Johnnie Walker’s Hints and tips
Safety on the Camino
The Camino to Santiago is generally a very safe place for
pilgrims. However accidents do happen and like anywhere else pilgrims must take
precautions against crime. Above all common sense must prevail.
Do not leave your
belongings unattended – keep your valuables with you at all times – even in
the shower in albergues.
Carry a mobile phone
– or have access to one. Telephone numbers of the emergency services are on the
reverse of this card.
Stay alert – be
aware of where you are and who you are with. Trust your instincts about
strangers.
Walk with another
pilgrim – if you feel at all nervous or simply want company.
Wear a reflective
vest – Spanish law requires everyone walking on roads or close to traffic
to wear a
reflective vest before first light and after dark. These are
available from gas stations and many shops and supermarkets.
Keep copies - of
your passport and any important numbers in a separate place from your purse or
wallet.
Arrange insurance
- have appropriate travel insurance which also provides cover for health care.
Keep the insurance company helpline number handy.
Trust other pilgrims –
but only to the extent you know them. Don’t forget the basic precautions
you would take anywhere.
If something happens
– Do not hesitate to call the authorities if something happens which is of
concern to you. Just as you would at home. The numbers are on the reverse of
this card
Above all – have
fun! But don’t forget that the Camino is
the same as all other situations where there are people. Use your common sense.
Emergency Numbers
Before calling the
emergency services if at all possible work out your location from your
guidebook or by asking other people.
112 is the general Emergency Number in
Europe. They will answer very quickly even if there is no credit on your phone.
Explain slowly and clearly that you need to speak to an operator in English if
that is the case.
062 – The Guardia
Civil
091 – National
Police
092 – Local
Police
Each of these services has their own areas of
responsibility. However they advise that when in doubt simply phone them and
they will decide which force should best respond.
061 – Health
Emergencies
080 - Fire Service
Victims of Crime
There is a dedicated an
English-language telephone number for victims of crimes who wish to make a
police report but do not speak Spanish. The number is +34 902102112.
It operates from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily.
American Embassy in Spain
+34 915872200
http://madrid.usembassy.gov/
UK Embassy in Spain
+34 91 714
6300
Irish Embassy in
Spain
+34 914364093
Canadian Embassy in
Spain
+34 913828400
South African Embassy
in Spain
+ 34 677535146
http://www.dirco.gov.za/madrid/en/
Australian Embassy in
Spain
+34 913536600
New Zealand Embassy
in Spain
