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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Bilbao, Spain: how to avoid them
Photo made by Reinhard Bruckner on Pexels.com
Bilbao is a generally safe and tourist-friendly city with a strong public transport system. The main risks are opportunistic pickpocketing in crowded areas, overpriced or unlicensed taxis, and poor currency exchange rates. Use the official airport bus or licensed taxis and always pay in euros.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Bilbao, Spain and how to avoid them
1. Unlicensed drivers at airport
How it works: Drivers approach arriving passengers inside the terminal offering rides at inflated flat rates. They are not licensed taxis and may overcharge or take longer routes. They often lack working meters.
How to avoid it: Exit to the official taxi rank and take a licensed taxi with a visible rooftop sign and meter. Confirm the fare policy before getting in.
2. Pickpocketing in crowded zones
How it works: Thieves work in teams in crowded pedestrian streets and metro stations, using distraction techniques like bumping, asking questions or spilling something to lift wallets and phones.
How to avoid it: Keep bags zipped and in front of you. Do not keep wallets or phones in back pockets, especially in crowds and on the Metro at rush hour.
3. Fake petition or charity scam
How it works: People with clipboards ask for signatures for a charity or cause, then pressure for a cash donation. Others drop a ring or item and claim you found it, asking for a reward.
How to avoid it: Walk away and do not make eye contact. A polite but firm no is enough. Do not engage with people who insist.
4. Menu without prices
How it works: Some bars and restaurants near major sights serve pintxos or plates without displaying prices, then charge inflated amounts at the end. Tourists often only discover the bill after eating.
How to avoid it: Ask for the menu with prices before ordering. Confirm the price of pintxos per piece. Favour places where prices are clearly displayed.
5. Fare evasion risk on transit
How it works: Bilbao uses a ticket validation system that visitors may not know about. Riding without a valid ticket or with an unvalidated one results in on-the-spot fines, even if unintentional.
How to avoid it: Validate tickets at the machine before boarding Metro and Tram, and on entering the bus. Keep your validated ticket with you throughout the journey.
Official tickets for the top sights in Bilbao, Spain
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): €30 - €35. Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals. Agree on the fare or confirm the meter runs. Refuse drivers who approach you inside the terminal or offer flat inflated rates.
Best alternative: Bizkaibus A3247 bus to Moyúa Plaza in the centre (€3, about 25 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- €1.35 (Single journey ticket on the Metro, Tram or Bilbobus)
- Validation rules
- Validate your ticket at the machine on the platform before boarding the Metro or Tram, or at the entrance on buses. Always keep your ticket until you exit. Unvalidated or expired tickets are treated as fare evasion.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- €100. Fine for travelling without a valid ticket. Inspectors may issue it on the spot and payment is expected promptly.
- Paying by card
- Barik card is the official smart card for Metro, Tram and Bus. Contactless bank card payments are not yet universally accepted on all Bilbao transit services.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up in restaurants and bars is normal, and 5 to 10 percent is generous for good service. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Cover and service charges: There is no widespread cover charge in Bilbao like the Italian coperto. A service charge is usually included in the bill. Some bars may add a small charge for bread or table service; check the menu if prices are not shown.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in euros and decline dynamic currency conversion. Prefer ATMs attached to major banks over standalone machines in tourist areas, which often charge high fees. Paying by card is widely accepted in Bilbao.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Around the main station and bus terminal at night: Keep bags closed and stay alert after dark, as pickpockets and petty theft are occasionally reported in this area. Stick to well-lit routes.
- Casco Viejo evenings: The old town is busy and crowded on weekends and during festivals. Watch your belongings closely in crowded bars and pedestrian streets.
Emergency number
112
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bilbao, Spain
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.