As we prepare to travel again I am reminded of an incident on our last cruise. A fellow passenger had her wallet stolen while ashore along with all of her cash, credit cards and identification. Luckily she had left her passport in the safe in her cabin. She was devastated and rightfully so. Protecting yourself and your assets while in a foreign country is an important consideration for any traveller. I’m not paranoid about it, but we are aware and take every precaution we can to avoid becoming the victim of a pickpocket or scam.
A quick Google search revealed that the top five cities for pickpockets are all major European cities. Not surprising considering they are full of distracted visitors carrying around purses and backpacks bulging with valuables in already crowded tourist areas. Barcelona takes the top spot according to the online Globe & Mail ranking, followed by Paris, Madrid, Prague and Rome.
Following are a number of simple tips you can follow to help protect yourself;
- Carry your valuables in a money belt worn under your waistband or in the front or side pocket of your pants if you have a zippered compartment. Avoid using your rear pockets as they are much easier to pick. If you are carrying a purse put the strap across your body or put both shoulder straps of your backpack in place as it is harder to snatch that way. Put your cards in RFID protected wallets so they are tougher to scan and duplicate.
- Watch for distractions, such as someone approaching you for directions. Pickpockets work in groups or pairs and while one is distracting you the others are hard at work, including small children and the elderly. Pickpockets often work already established crowds like those around street performers.
- Be more aware in confined spaces such as alleyways or openings to subways or trains. Getting jostled by a stranger may seem innocent but it usually isn’t.
- Carry less. If a pickpocket sees a bulge of possessions they are more likely to strike. Leave excess cash, cards and passports in hotel room or cabin room safes.
- Try to avoid giving away spare change. When you reach into a pocket it means that pickpockets can see where you have your valuables.
- If you need to use an ATM do so in pairs. While one completes the transaction, using their body to shield their PIN, the other should stand back to back facing the crowd to watch for those showing interest. You are in a more vulnerable position as the pickpocket knows you have cash and can watch where you stash it.
- If possible carry Chip and PIN protected cards. Without the PIN the card is useless if stolen and your money is protected. We carry PIN protected pre-paid foreign currency VISA cards that operate the same as credit cards but if lost or stolen you do not lose the amount loaded on it and the thief cannot access your full credit card limit. Also be sure to have the toll free phone number for the fraud department of your credit card company with you in case you need to call to confirm, or deny, a transaction.
Most importantly, do not look or act in a way that makes you the victim. Pickpockets depend on marks being unaware of what’s happening around them. Walk with a purposeful stride making eye contact with those who approach. Identify that you are aware of their presence. A stern look and a shake of your head will keep most beggars away. Don’t hesitate to look around at the sites you are there to see, just be equally aware of who or what is close to you while you do.