I travel alone and each time I am robbed two or three times .. in metro station George V three elegant ladies surrounded me inside the metro then I saw the lady hand inside my bag holding my wallet I was appalled and started to shout she threw the wallet with a nervous gesture and me shouting police police .. passengers watching in silence .. the metro didn't move like the driver was watching ..the three ladies disappeared and me left the train cursing in loud voice and shouting sat on a bench to look at my things
The biggest concentration of pickpockets I’ve seen, was in Lisbon and areas around e.g. Cascais. They were always Eastern European Gypsy. Men work alone with a coat over the arm. Women work in pairs or groups with scarves tied to their bags. They use these to hide what they’re doing. I wore anti pickpocket underwear there. It had pockets big enough for the passports! I foiled 2 women by screaming at them much to my daughter’s embarrassment. You can recognise them all easily if you are vigilant. They walk round pretending to take photos. At picturesque view points, they’re facing away from the view because they’re watching the people. Other places I’ve seen pickpockets include a palace in Genoa, Plaza de Espana in Seville- that was crawling with them. There was even a young man dressed as a priest with 2 female accomplices, Rome, the Paris scammers and Porto down by the river in the centre. The only problem with pickpocket spotting is makes you consumed with anger and stress which doesn’t really endear you to your fellow travellers- it does mean they don’t get pickpocketed tho.
I spent almost 3 weeks in and throughout Italy. My last day in Italy, I was outside Roma Termini when 3 guys surrounded me. They acted like they were drunk, bumping into me and shouting in my face. It was about 5am and still dark so my adrenaline was pumping. I pushed them away and walked quickly into the termini, checked my pockets and found my pocket empty where my phone should be. It's a bummer.
Since my husband and I have been traveling to Europe for the last few years, I have been watching your videos. Because we have watched your videos, we have yet to be robbed because although we are having a good time we remain vigilant and don't do crazy stuff like hanging my purse on the chair ( it's always around me or hanging on my knee wrapped AND hooked around my foot) when in restaurants. I would like to add one more. When traveling thru Europe by train, don't carry a suitcase that you can't handle by yourself. You make yourself a target for folks who troll the train stations "offering to help" put the bags up on the train for you. Of course they will turn around and want a handout. Just remember you can always wash your clothes in Europe. There is no need to carry your entire wardrobe from the home.
Yes, pickpockets blend in but watch out for groups of kids hanging around an attraction or shopping street. Also and this may sound funny but a typical pickpocket profile is the solo gentleman on public trans or attraction with a jacket draped over his arm or perhaps his coat hanging off just one shoulder. No backpack, no camera, no bags. A pub owner in Lisbon told me this. The coat is used to hide what his other hand is doing obviously.
I saw a thief operating on the beach. Recognised him from the previous day. I thought he must be a tourist from our beach hotel at first. I layed on the beach put my sunglasses next to me and went to sleep. There was no one else near me. I woke up and as I looked up, this person came up to me quickly as if they were bending for the glasses. They saw I was awake and disappeared quickly. I watched them from a distance and sure enough he was pinching items, bags, clothes etc and ran off into the hotel car park. I never took valuable items to the beach again.
Something that happened to a friend and me in Rome - Fontana di Trevi - there are ALWAYS pickpockets there, since it's always crowded!!!): We were taking pictures of each other at the fountain when a random guy came up to us and asked if we want him to take a picture of us with our camera. We declined, of course. After he left two police officers came up to us and asked us if that man wanted to take a picture for us; after we said "yes" they warned us to NEVER EVER let someone take our camera (or smartphone) from us to have our picture taken. Because those guys will eather run away with them, or they have a second guy that'll rob you WHILE the other one is taking your picture (or pretends to). So really watch out for seemingly "helpful" people.
The picture thing happened to my group in Philadelphia at the Rocky steps and Love park. There were men meandering around asking if you would like them to take a picture of your group under the guise of tending a kind gesture, then after they take the pic they would ask for money. Montreal had some interesting ppl in the tourist areas. If you asked them for directions you would get it, then right after there would be a request for money to buy a 'coffee'. Both are great cities but be on the lookout for the street workers using some interesting ways of getting money out of you, though not picking you.
+Gabriel Traveler yeah they will slip in with you. You are a yoinger cat Gabe so they probably would leave you alone but older travelers, they prey on them. Its really bad. Have a great time in paris and continued success on your channel. Hope we bump into each other one day.
That happened to me when I first arrived in Paris in metro there was 2 guys and woman followed me pickpocket my phone and wallet good thing I called my bank about it
We were in Paris at the Gare du Lyon preparing to catch a TGV for Bezier in the south of France. The section of the station from where the TGV leave is very busy and because so many trains leave during an entire day, they tend to load the trains fairly close to the departure time and this always creates a crush of passengers. My wife is very perceptive and intuitive and she could see several pickpockets sussing the crowd and picking likely victims. When boarding for the train was announced the gates to les voies were immediately over whelmed. Older men and younger men are great victims because they're inattentive. Women on the other hand worry about everything such as their husbands, and children and tickets, and purses and luggage and the disorganized or confused ones stick out like a sore thumb. When the trains load the pickpockets spring into action. Try not to get bunched up in a crowd otherwise they'll go for you . Pay attention and watch your belongings. They are always there in the big cities. This is their job and they're good at it.
Hi Mark, a little additional tip for tourist in my Milam: at the Central Station and plaza Duca d'Aosta situation has improved very much since Expo, there is a constant State Police, Local Police and Carabinieri watch out, but still you can find guys that with no reason, or title, want to help you buy train tickets at the automatic machines. In case ask them to go away or call the police, never let them "help" you! Never let them stand behind you while purchasing tickets! Be warned!
+Carlo Defilippi thanks for the heads up on Milan. I was there right before the expo and I'm glad to hear it's cleaned up. I couldn't believe how many people wanted to "help" people with the kiosks and people were ok with it. Yelled at a couple guys at termini to leave these two older french women alone.
+Wolters World Hey Mark, if you're still in Italy between June 18 to July 3 maybe you'd like to visit the "floating piers" of the artist Christo on the lake Iseo in Lombardy...a kind on walk-in artwork, check it on line...it'll be a great opportunity for a spectacular video. Just a hint anyway. Best regards!
I’m currently in Rome and there are street vendors who approach you to shake your hand, pull in for a hug and one guy even touched my bf’s stomach after he refused to shake his head. There are guys handing out roses to women and push people to accept them to take it by saying they’re giving it to you . They don’t give up! You must ignore and walk away!
Thanks for the post. Last year after arriving at Paris Gare du Norde from London, I was approached by a younger man on the subway who said he was undercover police and told me to be alert, because seniors are targeted. He told me to check my wallet to make sure everthing was fine. I felt my front pocket and said, everything is fine after feeling my wallet. What an idiot I was. When we got off ot the train, my wallet was gone and the the first day and a half in Paris was ruined. We had 5 US dollars to our name. PLEASE be alert people. I though I was prepared, I guess I was wrong.
Korova Milkbar Yes, I have heard many times, from multiple sources, over the years, that Gare du Nord is a *notorious* pickpocketer's paradise. I have been to Gare du Nord at least a couple of times myself and my policy is to TRUST NO-ONE apart from uniformed station staff, and to keep my hand firmly placed over my belongings positioned across my belly at all times. It's sad that we must be so vigilant while we're simply travelling from A to B, but there are so many sneaky fuckers out there waiting and watching for us to drop our guard. :-/
I had that happen to me at one of the metro stations in Berlin, the method of action was some guy offered my friend and me to buy drugs, when we refused he continued to follow us while disturbing us, once we got to the metro station it was like from a movie: the pickpocket went to a group of people up the stairs, while we were going up that group surrounded us starting to play drums and make a lot of noise while in parallel to that someone tried to snatch my glasses off my face. it all seemed strange and meaningless until we got to the metro and saw we had our phones stolen, from the front pocket in skinny jeans without feeling ANYTHING.
Reminds me of Inspector Cleaseau when he walks into hotel in Rome and a well dressed guy says can I take your hat, your coat and your briefcase..and walks out the hotel with it..😂
What I find strange is how pickpockets seem so prevalent in Europe. I am 66 years old and have not known a person here in the states that has been a victim of a pickpocket. I am not saying it does not happen, but it's never talked about or mentioned to be looking out for. It never crosses my mind when I am out in public and I do a lot of traveling here in the states. It's more of a cultural thing I think. In Spain, if you get caught being a pickpocket the fine is 400 euros or less if you stole less than 400 euros. If you you steal more than 400 euros then you can go to prison. Most people don't walk around with 400 euros, so most of the pickpockets are only subjected to a small fine. It is considered the cost of doing business. Many pickpockets have been caught numerous times. It does not stop them as the crime of being a pickpocket in Spain goes for the most part unpunished. I don't know about the other countries in europe but I suspect their laws mimic what's in Spain. I was also told that adults will train children to pickpocket as nothing can be done to punish the children. So watch out for kids as well while in europe. Truly a sad state of affairs. I think training a child to be a thief should be a major felony.
Join the EU and you too can be swamped by gypsy criminals from Eastern Europe. We give them free houses, healthcare and welfare here in Western Europe but they get bored with no jobs so go out and do crime. A wonderful organisation the EU. Also our taxes pay for subsidies to their countries which are gobbled up by corrupt officials. Journalists investigating this corruption in Bulgaria, and Malta too actually, have been killed.
In the USA lots of people have concealed carry license for a pistol. If you're robbed in a stand your ground state and you feel there is possibly a threat to your life then the thief will get shot to death.
It happens in the US too, in cities like NYC, San Fran, Chicago, DC, any big city with tourists. Europe just gets more tourists, but only in these areas. Yes, Roma has a high percentage of pickpockets, however, take the train, out to the small village of Lucca, where there are very little tourist - Lucca is where those who live in Roma, might holiday for a long weekend -you would probably not be pick pocketed, unless it is 3am at the train station. Same with NYC, there is a high percentage if you are not paying of getting pick pocketed or robbed at grand central if you are not careful. Take the train out to Westport, CT, you will be fine.
Pickpockets and scammers are.ALL over the world. I have traveled a lot by myself as well.as with family. Keep to yourself and enjoy the sights. Don't showoff by wearing fancy clothes , jewellery and being noticeable. Thanks for the great tips. Happy travels everyone !!
While in Milano Centrale, there was a helper who tried to carry our luggage. Once the luggage had landed on the right spot, he demanded some money. My dad gave him 2Euros from his pocket and afterward, he demanded more. After 30 sec, when we tried to put our luggage down, there were these 2 ladies one who told my dad the luggage have to be up (she said space at down is meant for baby stroller) and another who were asking for direction. As the luggage is too heavy to be carried up, my dad asked me to help. The first lady tried to grab something on my mom's handbag and another lady on my bag. Luckily, my mom can feel the movement and clever enough to pull it back. And my purse was gone with the zip opened from my sling bag. They already planned the strategy and tried to distract by offering some help or asking help.
I had a guy in Paris who found a ring at my feet.then he said that I can keep the ring I was a bit confused and then he asked if I have a few euros for a coffee then I clued in to the situation
My sister, mother and I went for a vacation to Prague. The hotel workers actually had the guts to enter our room while we are sleeping and try to rob us. They got away. We reported to the hotel manager and police but both were crap :( the hotel was 4 stars!!!!! We moved to another hotel.
The female that is walking in front of you, then suddenly stops walking so you bump into her, and then instantly a guy bumps into your back. That guy bumping into you is that females boyfriend and he is going into your backpack.
In any city anywhere, if you’re sitting by the doors in a subway/metro train, be aware of anything visible that someone could grab and dart out the doors with just before they close. For example, don’t hold up your phone without a very firm grip on it if you’re by the doors.
On the beach: You can use one of those waterproof "capsules" that go on a cord around your neck. It holds at least your money as well as keys and some other items. You just wear it into the water. No problem.
Brussels is pretty bad. same thing with phone happened to my friend. I have also witnessed guy snatching bag in metro, exiting last second so owner couldn't follow him. another friend of mine got wallet stollen in bus (she noticed someone opened her purse, but was too late, and it was on the decent line). only city where i actually felt nervous for going into wrong neighbourhood. :(
Several years ago my brother and I were visiting Boston. My brother wanted to ride the subway train. There were several people on the train. When we got off another guy got off too and we didn’t think anything of it. Soon the guy bumped into my brother and asked him for money. My brother said “sure, buddy” and gave him a ten dollar bill and my brother was very nice to the guy who looked at my brother for a few seconds and then said “thanks” and walked off. That could have been very dangerous what it the guy had a knife? I think my brother’s reaction saved us from trouble. It was plain when the guy was looking at my brother after he gave him the money that the guy was deciding what to do next and he just walked away after saying thanks. I think the fact that my brother was nice and friendly to the guy was what made him leave.
At Metro stations pickpockets don't just target the train platforms - in the wealthier countries those areas are monitored by CCTV. I got pinched on the stairway exiting a station in Paris. The guy just snuck up behind me. I noticed a tugging in my pocket. I shouted and spun around to face him but after I did so another guy popped up right in my face, flashed a wallet and asked me if it was mine. I saw the thief running down the stairs but I couldn't pursue because his partner was blocking my path and insisting on "helping" me. All they got was a cellphone. If they take your cellphone you should report it to your carrier immediately. If there is a chance that you have apps which might allow a thief to gain access to your bank accounts they you should contact the company making the operating system (usually Apple or Google and have the operating system wiped. That leaves the thief with a useless hunk of plastic and silicon.
I always carry my cash, passport and credit card in a wallet that hangs around my neck inside my shirt. Then I wear an empty back pack on the front of my body maybe with a couple of bottles of water in it, I hold my arms around the back pack holding my camera, with the strap around my neck. I have never had a problem with pick pockets.
My wife was on a Bus in Naples and a pick pocket reached from behind and reached into her backpack that was in front of Her and got her phone that was in the backpack she grabbed his arm and he let go of the phone and got off the Bus. To close.
That is stupid. You will stand out and look like a tourist. You might as well hang a big sign over your head that says "look at me, I'm a visitor". It is always best NOT to draw attention to yourself and just blend in.
Oh yeah, train stations - Frankfurt central station in germany is kinda bad. I pinned down a pickpocket who was discovered and running away (hey, I'm too fat to chase him, but making him run into something heavy -me- made him stop and I was able to pin him down until police arrived) A couple of months ago a duo tried to steal my wallet - one tried to distract me while the other one behind me tried to pull my wallet. A split second later I turned around, punched his face, probably broke his jaw and he surely felt he was doing wrong. The other guy then hurriedly pulled him away from me and they got away - without my wallet. On the beach we found an easy way to avoid being robbed last summer - we were on a cruise in the mediterranean sea, and everywhere we went to the beach we found people who were from the same ship as we - easily recognizable by the standard white/yellow striped towels you can rent on the ship. You literally saw clusters of identical towels on the beach and it was ni problem at all to find someone watching your stuff. :-)
When travelling , it is a good idea to buy clothes that have very good strong zippers on the pockets , I also take very strong baby safety pins that clip shut and use them also on my pockets , they are almost impossible to open in a hurry also carry more than one bank card in a different pocket so if you lose one , you will not be stranded
great video ! !!! The best way to travel not to be scared but informed ..the worst place we found for pickpockets was the train station in Paris getting on the metro after arriving from london never again next time taking a taxis or hiring a driver
I was attempted at being robbed on the London Underground, I thought it was just a grope but when I got home my purse was sliced all the way along the bottom and the bag which it was in was also sliced all the way along the bottom, i was less than happy!
I read somewhere that in a mall in Russia pickpockets put up a sign saying "beware of pickpockets" and then watched people reacting to the sign, usually by touching the pockets where they keep their valuables.
Great video Mark! A lot of my friends and family don't understand how prevalent pickpockets are around the world so I will have to share this with them so they can understand.
Going to Nairobi: I was warned not to leave the airport with anyone other than my sister (who I was going to visit). Don't let anyone help me with my bags. (They'd steal them). Not to accept drinks from anyone on public transport. You'd think you could trust a sealed package, but a syringe could be used to added ketamine... Some tourists would wake up naked in the ditch. No luggage. No clothes. No money. No passport. Those were my scammer warnings my sister gave me the night before my flight to Africa. A timed, 3 minute call. I had 0 trust for strangers and was very happy when I saw my sister and her husband when I cleared customs.
Lol Africa is next level, the people watching this are shit scared of European petty criminals, don't lets give them nightmares talking about African gangsters. I used to hang out in some pretty unsalubrious parts of Johannesburg where even most South Africans were afraid to go lol. I didn't have any trouble but you had to be extremely streetwise
You should advertise PACSAFE products too. LOL great video. Thanks for your tips. Please also comment on the most common ethnicity of the pickpockets in Italy.
Pickpockets like to gather in very crowded areas like fairs,carnivals, circuses, anything that attract a lot of people! Ticket kiosks and atms, markets and bazaars especially are hotspots for pick pockets! Pick pockets can be in your convenient grocery store too
I lived in Paris for some time and this petition people were so, so annoying. Hated them a lot. Also, I went to the Louvre with two friends and one of them actually had their phone stolen there. One really should watch out for pickpockets there. Oh and pickpockets also love Montmartre. One of my friends had her purse stolen there. Well, sort of. Her boyfriend ran after the pickpicket and got the purse back.
Fred2303 I encountered those petition scam artists when I was at the Eiffel Tower. When I was at the Sacre Coeur Cathedral in Montmartre, I encountered very aggressive, African-looking jewellery sellers beneath the cathedral. Me and my sister literally RAN AT THEM and THROUGH THEM to be able to get past them. It was really bad. We're from Ireland and we have been to France a few times over the past 10 years+. The only place - of the few places we have visited in France so far - where we ever felt very unsafe was the city of Nice after 9pm. There were a lot of sleazy, overbearing Arab'-type men around there at that time, especially. :-/
Was in the Rome Metro our first day and as I was getting into the Metro I felt a hand trying to get into my pocket. I had zippered pockets so she couldn’t do it. She was shocked as hell when I grabbed her wrist and screamed at her. Zippered pockets are the way to go.
Yes, idd they look like normal people. In barcelona we had a robber asking for the direction to the beach in french. We tried to explain it in our best french, only to realise that his mate took my friends bag while we were talking to the other guy.
They will....but why would you even think of wearing jewelry at the beach?One should wear beach wear at the beach, verdade? I've been to Rio many times and I only had one incident that almost turned violent. I was walking down the Avenida Nossa Senora da Gloria with a friend and, of course, we were speaking in English. I vaguely noticed a short little moleque at my right shoulder always in line with us. Suddenly he forced his hand into my pocket.I had shorts on and they had several pockets. He got nothing as all of my valuables were in the least accessible pocket. I shouted out as loud as I could..FUCK YOU YOU LITTLE SHIT BITCH! The crowd on the pavement parted like the Red Sea and the little bastard ran off.Never ever wear anything you might weep losing through theft especially in a place like Rio! I don't even bother to wear a watch there.....PS I feel the same way in Paris....New Orleans.....there's always a clock somewhere.....
Once your wallet is gone, don't bother trying to get it back. These people work in teams and it's likely been passed off to a second person. Anyone suddenly jumping forward to "help" you is also likely part of the team and their job is to stall and confuse you. And do you really want to angrily confront the thief and his knife-carrying team which will quickly surround you? Just say "adios" to your wallet and accept the loss as tuition in the school of life.
Our pull along(case) was stolen on the ICE train between Köln and Utrecht, embarrassing to say my husband had put the haversack with our passports inside the case, only haversack with passports recovered 2mths later in Germany. We were stuck in Holland for 1 week, waiting for an emergency passport to get back to South Africa. PS: rather take turns taking a nap. Be Alert whilst travelling, expensive lesson learnt.......
I'm not affiliated with any brands, but my gf carries a PacSafe purse. The strap is reinforced with a steel cable, so it can't be snatched, and the zippers are locked in place so opening it is a chore. Plus, she always carries this purse under her arm. And of course, if we see someone suspicious, we walk away. For instance, we wanted to visit a park in Bologna. There were two entrances. Each entrance had some african refugee-type dude on a BMX with a drug-dealer-type flip-phone and a walkie-talkie, talking to his identical refugee buddy on a walkie-talkie at the other entrance. They literally looked like they were preying on their next victim. Well, we decided not to go and went the next day. Using common sense goes a long way. I have a fancy watch, but whenever I travel, I leave it at home and wear my cheapo 40$ Timex or a lame, scratched Casio. We never had anything stolen.
Anyone anywhere getting within a metre or so from me and I'm already on guard... never been robbed in vacation. But then again 9 out of 10 times I look like the pickpocket, so that might be helping me.
Yes, what Adam said (below)...I write down the address and phone number of both the US and Canadian Embassies/Consulates of where I'm going. (I have dual citizenship and travel with both passports. And leave a copy of your passport pages (2&3) with a trusted family member/friend back home before you go.
Been in Rome the past few days. I watched this video before coming and got a small sling tactical bag that is on my chest with all my important stuff and phone inside the bag or in my front pocket with my hand covering it.
Me and my friend went for a walk in Berlin and she had a small sling bag with only her phone. By the time we reached home her bag and the phone was gone . We didn't even stop or sit anywhere. It was just gone from her back. Maybe snapped off.
Hu, in Rome there was someone helping me and guiding through the ticket machine to get the right ticket to where I wanted to go. The machine was somewhat confusing and not easy to understand for foreigners. He only was asking a little coin for the guidance and help. No pick-pocketing, no begging. Just trying to offer some sort of service with some gratitude expected. Unlike beggars with a cup in the hand waiting for you to put something in. But I admit its difficult to distinguish between the dangerous and helpful side , if approached unexpectedly.
yes but rome has to fucking stop charging people 20 euros a day at a hotel room as a hotel room tax or city tax or whatever the fuck they call it , on top of the fee of the hotel room itself costs you. Italy is full of shit anyway
Morgan Olfursson When my sister visited Italy, she had a positive experience. She stayed in a 3-star hotel in Venice and paid a reasonable rate. The most expensive hotel she stayed in was by Lake Como (I think it was either a four- or five-star hotel), but she loved it. The staff were lovely and accommodating. In fact, my sister said that every Italian person she encountered during her two-week trip there were absolutely lovely, and the food everywhere was also beautiful. She had been in Germany (Munich) before that, and she said German people were so cold and unfriendly compared to Italians. She tried to ask some random German people for directions a couple of times, and she found them unwilling to help and speak English (even when it became apparent that they had a perfect command of the English language to start with).
@@morganolfursson2560 Yes they are bringing the hotel tax out here in Edinburgh Scotland now too - seems like robbery and discrimination to tourists to me
@@Dingalingring The north of the country is good but the second you go south of Milan, it is a disaster . Venice and Milan want independence from the south for a reason .
Carrying my shopping in Printemps magazins I sat in restaurant and had lunch ..finished I went to the bathroom .. then I put my parcels under the wash basin to wash my hands finished I saw missing parcels .. what is this ? I swear never to travel again and to watch Paris or Rome on TV while I am on my couch
These things do exist but Europe is not even close to violent like Americas, Africa or parts of Asia. It is quite safe 90% of the places. It is just this 10% tourist places that are targets because lots of the tourists are distracted and carry way too much money/equipments with them that they would not do at their own home country. It's not easy to catch and control all robberies here in Europe, we have East Europeans and Roma people roaming around more than 20ish countries without border at all. And they are caught then there is a gigantic bureaucracy to send them back or arrest them. It's not that easy as in USA or Japan per example. So just use common sense... purse on the side, wallets on the front for men, keep an eye of your surrounding and don't give conversation to random people in the street. If you feel threatened, just go inside a store, jump in a taxi or stop/change way. Also don't carry gigantic backpacks and cameras or wear funny clothes that say "I am a tourist, I have dollars/euros/credit cards with me". Always leave some money and cards in the hotel safe. This is can be applied to everywhere in the world to be honest.
My first trip out of the country I took SO many precautions I had a no slash purse over the shoulder and while in the Vatican post office someone stole my designer wallet (worth $50) with 50 euros in it. It sucked.
If I ever want to visit any country in Europe, I keep all of my belongings in a hotel safe and keep a few extra dollars with me and put it in my underwear and go to the bathroom to get it out and keep my pockets empty and stay away from the crowded streets and tourist hot spots. I will keep an eye on all the people that surrounds me and walk away from them and and keep my pockets empty!
There are some videos online about how “safe” safe deposit boxes are. The admin or super user passcode of most hotel safe brands is an open secret. Be VeRY careful.
One of the best deterrents is an anti-theft purse & wallet. You can't let your guard down but with locking zippers, it certainly would make it very difficult for them to try. Stainless steel web inner straps so again, makes it hard to slash off from you. I never leave home without mine. Won't win any fashion statements but at least I am coming home with my passport and $.
In Ormoc City, Philippines shopping mall someone tried to steal from my wife's bag. In Robinson's Mall, Ermita, Philippines twice someone taped me on the shoulder from behind and said ''I'm security at your hotel.''
Hey, my friend is in Barcelona and he says that the ATM machines are always surrounded by prostitutes and robbers. I want to take my money with me as cash when I go abroad this summer, but my boyfriend thinks the money won't be safe in the hostel locker. I'm not sure about using my credit card abroad because of the conversion rates, any tips?
Unlike the US and Canada, european countries work a lot with cash. Don't have to bring a lot of money with you but some to get around for a few days. If you go to an ATM, go during the day and with a friend who's looking out for you if your afraid of robbers. I always pay with a credit card where I can because all credit cards companies give you the rate of the day for currency exchange. As does your bank when you withdraw at the ATM. I find it's safer to carry credit cards (you can cancel them right away if you get stolen) and have a bit of cash and use the ATM when you need more money on you. Hope this helps and is a good solution? Have a good time in Barcelona!
Stephanie Caza Thank you :) I think credit cards will be our main option we just need to find out about conversion rates (we're from England and the pound is worth more than the euro as you know) - thanks for your help :D
Ladies, find a crossbody bag that zips up and can be held tightly close to your body, and one that doesnt scream "tourist". Also dress like youre a local.
"People will go in and change their clothes and leave their stuff outside, or they leave their stuff inside the dressing room and then they'll go show their friend..." My mother did this. BOOM. Never saw her wallet again. This was Barcelona in Spain, a few years back.
Hey, have you ever travelled by ferry from place to place in Europe? I'm contemplating Rome to Barcelona but worried if it'll be long/ exhausting! Thanks
+Swagking420 I have done it and yes long exhausting would sum it up. But there are some ships that are more fun than others so check that out before you go
About the beach location, I used to surf for many years. The only things we would take were our IDs & 1credit card. We would take that stuff and seal it in a ziplock bag and stuff it into our wet-suit.
What about walking around with a camera, all tourists have them, should I get a compact camera that can fit in my pocket or something, or get a dslr/bridge type which pretty much seems to me everyone can see clearly when you carry one of those? (I'm not taking super fancy or expensive, but I do like to take nice pictures).
I had an attractive woman ask if I wanted her to use my phone to take my picture. I told her no and she got all pouty...like that was going to work. lol. Also men, lose the backpack and buy a European style messenger bag with a zipper you can keep on you side. No one is going to say "nice purse". Plus, use your front pockets. fyi - There is a good CBD store just to the front & left of where Wolters is standing.
Actually you also need to be reasonable sometimes... When someone get your stuff in Brazil you don't want to scream or fight over it. Trust, if you do, you'll have a 90% chance to get shot, so contact the cops first and PLEASE take care of what is yours. When I went a little south from where I live (that's the most secure region in the whole country), still I saw Brazilians and tourists getting robbed in lunch time, like 1pm... Just saying, the most beautiful a place is, the most dangerous it'll get.
exactly , Japan is insanely beautiful and you can leave your bag and wallet phone etc on the table at a restaurant or a coffee shop and use the washroom and everything will be where you left it when you return, same if you forget your stuff in a train or at a station . This is not the beauty of a place that makes it dangerous this is the people . Japanese are just terrific people who understand what respect means and who are polite and hardworking and that is why their country is not the third world like Brazil .
When you see random guys visiting places alone (no friends, no family) and not impressed by anything (just looking at people).. Watch out... :/
DrawingEllipse girls too
I'm one of those guys, but I'm not a pickpocket
There's Solo traveller's
DrawingEllipse why not a woman alone..sexist.
I travel alone and each time I am robbed two or three times .. in metro station George V three elegant ladies surrounded me inside the metro then I saw the lady hand inside my bag holding my wallet I was appalled and started to shout she threw the wallet with a nervous gesture and me shouting police police .. passengers watching in silence .. the metro didn't move like the driver was watching ..the three ladies disappeared and me left the train cursing in loud voice and shouting sat on a bench to look at my things
The biggest concentration of pickpockets I’ve seen, was in Lisbon and areas around e.g. Cascais. They were always Eastern European Gypsy. Men work alone with a coat over the arm. Women work in pairs or groups with scarves tied to their bags. They use these to hide what they’re doing. I wore anti pickpocket underwear there. It had pockets big enough for the passports! I foiled 2 women by screaming at them much to my daughter’s embarrassment. You can recognise them all easily if you are vigilant. They walk round pretending to take photos. At picturesque view points, they’re facing away from the view because they’re watching the people.
Other places I’ve seen pickpockets include a palace in Genoa, Plaza de Espana in Seville- that was crawling with them. There was even a young man dressed as a priest with 2 female accomplices, Rome, the Paris scammers and Porto down by the river in the centre.
The only problem with pickpocket spotting is makes you consumed with anger and stress which doesn’t really endear you to your fellow travellers- it does mean they don’t get pickpocketed tho.
Your scams and warnings videos are the best. 👍
I spent almost 3 weeks in and throughout Italy. My last day in Italy, I was outside Roma Termini when 3 guys surrounded me. They acted like they were drunk, bumping into me and shouting in my face. It was about 5am and still dark so my adrenaline was pumping. I pushed them away and walked quickly into the termini, checked my pockets and found my pocket empty where my phone should be. It's a bummer.
Since my husband and I have been traveling to Europe for the last few years, I have been watching your videos. Because we have watched your videos, we have yet to be robbed because although we are having a good time we remain vigilant and don't do crazy stuff like hanging my purse on the chair ( it's always around me or hanging on my knee wrapped AND hooked around my foot) when in restaurants. I would like to add one more. When traveling thru Europe by train, don't carry a suitcase that you can't handle by yourself. You make yourself a target for folks who troll the train stations "offering to help" put the bags up on the train for you. Of course they will turn around and want a handout. Just remember you can always wash your clothes in Europe. There is no need to carry your entire wardrobe from the home.
Keep letting in more refugees and the problem will only get worse
Yes, pickpockets blend in but watch out for groups of kids hanging around an attraction or shopping street. Also and this may sound funny but a typical pickpocket profile is the solo gentleman on public trans or attraction with a jacket draped over his arm or perhaps his coat hanging off just one shoulder. No backpack, no camera, no bags. A pub owner in Lisbon told me this. The coat is used to hide what his other hand is doing obviously.
Yessss i saw a video of that
I saw a thief operating on the beach. Recognised him from the previous day. I thought he must be a tourist from our beach hotel at first. I layed on the beach put my sunglasses next to me and went to sleep. There was no one else near me. I woke up and as I looked up, this person came up to me quickly as if they were bending for the glasses. They saw I was awake and disappeared quickly. I watched them from a distance and sure enough he was pinching items, bags, clothes etc and ran off into the hotel car park. I never took valuable items to the beach again.
Something that happened to a friend and me in Rome - Fontana di Trevi - there are ALWAYS pickpockets there, since it's always crowded!!!):
We were taking pictures of each other at the fountain when a random guy came up to us and asked if we want him to take a picture of us with our camera. We declined, of course. After he left two police officers came up to us and asked us if that man wanted to take a picture for us; after we said "yes" they warned us to NEVER EVER let someone take our camera (or smartphone) from us to have our picture taken. Because those guys will eather run away with them, or they have a second guy that'll rob you WHILE the other one is taking your picture (or pretends to). So really watch out for seemingly "helpful" people.
Anna lol I let people take me and my friends picture all the time never been robed I love Kentucky
Your mom Your sister 😂🤣🤣
The picture thing happened to my group in Philadelphia at the Rocky steps and Love park. There were men meandering around asking if you would like them to take a picture of your group under the guise of tending a kind gesture, then after they take the pic they would ask for money. Montreal had some interesting ppl in the tourist areas. If you asked them for directions you would get it, then right after there would be a request for money to buy a 'coffee'. Both are great cities but be on the lookout for the street workers using some interesting ways of getting money out of you, though not picking you.
I would never let a stranger touch any of my electronics!
Anna True but a shame. Because many times I have offered to take pictures of couples using their phone cameras.
Good video. I was in the Paris metro today, was definitely thinking about those pickpockets!
+Gabriel Traveler yeah they will slip in with you. You are a yoinger cat Gabe so they probably would leave you alone but older travelers, they prey on them. Its really bad. Have a great time in paris and continued success on your channel. Hope we bump into each other one day.
That happened to me when I first arrived in Paris in metro there was 2 guys and woman followed me pickpocket my phone and wallet good thing I called my bank about it
Gabe, when are you going back to bogota?
We were in Paris at the Gare du Lyon preparing to catch a TGV for Bezier in the south of France. The section of the station from where the TGV leave is very busy and because so many trains leave during an entire day, they tend to load the trains fairly close to the departure time and this always creates a crush of passengers. My wife is very perceptive and intuitive and she could see several pickpockets sussing the crowd and picking likely victims. When boarding for the train was announced the gates to les voies were immediately over whelmed. Older men and younger men are great victims because they're inattentive. Women on the other hand worry about everything such as their husbands, and children and tickets, and purses and luggage and the disorganized or confused ones stick out like a sore thumb. When the trains load the pickpockets spring into action. Try not to get bunched up in a crowd otherwise they'll go for you . Pay attention and watch your belongings. They are always there in the big cities. This is their job and they're good at it.
Hi Mark, a little additional tip for tourist in my Milam: at the Central Station and plaza Duca d'Aosta situation has improved very much since Expo, there is a constant State Police, Local Police and Carabinieri watch out, but still you can find guys that with no reason, or title, want to help you buy train tickets at the automatic machines. In case ask them to go away or call the police, never let them "help" you! Never let them stand behind you while purchasing tickets! Be warned!
+Carlo Defilippi thanks for the heads up on Milan. I was there right before the expo and I'm glad to hear it's cleaned up. I couldn't believe how many people wanted to "help" people with the kiosks and people were ok with it. Yelled at a couple guys at termini to leave these two older french women alone.
+Wolters World Well done, those crooks aim mostly at elderly people and women.
+Wolters World Hey Mark, if you're still in Italy between June 18 to July 3 maybe you'd like to visit the "floating piers" of the artist Christo on the lake Iseo in Lombardy...a kind on walk-in artwork, check it on line...it'll be a great opportunity for a spectacular video. Just a hint anyway. Best regards!
I’m currently in Rome and there are street vendors who approach you to shake your hand, pull in for a hug and one guy even touched my bf’s stomach after he refused to shake his head. There are guys handing out roses to women and push people to accept them to take it by saying they’re giving it to you . They don’t give up! You must ignore and walk away!
lefty libtard controlled city and country.. 🙄 these people act undisturbed, because they are undisturbed.
Thanks for the post. Last year after arriving at Paris Gare du Norde from London, I was approached by a younger man on the subway who said he was undercover police and told me to be alert, because seniors are targeted. He told me to check my wallet to make sure everthing was fine. I felt my front pocket and said, everything is fine after feeling my wallet. What an idiot I was. When we got off ot the train, my wallet was gone and the the first day and a half in Paris was ruined. We had 5 US dollars to our name. PLEASE be alert people. I though I was prepared, I guess I was wrong.
+Korova Milkbar that sucks :(
Korova Milkbar Yes, I have heard many times, from multiple sources, over the years, that Gare du Nord is a *notorious* pickpocketer's paradise. I have been to Gare du Nord at least a couple of times myself and my policy is to TRUST NO-ONE apart from uniformed station staff, and to keep my hand firmly placed over my belongings positioned across my belly at all times. It's sad that we must be so vigilant while we're simply travelling from A to B, but there are so many sneaky fuckers out there waiting and watching for us to drop our guard. :-/
That “undercover police” was probably the pickpocket or an accomplice. He knew where the wallet was when you checked it.
Thank you for the warning. You weren't an idiot. This is the sort of scam many people would fall for because we've been taught to respect authority.
Never produce your wallet infront of anyone
I had that happen to me at one of the metro stations in Berlin, the method of action was some guy offered my friend and me to buy drugs, when we refused he continued to follow us while disturbing us, once we got to the metro station it was like from a movie: the pickpocket went to a group of people up the stairs, while we were going up that group surrounded us starting to play drums and make a lot of noise while in parallel to that someone tried to snatch my glasses off my face. it all seemed strange and meaningless until we got to the metro and saw we had our phones stolen, from the front pocket in skinny jeans without feeling ANYTHING.
Reminds me of Inspector Cleaseau when he walks into hotel in Rome and a well dressed guy says can I take your hat, your coat and your briefcase..and walks out the hotel with it..😂
What I find strange is how pickpockets seem so prevalent in Europe. I am 66 years old and have not known a person here in the states that has been a victim of a pickpocket. I am not saying it does not happen, but it's never talked about or mentioned to be looking out for. It never crosses my mind when I am out in public and I do a lot of traveling here in the states. It's more of a cultural thing I think. In Spain, if you get caught being a pickpocket the fine is 400 euros or less if you stole less than 400 euros. If you you steal more than 400 euros then you can go to prison. Most people don't walk around with 400 euros, so most of the pickpockets are only subjected to a small fine. It is considered the cost of doing business. Many pickpockets have been caught numerous times. It does not stop them as the crime of being a pickpocket in Spain goes for the most part unpunished. I don't know about the other countries in europe but I suspect their laws mimic what's in Spain. I was also told that adults will train children to pickpocket as nothing can be done to punish the children. So watch out for kids as well while in europe. Truly a sad state of affairs. I think training a child to be a thief should be a major felony.
No! Theses kids from the gypsy romanian and bulgarian mafia who came in Western Europe to stole.
It’s due to the enlargement of the EU and Schengen area.
Join the EU and you too can be swamped by gypsy criminals from Eastern Europe. We give them free houses, healthcare and welfare here in Western Europe but they get bored with no jobs so go out and do crime. A wonderful organisation the EU. Also our taxes pay for subsidies to their countries which are gobbled up by corrupt officials. Journalists investigating this corruption in Bulgaria, and Malta too actually, have been killed.
In the USA lots of people have concealed carry license for a pistol. If you're robbed in a stand your ground state and you feel there is possibly a threat to your life then the thief will get shot to death.
It happens in the US too, in cities like NYC, San Fran, Chicago, DC, any big city with tourists. Europe just gets more tourists, but only in these areas. Yes, Roma has a high percentage of pickpockets, however, take the train, out to the small village of Lucca, where there are very little tourist - Lucca is where those who live in Roma, might holiday for a long weekend -you would probably not be pick pocketed, unless it is 3am at the train station. Same with NYC, there is a high percentage if you are not paying of getting pick pocketed or robbed at grand central if you are not careful. Take the train out to Westport, CT, you will be fine.
Pickpockets and scammers are.ALL over the world. I have traveled a lot by myself as well.as with family. Keep to yourself and enjoy the sights. Don't showoff by wearing fancy clothes , jewellery and being noticeable. Thanks for the great tips. Happy travels everyone !!
Stockholm, Frankfurt and Oslo Central Station, Paris by the museums and Eiffel Tower, Barcelona up and down Las Ramblasand the metro . Tourists beware
While in Milano Centrale, there was a helper who tried to carry our luggage. Once the luggage had landed on the right spot, he demanded some money. My dad gave him 2Euros from his pocket and afterward, he demanded more. After 30 sec, when we tried to put our luggage down, there were these 2 ladies one who told my dad the luggage have to be up (she said space at down is meant for baby stroller) and another who were asking for direction. As the luggage is too heavy to be carried up, my dad asked me to help. The first lady tried to grab something on my mom's handbag and another lady on my bag. Luckily, my mom can feel the movement and clever enough to pull it back. And my purse was gone with the zip opened from my sling bag. They already planned the strategy and tried to distract by offering some help or asking help.
I had a guy in Paris who found a ring at my feet.then he said that I can keep the ring I was a bit confused and then he asked if I have a few euros for a coffee then I clued in to the situation
Anybody else looking through that crowd of tourists in the background trying to work out which ones are pickpockets?
Icelandic .
LOL yes.
I do that in all of his videos lol
Hahahaha
It's a shame the pickpockets don't have fangs, drool and have signs on them proclaiming I'm a pickpocket! It would make it so easy to spot them!
My sister, mother and I went for a vacation to Prague. The hotel workers actually had the guts to enter our room while we are sleeping and try to rob us. They got away. We reported to the hotel manager and police but both were crap :( the hotel was 4 stars!!!!! We moved to another hotel.
What was the name of the hotel?
The female that is walking in front of you, then suddenly stops walking so you bump into her, and then instantly a guy bumps into your back. That guy bumping into you is that females boyfriend and he is going into your backpack.
In any city anywhere, if you’re sitting by the doors in a subway/metro train, be aware of anything visible that someone could grab and dart out the doors with just before they close. For example, don’t hold up your phone without a very firm grip on it if you’re by the doors.
On the beach: You can use one of those waterproof "capsules" that go on a cord around your neck. It holds at least your money as well as keys and some other items. You just wear it into the water. No problem.
+whutzat good one! Thank you!
whutzat yes! I bought this waterproof case for my phone and I put the money inside the case of my phone and then keys all inside the waterproof case.
Someone tried to steal my phone when I was in Brussels, but caught them red handed, and actually got the phone back!
+TheSwedishTraveler lucky man. :)
Brussels is pretty bad. same thing with phone happened to my friend. I have also witnessed guy snatching bag in metro, exiting last second so owner couldn't follow him. another friend of mine got wallet stollen in bus (she noticed someone opened her purse, but was too late, and it was on the decent line). only city where i actually felt nervous for going into wrong neighbourhood. :(
Isn't Brussels full of military and police nowadays? Cause of all the terror stuff.
I'd assume that would scare some pickpockets off - I guess not ^^
this was before the bombings!
TheSwedishTraveler
huh?
It says that the video was released May 28th.
The bombings were in March.
Big hi all at Woltersworld! Keep up the great work. Had a great time - want to tell you all about it!! Thanks for all your helpful advice
+Karen Renshaw awesome to hear! Big travel hug!
Several years ago my brother and I were visiting Boston. My brother wanted to ride the subway train. There were several people on the train. When we got off another guy got off too and we didn’t think anything of it. Soon the guy bumped into my brother and asked him for money. My brother said “sure, buddy” and gave him a ten dollar bill and my brother was very nice to the guy who looked at my brother for a few seconds and then said “thanks” and walked off. That could have been very dangerous what it the guy had a knife? I think my brother’s reaction saved us from trouble. It was plain when the guy was looking at my brother after he gave him the money that the guy was deciding what to do next and he just walked away after saying thanks. I think the fact that my brother was nice and friendly to the guy was what made him leave.
Swiper, no swiping!
At Metro stations pickpockets don't just target the train platforms - in the wealthier countries those areas are monitored by CCTV. I got pinched on the stairway exiting a station in Paris. The guy just snuck up behind me. I noticed a tugging in my pocket. I shouted and spun around to face him but after I did so another guy popped up right in my face, flashed a wallet and asked me if it was mine. I saw the thief running down the stairs but I couldn't pursue because his partner was blocking my path and insisting on "helping" me. All they got was a cellphone. If they take your cellphone you should report it to your carrier immediately. If there is a chance that you have apps which might allow a thief to gain access to your bank accounts they you should contact the company making the operating system (usually Apple or Google and have the operating system wiped. That leaves the thief with a useless hunk of plastic and silicon.
So, everywhere. Got it. great video Mark! I’m going to Scotland in 5 days, and your videos really help
Always keep an emergency 50 euros in your shoe, I'd love to see a pickpocket get it. Also Keep money in many pockets. preferably inside pockets
+nriab23 we always have a hidden stash just in case
I bought a money belt that is under my shirt / front of my pants.
Makes you realise how dirty money really is lol
I have a better idea, wear cowboy boots and keep your valuables in them! Good luck getting into that shit.
Wolters World Why you didn’t said that pickpocketers are not the locals when they from eastern Europe? It’s could be a prejudice for the locals.
I always carry my cash, passport and credit card in a wallet that hangs around my neck inside my shirt. Then I wear an empty back pack on the front of my body maybe with a couple of bottles of water in it, I hold my arms around the back pack holding my camera, with the strap around my neck. I have never had a problem with pick pockets.
My wife was on a Bus in Naples and a pick pocket reached from behind and reached into her backpack that was in front of Her and got her phone that was in the backpack she grabbed his arm and he let go of the phone and got off the Bus. To close.
Ist gut
Same here
That is stupid. You will stand out and look like a tourist. You might as well hang a big sign over your head that says "look at me, I'm a visitor". It is always best NOT to draw attention to yourself and just blend in.
Sorry but that sounds ridiculous haha
Another informative video Mark, keep them coming.
i got pickpocketed at roma termini metro station! dang, theyre good.... and fast!
Oh yeah, train stations - Frankfurt central station in germany is kinda bad. I pinned down a pickpocket who was discovered and running away (hey, I'm too fat to chase him, but making him run into something heavy -me- made him stop and I was able to pin him down until police arrived)
A couple of months ago a duo tried to steal my wallet - one tried to distract me while the other one behind me tried to pull my wallet. A split second later I turned around, punched his face, probably broke his jaw and he surely felt he was doing wrong. The other guy then hurriedly pulled him away from me and they got away - without my wallet.
On the beach we found an easy way to avoid being robbed last summer - we were on a cruise in the mediterranean sea, and everywhere we went to the beach we found people who were from the same ship as we - easily recognizable by the standard white/yellow striped towels you can rent on the ship. You literally saw clusters of identical towels on the beach and it was ni problem at all to find someone watching your stuff. :-)
Were you charged by police after you punched them?
When travelling , it is a good idea to buy clothes that have very good strong zippers on the pockets , I also take very strong baby safety pins that clip shut and use them also on my pockets , they are almost impossible to open in a hurry also carry more than one bank card in a different pocket so if you lose one , you will not be stranded
great video ! !!! The best way to travel not to be scared but informed ..the worst place we found for pickpockets was the train station in Paris getting on the metro after arriving from london never again next time taking a taxis or hiring a driver
Same for me... I posted above. It really ruined a big part of our trip to Paris.
I was attempted at being robbed on the London Underground, I thought it was just a grope but when I got home my purse was sliced all the way along the bottom and the bag which it was in was also sliced all the way along the bottom, i was less than happy!
I have slash proof bags.
Use caution, but don't freak out... common sense and the appearance of calm will do wonders.
I read somewhere that in a mall in Russia pickpockets put up a sign saying "beware of pickpockets" and then watched people reacting to the sign, usually by touching the pockets where they keep their valuables.
Great video Mark! A lot of my friends and family don't understand how prevalent pickpockets are around the world so I will have to share this with them so they can understand.
Going to Nairobi: I was warned not to leave the airport with anyone other than my sister (who I was going to visit). Don't let anyone help me with my bags. (They'd steal them). Not to accept drinks from anyone on public transport. You'd think you could trust a sealed package, but a syringe could be used to added ketamine... Some tourists would wake up naked in the ditch. No luggage. No clothes. No money. No passport.
Those were my scammer warnings my sister gave me the night before my flight to Africa. A timed, 3 minute call. I had 0 trust for strangers and was very happy when I saw my sister and her husband when I cleared customs.
Lol Africa is next level, the people watching this are shit scared of European petty criminals, don't lets give them nightmares talking about African gangsters. I used to hang out in some pretty unsalubrious parts of Johannesburg where even most South Africans were afraid to go lol. I didn't have any trouble but you had to be extremely streetwise
You should advertise PACSAFE products too. LOL great video. Thanks for your tips. Please also comment on the most common ethnicity of the pickpockets in Italy.
I was just at the Vatican on the 3rd! :D It would have been so cool to meet you, I'm a big fan. Thanks for the tips. :)
thanks for all the tips sir. ill be leaving for Paris next Thursday and this is all great information.
Pickpockets like to gather in very crowded areas like fairs,carnivals, circuses, anything that attract a lot of people! Ticket kiosks and atms, markets and bazaars especially are hotspots for pick pockets! Pick pockets can be in your convenient grocery store too
I lived in Paris for some time and this petition people were so, so annoying. Hated them a lot.
Also, I went to the Louvre with two friends and one of them actually had their phone stolen there. One really should watch out for pickpockets there. Oh and pickpockets also love Montmartre. One of my friends had her purse stolen there. Well, sort of. Her boyfriend ran after the pickpicket and got the purse back.
Fred2303 I encountered those petition scam artists when I was at the Eiffel Tower. When I was at the Sacre Coeur Cathedral in Montmartre, I encountered very aggressive, African-looking jewellery sellers beneath the cathedral. Me and my sister literally RAN AT THEM and THROUGH THEM to be able to get past them. It was really bad. We're from Ireland and we have been to France a few times over the past 10 years+. The only place - of the few places we have visited in France so far - where we ever felt very unsafe was the city of Nice after 9pm. There were a lot of sleazy, overbearing Arab'-type men around there at that time, especially. :-/
SallyTheSeahorse iam sorry for you. French government are so lax.
But theses people are not french. It’s a shame.
Good advice, Thank you Mark!
Was in the Rome Metro our first day and as I was getting into the Metro I felt a hand trying to get into my pocket.
I had zippered pockets so she couldn’t do it. She was shocked as hell when I grabbed her wrist and screamed at her.
Zippered pockets are the way to go.
Yes, idd they look like normal people. In barcelona we had a robber asking for the direction to the beach in french. We tried to explain it in our best french, only to realise that his mate took my friends bag while we were talking to the other guy.
+yeahrighhh they are sneaky jerks :(
But theses people from Romania and Bulgaria.
A friend told me that on Copacabana Beach in Rio (I've never been there), thieves literally rip jewelry off of you.
BrightBlue1111 come to india people grab from your hand
I heard the same about Dominican Republic, they were from DR!! Also there are videos on yt of kids robbing tourists in Rio!!
They will....but why would you even think of wearing jewelry at the beach?One should wear beach wear at the beach, verdade? I've been to Rio many times and I only had one incident that almost turned violent. I was walking down the Avenida Nossa Senora da Gloria with a friend and, of course, we were speaking in English. I vaguely noticed a short little moleque at my right shoulder always in line with us. Suddenly he forced his hand into my pocket.I had shorts on and they had several pockets. He got nothing as all of my valuables were in the least accessible pocket. I shouted out as loud as I could..FUCK YOU YOU LITTLE SHIT BITCH! The crowd on the pavement parted like the Red Sea and the little bastard ran off.Never ever wear anything you might weep losing through theft especially in a place like Rio! I don't even bother to wear a watch there.....PS I feel the same way in Paris....New Orleans.....there's always a clock somewhere.....
BrightBlue1111 that’s terrifying!! I never wear jewelry when I travel
misha janette lol wtf ...
Great videos, really new refreshing content.
Once your wallet is gone, don't bother trying to get it back. These people work in teams and it's likely been passed off to a second person. Anyone suddenly jumping forward to "help" you is also likely part of the team and their job is to stall and confuse you. And do you really want to angrily confront the thief and his knife-carrying team which will quickly surround you? Just say "adios" to your wallet and accept the loss as tuition in the school of life.
Mark, do you take a hidden wallet or use one of those small minimalist front pocket wallets? And how bad or serious is RFID theft in Europe?
Thanks so much for posting these videos!
Very useful information.:)
Our pull along(case) was stolen on the ICE train between Köln and Utrecht, embarrassing to say my husband had put the haversack with our passports inside the case, only haversack with passports recovered 2mths later in Germany. We were stuck in Holland for 1 week, waiting for an emergency passport to get back to South Africa. PS: rather take turns taking a nap. Be Alert whilst travelling, expensive lesson learnt.......
I put my money in my bra, anyone trying to go there will lose their hand, and lord knows what else they going to lose.
Cowboy Doc hahaha
I have this mental image of a woman with a cartoonishly large bear trap stuck in their bra.
Cock
I put my money either in my bra or in a sock I’m wearing.
@@sathasivamgunasekaran3382 you filthy beast
I'm not affiliated with any brands, but my gf carries a PacSafe purse. The strap is reinforced with a steel cable, so it can't be snatched, and the zippers are locked in place so opening it is a chore. Plus, she always carries this purse under her arm.
And of course, if we see someone suspicious, we walk away. For instance, we wanted to visit a park in Bologna. There were two entrances. Each entrance had some african refugee-type dude on a BMX with a drug-dealer-type flip-phone and a walkie-talkie, talking to his identical refugee buddy on a walkie-talkie at the other entrance. They literally looked like they were preying on their next victim. Well, we decided not to go and went the next day.
Using common sense goes a long way. I have a fancy watch, but whenever I travel, I leave it at home and wear my cheapo 40$ Timex or a lame, scratched Casio.
We never had anything stolen.
Thank you for making this video. I try to never be an open target.
Anywhere there are crowds. Anywhere people can get into physical contact with you. Remember: many pickpockets are very skilled at their art.
Love your videos. I been traveling to Europe 2nd year in a row. I'm definitely getting a money belt for paris. Germany was pretty safe.
Then Germany tho , I also have german girls there✌
this is so helpful. thanks for all the tips!!!
Anyone anywhere getting within a metre or so from me and I'm already on guard... never been robbed in vacation.
But then again 9 out of 10 times I look like the pickpocket, so that might be helping me.
What would be helpful is to give advice after you get pick pocketed? How do I get $$$? How do I get a new passport? Do I call the police?
Call your embassy or go to a police station and you'll be helped
Yes, what Adam said (below)...I write down the address and phone number of both the US and Canadian Embassies/Consulates of where I'm going. (I have dual citizenship and travel with both passports. And leave a copy of your passport pages (2&3) with a trusted family member/friend back home before you go.
Sign up for STEP program before leaving for your destination and make copies of ID and Passport
Been in Rome the past few days. I watched this video before coming and got a small sling tactical bag that is on my chest with all my important stuff and phone inside the bag or in my front pocket with my hand covering it.
More places where pickpockets rob tourists:
At airports
At hotel lobbies
Thanks you for all the tips and advise. It works 💯
I used to have a crocheted little pouch that had a strap that fit on my bra strap and it was a great "safe".
Sir, India is waiting for you :) Come soon please :)
Raja Jinnah true
I am obsessed with your videos bro
Me too , u keep helping people
Me and my friend went for a walk in Berlin and she had a small sling bag with only her phone. By the time we reached home her bag and the phone was gone . We didn't even stop or sit anywhere. It was just gone from her back. Maybe snapped off.
Try get a coat with inside pockets and put all your valuables in there. Also try not too put things in jean pockets
Hu, in Rome there was someone helping me and guiding through the ticket machine to get the right ticket to where I wanted to go. The machine was somewhat confusing and not easy to understand for foreigners. He only was asking a little coin for the guidance and help. No pick-pocketing, no begging. Just trying to offer some sort of service with some gratitude expected. Unlike beggars with a cup in the hand waiting for you to put something in.
But I admit its difficult to distinguish between the dangerous and helpful side , if approached unexpectedly.
yes but rome has to fucking stop charging people 20 euros a day at a hotel room as a hotel room tax or city tax or whatever the fuck they call it , on top of the fee of the hotel room itself costs you. Italy is full of shit anyway
Morgan Olfursson When my sister visited Italy, she had a positive experience. She stayed in a 3-star hotel in Venice and paid a reasonable rate. The most expensive hotel she stayed in was by Lake Como (I think it was either a four- or five-star hotel), but she loved it. The staff were lovely and accommodating. In fact, my sister said that every Italian person she encountered during her two-week trip there were absolutely lovely, and the food everywhere was also beautiful. She had been in Germany (Munich) before that, and she said German people were so cold and unfriendly compared to Italians. She tried to ask some random German people for directions a couple of times, and she found them unwilling to help and speak English (even when it became apparent that they had a perfect command of the English language to start with).
@@morganolfursson2560 Yes they are bringing the hotel tax out here in Edinburgh Scotland now too - seems like robbery and discrimination to tourists to me
@@Dingalingring The north of the country is good but the second you go south of Milan, it is a disaster . Venice and Milan want independence from the south for a reason .
@@williamf4544 Absolutely .
Carrying my shopping in Printemps magazins I sat in restaurant and had lunch ..finished I went to the bathroom .. then I put my parcels under the wash basin to wash my hands finished I saw missing parcels .. what is this ? I swear never to travel again and to watch Paris or Rome on TV while I am on my couch
Hi Mark. Given the present pandemic, any chance this will dampen the petty crime rate in tourist areas? More power!
Just found your channel and loving it!
These things do exist but Europe is not even close to violent like Americas, Africa or parts of Asia.
It is quite safe 90% of the places. It is just this 10% tourist places that are targets because lots of the tourists are distracted and carry way too much money/equipments with them that they would not do at their own home country.
It's not easy to catch and control all robberies here in Europe, we have East Europeans and Roma people roaming around more than 20ish countries without border at all. And they are caught then there is a gigantic bureaucracy to send them back or arrest them. It's not that easy as in USA or Japan per example.
So just use common sense... purse on the side, wallets on the front for men, keep an eye of your surrounding and don't give conversation to random people in the street. If you feel threatened, just go inside a store, jump in a taxi or stop/change way. Also don't carry gigantic backpacks and cameras or wear funny clothes that say "I am a tourist, I have dollars/euros/credit cards with me". Always leave some money and cards in the hotel safe.
This is can be applied to everywhere in the world to be honest.
As a girl I can't wear a bag under my clothes. What would u recommend a strap bag over my chest?
My first trip out of the country I took SO many precautions I had a no slash purse over the shoulder and while in the Vatican post office someone stole my designer wallet (worth $50) with 50 euros in it. It sucked.
If I ever want to visit any country in Europe, I keep all of my belongings in a hotel safe and keep a few extra dollars with me and put it in my underwear and go to the bathroom to get it out and keep my pockets empty and stay away from the crowded streets and tourist hot spots. I will keep an eye on all the people that surrounds me and walk away from them and and keep my pockets empty!
There are some videos online about how “safe” safe deposit boxes are. The admin or super user passcode of most hotel safe brands is an open secret. Be VeRY careful.
Should I bring my passport with me or leave it in the hotel?
Leong Birlis hotel rooms have safe... I always leave my travelling papers, passeport and most of my $$ in it.....
One of the best deterrents is an anti-theft purse & wallet. You can't let your guard down but with locking zippers, it certainly would make it very difficult for them to try. Stainless steel web inner straps so again, makes it hard to slash off from you. I never leave home without mine. Won't win any fashion statements but at least I am coming home with my passport and $.
Do you have some examples brands to share?
I'll save you time.....they work everywhere tourists are....
In Ormoc City, Philippines shopping mall someone tried to steal from my wife's bag. In Robinson's Mall, Ermita, Philippines twice someone taped me on the shoulder from behind and said ''I'm security at your hotel.''
This is real. Whenever somebody block your way, action start. It’s mostly done by children, pregnant women, teenagers.
Good advise.
I lost count of how many times you pushed your glasses up.
Hey, my friend is in Barcelona and he says that the ATM machines are always surrounded by prostitutes and robbers. I want to take my money with me as cash when I go abroad this summer, but my boyfriend thinks the money won't be safe in the hostel locker. I'm not sure about using my credit card abroad because of the conversion rates, any tips?
Unlike the US and Canada, european countries work a lot with cash. Don't have to bring a lot of money with you but some to get around for a few days. If you go to an ATM, go during the day and with a friend who's looking out for you if your afraid of robbers. I always pay with a credit card where I can because all credit cards companies give you the rate of the day for currency exchange. As does your bank when you withdraw at the ATM. I find it's safer to carry credit cards (you can cancel them right away if you get stolen) and have a bit of cash and use the ATM when you need more money on you. Hope this helps and is a good solution? Have a good time in Barcelona!
Stephanie Caza
Thank you :) I think credit cards will be our main option we just need to find out about conversion rates (we're from England and the pound is worth more than the euro as you know) - thanks for your help :D
Go during bank hours to withdraw cash, and see if they have an indoor area as well.
Sophie W Put the cash in your underwear.
Ladies, find a crossbody bag that zips up and can be held tightly close to your body, and one that doesnt scream "tourist".
Also dress like youre a local.
"People will go in and change their clothes and leave their stuff outside, or they leave their stuff inside the dressing room and then they'll go show their friend..."
My mother did this. BOOM. Never saw her wallet again. This was Barcelona in Spain, a few years back.
Thanks for the video. We are going to Europe in autumn.
Theses pickpocketers are gypsye girl from eastern Europe
If you attach a loaded mouse trap within you belonging and get robbed/pickpocket can you get in trouble with the law when it’s slams on the person?
Hey, have you ever travelled by ferry from place to place in Europe? I'm contemplating Rome to Barcelona but worried if it'll be long/ exhausting! Thanks
+Swagking420 I have done it and yes long exhausting would sum it up. But there are some ships that are more fun than others so check that out before you go
use "Anti Picpocket" app to protect your android phones againts pickpocketing...
About the beach location, I used to surf for many years. The only things we would take were our IDs & 1credit card. We would take that stuff and seal it in a ziplock bag and stuff it into our wet-suit.
What about walking around with a camera, all tourists have them, should I get a compact camera that can fit in my pocket or something, or get a dslr/bridge type which pretty much seems to me everyone can see clearly when you carry one of those? (I'm not taking super fancy or expensive, but I do like to take nice pictures).
I can't believe those scoems operate in a such sacred city...
I had an attractive woman ask if I wanted her to use my phone to take my picture. I told her no and she got all pouty...like that was going to work. lol. Also men, lose the backpack and buy a European style messenger bag with a zipper you can keep on you side. No one is going to say "nice purse". Plus, use your front pockets. fyi - There is a good CBD store just to the front & left of where Wolters is standing.
So basically a part from your hotel room pickpockets are everywhere.
Actually you also need to be reasonable sometimes...
When someone get your stuff in Brazil you don't want to scream or fight over it.
Trust, if you do, you'll have a 90% chance to get shot, so contact the cops first and PLEASE take care of what is yours.
When I went a little south from where I live (that's the most secure region in the whole country), still I saw Brazilians and tourists getting robbed in lunch time, like 1pm...
Just saying, the most beautiful a place is, the most dangerous it'll get.
"Just saying, the most beautiful a place is, the most dangerous it'll get."
Such BS...
exactly , Japan is insanely beautiful and you can leave your bag and wallet phone etc on the table at a restaurant or a coffee shop and use the washroom and everything will be where you left it when you return, same if you forget your stuff in a train or at a station . This is not the beauty of a place that makes it dangerous this is the people . Japanese are just terrific people who understand what respect means and who are polite and hardworking and that is why their country is not the third world like Brazil .