The Simple Way To Avoid Losing All Your Money To Pickpockets While Traveling

Rome, Paris, Istanbul, and Buenos Aires are all known as some of the most beautiful cities in the world. Unfortunately, these top travel destinations are also known for pickpockets — especially in tourist areas. Losing your wallet, phone, or worse, your passport, to a pickpocket won't just put a damper on your mood. It will also cost you valuable time and money running around to police stations and your country's embassy, rather than checking out attractions that you paid thousands of dollars to experience.

Sadly, whether you're going to Europe, Latin America, or Asia, it's no secret that criminals are ready to target unsuspecting foreign tourists. After all, not only do tourists often carry large amounts of cash on them, but they're also signaling to would-be thieves they're literally "easy pickings" by marveling at the sights and not paying attention to their surroundings. In fact, the U.S. Embassy in Paris notes that many pickpocket gangs are made up of minors who know they won't get prosecuted, and often use strength in numbers. Many are also trafficked and used as "foot soldiers," according to Europol, so it's never advised to chase them if they run off.

That said, one foolproof defense to avoid losing all your money is to follow an old adage: "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." Splitting your money into multiple wallets and zipped pockets — or tucking it around your waist in a money belt, as travel pro Rick Steves does — will limit the amount you lose if a pickpocket does a quick snatch and grab. Similarly, another sound piece of advice is to never carry more cash and cards than you need. If you're traveling light, a prepaid travel card with ATM access and a copy of your passport should suffice. 

Rick Steves said it best on his website: "The point isn't to make your bag impenetrable, but harder to get into than the next guy's." This means that, the more deterrence measures you take, the less likely you are to be targeted. Unfortunately, the embassy warns that Americans often "stand out," making us easy targets for pickpockets who see large dollar signs when they spot a bulging wallet, flashy jewelry, or the huge packing mistake of bringing a too-big bag along. 

As such, stopping pickpockets from ruining your trip starts at home. First, make sure to have paper copies of all your key documents, and to write down the phone number for your bank and your embassy. Also, leave behind items that you won't need abroad — for example, your social security card and driver's license, especially if you don't have an international driving permit. Additionally, when packing, remember that dressing like a local in Europe can not only keep pickpockets at bay, but will also come in handy for cultural outings or attractions that have a dress code.

When heading out for the day, leave your bigger bags at the hotel and carry a small, zippered cross-shoulder bag that you can keep in front of you with your essentials. You can even use a twist-tie around the zippers, making them harder to open. If you do bring a wallet, consider bringing a "dummy wallet" filled with play money, low-value currency, and empty gift cards.  This way, if you are pickpocketed, you won't lose anything of value. Finally, you might want to leave behind that shiny new iPhone that thieves can quickly sell and opt for an older model, or a smaller phone that fits in your front pocket, and use it sparingly. 

Pickpockets often work in crowded areas where tourists won't focus on them, but on solving a problem or sightseeing. This could mean looking for the right platform or line for a train, snapping photos outside of a museum, or taking in the sights and your surroundings. They also normally use a distraction to steal your attention for a few seconds. This could be someone asking you for directions, offering you a gift, or coming toward you with a drink that they intend to spill. That way, while your guard is down as they are "wiping off" your clothing, or showing you a map, another team member can go for your valuables. So, while having a coffee outside and soaking up the street vibe, make sure you keep your bags in front of you and in your field of vision at all times.

According to Rick Steves, over half of pickpockets in Europe happen on public transport. If you're taking the metro, keep an eye out for any abnormal behavior on escalators, as well as when you're boarding or getting off. After all, someone who suddenly loses their balance and bumps into you may be sneakily trying to snag your wallet from your jacket. The thief can then hop off at the next stop with your valuables and will be long gone when you notice. 

If worst comes to worst, chalk it up to experience and don't let it ruin your trip. You won't be stranded in a foreign land forever, and you can even visit your embassy for resources to help you get home. For Americans, you'll even be able to secure an emergency passport that will get you back home.