Reasons Why Tourists Get Robbed in Europe

[@adamkurekak]

One time when I was in Marseille France, I purposely put my garbage in my backpack. And guess what, a few hours later all my zippers were opened with my garbage gone. Thank you robbers for helping me get rid of my trash!

[@Altabozz]

Did you see the fans of Olympic of Marsella? (google that) Do they look very French to you?...That is Marsella now, don't go there.

[@christianterraes8334]

Marseille est la ville de France la plus épouvantable

[@adamkurekak]

@@Altabozz Marseille is really not as bad as people make it out to be. I spent 10 days there and never felt once like I was in any kind of danger.

[@CalvinCooke18]

The migrant boat boy lol 😆 😂 that's ape's for you 🤣 😄

[@Fuk_Zat_Tek]

@@christianterraes8334 ça dépends les quartiers , c'est surtout Marseille Nord ...dans les cités, un peu comme partout en France en vrai

[@katybee007]

We just did a two week trip to Italy and your videos on scams and pickpocketing were super helpful! We encountered the petition scam “to stop drugs” the flower scam, the begging nonnas, and some potential pickpocketers sizing us up in Venice. Because I had watched your videos I was able quickly identify those situations and get away from them. Your tips helped us have a fun and safe honeymoon without getting anything stolen. I really appreciate your videos!

[@tataslife4799]

I got back last night from spending 6 days in Italy. I was in Florence and Pisa and other smaller cities and no one outside of my hotel was even attempting to rob me. On 2nd night i was robbed by cleaning lady who was pretending to come 2nd time of the day to clean up. 100 Euros was stolen from my wallet that i left inside out of sight unlocked luggage inside my room. I remember leaving 400 euros in there before leaving for dinner that night and found 300 in the wallet. I felt something was missing when i entered the room that night.... 2 days before return trip,i left 5 euros on visible spot in the room as a tip for her which stayed there till moment i was leaving the room for check-out. She either decided that its too small an amount for her after 100 or realized she is under suspecion i guess.

[@lishr4536]

@@tataslife4799 did you tell the hotel about it ?

[@tataslife4799]

@@lishr4536 No, i decided not to ruin my short trip having to deal with it the rest of it. Big point of vacay was to lower my dispression i noticed months prior. Few years ago had to deal with another more serious theft story in Egypt where my hubby and i own a property. I came bad more tired than left for family vacation. Comparing to that,100 euro no big deal. Maybe she needed it more.

[@RoseyRK]

I’ve never seen any pickpocketers in Venice. Venice is very safe.

[@OctPSfever]

True. Everything else you can buy there. Only credit card and passport, thats all you need basically.

[@wegarnett]

Why would you ever sign a petition in a country that you don't live in? Heck, I don't even sign them here.

[@woltersworld]

Exactly

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

😂For real.

[@jryan9547]

Same haha😊

[@TheAngelaDuke]

I will never forget getting on a train in Pisa with luggage that was heavy. These two "sweet" girls in their early 20's helped me. I was thrilled! Went to sit down, looked in my purse, and my wallet was gone. I did not even feel them open up the zipper on my purse. They were working together and truly professionals. Someone found the wallet on the train and was calling my name while walking down the aisle to see if they could find me. All credit cards were there, but they took all the cash. "Only" 120 euros, so could have been worse.

[@DrVVVinK]

Glad it worked out for you. Yeah, the reason credit cards aren't stolen, is because in Europe, unlike The States, most credit cards need a pin number for all transactions, so they are useless for most people.

[@annesmith5192]

I use an anti theft purse when traveling and wear it cross body. They aren't theft proof, i'm sure, but make it a lot harder.

[@Jasmine215100]

I traveled to Europe (for the first time) with a tour group in 1989. The first night we were in Paris, we were all on a tour bus. The bus drove up to a spot near the Eiffel Tower. The tour guide told all of us women to "Please leave your purses on the bus!" So we did! My girlfriend and I left our purses on the seats (up right behind the bus driver, on the right side of the bus). We got out to look at the sights and sounds, when we got back on the bus, her purse had slid to the top of the stairs for getting onto the bus! MY purse was completely gone (it had fallen OUT OF THE BUS and into the crowd)! Needless to say, I had a tough time getting enough money on the trip and replacing Travelers Cheques, etc. My sister wired some money to me about a week before we left. That saved the rest of the trip but it was almost ruined because they didn't see my purse slide out of the bus! We should have all LOCKED THE PURSES UP in an overhead compartment like they have on planes! How could we have avoided this?

[@onewhoisanonymous]

I just finished a two week solo backpacking tour through Europe. I am a man in my mid 30s I got left alone in Paris, Barcelona, and other common tourist cities, my secret? I keep my mouth shut (so people don’t know what language I speak natively), I keep all my tour guide/maps on my phone (so I don’t draw attention), I keep my AirPods in my ear (but turned off or low so people think I am a commuter), I walk with purpose, ignore anyone approaching me, and I try to dress like a local.

[@joshmartin1938]

Well done Anonymous. Great tips. Blend in with the locals. Backpack brand suggestion?

[@Meg_A_Byte]

@@joshmartin1938 Anything that doesn't have a zipper. I make my own gear, so I use rolltop with Fidlock buckle and would bet my left ball that it's pickpocket-proof.

[@arsulaksono881]

good idea, i am Asian i'll wear sunglasses

[@radlyn7234]

@@onewhoisanonymous good idea for the AirPod

[@nanemoon9968]

​@arsulaksono881 good idea, this also makes you look more local

[@Ms.W35]

We JUST found your site before my daughter went off to Europe and DAY ONE someone ran up to her crying that they lost their plane ticket and need money to get home. We had watched your videos and she told the woman to back up and to find a local police station. 😂

[@Ms.W35]

The woman stopped crying immediately and said I’m an American like you! And my daughter said “we’ll this is Dublin so you’ll be able to find plenty of English speaking policemen”

[@woltersworld]

Your daughter is awesome!!! And those fake lost tourists are getting more and more popular. Its sad.

[@DrVVVinK]

@@woltersworld Well, most likely, the fake tourist wasn't even a native English speaker.

[@John-qd5of]

In Shanghai, the Bund area has a lot of famous early 20th century architecture. It was the western business capital of China before World War II. Nowadays it is still famous but full of scammers. A young Chinese couple came up to me in the Bund. They said they were university students. They wanted to practice their English, show me the city, and take me to a nice teahouse. I nodded and smiled. I told them that my credit card had been stolen and my bank had just cancelled it. It worked like magic! 🎩🪄 I have never seen 2 people disappear so fast!

[@aidanmccarthy9249]

That seems like a dumb one to fall for. If you've got your passport on you, just show that to them at the airport and they'll print one. I couldn't get checked into my flight from Toronto to Amsterdam last year and all I had to do was show the Air France/KLM guy at Pearson my passport and he printed it right there.

[@BigTInTheMorning]

Also a story: I was in Stockholm with my fiancé in a less than safe area and a local came up to us and told us that my fiancés purse is exposed he saw someone eyeing it and he wanted to make sure she secured her purse. I guess the moral here is secure your valuables, and for every person who is a robber in another country, there’s also a Good Samaritan looking out for tourists.

[@fbabarbe430]

Not correct imo. Because it means that 50% is criminal. That makes a lot

[@Altabozz]

@@fbabarbe430 Did you see the opposite orientation of the recently chosen government in Sweden? They moved to the right wing after decades of tolerance, subventions and open frontiers to Arab refugees...raping sky rocketed in the last five years, google that.

[@SkySpiral8]

@@fbabarbe430 a lot of people could be neither, though

[@greebo6549]

Unless it was an accomplice, just to see where you look, feel etc to inadvertently point to the location of the purse/wallet etc

[@sender5804]

yeah Sweden has fallen due to immigration

[@rockpaperscissorsx51]

We just returned from a two week trip and visited London & Paris. I have to say we both felt very safe and we just made sure to be aware of our surroundings. My husband normally wears sports shirts at home but I put him in plain shirts and I wrote plain clothes with scarves. Actually, a couple of times in paris both tourists and locals would start speaking to us in French- I guess we blended in! I will say the main area we kept high alert up was in the tube and metro. The tube especially be aware if you’re taking it from the airport, I noticed when we were waiting at Paddington station there were some people just standing on the platforms with no bags looking at others with no bags… kinda got the vibe they were working together. In paris the metros tend to get very cramp sometimes quickly, just make sure to have your hand on your personals and keep an eye on who is around you. Overall we had such wonderful stays in both cities and Mark need to thank you for your videos and hard work! Your videos were a BIG help in keeping us informed and safe in new cities.

[@laureljaneg]

My car insurance covers me so I don’t pay the extra

[@lukebandy516]

You put your husband in ? Sounds like a pet.

[@necroslair]

The public transport in London is great for getting around while sightseeing but IMO for to/from the airport it is better to just take a cab or preferably an Uber (as there will be a record of who transported you) so you don’t have to keep up with your luggage on the train/bus.

[@L.Ron.Hoyabembe]

​@@lukebandy516 He's a good boy.

[@katielemos8590]

My brother got his diaper bag stolen in Barcelona. The thieves got a bag full of baby wipes and diapers. I hope they enjoyed them. 😂

[@romieabel2629]

I'm so scared of getting my stuff accidentally stolen in Europe someday. 😨😰

[@camiller4916]

My husband, my teenager and I went to Italy last year and didn’t have any problems. We live in a U.S. city and take normal precautions. We are not smiley Americans. I used 2 safety pins on each pocket to prevent pickpocketing. I wore a crossbody bag.

[@nordette]

The safety pin thing is a great idea

[@jrt2792]

The one thing that I've noticed in these videos is the people who get robbed tend to ignore BASIC precautions. These warnings aren't really that much different from what I was taught as I grew up in the inner city. My lesson here is always be ALERT. The location that you're visiting probably has rough areas (or sketchy people) where there's people ready to take advantage of you.

[@chocolatemint9225]

Yes I sometimes wonder if these are suburb people! I tend to be suspicious of EVERYONE because I was raised that way as an Army brat. Not everyone is out here to be your friend!

[@steveneardley7541]

I just watched a KZbin video of an English couple traveling by train through the U.S. They were walking in downtown Chicago, and I was thinking, "They really should be a lot more paranoid than they are." Nothing happened though.

[@DrVVVinK]

@@chocolatemint9225 I think so, and I think many Europeans around the world know that most Americans don't live in cities and don't take public transportation. I think it also explains why many tourists take all this stuff with them when they go out sightseeing for a day; they are used to having all their stuff in their car. You don't need the big backpack (unless you are camping), leave it in the hotel room. All you need is a simple small crossbody bag, if you don't like having your wallet and phone in your pocket, and maybe a simple canvas bag if you are going green and doing some shopping (not all grocery stores in Europe provide bags BTW). That's it. When I walk around a European city, for me its not different than walking around NYC or Boston.

[@kessas.489]

That's the reason why I like jackets with inside pockets...

[@IIISofiaIII]

These things are like 99% non-existent in ladies clothes🥲

[@daphne8406]

Also a tip to avoid getting your stuff stolen at the hotel is: NEVER put your purse/bag on your chair in the breakfast area to claim your seat and then leave it to go get food. I worked in the breakfast are of a hotel many years ago and would always warn people. A lot would actually be annoyed with me that I would bother them for such a silly thing, they think nothing can happen to them because they are in an area that is only accessible to hotel guests and staff 🤷‍♀️ But yeah, that is how my mom’s friend bag got stolen while they were in Barcelona. Even though I did warn my mom about this before due to having seen this risky behaviour during work. Her response was the same «But we were inside the hotel!» There can also be hotel guests that will take the opportunity for some easy cash when they see it 🤷‍♀️ Luckily I have never been succesfully pickpocketed myself (knock on wood) but the most pickpocket attempts I experienced or noticed were definately in Paris.

[@cw3086]

Another pro tip is make sure to hold your phone securely when using it. A friend of mine had her phone stolen out of her hand

[@DrVVVinK]

That's happening in NYC for years, especially on subway platforms. People will have them out, and other people will run by and grab them. It happened to Kevin Bacon, and he is a New Yorker.

[@riverofcustard3233]

Good thing about being from South America is that these are basically everyday precautions, so it's easy to do it while travelling. BTW - love your channel, man, hope to have you back in Uruguay sometime.

[@georgiancrossroads]

Hey Mark, great observations. What I've noticed from dealing with cruise ship folks in Alaska, tourists when they travel enter a separate reality when they travel. They would step off the ship and walk into traffic as if every car will just stop. You touched on this a little here. Maybe you can do a whole video on this strange state and how to be where you are when you are there.

[@woltersworld]

You are right. We need to have a whole video about the "magic fannypack mentality" i will talk to jocelyn and maybe we can film it on our next trip. Thanks for the support!

[@georgiancrossroads]

@@woltersworld I'm looking forward to it. And then again I whisper Tbilisi Georgia...

[@laureljaneg]

My sister almost stepped into traffic in Italy. Her husband pulled her back.

[@georgiancrossroads]

@@laureljaneg I had a friend who did in fact step into the line of a tram in Budapest, was hit, and has never fully recovered. This strange sense that the world is what we imagine it really affects us in travel.

[@ilovesparky13]

It’s entitlement. They expect everyone to wait on them hand and foot.

[@KeithH02]

I’ve never been robbed on vacation in Europe, but I use my common sense ! Don’t wear expensive watch or jewelry , don’t have an expensive camera etc on show , if you have a bag keep it across your front not your back. Never have more than about $50-100 on you, keep the rest (and your passport, bank cards, tickets home etc ) in a safety deposit box at hotel.

[@IIISofiaIII]

This is horrible. 10-15 years ago it was much safer in Europe

[@clbert7460]

Great tips. I take a taxi from the airport always, I think that I am worth it. I always ride the metros and buses after arriving but try to blend in with the locals. One way my friends were robbed on the Barcelona subway while entering the subway car, four people at the same time, snatch and grab. I always wear my purse across my body as most Europeans do. It helps being from a big city and knowing to pay attention to your surroundings. Two months in France and Spain last fall and never had a problem.

[@whispie.]

Also important to carry your backpack in the front when you're riding the subway, never in the back. Everyone in Europe knows these, but for some reason I see many foreigners carrying them in the back. They wouldn't do that in NYC, so why do it in Barcelona?

[@clbert7460]

@@whispie. Generally because people are more relaxed when on vacation, I guess. I never use a backpack unless hiking, such an easy target.

[@joannunemaker6332]

Great advice. I love your videos. When I'm on vacation, I dress down, and while sightseeing, I carry very little with me. In my hotel room, I keep my stuff neat and out of the way. I try...

[@labtechsuperstar]

Great video and makes total sense. *knocks wood* I haven't been robbed. But my mom and I were followed in a shop. We were in Germany and in a supermarket. We were speaking to each other in English. And these 2 young women (teens?) decided to follow us around the store very closely. At one point I stepped to the side to allow them to pass, and they didn't. But as I was paying for our things I made sure to make eye contact with them and double checked my purse was zipped and locked. At that point, my mom had said, "We've been lazy. From now on, when we're out in public, we speak German."

[@simonh6371]

Those 2 women weren't German, that's for sure. Nuff said.

[@ribready]

are we going to ignore 7:33 😂 but thanks for the advice! am currently in paris, thankfully nothing has been taken (and i hope it stays that way).

[@Youtuber34172]

I was looking in the comments to see if anyone else noticed

[@AnneMB955]

These tips are so valuable. All part of research to have a good time on holiday. Not hard to be safe, research and awareness of surroundings. 👏

[@steveneardley7541]

I was in the Pigalle subway station in Paris with my brother, and all kinds of shady stuff was going on. Someone had supposedly dropped money at the top of the escalator and was blocking pedestrians, so they got all scrunched up. I started walking backwards on the escalator, to stay out of the crush. When me and my brother got to the top of the escalator there was a fist fight going on--also suspicious. I practically ran through the turnstile to get out of there, but my brother stood there gawking at the fight. I yelled at him "Get OUT OF THERE." He seemed totally oblivious to all of it and stayed for a while. I was so angry I was speechless. Then five minutes later my brother said "My wallet!!" To me it was not just that he was unobservant, but also that he couldn't sense anything I didn't exactly know what was going on, but I knew it stunk, and that we'd better get out of there.

[@John-qd5of]

Ah, Pigalle! I was staying at a hostel in Montmartre, near to Pigalle. One tourist lived in the USA, but was from Brazil. He was friendly. We chatted a good few times. I remember taking the chairlift to the Sacré Coeur. There was a group of African guys standing nearby, and I felt uncomfortable, because they kept trying to distract me. Most black people in Paris are just like other normal French people i.e. decent and sensible. But this group seemed to be trouble. Well, my Brazilian friend fell asleep on a park bench one afternoon near the Sacré Coeur. When he woke up, his camera and wallet were gone, and so was his green card! He was in deep trouble. I can't say who had robbed him. But the dodginess of Pigalle had spilled over into Montmartre.

[@John-qd5of]

Of course, my friend the Brazilian guy may have fallen asleep on the bench because he had been out drinking all night.

[@beastateverything2.07]

If you’re a normal person that watches your surroundings you’re gonna be fine trust me. Ik this video might scare some people and make people paranoid but honestly it’s not that bad. When going to Mexico I acted like it was back home and guess what I never got robbed. Just don’t do anything stupid to make yourself stand out like Walter said

[@bobdobbs7828]

Part of the charm of going to Mexico is wearing a big sombrero and being drunk off your ass the entire time though?

[@ANGELADELGATTO]

I'm going on a cruise to Italy Greece Montenegro and Croatia in August, leaving out of Civitavecchia Im traveling alone i definitely think I made a mistake booking this trip, after listening to all these videos i'll be a wreck. Hopefully I will make it out of the airport

[@florencealidu1530]

@@ANGELADELGATTO Please just try to focus on the lessons you can learn from the videos rather than let them scare you. My tip is travel light and make sure to always pay attention. Always be aware of where your bag is.

[@florencealidu1530]

Also have a great trip!

[@Msfifisquarepantz]

Said the seasoned Mexican pick pocket.

[@cl1079]

I’ve traveled extensively all over Europe as a solo male American traveler. I don’t flash bling and dress very plainly. However, I’ve been targeted frequently, as I am of east asian descent and therefore stand out more as a tourist I guess. Definitely sucks to have your phone & wallet stolen constantly.

[@DrVVVinK]

I'm sorry that happen to you.

[@Ray__E]

Crossbody bag!! Wear it in the front too. Pay attention to your surroundings and if something doesn't feel "right" make an adjustment to put yourself in a safe situation.

[@normEA]

Going to Greece in Nov to run the marathon. Your videos are great, fun and informative.

[@ddbliss2871]

The main reason why there are so many pick pockets in W.Europe is the leniency …. usually a slap on the wrist and they would come out again and again in couple of months if indeed they’d be jailed … crimes pay .. why there’re so many professional pick pockets there .. working in a group of 2 to 3 .. really a great earning for criminals .. As Asian tourists .. we stand out right away … why I only carried one credit card and a few paper notes in a plastic zip-lock bag .. and into my tight front pocket .. a wallet would stick out from the pants .. and it’s a goner probably .. and my wife wouldn’t carry purse .. what a pain in the ass to travel .. feeling you’re not safe

[@PopeyedGoose]

I just went to Barcelona this past weekend to watch the Formula 1 race. As soon as we landed we jumped onto the metro to go to our airbnb. I was with my Daughter and nephew and we obviously had our luggage. We sat down on 3 of the 4 seats on one side of the metro, 3 of the 4 seats across from us were empty. Some guy wearing sunglasses sat right next to me instead of sitting across from us in the empty seats. The sunglasses and the fact that he sat right next to me instead of the empty seats across from us were definite red flags. He had earbuds in and was talking to someone on his phone...the next stop another shady guy got on the train and also stood very close to us. They were definitely together. The next stop the transit police got on and immediately went up to us and told us that the guy sitting next to me was a pick pocket. They stayed in our area on the metro for another 4 stops before they left. Not to long after that the guy sitting next to me got up and made another phone call and the next stop another one of his crew jumped on. So now there were 3 of them. I stood up in front of my Daughter and nephew and was expecting something to happen soon. Then at the next stop the guy that originally sat next to me sneezed 3 of the fakest sneezes that I have ever heard, and all 3 of them got off together and we could see them talking together on the platform as they got off. Just know that they usually work in groups, one might try to distract you while one tries to take your bag or something else. If you are always cautious and know your surroundings and are one the lookout, you will be in a better position to avoid problems. Most times they look for the easiest person to steal from, so always pay attention when you are in a situation where pick pockets happen most, ie metro, trains, crowded areas. The thiefs want the least resistance as possible so make sure that you are aware at all times. A taxi from the airport to your hotel might cost more than the metro, but it might save you headaches. Then after you have dropped your luggage off taking the metro is fine as long as you don't have too much stuff with you. Avoid flashy jewelry on the metro. Jewelry and luggage make you a target. Keep your wallet in your front pocket, backpacks and purses on your lap. I guarantee that the guy that sat next to me as soon as we got on the metro from the airport is there everyday and gets on at the first stop after the airport looking for targets. So always be aware of what is going on around you.

[@deljay1840]

Barcelona is known as the home for pickpockets and thieves

[@againstallodds404]

Thanks ❤

[@jimdellavecchia4594]

People everywhere, tourist or not, present themselves as an easy mark to thieves. Always be prepared to crack someone in the head and you will be in great shape

[@joshmartin1938]

I heard that....

[@shelcheese8344]

We decide on a “local” name when we travel and practice before. It’s easy to call a name loudly and get other person’s attention even if you don’t know many phrases. For example, Jack could become Jose and Jenn might become Juanita. Take the time to learn a few phrases too like please and thank you, no, help, and go away. When going through scanners send someone through first to collect your bags.

[@rosered5485]

Exactly this! I've been abroad traveling around Europe for a little over a month. I tried to dress up a bit more while still being comfy. I brushed up on the various languages so that I could communicate a little bit, I keep my purse in front of me with my hand on the zipper, and I make a point of talking quietly. I've recently joined a group of other Americans, and several of them are annoyingly obvious. They don't dress appropriately, they're loud, they don't pay attention to the separation between the bike and walking lanes... Some of them are better at the local language than me, but they all stick out from a distance. Most people don't realize that I'm a foreigner until I open my mouth to ask a question. I've even had locals/other tourists approach me and ask me a question in the local language. Usually for directions. I love everyone and they're nice people, but most of them seem really reluctant to adapt and oblivious to their surroundings.

[@eiramn]

Visited Budapest last summer and was targeted by a pickpocket after visiting a money exchange. I didn't notice him at first, but my hubby told me he had been following us for at least 5 minutes. He stared at him with a super angry face and the guy left. You need to acknowledge that you've noticed them and they will leave you alone.

[@HelenShaghaghi]

Yes ! Budapest which was beautiful but they only took cash at a lot of places and I felt like I was being watched

[@Nebuli93]

A Budapest cab driver tried to charge us triple price. We gave him a sob story about being broke ass students (which was true 😄). He was visibly ashamed and went down to the regular fare lol

[@cynthiasutcliffe673]

Agree. People do dumb things when they travel. There are thieves everywhere. We had a fellow in Bruges trying to show us the sights. He kept offering to take our picture with my expensive camera. He would have raced off with it! We had a hard time getting rid of him as he was very persistent. Using your spider sense helps!

[@chrisorourke2749]

I was in Berlin last week, minding my own business, looking at books at a stall on Unter Den Linden, I was in a world of my own, some deaf girl came up with a petition, I signed it, she wanted 20 euro, give her 10, she seemed genuine, she come across as deaf. Second time I've been scammed, first time was in Rome. Be careful out there. Still love Berlin, going back in September, gotta take the rough with the smooth. :) I did drop my jacket in Alexanderplatz last week with my phone and my passport in my pockets. Was the luckiest guy on earth, a fly flew into my eye, realised my jacket was gone, had only dropped it a couple of mins walk away, it was still there with my passport and phone still there. That fly saved me, don't know what I would have done without my passport. Had to thank my guardian angel for that. :)

[@albear972]

Just came back from España, France and Italia. Yep! I only went out with my cell phone. And I had my hand in my pocket all the time. No robbing here. To be honest, some tips you give at times made me super paranoid. No ripping off at restaurants either. Even very free Limoncellos in Italy after a fantastic outdoor meal too! Yes, free as in gratis!

[@christophermichaelclarence6003]

I've never gotten robbed in life. Make sure your backpack is in front of you. Even your luggage so you can have your eyes em. Or make

[@damselinadress2069]

Just got home from Paris and London. The first day we got off the Metro at the Eiffel Tower. An old couple from Chicago and got pickpocketed. Luckily the husband didn't have nothing but a few coins in it. I live in NYC. I saw every scam I see at home. Pickpocketing is increasing here as well.

[@DrVVVinK]

You made a good point about living in NYC. Whenever I see these safety videos, I think this is the same as anything city in the US. Just use common sense; don't stop and talk to strangers when they approach you, don't have on a big packpack, and keep your money in your front pocket, with your hand over it. But with that said, many Americans don't live in walkable cities, so they tend to fall for these scams/thefts. While people who live in cities, are more trained to beware of their surroundings. I think New Yorkers tend to dress better too, in the more bussinse causal is slandered.

[@grQTbVMrZ]

Likey from migrants

[@noemimatias3729]

Great video, thanks for all the advice. 👍🏼

[@marcod.r.3299]

I really like your videos, great job! so funny me and my wife ran into you at Atlanta airport yesterday (or was it still today? Back in Germany now and getting confused with the time differences 🙂)....Cheers!

[@ar2nl]

excellent video again Wolter! I travel for a long time now and got robbed at the airport of Barcelona, it was incredibly crowded, and my wallet got stolen from my trousers (yes, even from the front part) and in San José, Costa Rica, a long time ago: i hold my backpack not on my chest but on my back. Looking forward to your new videos!

[@Sara01977]

My husband got his wallet stolen in San Jose as well. We had just arrived and I went to bed and he went to the casino. A guy spilled his drink on him at the bar. That was the distraction. He realized shortly after that his wallet has been stolen. Not a great way start off day 1 in Costa Rica. 😢

[@mccanngr]

Thank you so much for these videos! We’re planning our honeymoon to Italy, and all of your videos have helped us feel very prepared for our first international trip together.

[@bguzman3527]

I love your videos!!! I have seen them all and we have traveled to many countries ...we've been able to see the scams and pick pockets before they target us. We've been able to get away from those situations and avoid many mishaps. Thank you for all your insight. I'm sure it's helped many others too.

[@josehuaman6603]

I just came from Europe after a trip with my wife, where we visit France, Italy, Greece and Croatia. We took many precautions and nothing happened to us, but in Venice a group of tourists next to us in the train station were victims of pickpockets when we were boarding the train, and in Rome a tourist guide near the Colloseum was robbed too. Things like these happens all the time, and people are not aware of that.

[@MissDuke2012]

Could you do a video on car rental safety? Re: theft? You just unlocked a new concern! LOL! Thank you. I love your channel! Have watched for years!

[@mancityfan45]

worlter I love you, how you try and teach people basic common sense. Clothes are a massive big give away in Barcelona, ive lived here for 17 years almost and I always remember it being a city. Bingo, a city has issues like all cities in the world. Most of these people who come to Barcelona are from big cities, big cities have problems, and I am sure they wont dress like they do in Barcelona. Stay safe Wolter.

[@DrVVVinK]

From what I noticed in my travels, people who are from big cities in America (NYC) and Europe ( Barcelona) tend to dress the same, a bit more stylist, dressy. Cities all around the world also have the same kind of petty crimes that target people who are clearly familiar with the common sense of city life. Sadly, because of how many America cities are set up (besides places like NYC, Boston, Chicago, etc.) with a lack of walkability and public transportation, Americans do become targets. And other cultural factors; American friendliness, one finds outside of the cities, contributes to Americans becoming victims.

[@jeffgorham8819]

Biggest thing is to be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are in an area where it is easy to be an target (such as a crowded train or bus terminal). I had someone try to pickpocket my wallet (front pocket) at the Versailles train station, and I was on alert because it was a "pinch point" for traffic exiting the station. All he got for his troubles was a broken thumb.

[@woltersworld]

Glad you caught him

[@paulbrungardt9823]

Wolters---I love your enthusiasm !

[@lauralinkoff3776]

Great video!! helpful tips and most is common sense. I always keep my crossbody purse in front of me, I even separate license in another location. I heard that wearing backpacks in front vs behind is good strategy. I got pickpocketed when pregnant and busy with my toddler picking out shoes. I put my purse over the stroller and my wallet was taken. I was pickpocketed at the Alamo when my thin crossbody was more to my side than in front. In a crowd, as I was looking at glass display, I was unaware and someone stole my wallet. I learned my lesson.

[@davidvilchez2209]

Trains, trams, and buses are big targets for pick pockets. We got picked in Zaragoza Spain on the bus last time I was there about 20 years ago. Sister had her passport and credit card stolen and I lost a debit card. Generally speaking Europe is very safe but you need to be careful on public transportation, and while walking around in crowded places like De Wallen in Amsterdam or Las Ramblas in Barcelona among many others. Safety. Safety first then teamwork : ) Happy travels people

[@DrVVVinK]

Just not Europe public transport and cities, but American cities too. The issue is, and it's one I keep stating, many Americans are not use to taking public transportation daily for work, or running errands, or walking places, but the car. Those who live in cities, and take public transport daily, seem more keen on what to look out for.

[@simonh6371]

Wow I'm surprised to hear that, Zaragoza isn't really a tourist city. I lived there 1998 to 2000. However some young guys tried to rob me with words, one said ''tengo una navaja'' (I've got a knife) and I just said ''donde?'' (where) and they went away.

[@davidvilchez2209]

@simonh6371 No it's off the tourist path for Spain, still though if you're going from Madrid to Barcelona worth the pit stop for a weekend or a good day trip

[@mikehess4494]

Dark and Stormy in Florida right now. Thank you for the videos that are informative, interesting and fun.

[@brianferguson7840]

Top tip, DON'T carry your passport or anything that you cant afford to lose out with you on the street. Take a "street" wallet containing cash only keep a debit card in a tight front pocket. Everyone has an old phone for pictures etc, use that for tourist stuff.

[@SwimmingInSunlight]

I dress in alternative fashion, which I guess makes me blend in more with locals than the tourists since I've never been targeted (also good luck for the pickpockets to try and find my pocket from the side of a big flowy skirt, takes me some patting too to find the opening 😂)

[@chronic2023]

There is a couple (French/American) with a KZbin channel mostly about Paris, who were videotaping at a restaurant and caught on video a woman (along with a man) at the next table sticking her hand into their bags, taking out his wallet and putting it back and they never noticed. Not until he was reviewing the footage the next day!!! The woman had managed to take just one credit card. That's how smart and BOLD these thieves are.

[@mikeleslie5031]

Great video, what are your thoughts on Pac-Safe backpacks and hip/fanny packs?🙂

[@ljrigsbee]

I have a Pacsafe cross-body bag and a backpack. They are very good quality, and definitely make it more difficult for pickpockets to easily get to your valuables.

[@Sara01977]

My husband and I travel A LOT worldwide and have for over 20 years with no issues. However, last week, we were in London with our teenage niece. We were outside at a pub in Soho. My husband went inside to use the restroom and a guy approached my niece and I pushing newspapers in our face over our table saying something in a foreign language. We both vehemently said "no, not interested" but then he reached over table in my niece's face, which I now believe was the distraction, as I went into protective mode and pushed him away and he then left. However, when my husband returned to the table he asked "where's my phone?" At that time, after looking through all our belongings and inside the restroom, we realized that the guy used a diversion tactic to swipe the phone under the newspapers while we were looking at him and not what his hands were doing. It was a Galaxy 23+ phone so that dude just got a $1300 phone!! We filed a UK police report but they could care less and didn't even want to do it, but we insisted for insurance purposes. We let the pub know and they appreciated it so they could alert other patrons. Luckily, we were able to get a new Samsung phone at the Samsung store on Bond Street , albeit with a UK number and then walked across street to get Vodafone daily data plan. When we got back to Chicago, T-Mobile was luckily great about replacing SIM and him getting his new number back. The whole experience just feels so violating though. It's not even that the phone got stolen but how slick they are about it and you realize it could've been even worse. I leave for Barcelona tomorrow, and now I'm really paranoid since I heard it's the worst city for pickpockets and robbery. I'm going to try my best to enjoy trip while being extra vigilant.

[@theorderofthebees7308]

I am so sorry you went through that. Sending you prayers and good will.

[@Sara01977]

@@theorderofthebees7308 thank you! You are so kind.

[@Sara01977]

@@chronicreader we did but they still tried. lol Same exact type of diversion happened while my friends and I are outside at a cafe. My friend had her phone on the table. Guy came up with newspapers and I said to her “ your phone!” She luckily grabbed it quickly and the waiter and table next to us (locals) started yelling at him in Spanish to get the hell out of here. After he fled, they told us what he was trying to do and warned us to be careful. They were super nice and that started a conversation whereby the owner came out and we all started talking. So it actually turned into something pleasant being able to hang with locals. We really appreciated how they went into protective mode trying to help us.

[@gluckwunschwinston5618]

No phones on the table. It's rude anyway

[@jonnyjonnyyespapayes]

that same modus happened to me in milan, duomo. lost brand new iphone 15 pro max. kid put map on the table then my phone gone

[@ReflectionTool637]

Have spent a decade out of the US and only was robbed once. Cell phone in Santiago by a moto-scooter thief I never saw until he had my phone and was accelerating away. All good stuff in this video. 2 other things to mention: (1) theft rates vary a great deal - so choose where you go. (2) smaller cities and towns often have almost no "tourist theft" problems, so consider that as well.

[@stanislas4990]

Very useful video. Unfortunately tourists are a target for pickpockets. But if you follow some rules and if you are careful you will not be robbed, if you are extra cautious in public transportation and places with a lot of tourists, well-known to be a little bit unsafe.

[@christianoliver3572]

I had my wallet stolen from my suit jacket pocket on Brompton Road right in front of Harrods in London. One of the doormen saw the 'bump' that I didn't even feel and started to blow his whistle for a Bobby. He ran into Hyde Park and they found and returned my wallet to me. All my credit cards were still there as well as my ID. I always use a money clip when I'm abroad so I had only maybe £10 or £20 in my wallet. My inside suit jacket pocket where my wallet was had 3 buttons and I always used them. So in just a second this guy was able to reach in to my tailored jacket, unbutton a three button pocket, and lift my wallet and I didn't feel a thing!!

[@sauronthegreat5799]

The guy should get a medal for doing a very difficult maneuver. He’s a master pickpocket. A platinum level.

[@DrVVVinK]

@@sauronthegreat5799 Teller would have spotted it.

[@4spooky8u]

I highly doubt this story is 100% truthful.

[@isamaaltaein8672]

Hi Wolter, thank you for great tips.Chaos

[@Farrow1990]

For your bags I recommend using a smart padlock 🔒 that has a alarm that will go off if someone touches it. With my phone I use a case with a strap so it can't be snatched if someone takes it and you can connect it to your belt loop when it's it your pocket. It's helped me alot doing this.

[@tammygreen1618]

front pockets can get pickpocketed too. Hubbie had that happen in Lisbon trolley. Yes, it was crowded. They are GOOD!

[@woltersworld]

They are seriously good at it, sadly

[@farmecologist3395]

@@woltersworld Honestly, I think a small sling pack worn on the *front* of you, combined with a money belt if you deem it necessary, is a great option. A front worn sling isn't for everyone though...but it works.

[@Andrew-jv7tc]

I was in Naples a few years ago, and while buying a ticket for the Metro at Garibaldi station, a 14 year old kid with slicked-back hair and a leather jacket told me that the machine was broken and that if I gave him my credit card, he’d help me buy it on another machine. Knowing that he was going to take my credit card or wallet and run, I just used the machine I was going to use (it was manual and had no English. A nice local taught me how to use it earlier in the day), and while the kid kept saying “no, il no funcione,” I got my ticket, and then just got on the Metro. There was a cop nearby and I think he was in on it. Anyways, the manual ticket machine usually works in Naples. The kid telling you it does not is trying to rob you.

[@DrVVVinK]

The cop may not have been in on it, he could have just not given a shit. Because scams like that are an everyday occurrence and are a low level crime, they just turn a blind eye, until it happens and you say something. That's true in even American cites.

[@Andrew-jv7tc]

@@DrVVVinK In on it or not, a cop who constantly glances over at the scene unfolding and does nothing is as good as any accomplice.

[@jamesf791]

I love this channel. Great advice of both Do's and Don't's of many different aspects of traveling. But as far as getting robbed, it happens. People get robbed in the comfort of there own cities. You may get robbed you may not. These are great tips not just for Europe but in every continent.

[@Max-nt7ho]

Hi, thx for the great info u r sharing. Altho I’m aware of most of the tips in this video, 1 new & important thing I learnt from this video is that, before we visit any foreign country, we should learn how to yell for help & for police in local language!!

[@xlukas93]

The easiest way is just dont be loud and dont talk to those random people who sell bracelets etc... Because once they hear you talk loud in american english you are like a jackpot. I had a funny experience when we almost got robbed by 4 guys on night bus in lisbon. They really looked shady like no one i have seen in lisbon before. And they started with the typical questions "do you have a cigarette?" etc... but when i turned to one of my friends to tell him this is going to be a problem and they heard slavic language, they completely changed their tune, and literally stopped talking, looked out of the window and pretended not to be there at all 😁 From my experience in europe if you speak english or german, you are more likely to be a target, but when you speak some slavic language or arabic, they dont want to have any of that 😁

[@annesmith5192]

When we were in Paris, we had trouble operating the ticket machine at le metro. Two clean cut men, with ID on lanyards, wanted to help. I told them "Go away." They persisted a little, but i was firm. My husband said "They just want to help." I said "No one in Paris wants to help." My husband saw my point. A little while later we saw the two men walking on the sidewalk, not wearing their fake ID. My husband was impressed that i recognized a scam. However i had read about it when I researched tourist scams in Paris.

[@tobiojo6469]

Awesome and important video

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Tobi!

[@2pugman]

Great tips. On your next trip to London could you please stop at Hamley's toy store and take some videos. It's an amazing place.

[@DrVVVinK]

Do you work there?

[@alexlindquist2986]

7:29 I burst out loud laughing! I wonder what those two guys were up to!

[@beauhunt3132]

@wolters world when you pack light I assume you are washing your clothes. How would someone go about finding where to have their clothes washed?

[@evamosbauer2865]

This is good to know ,when I hear stuff like this feel blessed I live in OZ land I have always felt safe walking around the city of Melbourne you never hear of tourist being robbed .

[@lolitalolipops4154]

We live in the best place in the world . We test tourist like we treat each other and we are one of very few countries that do it

[@lli_loue]

I live in Paris and I NEVER EVER put anything in my back pocket, it’s not always great looking to stuff thing in your front pockets, but it’s a necessity wherever you go.

[@carollewis3912]

I see people with their cell phones in their back pockets and after watching these videos I now cringe!

[@jenniferk6697]

I try to research what locals wear, and am very vigilant in public. It’s taken me quite far up to this point. No one has pick pocketed my Monopoly money I planted on me so far.

[@clrobinson1776]

My family & I will be taking a tour of Germany. There are 11 of us. Ages range 8 all the way up to 70. Will admit, I’m a little nervous with there being so many of us. Four of us used to live in Germany & Italy & never got robbed but with this many people…

[@stellarsjay1773]

On a bus tour night out in Rome, our guide told us before we prepared to enter the restaurant that pickpockets would be all around us and that women should hold their purses with both hands. We we walking no more than 20 metres!

[@persephie6107]

What a difference from Japan. Some guy on the train had fell asleep and his iPhone was on the floor. These group of girls picked it up and put it next to him. Yes the locals leave their belongings anywhere and it’ll stay put. Even if it’s expensive bags, jackets etc

[@ginevrakurow321]

"I wanna rob you just to shut you up" LOOOL One thing I've learned is to either sew or buy clothing with inner pockets. Only you have access to those and it's easier to just pat that part to see if your passport or wallet is safely there. A bit tricky when you're buying stuff in the street, but safer in the long run

[@sobaquitus]

I'm from South America, so all of this comes pretty natural to me. I've been to europe several times, luckily never got stolen. My best advice is: don't stand out. Keep in mind that thieves and pickpockets are always looking for the path of least resistance to their goal and have a special talent for identifying potential victims. None of it is random. If you've been a victim (or close to it) of this before it was probabbly because you looked more vulnerable than everyone else around you. Sad but true. In my case, I'm a white, black haired dude so I guess I blend in most places in europe. I also like to dress REALLY comfortable for walking around and sightseeing and I don't tend to look like I have a lot of money or valuables on me 🤣. Lately in my travels I've seen quite a number of people trying to pull the whole travel-model-influencer thing, dressing up real fancy and spending countless minutes at a single, super touristy spot trying to get the glamour shot they want. Those ppl are making themselves targets. Also, needless to say, avoid the "classic" tourist look and outfit. Of course, try not having a lot of cash on you and keep it in a money belt under your clothes. As for the (pants) pockets, I straight up never put my wallet or phone there; front or back, I never use them, period. I keep those valuables in a sturdy fanny pack/bag (great gift from an ex gf) that I always use facing front accross my chest. Avoid using big, bulky backpacks and handbags/purses, those are super easy to pick or snatch. I used to keep my passport at my hotel safe but now I carry it on me at (almost) all times since that time the turkish police stopped me at Istanbul and ALMOST arrested me for not having it... scared the crap out of me. Research ahead of time how much of a risk it is for you not to have your passport/id on you for that particular destination I know it's a lot and could make some people paranoid, but like most comments say: have common sense, don't be clueless and gullible and you'll be fine. Hope it helps!

[@Worldaffairslover]

You’re literally an ethnic European, idk which country

[@bryantsteury8910]

I think, on a serious note, if you don't feel like someone is on the up and up, walk away. Don't be afraid to be rude if you're not sure. You'll never see that person again and if they're legit, sure you come off as a d bag but they'll be fine. And if they're a thief? You just helped yourself

[@woltersworld]

That is true. You just have to be able to get out of a situation

[@DrVVVinK]

"Don't be afraid to be rude if you're not sure" I think that is a big one, which makes many a target. Americans, especially those in certain parts of the US, are taught more than those from elsewhere in the world to be polite and friendly to everyone, even strangers. I am from New England, and we have a reputation among other Americans for being "rude". We don't see it that way, yes we wouldn't make small talk with you at the checkout line, and our service works tend to be more blunt and matter-of-fact, but that is because we don't know you. We are more vigilant, and if someone is being what we consider "super friendly," we grow suspicious.

[@romieabel2629]

I'm so scared of future pickpocketing in Europe. 😱😨😰😱😨😰😱

[@randydasilva6420]

Mark said, “I wanna rob you just to shut you up.” Hilarious 😂.

[@woltersworld]

Believe me... i have considered it 😀

[@jimmydelia8956]

@@woltersworld “ Greetings fellow travelers today I robbed an annoying tourist who wouldnt shut up about french champagne “ She then responded “ I cant believe I just got robbed in paris, ahhhhhhhh more champagne “

[@anthonyscott5134]

For my recent 2 1/2 Week trip to London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin I almost exclusively used Apple Pay on my Apple Watch. Prior to my trip I got 100 pounds for London, and 150 Euros for Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Apple Pay works EVERYWHERE except at some mom and pop restaurants, and certain Taxis. Kept enough cash in my pocket, the bulk in a money belt. Safe and secure.

[@user-zn1dy4ys7c]

Great advise, but don't expect being able to pay with apple pay in Germany (including Berlin) / you won't be able to use it in most places (a lot of places don't even accept credit cards)

[@anthonyscott5134]

@@user-zn1dy4ys7c , Um, did you comprehend my comment? I wasn’t stating about what I was going to be doing when I go to Berlin, I stated what I actually did while in Berlin. I only had to use cash twice, once with a Taxi driver, and once at a mom and pop restaurant. The rest of the time I had no issues with using Apple Pay with Uber, shopping, bars, other restaurants, Berlin TV Tower, TV Tower restaurant…

[@user-zn1dy4ys7c]

@@anthonyscott5134 I did comprehend your comment but in terms of Berlin and Germany I kinda had the urge to correct your comment so nobody actually comes here only relying on apple pay😅 I had too many friends from abroad coming over and being completely baffled about not being able to pay via credit card for literally anything (and obviously also no e payment methods). You might have been lucky or only visited the most basic tourist spots of Berlin. However I think using Apple pay for Paris and London is a great idea to travel safely:D

[@anthonyscott5134]

@@user-zn1dy4ys7c It doesn’t seem like you comprehended my initial comment or you would have noted that I did mention that I brought cash and had occasion to need to use it. With that being said, of course my situation may be different from someone else’s as, like I stated, I only went to one mom and pop restaurant and only used a Taxi a couple of times, of which only one didn’t take Apple Pay. Lastly, I never stated that you shouldn’t bring ANY cash, only noted that FOR ME, Apple Pay was accepted 99% of the time for me in Berlin.

[@farmecologist3395]

Good advice. We will be going to Switzerland ( Basel ), Germany, and the Netherlands ( Amsterdam ). No apple watch ( I'm not a fan of watches ) but I'll use my phone for Apple pay. Thanks for the tip!

[@Eric-the-Bold]

Part one, Get yourself a standard looking belt, but with internal zips for notes . Carry a very small wallet that only contains money for the day, front pocket. . If in a group get members to give you money in the hotel so when at a restaurant etc , only one is showing cash. Being paranoid, re credit cards , before you go sow a small pocket inside of your various trousers . Need the card , retrieve it out of sight, return it to your pocket in a WC. Ladies bag with strap and ware across the body in front of you, do not have any wallet etc . Don’t use a back pack for food etc. Local logo shopping bag , your local after all?

[@kibaanazuka332]

The biggest mistake i made was leaving my small medical bag out of sight above me while on the train from Amsterdam to Brussels. Someone ended up stealing it between Amsterdam and Rotterdam and was left scrambling to make arrangements to get a replacement alongside a bit sleep deprived. Learned from then on to keep said bag close to me under my seat or in my lap than above me.

[@woltersworld]

That sucks :(

[@misstubbie1313]

Very sensible advice! Good video 👍🏼

[@jongbasco]

first off, great list. second, at 7:30 what were the costumed men crossing the street supposed to be?

[@Vinceventuring]

This is such a fear of ours when travelling!!! Touch wood we’ve been ok to date!

[@한여름-b1l]

He described all these situations painfully exact!!! Listen to him everybody!!

[@mstrathmore]

Great video, thank you! I originally come from a country with a very high crime rate, mostly violent; as a result I’m very aware of my surroundings and of the typical scams. Against that backdrop, we’re going on a med cruise and to Rome later this year: as a photographer it’s unavoidable to have a bunch of expensive gear with me but I’m considering leaving my (obvious) camera backpack at home and buying one of those low key Pacsafe anti-theft backpacks to hold a camera cube instead. Thoughts? Am I being OTT?

[@cjvoigt7322]

Great information,, Thank you,,,,CJV

[@mandywalker3393]

The number one reason is not because "you're a tourist." It's "because people are scummy thieves." My husband still has his wallet in his front pocket. He lived in Italy for 6 years and that is a holdover. Although, really good ones could probably get it from the front too!

[@whispie.]

Think of thieves as workers who are trying to find the next easiest victim. A tourist (especially an Asian as he pointed out), seems like an easier target than a 2m, 135kg local dude..

[@jryan9547]

I’ve always lived in America and only carry a thin wallet in my front pocket. It’s a good idea anywhere to be honest

[@morpheuszzz662]

We encountered a group of people on the Pont Alexandre offering to make and give my daughter a braided bracelet. I knew what was going on and kept telling them, "no" and shaking my head. I made it clear and actually felt bad that I was being rude to them until they refused to stop putting their hands on my kid. They pretended like they didn't understand me. When one of the guys started to tie it onto her wrist (me still pulling at his arm and saying "no"), then they as a group acted all mad and offended when I didn't want to pay them for it and was telling them to remove it. It felt threatening because they just wouldn't stop and they came at us in a group. Same with the trinket sellers at the Tour Eiffel. They were swarming around my (then) 80-year-old mother. I get mad thinking about it years later. It seems to worsen every time we go back there. It's really a bummer. I think some of these people are forced to meet a certain quota, so I do feel bad for them, but it feels threatening and that I won't tolerate or reward them by buying things from them. I re-read this and realize how I must sound--entitled and whiny, but it annoys me still just thinking about it.

[@linebrunelle1004]

It was the same 45 years ago, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, etc. ,

[@deejayk5939]

Great tips!

[@BobF6483]

Great video and extremely informative. Good job!!!

[@monalisahota]

Those are all valid points. However, there are definitely places/cities where more pickpocketing happens than others. I go through crowded Christmas markets and steets of Germany exactly the same way a I go through less crowded streets of Paris or Barcelona, and my chances of being robbed in Paris or Barcelona or even London are very very high. These cities are infamous for such things while Germany or Austria isn't just like parts of USA are very safe for tourists too. Not that pick pockets don't happen there but for an alert traveler like myself, the later places are way safer. In Paris, try taking the bus from outside the main train station and you'd come close to your luggage snatched from your hands while boarding the bus. I was alert that's why I saved my carry on and backpack from this gang member who had almost grabbed my hand. It's a shame that tourists lose their precious belongings in Paris and cannot enjoy the beauty of the city because they have to remain so alert all the time. Very sad indeed! Never need to worry in Germany (knock on wood). Someone in London pulled out a wool scarf I bought as a souvenir from Ireland. Unbelievable....I bet that was sold among similar scarves in Covent garden. Not a big deal? It's an important accessory that keeps me warm plus I won't go back to Ireland to buy it again. Even when you travel light, you could lose important things which are then hard to replace, and you need them because you are traveling light. I find it so annoying that the cities aren't able to keep theft in control and tourists have to pay the price for it. Definitely leaves a bad taste.

[@monalisahota]

By the way, I ran into you in London near the Big Ben. What a pleasant surprise that was 😊

[@The_hangry_tourist]

we were in Prague in 2019, the moment we got off the train, straight we go to an atm, a well dressed man wearing a coat offered to break our bill, later on when we tried to pay the bill at the restaurant, we were told that the notes are old Bulgarian bills that aren’t in circulation anymore. It wasn’t a small amount so better not have anyone change ur notes for u

[@SustainableSierra]

I lived in Prague for a long time and saw this happen too many times to count, especially in Old Town. They tried with me once when I was queuing to buy euros and I told them to take a hike.

[@The_hangry_tourist]

@@SustainableSierra thankfully u avoided it. We didn’t know at the time

[@thatjillgirl]

When I travel abroad, especially to very touristed places (Venice, for example), I keep my most difficult to replace things in my money belt (passport, credit card, etc.). Then my next most important stuff like my camera goes in my day bag with me. I put key rings on the zippers to keep it closed unless I open it myself, and I keep the bag hanging to where it's in front of me, not behind me, always in my sight and usually with my hand on it. IF I put it down while I'm out eating or something, it gets set between my feet. Never ever put stuff down if you can't afford to part with it. I feel like the majority of the time, you won't need these precautions, but if that one time happens, it would be pretty awful to be trying to replace your passport or all your money while you're on vacation.

[@farmecologist3395]

Great idea. We have a small sling bag just for this purpose. It can be in front of me in an instant on public transportation, when something feels off, etc... We also have a packable Osprey ultralight *dry bag* backpack. I like these because there is only a roll top seal to get into the main bag...no zippers. And I also wear a money belt for really important items. Am I too careful? Maybe...but I'd rather prepare and be safe than sorry!

[@DrVVVinK]

Credit Cards are easy to replace. I would suggest keeping them as a digital (apple pay or google pay) backup on your phone. Keep your phone in the opposite pocket than your wallet. Keep the rings at home, unless it is cheap $20 costume jewelry.

[@thatjillgirl]

@@DrVVVinK Credit cards are *normally* easy to replace. It can be a pain in the ass when you're on vacation, especially if you're traveling somewhere where you may be away from internet access for a bit and can't readily contact your card company right away. And not everybody has a smart phone.

[@Bjaws66]

My parents just arrived in Madrid yesterday for a two week trip through Spain. Their hotel room wasn't ready yet so they went to a local market. My parents are well aware of the scams and pickpockets and my father always wears a money belt. In that one hour, he didn't get into his luggage to get his money belt as he hadn't gone to get cash yet. After leaving the market as they went to an ATM, he realized his wallet was missing. He never even felt or noticed anything in the busy market, and with the commotion of just arriving in town, forgot to move his wallet to the front pocket. He was able to cancel his credit cards and they weren't used anywhere yet, so hopefully it was just the cash and everything else is in the trash. It happens that quick.

[@andym28]

Bear in mind resturant and shop owners will try to scam them also. Times are tough and with the price of food resturant owners try so many scams. This is why I prefer all inclusive hols during these challenging times.

[@Vancouver_Dan]

@@andym28 Oh brother - do you leave the house at home? I cannot imagine letting the fear of petty theft leave me trapped in a boring all inclusive. We just spent four weeks in Europe and, using the same basic precautions as at home while travelling on trains, buses and subways, we were fine. It helps to harden the target - I carry a "dummy wallet" with one credit card, a photocopy of my driver's license and a small amount of pocket cash (everything else is locked or hidden in our Air BnB). Even if I was to loose my wallet - I have other cards and ATM card secured in our apartment. We were approached by several petition ladies and bracelet dudes - we just stepped aside and ignored them as they approached. They moved on in search of gullible targets.

[@jimfromburbankca5253]

Your parents are fools. You NEVER leave the hotel with your bags and just sit around in a market. You STAY AT THE HOTEL and guard your s**t. Rookie mistake.

[@comeandtakeit82]

@@andym28 "times are tough" is NOT justification for store / restaurant owner... Or anybody for that matter...trying to scam you. I know that's not what you meant but you hear a lot of politicians justify straight up thievery by using that excuse

[@whispie.]

I come from Madrid, sorry to hear your parents got robbed. It's very unusual, but it does happen. However, I see no European, ever, carrying the wallet in their back pocket... it's like safety 101. Also, 99% of the places in Madrid you can pay with credit card. Why use cash? It's all a hassle even if the ATM FX rate was to be cheaper than the credit card's... Maybe it's because I've been living in the Nordics for 10 years and these are almost cashless societies (some stores don't even accept cash), but I don't see the point in carrying cash and I never do myself

[@abigailgerlach5443]

Backpack security: if you have outer pockets on a backpack, take a simple safety pin and pin the zipper from the inside the backpack. It lowers the easy opportunity to slide open zippers. Feel free to look like a dork. Carry your backpack on your front at busy airports, venues, and busy places.

[@johnbailey3351]

I was in Paris back in 2019 and found the French quite friendly compared to what you hear about. However, there was one thing they did on the metro that drove me crazy and that was stand in the door on the trains. On the metro there were a lot of locals of African descent, a lot of tourists and locales of white European descent. The last group seemed the smallest in number of the three groups when I was there in June-July. A number, and not a small number, would just stand in the door and block it. One guy stood in the door for five stops taking up a third of the doorway impeding those entering and exiting. For two stops another guy stood next to him taking up two-thirds of the doorway. This happened quite often. Just wondering, could they have been a part of a pickpocket ring?

[@laureljaneg]

From what I understand they all work in pairs or multiples, and they were probably looking for peoples stuff to grab as they exited

[@juliamallon2948]

Mark has said that many times to exercise caution entering and exiting. Traveling light though is the best advice on multiple levels.

[@DrVVVinK]

Those "locals of African decent" are NOT locals. They are immigrants, in a lot of cases illegal immigrants, that the government does nothing about. It's also why the right is rising all through Europe. The people have had enough with Europe's lack of immigration policies.

[@melocoton7]

100% pick pockets. You’re exiting and they grab what they can. By the time you notice, the metro already left