Whether you’re an experienced explorer or planning your first trip abroad, there are few things that put a damper on traveling more than having your wallet or passport stolen. In many locations, pickpockets will hang around crowded areas and wait to snatch the valuables of unsuspecting tourists. While the majority of these places are otherwise quite safe, it’s essential to protect your belongings in order to avoid danger and ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Read on for some of our best tips on how to keep pickpockets at bay.
Secure your valuables
Keep your wallet and other important items somewhere difficult for pickpockets to access, especially when you plan to visit busy tourist spots or use public transport. If your accommodations offer a safe, leave anything you don’t need locked inside when you go out, and invest in an anti-theft backpack to take with you.
Be mindful of your surroundings
Staying alert and aware of your surroundings is key when it comes to avoiding pickpocketing attempts, especially near tourist attractions and public transport terminals. In some locations, pickpockets will work in teams that may even include children, so be on the lookout for unexpected distractions and exercise caution should you notice anyone start to approach you.
Use decoys
The goal of most pickpockets is to work discretely and come away with your valuables unnoticed. They don’t want to spend a long time searching and put themselves at risk of getting caught, so keeping a dummy wallet with a small amount of cash and expired cards in a more accessible place can help you to protect your more valuable belongings.