How To Avoid Pickpockets While Traveling

Getting pickpocketed is a surefire way to ruin a good vacation. With a little forethought and preparation, travelers can avoid sly thieves and keep their possessions safe and secure.

We have (fortunately) never been victims of petty theft while traveling – but we have had a few narrow misses.

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On a crowded bus in Paris, a pickpocket lifted a folded tissue from my back pocket, which he thought was money. I only realized what was happening at the very last moment.

In Rome, Kris was accosted by a group of children who reached into his pockets. They were unable to get to his valuables, which were zippered on an inside of his coat.

While traveling at night by tuk-tuk in Phnom Penh, a man on a motorbike next to us attempted to snag my crossbody bag.

Pickpockets prey on unsuspecting tourists and they are really good at their trade. They are often well-dressed and completely unassuming.

Sometimes, they work in pairs. One to distract, while the other sneakily pinches your personal items.

Some go to extremes – like slicing right through a backpack – while others blatantly grab items right from your hands.

To help ensure that your trip doesn’t get wrecked by a thief, we are sharing a few safeguarding tips.

5 Tips on How To Avoid Pickpockets

By implementing a few simple deterrents, travelers can help keep their valuables in their possession!

#1 Keep Your Stuff Zipped Up

One of the best ways to keep from getting pickpocketed is to simply keep your items stowed away.

Do not casually push your phone into your back pocket or slide your wallet into the side of your coat. Anything – and everything – that is valuable should be kept in a zippered compartment.

When packing for your trip, bring a travel day bag or purse that completely zippers shut. It’s even better if the bag has multiple interior zippered pockets for better organization.

If you travel with a backpack that has multiple zippers for a single compartment, take it one step further and use an small clip to lock them together.

Top Tip: These stylish bags by Travelon are put through rigorous anti-theft tests and are made with travelers in mind.

#2 Wear a Money Belt, Bra Stash or Secret Pocket

Money belts and bra stashes, which are worn beneath your clothing, are small, zippered compartments. They keep your most important items completely out of sight.

The inside pocket of a jacket and a scarf with a secret pocket work in the same fashion. Hip packs and chest bags are fantastic smaller, zippered bags for travelers, too.

Pro Tip: Just be aware of the weather! Wearing a money belt in extremely hot locales can cause a passport to be ruined by sweat. If you keep your goods in your coat or scarf, don’t carelessly leave them on the back of a chair.

#3 Be Conscious of How You Wear Your Bag

While sightseeing in cities and on excursions, we like to wear small backpacks that are big enough to hold everything we will need for the day.

That said, in crowded markets and packed tourist destinations, I wear my backpack on my front, where I can see it and hold onto it.

Purses should never just be slung casually over one shoulder. Instead, wear them across your body – from one shoulder to the opposite hip.

Furthermore, a crossbody purse or a chest bag can be worn beneath a jacket, rather than over the top of it.

Top Tip: When riding public transit or sitting on a bench, don’t rest your bag on the seat next to you. Always keep it on your body.

#4 Pay Attention and Be Vigilant

I know this might seem like a no-brainer, but it must be said: Keep an eye on your belongings!

One of the reasons pickpockets target tourists is that they tend to be slightly off balance and out of their element.

Jet lag, new environments, foreign languages and dazzling attractions can all be incredibly distracting. Plus, it’s easy to be lackadaisical while on vacation.

However, it’s essential to make an effort to vigilantly tuck away your items. Leaving your wallet, phone or camera on a table at a restaurant or bar makes it all too easy for a thief to swipe it.

Pro Tip: Phones – especially newer model iPhones – are a hot commodity. Brazen pickpockets will grab it right out of your hands. It’s best to use a tether for your phone so no one can just snatch it.

#5 Don’t Wear Your Best

Designer bags, high-end clothing, flashy jewelry and pricey phones are all quick to catch the eyes of pickpocketing thieves.

While you don’t have to look disheveled while on vacation, a more understated wardrobe is a better choice for deterring pickpockets.

When traveling to a high-risk destination, it might even be wise to use an old phone rather than the latest model.

Top Tip: Depending on the destination – and the monetary worth of your wedding ring – it could be a good idea to leave it at home. For your vacation, wear a simple band or cheaper ring instead.

Travel Hacks to Overcome Pickpocketing

We have shared some of the best ways to help travelers avoid pickpockets, but thieves are tricky – and even a well-prepared tourist can fall victim.

Therefore, we are sharing a few ways to counteract the unpleasantness of getting pickpocketed while on vacation.

Organize and Document Your Credit Cards

A few days before your trip , clean out and organize your wallet. This way, you will know exactly which credit cards you have with you.

Before leaving on vacation, take photos of the front and back of all the credit cards you are taking on the trip. Keep a hardcopy at home and one locked luggage or your hotel safe.

Likewise, it’s smart to make copies of your passport. We recommend making two copies; keep one in your wallet and another in your suitcase.

Also download the banking apps for all of the credit cards you take on vacation. With an app, it’s easier to lock and report a stolen card.

Pro Tip: In order to report the theft immediately, it is essential to have a secure internet connection. We recommend using an eSim (for unlocked phones) or a Pocket WiFi Device.

Limit What You Carry

When you are out exploring, limit how much cash and the number of credit cards you carry with you. That way, if someone does snag your wallet, you are not left without any money.

Keep some cash and cards in your wallet – but leave some in the hotel safe or locked in your luggage. Some travelers even divvy up their cash and stash it in a few different places Just remember where you put it!

If you travel with a debit card, only keep a small amount of money in the account tied to that card. If someone does get ahold of it, they won’t be able to completely clear out your bank account.

An alternative way to limit what someone might steal is to use a temporary travel credit card. They may be available directly through your bank, credit card company or with brands like Revolut or Wise.

Then load a set amount on the temp card and top-up as necessary. These cards can also be used via Apple Pay and Google Pay. Just be sure to get your account set up and learn how to use it before your trip.

Don’t Panic

If you do get pickpocketed, try not to panic. Take stock of what was stolen, cancel any credit cards as soon as possible and contact the police.

Some trip insurance policies – like the ones through World Nomads – cover stolen goods, but a police report will be essential.

Try to regroup and stay organized. Hopefully, you have backup funds (credit cards and cash hidden in your hotel room) that will get you back to enjoying your vacation.

More Travel Planning Tips

Preparing for a trip can be a big undertaking – but we have loads of advice! Start by staying organized with our Printable Travel Planner and also check-out these articles!

Start planning your trip! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

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