12 Ways to Keep Your Money Out of Pickpockets' Hands
After all that budgeting and careful planning, don't blow all your cash by donating it to a pickpocketing stranger. Here are some tips to keep your cash for your travels.
1. Have the Right Gear- Scams are more high tech, and just as low tech, as before. The RFID skimmers can read your passport or credit card just by standing close to your items in passing. Even so, there's the folks that stick with the good ole "slash your bag with a knife and run" trick. There are TON of RFID blockers on the market in wallet form, envelope form, or my personal favorite...
This is the best antitheft purse to travel with. (Really any purse from this company depending on your style.) The cross-body strap is slash proof. There are RFID blocking pockets for several cards and a passport. Lastly, the two bigger pockets have a clasp on the zipper so you can't be unzipped and robbed in a busy subway. It also comes in a bunch of colors!
2. When everyone is looking left, look right- For this MISDIRECTION think about the magicians slight of hand. He wants you to watch the pretty girl shake the feathers while he slips the trick into play. The same applies to street theft. There could be anything from a fight, some impromptu street performers, the creative options are endless. Feel free to look, but let your gut remind you to watch for the slight of hand by their partners.
3. Lock it up if you’re going to relax- Believe it or not, waiting on a train, bus, or sleeping in some shady hostels are all great times when you aren't being vigilant. I always lock my bag to either a railing, a pole, someone else's bag your traveling with, etc. It takes less than a minute and prevents you from being the victim of a grab and run when you're least expecting it.
I like this one because it's short, lightweight, and I don't have to worry about losing a key.
4. Don’t assume a stereotype- There are more child/teen pickpockets than sketchy looking grown ups. They have a sweet face, but they have quick hands too. Of course there is a fair share of thieving adults, but don't disregard the threat of a group of kids circling you.
5. Don’t sign the clipboard- There is a growing scam where a group of young girls will pretend to be deaf and mute and ask you to sign their clipboard. After you do, they will flip the page over and reveal your signature means you agree to donating a fee to them. Not only is that sneaky, but it's also a lie. They will be happily chatting together when they aren't working. We also saw one guy cuss at the girl, to which she quickly cussed right back. Be firm and say NO loudly, if you attract glances… all the better.
6. Always have someone facing out when you're at the ATM- Standing at an ATM let's a thief know you have cash. There are all different kinds like a child grabbing your hand and asking for help while the other hops in, presses the button for the most cash, grabs it and runs. There is also a basic armed robbery. Either way these can be avoided by having your travel buddy stand next to you face out.
7. Don't look like a tourist- It can be tempting to rock your new souvenir t-shirt with the city named sprawled across your chest, camera around your neck, nose in a guide book. Don't be the stereotype. Dress nice in neutral colors without brand labels and you will blend in anywhere. Plus it's way more stylish.
8. If you must carry a lot of cash- money belts are your friend... so is your friend. Split up large sums of cash between small amounts for the daymore easily accessed, larger amounts in a tummy belt...
Like this one. Your travel partner could have some too so not all of your money is in one place.
9. The main attractions are the best thief attractants- If I want to rob a tourist, I am going to hang out where the tourists will be. In fact there is a beautiful astronomical clock in Prague. It's a pick pocket's dream. Crowds of people looking up and not paying attention. I'm not saying don't go, just have your valuables secured while you're staring at it's magnificence.
10. Oh public transport…- I personally love public transport. You don't really understand a city until you've been in their public transport, but it unfortunately, is not safe from it's own pick pockets. Don't have your phone out or purse within reach of a quick grab before subway door closes. That's an easy way to never see them again. There is also a popular play where a man in front of you at the turnstile or escalator will pretend it's not working or hold you back while his buddy snatches your valuables behind you. Just remember to keep your items close by.
11. Don’t show them where to rob you- If you are frantically tapping a pocket where you have cash you are essentially holding a neon sign that says, “The Goodies are HERE!”. Likewise, if you pass a sign that warns of pickpockets and then immediately check to make sure you still have your money it has the same effect.
12. Manners Matter- Put the phone away if you’re eating. Be present in the moment… but also just don’t be dumb. Setting your phone on the table not only tells the person your with that they aren’t the most interesting thing at the table but it also makes a grab and run way too easy.
