Indian Entrepreneur Faces Travel Nightmare in Spain

Ayush Panchmiya, an Indian entrepreneur, recently shared a harrowing travel experience in Spain that quickly gained attention on social media. His ordeal began when his passport, visa, and a significant amount of cash were stolen while he was at a Starbucks in Barcelona. Mr. Panchmiya had just arrived in the city after attending the Ethereum Community Conference & Workshop (ETHCC) in Cannes. He and his team were taking a break, editing content for clients, when the incident occurred.

Theft at Starbucks: A Moment of Inattention

While stepping outside for a brief phone call, Mr. Panchmiya left his small black bag under the table, a routine action he had done many times before. However, upon returning just seconds later, he discovered that his bag was missing. The bag contained his passport, visa, credit cards, and a substantial amount of cash. Despite his efforts to seek help from local authorities and request CCTV footage, he found himself helpless as the Indian embassy was closed for the weekend.

Emergency Assistance from the Indian Embassy

Mr. Panchmiya had no choice but to wait until Monday when the embassy reopened. Once there, he received prompt assistance and was issued an emergency certificate—a temporary passport—within 4 to 5 hours. This swift action allowed him to catch a flight back to India that same evening. He expressed gratitude towards the embassy staff for their efficient service.

A Cautionary Tale for Travelers

Sharing his experience on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Panchmiya aimed to inform fellow travelers about potential risks and solutions if they find themselves in similar situations. He emphasized the importance of requesting an emergency certificate from embassies if needed urgently. His post resonated with many users online, sparking discussions about travel safety and precautions.

Social Media Reactions: Empathy and Criticism

The viral post elicited mixed reactions from social media users. While some empathized with Mr. Panchmiya’s plight, others criticized his decision to leave valuable items unattended in a city known for pickpocketing. Users advised against carrying passports during daily outings and suggested using hotel safes for security.