you can. A good self-defense course will give you concrete ways to react to unwanted advances.

If you are using a car, learn local driving signals and wear a seatbelt. Study route maps before you hit the road and, if you plan on spending a lot of time driving, consider bringing spare parts. For long drives in desolate areas, invest in a cellular phone and a roadside assistance program, and do not sleep in your car. For info on the perils of hitchhiking, see.

Possessions And Valuables

There are a few steps you can take to minimize the financial risk associated with traveling. First, bring as few valuables as possible. Second, buy a few padlocks to secure your belongings either in your pack or in a locker. Third, carry as little cash as possible. Keep your traveler’s checks and ATM/credit cards in a money belt—not a “fanny pack”—along with your passport and ID cards. Fourth, keep a small cash reserve separate from your primary stash. This should be about US$50 (US dollars or euros are best) sewn into or stored in the depths of your pack, along with your traveler’s check numbers, photocopies of your passport, your birth certificate, and other important documents.

Never let your passport or bags out of your sight. Hostel workers will sometimes stand at bus and train-station arrival points to recruit tired and disoriented travelers to their hostel; never believe strangers who tell you that theirs is the only hostel open. Beware of pickpockets in city crowds, especially on public transportation. Also, be alert in public telephone booths: if you must say your calling card number, do so very quietly; if you punch it in, make sure no one can look over your shoulder. If you will be traveling with electronic devices, such as a laptop computer or a PDA, check whether your homeowner’s insurance covers loss, theft, or damage when you travel. If not, you might consider purchasing a low-cost separate insurance policy. Safeware (☎+1-800-800-1492; www.safeware.com) specializes in covering computers and charges $90 for 90-day comprehensive international travel coverage up to $4000.

In Spain

Spain has a low crime rate, but visitors can always fall victim to tourist-related crimes. Tourists should take particular care in Madrid, especially in El Centro, and in Barcelona around Las Ramblas. If you happen to experience car problems, be careful about accepting help from anyone other than a uniformed Spanish police officer or Guardia Civil (Civil Guard). Travelers who accept unofficial assistance should keep their valuables secure. For those travelers using public transportation, be aware of your belongings and surroundings.

In Portugal

In Portugal, the highest rates of crime have been in the Lisboa area, especially on buses, in train stations, and in airports. Exercise the most caution in the Alfama district, the Santa Apolonia and Rossio train stations, Castelo de São Jorge, and in Belém. The towns around Lisboa with the most reported crimes in recent years are Cascais, Fátima, and Sintra. Thieves often try to distract people by staging loud arguments, passing a soccer ball back and forth on a crowded street, asking for directions, pretending to dance with their victim, or spilling something on their victim’s clothing.