Said It Here

How to stop pickpockets while traveling

Pickpockets target tourists in crowded public transit systems like subways and buses in major European cities. These sudden thefts ruin trips and leave travelers constantly looking over their shoulders instead of enjoying their destination.

What people tried

Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.

  1. 1
    using locks on bags
  2. 2
    being very careful and not carrying valuable things in accessible places
  3. 3
    using anti pickpocket bags or belts under clothes
  4. 4
    Wearing money belts hidden underneath clothing
  5. 5
    Constantly guarding fanny packs and remaining hyper-vigilant
  6. 6
    Dip into a doorway, shop, or sheltered area to check directions
  7. 7
    Use street smarts and avoid walking around while staring at the phone on main roads

In their words

Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.

“While all this was happening for a few minutes my mother did not check on her fanny pack and when she checked after stepping aside her passport was gone.”source ↗

“Losing a passport on a Schengen visa in an alien land was a terrifying experience, especially for my mom.”source ↗

Dense-Gas-283 · r/travel · 117 upvotes

“Happened near us on the subway to someone else.”source ↗

fxtech42 · r/travel · 2 upvotes

“My friend was pickpocketed in Rome, in a bus.”source ↗

dearvintage · r/travel · 2 upvotes

“Was picket pocketed one time, on a crowded subway in Rome.”source ↗

“Also had someone try to pickpocket me in Paris near the Louvre but I caught him and stopped him.”source ↗

mjwinky · r/travel · 1 upvotes

“I read that phone theft is common by just snatching your phone while its out in public area. People in bikes just grab it in broad daylight. So I'm looking for a phone tether either by wrist or by my belt strap so that I can safely use my phone in public areas, like checking Taxi/Uber or Public transpo or directions.”source ↗

International-Table1 · r/travel

Where this came up

r/traveltourismtrain traveltravel safety

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