Three different risks
Crime & scams
Pickpocketing and theft from cars matter in major cities. Assess the neighborhood, not just national averages.
Conflict & regional warnings
Check current advice and transport plans. Direct exposure and general geopolitical uncertainty are different indicators.
Roads & transport
Car-free city living is viable. For foreign licenses and imported vehicles, separately check recognition periods, exchange, registration and taxes.
What is happening in this country
GDACS · source snapshot 2026-09-12. An event in the country does not imply a threat to every city.
Flood
2026-09-09 · GDACS Green
Source report (EN)
Green flood alert in Spain
Rights, police & documents
Check address registration, permitted stay, extensions and authorized work. Keep copies of passport, status and insurance separate from originals, plus a local lawyer and your country's consular contacts.
Do not sign legal documents you do not understand without translation and advice. Do not assume an informal payment resolves a problem lawfully.
Communication & business culture without stereotypes
A smile, friendliness or a verbal yes is not a contract. Confirm the agreed scope, decision maker, response deadline and completion criteria. Follow meetings with a written summary in a language both parties understand.
Before paying a deposit, verify company registration, signatory authority, address, licenses and refund terms. Use milestone payments and independent checks for major deals. This addresses concrete risks, not honesty stereotypes based on nationality.