Is San Sebastian Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Now that you have some general information on warnings and dangers in Sebastian, you might still have a few questions about how to keep you and your fellow travelers safe when visiting this picturesque Spanish vacation haven.

Following are ten location-specific travel tips to help travelers stay safer when visiting Sebastian. 

1. Learn Basic Spanish. The most important travel tip for visitors to San Sebastian is to learn basic Spanish. Learning the language makes it easier for travelers to communicate with the locals. Understanding what is being said can also help travelers avoid becoming the victims of local scams.
2. Be Street Smart. Crimes of opportunity can happen in the safest places on earth when nefarious criminals happen upon distracted or unsuspecting tourists. Be street-smart when traveling in San Sebastion by staying aware of your surroundings and keeping your valuables out of sight.
3. Trust Your Instincts. While the city of San Sebastian is safe most of the time, there are pockets of crime, criminals, and scammers who are looking to take advantage of tourists. There are high levels of pickpocketing and similar scams in this area that are designed to separate tourists from their valuables including wallets, cell phones, purses, and cash.
4. Use Official Transportation Services. There are fewer reports of taxi scams in this coastal town than in some other Spanish cities, tourists can stay safer when they use official transportation services. Opt for licensed local taxi services or well-known rideshare services to avoid falling victim to a potential taxi scam.
5. Moderate Your Alcohol Consumption. Moderate your alcohol consumption when visiting local eateries and bars to avoid becoming intoxicated or incapacitated. People who appear to be under the influence are more likely to be crime victims or pursued by local scammers.
6. Respect Local Customs. Do your research before traveling to learn more about the local customs, behaviors, and dress codes in San Sebastian. Respecting local customs can reduce the likelihood of negative experiences and being called out by locals.
7. Research the Cost of Goods and Services. Avoid being overcharged for everyday travel services like hotel accommodations, eating out at local restaurants, and shopping for basic necessities by researching the cost of local goods and services in San Sebastian – before you arrive.
8. Report Incidents to Local Authorities. Although incidents of crime and violence are rare in this area, any incidents like pushy street vendors trying to force you to buy friendship bracelets and demanding money do happen here and should be reported to local authorities.
9. Stay Connected to Local Resources. One of the best ways to stay connected to local resources while traveling abroad is to register your trip with the US State Department’s STEP program for travelers. This program supports US travelers in other countries who need access to basic and emergency services in their local area.
10. Travel in Pairs or Groups. Even the safest cities have rare incidents of crime and violence. Stay safer when traveling through San Sebastian by remaining in pairs or groups. This advice is especially relevant for women travelers who can experience higher levels of harassment and unwanted attention in this area.