Madrid Warning or Danger Tips by Krystynn

Before venturing out, please remember a few important tips. This is especially so for those (like me) who stick out as tourists/ foreigners and or can't speak a word of Spanish. :-))

(1) Do not carry money or valuables in your pockets.

(2) You can withdraw all the money you want from any local ATM machines here (just ensure that your ATM card is linked to the 'Plus', 'The Exchange', 'Cirrus' etc networks).

(3) To check whether your card is linked to these major networks, flip your ATM card and check the back of it. Do you see the logos?? If yes, then, NO WORRIES. You can withdraw cash (in Spanish pesetas) from any ATM machines in Madrid or anywhere else in Spain. I highly recommend this method because it is much safer than carrying too much cash around with you and secondly, you'd save alot from the very good interbank exchange rates unlike those charged by your local money changers. Trust me. This method DOES work.... :-)

(4) While on the metro or bus keep all bags and purses close to your body and in front of you.

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Here's a little incident which I'd like to share with you:

A Chinese couple/ friend of mine (from LA, California) checked in to the Hotel Agumar here in Madrid just before 12 midnight. The porter then brought their luggages up to the hotel room... and hung around for just a few more minutes on the pretext of helping them settle in. When he left the room 3 minutes later, the wife found that her Chanel wallet containing US$3,000 cash was missing!

Needless to add, they couldn't find the culprit; the hotel management even had the cheek to claim that they had no such porters on their payroll.

In short, be careful at all times of your belongings and never let anyone in to your room - even if they claim to be the porter. I'm just trying to be extra cautious here, ya know?

I was just thinking that if my friends, that Chinese couple, had brought along their local ATM card instead, this incident could have been prevented.....

Photo below: The Valley of the Fallen.

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