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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Girona, Spain: how to avoid them
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Girona is a small, relatively safe Catalan city popular with tourists heading to Barcelona and Costa Brava. Petty theft and overcharging in tourist zones are the main concerns rather than serious crime. Watch your belongings in crowded old-town areas and always use official transport and ticket options.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Girona, Spain and how to avoid them
1. Menu without prices
How it works: Some cafés and restaurants in tourist areas serve items and present a bill with inflated prices, especially for tapas or drinks ordered by sight. Bills may add charges not shown on any menu.
How to avoid it: Ask for the full menu with prices before ordering, and review the itemized bill before paying.
2. Pickpocketing in crowds
How it works: Thieves work in groups in packed pedestrian areas, using distraction such as asking questions or bumping into you to lift wallets and phones.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables in front pockets or a zipped bag, and stay alert when people crowd or jostle you.
3. Poor-rate exchange booths
How it works: Exchange counters near tourist landmarks advertise no commission but build the spread into a bad rate, losing you several percent on each transaction.
How to avoid it: Use a bank ATM and pay by card where possible. If cash is needed, compare the posted rate with the live market rate first.
Official tickets for the top sights in Girona, Spain
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): €25 - €30. Use the official taxi rank at the terminal exit. Confirm the fare is metered before departure and that it is the town fare, not a flat tourist quote.
Best alternative: SAGALÉS bus line 602 to Girona bus station (€2.75, about 25 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- €1.75 (Single ride ticket on Girona city buses)
- Validation rules
- Validate your ticket in the machine inside the bus as you board. Tap your card or scan the QR code; failure to validate counts as travelling without a valid ticket.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- €100. Fine for travelling without a valid ticket on the bus network; inspectors may apply it on the spot.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards are accepted on Girona city buses; no daily cap is applied, so buy a multi-ride card for several trips.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Tipping is optional. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants if service was good; not expected in taxis or bars.
Cover and service charges: Cover and bread charges are not common in Girona and are not a standard practice. If a menu has no prices shown, it is a warning sign; confirm the total before paying.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in euros and decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card terminals. Prefer ATMs attached to major banks. Independent ATMs in tourist areas may carry higher fees.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Around the bus station and train station: Keep luggage and bags secured and zipped, especially late in the evening when pedestrian traffic is low and opportunists are more active.
- Old town near the cathedral: Crowded narrow streets attract pickpockets working in pairs; keep phones and wallets inside bags rather than in back pockets.
Emergency number
112
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Frequently Asked Questions about Girona, 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.