Safety in Madrid

Madrid is a big city, and you should take the same common-sense security precautions there that you would in Chicago or New York. Traffic is very intense throughout the city and drivers quite unpredictable. Do not cross the street only based on the pedestrian crosswalk indicators. You should additionally look both ways and proceed with caution.

During your orientation week in Spain, you will be advised about the kind of streetwise behavior that will help protect you from petty crime. A handful of program participants last year were victims of a petty crime incident. Pickpocketing is the most common security issue you will face. To combat it, avoid carrying your passport or other important documents when you go out; instead, make a photocopy to a ways keep with you. Do not carry large sums of money on you, and keep an eye on your backpack, purse, and cell phone AT ALL TIMES, particularly in bars, discos, and cyber cafes. Men should keep wallets in either shirt or front pants pocket and when women carry a purse, we recommend a small one with the opening turned inward on a strap across your body. When out at night, carry valuables in a money belt or have a decoy purse.

Always keep identification on you, even when participating in sports, exercise or other leisure pastimes.