Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Valencia, Spain

1. Beachfront Scams

Watch out for fake police officers asking for your belongings or demanding fines on the beach.

False Identification: Police in Spain don't ask for personal items and always carry identification.
Instant Fines: Legitimate fines are issued with a ticket, not on the spot.
Beach Patrol: Official beach patrol staff wear uniforms and carry identification.

Avoid overpriced, low-quality restaurants in touristy areas; stick to local favorites instead.

Overpriced Menus: Check prices before ordering to avoid unexpectedly high bills.
Authentic Cuisine: Look for local dishes and ingredients in restaurant menus.
Recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for restaurant suggestions.

Keep a close eye on your belongings while exploring bustling markets like Central Market and Rastro.

Crowded Spaces: Pickpockets often target crowded places where it's easy to blend in.
Zipper Checks: Regularly check your belongings, especially pockets and zippers.
Beware of Distractions: Be cautious of anyone trying to distract you while a partner picks your pocket.

Street markets may offer cheap souvenirs, but beware of counterfeit items like designer clothes and shoes.

Quality Check: Check the quality of the item; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops and online to ensure fair pricing.
Brand Authenticity: Check for any inconsistencies in the brand logo or packaging.

Some taxis in Valencia may try to overcharge tourists; use official taxi services or apps for safe travel.

Meter Checks: Ensure the meter is running when you start your journey.
Official Taxis: Look for official taxi symbols on cars or use reputable apps like Cabify or MyTaxi.
Fixed Prices: Avoid taxis offering fixed prices without first discussing the destination.

Beware of fake tickets sold online for popular events like Fallas or Valencia's Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Official Sources: Purchase tickets from the official event website or authorized ticket vendors.
Ticket Inspection: Check that your ticket has all the necessary details, including a barcode.
Event Details: Verify the date, time, and location of the event on official websites.

Avoid unlicensed guides offering tours; use licensed guides to ensure a legal and informative tour.

Licensed Guide Checks: Check for an official guide's license and badge.
Tour Company Reputation: Choose reputable tour companies with good reviews online.
Official Tourism Board: Book tours through the official Valencia Tourist Board or local tourist information centers.

Some bars in nightlife areas may overcharge tourists for drinks or tamper with drink measurements.

Price Checks: Compare prices of drinks with other nearby bars.
Drink Measurements: Check that your drink is the correct size and strength.
Avoid Rough Areas: Stick to well-lit, safe areas at night and avoid poorly lit or empty streets.

Be cautious of shore excursions offered outside the cruise terminal; use only authorized providers.

Authorized Providers: Book tours through your cruise ship or authorized tour operators.
Pricing Comparisons: Compare prices of shore excursions with other passengers on the ship.
Time Management: Allow enough time for your tour and return to the ship before departure.

Watch out for ATMs that may have skimming devices attached; use banks or secure locations instead.

Secure Locations: Use ATMs located inside banks or secure buildings.
Cover Your PIN: Always cover your PIN when entering it to avoid shoulder surfing.
Check ATM for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering before using.

Public Wi-Fi spots may be unsecured, allowing hackers to access your information; use a VPN if needed.

VPN Usage: Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
Password Protection: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.
Secure Sites: Ensure that the website you are visiting starts with 'https' when entering personal information.

Some street artists may ask for a large amount of money for drawings that are easily found elsewhere.

Price Comparisons: Compare prices with other artists or research the typical price online.
Art Quality: Assess the quality of the art before agreeing to a price.
Reputation Checks: Ask around for recommendations or check reviews online.

Some phone shops may sell you an expensive SIM card with hidden charges; use reputable providers.

Reputable Providers: Purchase SIM cards from official stores of mobile operators like Movistar, Vodafone, or Orange.
Hidden Charges: Avoid SIM cards with hidden fees or long-term contracts.
Data Packages: Choose a data package that suits your needs to avoid excessive costs.

Some car rental companies may try to charge for damages or additional fees not mentioned in the contract.

Rental Company Reputation: Choose a reputable car rental company with good reviews online.
Contract Review: Thoroughly review the contract before signing to ensure no hidden fees.
Pre-existing Damage Checks: Check for any pre-existing damages on the rental car before driving away.

Be wary of fake listings or hosts trying to scam you out of money; verify the host and listing details.

Verified Listing: Only book verified listings with positive reviews.
Host Verification: Book with hosts who have been verified by Airbnb.
Payment Methods: Use Airbnb's payment system to secure your reservation and deposit.