Spain expat warns against ‘outrageous’ ‘restaurant scam’ | Travel News | Travel

Regardless of where in the world you are travelling, if you are in a popular tourist destination opportunists are likely to be lurking in a bid to con unsuspecting visitors out of money. Whether it’s pickpocketing operations or schemes to try and take more money than necessary from holidaymakers, an expat living in Spain has shared some of the most common practices she has witnessed targeting tourists.

Last year, data compiled by Quotezone.co.uk found that Spain was one of the worst destinations for tourist scams, along with France. However, the research found that these scams typically occur in areas of high tourist foot traffic – such as popular landmarks and attractions.

Katie, who lives in Spain and works as a travel influencer, explained what she described as the “restaurant scam” which she said is one of her top “five popular tourist scams you need to be aware of if you are coming to Spain.”

She explained that she has seen the scam occur in Madrid most commonly. She explained: “In Madrid, all restaurants are required to show all the menu prices on the menu but some restaurants will put the daily special on a blackboard and they won’t have the prices. Then you will order it and they will be outrageously more expensive than everything else.”

In 2019, a tourist posting to Tripadvisor shared an experience which happened to them in Madrid which was very similar to the one detailed by Katie.

The travellers said they arrived at a restaurant and were “lured in” with light nibbles and drinks before being presented with more and more dishes they did not ask for – but were told they must pay for.

“You are not going to see any prices or menus – that would give the game away,” they explained in their review.

“A few minutes of waiting for your nuts, crisps and breads in oils later…you are then on the receiving end of endless plates that are not requested.” [SIC]

The tourist added: “For our couple of drinks and a rest in the sun, we are hoodwinked to the tune of about £500.”

If dishes are brought to your table that you did not order, you should not expect that these are free. You can query the server who will let you know if there is a cost associated or if these are complimentary snacks.

While some restaurants will offer free nibbles with your drinks, other dishes are chargeable so it is best to refuse them if you do not want to eat them or have them added to your bill.