I've read all the great posts and info on this and other sites concerning pick-pockets, scams, money belts, etc. and I still have a few questions:

1. If we are just walking around Madrid or Sevilla during the day or night, do we need to have our passports on us at all times or should we leave them back at the apartment we're staying at? Do we need ID on us at all times?

2. As far as credit cards go, should I always keep them in my money belt even when just walking around or can I carry one in my wallet with my cash?

I'd feel better just walking around with some cash and a credit card -- not all our important documents.

All this information has made me feel "aware" but it's also made me quite paranoid. I went out and bought a wallet with a thick chain that attaches to my belt that I'll carry in my front pant pocket. Am I going too far or is that a good idea? Should I skip the chain-wallet all together and just carry some cash in my pocket with my credit card in my money belt?

I figure we're not the best targets -- we're young, I'm Spanish and I'm fluent but I will still be very vigilant because I know it can happen to anyone. I just feel like all these posts and sites have made me very paranoid about our trip.

Any advice would be appreciated and sorry about all the questions

We leave in two weeks

Hi phelix02, some good questions you have asked, I will do what I can to answer.

1) You do not necessarily need ID unless you plan to pay for things with your credit card which is the best way to pay when travelling as a general rule. See my MONEY MATTERS SECTION for more.

On the other hand, it is alway good to have some form of ID on you at all times. The original passport can be left at the hotel/apartment/hostel but bring a photocopy of it with you.

2) Carry as little cash as possible and if you keep anything in your wallrt (cash, credit cards, ID, etc...), keep your wallet in your front pocket and NEVER in your back one.

As I said, some form of ID should be carried around but no need to have all your important docs with you at all times.

Try not to get too paranoid, this info is here to help and not to hinder you from having a great time. If you are paranoid you will have a horrible time here. Also, I suppose if you are over protective of your things, you are more likely to slip up and make a mistake so just USE COMMON SENSE.

The chain wallet is a good idea as is carrying it in your front pocket but the chain should also be hidden or it will scream "wallet".

When I go out, I carry a wallet with a bit of cash and my cards in my front pocket. The tighter the pocket the better but it is still VERY hard for any pickpocket to get something out of a front pant pocket no matter how tight or loose it is

Just yesterday I met a family here to deliver a rental cellphone to them and they felt the same paranoia as you are experiencing due to all the sites they saw and posts they read. The were so afraid of losing their credit card to a thief. I calmed them a bit by telling them that they should be calm and if they have to choose between not having their credit cards stolen and having a good time here in Spain for 2 weeks, they should choose the good time. Credit cards can be replaced but a miserable time on their 2 week vacation here would stick in theri minds forever.

I hope I have made myself clear.

Do not let fear of being "picked" ruin your experience here.

Saludos,
jer...

Thanks Jer, I think you made yourself perfectly clear.

I'm not too worried about being picked, I am a bit concerned about what seems an uptick of violent muggings. You're right, cc's can be replaced, it is personal safety for me and my wife that I'm concerned about really. Unlike you, I'm not from the East Coast, I'm from Minneapolis and this is as safe as big cities come so I may not be as grizzled as, say, a new yorker

One last question: is it allright to walk the streets of Madrid and Sevilla late at night and are there any specific areas that should be avoided after dark? Should the Metro be avoided after a certain time of day?

We'll be staying at a relatives apartment near the Plaza de Espana, somewhere behind the Crown Plaza, I think.

Again, thanks for your help and look for an email from me

Hey phelix02,

I personally have not seen an increase in violent muggings here in Madrid but I may be just "disconnected" from the news.

I would not worry too much about it, the streets of the main centers of Sevilla and Madrid are pretty safe at night. In the center of Madrid, stay away from the Plaza de Tirso de Molina as it is nasty even by day. I have had friends (strappin young lads included) that have been attacked there in the early am hourse (2, 3, 4, etc...)

I have never lived in Sevilla but have been there at night and I felt safe everywhere in the city center.

Saludos,
jer...

Hi, I was told of a violent mugging near the Atoche train station in the mid-afternoon a couple weeks ago...BUT I travelled Spain for 3+ weeks, mostly solo, and felt safe (I am female). I just used the same street smarts as I would here in San Francisco, have a great time!

Just to help allay some fears...

My husband and I are newshounds...watch it daily 2 or three times if possible ... and read the papers. (El Pa�s and El Mundo).

I personally have not noticed anything in the news about increased violent muggings.

I would not worry too much about it. I think the best thing while traveling in a foreign country is just plain old common sense. If you venture into an area, and you don�t feel safe...don�t stay there. Stick to well known areas. Know where you are going (i.e. don�t whip out the map on a poorly lit street at 12 midnight)

Overall, as a woman, I have never felt threatened or afraid in Madrid. Day or night.

Have a great trip!

Thanks for advice and assurances everyone! We leave in ten days