Madrid

Emergency: 112. Save the accommodation's full address and a nearby staffed help point. Keep a paper copy with the family contact number. [S68]

Prepare for introductions without oversharing

Spanish travel advice warns of distraction theft, accommodation security issues and impersonation of police. Apply these precautions to airport arrivals, rail transfers, shopping and evening meetings without treating ordinary residents as threats. [S76]

For a business or property introduction, verify the person, organisation and venue independently. Set a purpose and finishing time. A common language, family connection or familiar business card should make communication easier, not reduce verification.

Transfers and rail travel

• Confirm the airport terminal, station and pickup point. Check a replacement driver with the original dispatcher before boarding.
• Keep bags controlled while buying tickets or arranging a car. Maintain a spare way to contact your companion if the person holding the tickets loses their phone.
• On an onward journey, put the actual destination address, arrival contact and next check-in into the trip brief. Do not assume a Madrid contact will know where the group has gone.

Claims of official authority

If someone demands a wallet or cash while claiming to be an officer, remain calm and seek independent confirmation when safe. Spanish official travel advice describes thieves using this pretext. Genuine police interactions should be handled lawfully; do not escalate or physically resist. [S76]

A remote caller claiming to be police, a consulate or a regulator should be checked through a separately obtained official channel. An instruction to move crypto to a “safe account” is a reason to pause and obtain help. Do not let urgency isolate you from your trusted contact.

Meetings home stays and family

Use a known staffed venue for the first meeting. Keep a personal exit option and decline a sudden move to a private apartment for payment. Apply the EU entity and service checks in chapter 29 before financial commitments. [S79]

For an extended stay, review building entry, keys, visitor rules, deliveries and maintenance appointments. Give carers the same authority to pause unusual requests as an executive assistant. Share the minimum necessary travel information with service providers.

If plans are disrupted: remain somewhere staffed, contact the established operator and use a verified alternative. If theft occurs, obtain a police reference and seek the appropriate passport or device assistance. Avoid a hurried private cash or crypto deal to solve a travel problem; ordinary payment reserves should cover the immediate need.