Pickpockets in Europe

[Anonymous]

What precuations do you take?

I've read many stories on how passports were stolen, wallets were stolen, luggage stolen from trains if in luggage hold. Not to mention the train station ticket scams, the bracelet scams, flower scams.

Those of you who are seasoned travelers and who take the train and bus - can you share your tips?

Do you keep passports in safe in hotel or carry it with you (especially to places like colosseum in Italy and vatican city where iD is required)? Or is a photo on the phone enough?

What kind of purses/bags do you use?

[Anonymous]

Definitely never take your passports out with you! If ID is required your driving license will be fine. Otherwise keep your wits about you, keep things in zipped pockets and not in backpacks/shoulder bags.

[Anonymous]

Um, I do the same things I have done living in NYC and other major cities. Never had a problem. I guess just use run of the mill street smarts.

[Anonymous]

I've never had an issue and I don't use any special type of bag when I'm out and about. I don't take my passport with me. I'm aware of my surroundings. Don't engage with those people who try to stop you for the bracelets or whatever scam. Not even a "no thank you". Just keep walking.

Most of the time I use a small cross body bag, but that's what I use normally. Sometimes I use a tote when I'm doing a lot of shopping. We never put things in our back pockets.

We also don't tend to hit the major tourist trap type destinations. The more of a "local" you are, the less of an issue it is I've noticed.

[Anonymous]

Pickpockets are everywhere. Europe isn't special in that they are only there or whatever.

[Anonymous]

The only time your passport should be on you is when oyur'e going from airport to your hotel and back.

Keep a photo of it on your phone all other times.

[Anonymous]

I always take buses and trains in Europe and have never been pick pocketed. I don't feel I take any special precautions.
For the past few years I've been using this as my bag
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003PPCYCE?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1&psc=1

But I recently bought a "The North Face" Borealis sling, so that I can fit a jacket and water bottle. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but when I do I plan to wear it on my front if I'm in a crowded area.

I always keep my passport with me and it's never occurred to me not to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Um, I do the same things I have done living in NYC and other major cities. Never had a problem. I guess just use run of the mill street smarts.

Same here. Never had anything stolen. I just avoid doing anything obviously stupid, like having wallet in back pocket.

[Anonymous]

Do all hotels have safes for passports? Even small local ones?

[Anonymous]

I put 4 passports and small wallet inside a small crossbody bag, inside my clothes, and took it everywhere we went, when we went to London and Italy. We didn’t want to leave it at hotel, even it’s a 4 or 5 start one. We didn’t want any surprise. We saw pickpocketing on busy street and we quickly left.

[Anonymous]

Leave passport in hotel. Small cross body bag.

[Anonymous]

I put my crossbody bag under my coat/jacket

[Anonymous]

Cross body basulder bag (they can rip it off your arm). I never carry my passport with me. I never stop to sign a petition, give directions, buy flowers, donate money, ever. Where there is 1 there are really 5-10 (you're just not aware of it). If they try to hand you something, refuse to take it. Make sure your kids understand too, because kids can be dumb, and they rope in the kids and then you have to engage.

Dont use AirPods. Don' use your phone on public transportation, they will grab it and run.

Half of my family lives in Paris. These are the rules we follow. IMO Italy is much, MUCH worse and they're much more aggressive. Be careful of being close to exit doors of metros/buses where they can steal and jump out right before the doors close.

I follow same rules whenever I am in New York as well. Just don't be dumb.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous[b wrote:]Cross body basulder bag (they can rip it off your arm). [/b]I never carry my passport with me. I never stop to sign a petition, give directions, buy flowers, donate money, ever. Where there is 1 there are really 5-10 (you're just not aware of it). If they try to hand you something, refuse to take it. Make sure your kids understand too, because kids can be dumb, and they rope in the kids and then you have to engage.

Dont use AirPods. Don' use your phone on public transportation, they will grab it and run.

Half of my family lives in Paris. These are the rules we follow. IMO Italy is much, MUCH worse and they're much more aggressive. Be careful of being close to exit doors of metros/buses where they can steal and jump out right before the doors close.

I follow same rules whenever I am in New York as well. Just don't be dumb.

I really can't stand autocorrect. What I meant to write was: Always use a cross body bag that zips all the way. Never use a shoulder bag (they can rip it off your arm).

[Anonymous]

keep everything securely attached to you and only take your passport when necessary. keep moving. don't let anyone put anything in your hands - hand you flowers/newspaper. most places are fine - crowded touristy areas have been the worst in my opinion. I haven't had any problems taking the train.