Brits heading to Spain for holidays in 2024 have been warned by locals of a common street scam that could leave you feeling like you need to pay for a service you didn’t ask for
Brits on Spain holidays have been warned about a common street scam in some of the country’s biggest holiday hotspots.
One British expat shared the advice on Reddit, warning tourists to be extra vigilant when wandering around the streets and markets – or they could end up being asked to pay for a service they didn’t want in the first place, reports Birmingham Live.
The worried local warned: “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.”
Their tip came in response to a query from one tourist on the platform asking: “Just wondering if there are any culture shocks and social norms/socially acceptable things to be aware of for a Canadian couple travelling to Spain (travelling to Europe) for the first time? Things like hotels (if the procedure is different – someone told me that towels are not provided? ), tipping culture at restaurants, friendly or rude locals (maybe tired of tourists? ), scam artists! Anything would help.”
Many locals were quick to jump in with handy advice. One person told party-goers not to both going to clubs and bars until 1am when the nightlife actually gets started, while advising that an afternoon rest is often on the cards for locals because of the hot and sunny weather.
Another shared: “I went to Madrid around 2008. At a bar we ordered a few drinks and hung out for a while, then asked for the check. The server then brought the check (and either before or after we paid– sorry it’s been a long as time I don’t remember exactly) and another round.”
“The first time this happened we freaked out because we thought we somehow accidentally ordered more instead of asking for the check. We were like no no sorry and the guy was like no it’s ok it’s free. Turns out this is pretty common and they just give you an extra on the house. This happened to us a bunch of times and after the first time we knew what to expect.”
Brits who are planning a trip to Spain will also need to take heed of new entry rules in place since Brexit – and not just the new passport rules requiring your document to be valid for at least three months from the day of travel, as well as having been issued within the last 10 years.
The UK Foreign Office has warned Brits that they may be required to bring two extra documents alongside their passport at border control. This includes a valid return or onward ticket, such as the return leg of a plane ticket, and potentially proof of where they’re staying such as a hotel booking receipt or an address if they’re visiting a second home or friends or family. They can show a paper copy of their booking or an email on their phone.
But that’s not all – under EU rules, holidaymakers may also need to prove they have enough money for the duration of their stay. The Spanish government’s website says the current minimum amount expected per person per day is €113.40, which is about £97.
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