After “probably about a total of 4,000 days of travel” without being hit by a thief, Rick Steves says he got pickpocketed in Paris one summer. “It was my own fault,” he says. “I wasn’t wearing my money belt—a small pouch worn at the waist under your clothes. I lost my driver’s license, credit cards, and some cash … My experience just goes to show that, sooner or later, if you’re not on guard, wearing a money belt—or at least keeping everything properly zipped and buttoned—you’ll likely be a victim.” RELATED: Why You Should Wear a Money Belt When You Travel
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To keep your own valuables safe while traveling, Rick shares the following tips:
- “Be prepared: Before you go, take steps to minimize your potential loss. Make copies or take photos of key documents, back up your digital data, and password-protect your devices. Leave your fancy bling at home. Luxurious luggage lures thieves: They’ll choose the most impressive suitcase in the pile—never mine.
- Leave it behind: Your valuables are most likely to be stolen when they are with you on the street. Your day bag is at high risk. I find my hotel room is the safest place to leave my passport, laptop, and so on. I wouldn’t leave valuables out in the open in my room—I just tuck things away out of sight…
- Harden targets: Thieves want to quickly separate you from your valuables, so even a minor obstacle can be an effective deterrent. If you’re sitting down to eat or rest, loop your day-bag strap around your arm, leg, or a chair leg. A cable tie, paper clip, or key ring can help keep your bag zipped up tight. The point isn’t to make your bag impenetrable, but harder to get into than the next guy’s.”
A money belt is one of the best ways to keep your money, credit cards and other valuables concealed and safe. I’m a fan of Lewis N. Clark travel products like this RFID blocking money belt but you can check out other money belt options here.
More tips to help you avoid pickpockets
Here are more to help you limit your risk of getting pickpocketed when traveling:
- What City Has the Worst Pickpocket Problem?
- Watch Out for Paris Pickpockets
- Travel Product of the Week: Pickpocket-Proof Pants
- Video: Electronic Pickpocketing
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I am an experienced traveller (40 countries). The only time I’ve been hit by a pick pocket was about 15 years ago on the Paris Metro. I was foolish enough to use an ATM in a subway station and the pickpocket must’ve seen me withdraw the cash and put it my jeans front pocket. He was dressed in a three piece business suit and followed onto three trains and stood right beside me in a packed car and I thought I could feel fingers in my pocket. I looked right into his eyes so I reached into my pocket and I could feel money so I thought I’m OK. Later I discovered he had gotten the larger euro bills and what I was feeling were the cheaper ones. He got the equivalent of about $700. Ruined my day for sure.
If no room safe, carry some cable ties to secure your zippers on suitcase after putting valuables inside. Take some scissors in day bag.