Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bilbao, Spain

1. Tourist Trap Restaurants

Overpriced restaurants near popular attractions that offer poor quality food to unsuspecting tourists.

Location: Avoid restaurants located in areas with high tourist footfall.
Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or trusted travel resources.
Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with other restaurants in the area to avoid overpaying.

Fraudulent taxi drivers taking longer routes or overcharging unsuspecting tourists.

Legitimate Taxis: Only use licensed taxis with a meter.
Fixed Rates: Ask for a fixed rate before starting the journey.
Travel Apps: Use local taxi apps or services for added security and convenience.

Markets selling fake designer goods at significantly lower prices.

Price Comparison: Compare prices with official retailers to identify counterfeits.
Packaging: Inspect packaging for poor quality or irregularities.
Warranty or Receipt: Avoid purchases without a warranty or receipt.

Skimming devices installed on ATMs to steal credit/debit card information.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located in well-lit and secure areas.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keylogging.
Check Your Statements: Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Counterfeit versions of the famous Guggenheim Museum's street art being sold.

Original Artwork: Visit the museum to see original artwork.
Artist Signature: Check for genuine artist signatures on any potential purchases.
Purchaser Reputation: Deal with reputable art dealers or galleries.

Souvenir shops near tourist attractions overcharging for low-quality items.

Shopping Districts: Visit local shopping districts or markets for better prices.
Haggling: Negotiate prices with shopkeepers to get a better deal.
Local Prices: Compare prices with other shops in the area to ensure fairness.

Unlicensed tour guides offering low-quality or misleading services.

Official Licenses: Ensure guides have official licenses issued by the city council.
Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews and ratings before booking a guide service.
Tour Company Reputation: Choose reputable tour companies for peace of mind.

Petty thieves targeting tourists in crowded markets.

Secure Storage: Keep valuable items securely stored and out of sight.
Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and avoid distractions, especially in crowded areas.
Travel Insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance to cover theft-related losses.

Overcharging or providing subpar ferry services.

Reputable Ferry Operators: Use well-established and reputable ferry operators.
Fixed Rates: Ask for a fixed rate before boarding the ferry.
Safety Certificates: Ensure the ferry has all necessary safety certificates.

Musicians or performers asking for money but not delivering on their performance.

Authentic Performances: Watch a performance before deciding to donate.
Local Customs: Research local customs and tips etiquette.
Scam Alerts: Stay updated on scam alerts in Bilbao through travel resources.

Individuals claiming to have found a phone and asking for payment for its return.

Official Police Stations: Report lost items to the police station instead of individuals.
Tracking Devices: Activate tracking devices on your phone for easier recovery.
Cloud Backup: Backup important data and information in the cloud.

Tours offered for free but with a hidden cost at the end.

Transparency: Ask about any additional costs upfront.
Read Reviews: Read reviews and ratings of free tours to ensure they are legitimate.
Payment Methods: Choose tours that allow flexible payment methods like tips.

Hotels or rental properties overcharging tourists.

Fraudulent Wi-Fi hotspots created to steal data or install malware.

Secure Connections: Only use secure, password-protected Wi-Fi networks.
Avoid Public Computers: Avoid using public computers for sensitive tasks.
Update Antivirus Software: Keep your antivirus software up-to-date to protect against threats.

Selling counterfeit tickets for popular events and attractions.

Official Outlets: Purchase tickets from official outlets or the venue's website.
Check Ticket Details: Inspect ticket details for any discrepancies.
Ask for Receipts: Always ask for receipts to prove ticket authenticity.