Reasons Why Tourists Get Robbed in Europe
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- Опубликовано: 13 май 2024
- Traveling the world is fun, but there are people out there who want to ruin your fun by scamming you or robbing you while you travel. This video goes through some of the main reasons why people do get robbed or pickpocketed while they travel. From the clothes they wear to what they pack to the positions they put themselves in. This is a perfect video to share with your traveling friends and family if you want to help them stay safe on their European vacation.
Filmed in Paris, France
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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!
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.
Marseille est la ville de France la plus épouvantable
@@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.
The migrant boat boy lol 😆 😂 that's ape's for you 🤣 😄
@@christianterraes8334 ça dépends les quartiers , c'est surtout Marseille Nord ...dans les cités, un peu comme partout en France en vrai
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.
Well done Anonymous. Great tips. Blend in with the locals. Backpack brand suggestion?
@@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.
good idea, i am Asian i'll wear sunglasses
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!
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.
@@tataslife4799 did you tell the hotel about it ?
@@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.
I’ve never seen any pickpocketers in Venice. Venice is very safe.
True. Everything else you can buy there. Only credit card and passport, thats all you need basically.
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.
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.
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. 😂
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”
Your daughter is awesome!!! And those fake lost tourists are getting more and more popular. Its sad.
@@woltersworld Well, most likely, the fake tourist wasn't even a native English speaker.
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.
Not correct imo. Because it means that 50% is criminal. That makes a lot
@@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.
@@fbabarbe430 a lot of people could be neither, though
Unless it was an accomplice, just to see where you look, feel etc to inadvertently point to the location of the purse/wallet etc
yeah Sweden has fallen due to immigration
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.
Why would you ever sign a petition in a country that you don't live in? Heck, I don't even sign them here.
Exactly
😂For real.
some people are just too naive. Or they are educated as globalists
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.
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.
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!
I just watched a RUclips 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.
@@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.
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. 😂
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.
My car insurance covers me so I don’t pay the extra
You put your husband in ? Sounds like a pet.
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.
@@lukebandy516 He's a good boy.
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.
That's the reason why I like jackets with inside pockets...
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.
The safety pin thing is a great idea
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.
Yes ! Budapest which was beautiful but they only took cash at a lot of places and I felt like I was being watched
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
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.
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!!
The guy should get a medal for doing a very difficult maneuver. He’s a master pickpocket. A platinum level.
@@sauronthegreat5799 Teller would have spotted it.
I highly doubt this story is 100% truthful.
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.
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
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.
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.
Great video, thanks for all the advice. 👍🏼
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. 👏
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.
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.
@@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.
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."
Those 2 women weren't German, that's for sure. Nuff said.
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.
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!
@@woltersworld I'm looking forward to it.
And then again I whisper Tbilisi Georgia...
My sister almost stepped into traffic in Italy. Her husband pulled her back.
@@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.
It’s entitlement. They expect everyone to wait on them hand and foot.
Very sensible advice! Good video 👍🏼
Great video and extremely informative. Good job!!!
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.
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
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!
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.
I'm sorry that happen to you.
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.
Wolters---I love your enthusiasm !
Dark and Stormy in Florida right now. Thank you for the videos that are informative, interesting and fun.
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.
Barcelona is known as the home for pickpockets and thieves
Thanks ❤
Excellent advice 🇨🇦
Going to Greece in Nov to run the marathon. Your videos are great, fun and informative.
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...
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.
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.
Likey from migrants
Great information,, Thank you,,,,CJV
Hi Wolter, thank you for great tips.Chaos
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.
Great stuff, teach!
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.
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?
@@whispie. Generally because people are more relaxed when on vacation, I guess. I never use a backpack unless hiking, such an easy target.
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!
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
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.
Great tips!
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
Part of the charm of going to Mexico is wearing a big sombrero and being drunk off your ass the entire time though?
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
@@user-lc7rk6hi3r 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.
Also have a great trip!
Said the seasoned Mexican pick pocket.
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!
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. 😢
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
I heard that....
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!
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.
"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
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. :)
as a tour guide, pet peeve is luggage bigger then you, left all over the place expecting "someone else " will handle it. It took two big men to load one suitcase in the bus. the female traveler laughed. I'm not a guide anymore.
7:29 I burst out loud laughing! I wonder what those two guys were up to!
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.
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!
Awesome and important video
Thanks Tobi!
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 😂)
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.
Glad you caught him
This is such a fear of ours when travelling!!! Touch wood we’ve been ok to date!
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).
I was looking in the comments to see if anyone else noticed
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 .
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
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.
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.
There is a couple (French/American) with a RUclips 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.
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!!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
@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
Mark said, “I wanna rob you just to shut you up.” Hilarious 😂.
Believe me... i have considered it 😀
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 😁
Great Channel.. Really appreciate all the pointers and things to be aware of... I'm getting ready to go to Italy for a couple weeks (new traveler in this area) and find I have an extra 2 days to spend in either Naples or Florence (These 2 areas because of other family stuff going on). Where to spend the extra time? Recommendations?
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.
Thank you
Great video, what are your thoughts on Pac-Safe backpacks and hip/fanny packs?🙂
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.
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.
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!
A criminal tends to choose easy victims: if you look distracted, if you look unaware of your surroundings, if you look like you've got valuables on you... well, you're a very likely victim.
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.
I am so sorry you went through that. Sending you prayers and good will.
@@theorderofthebees7308 thank you! You are so kind.
@@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.
No phones on the table. It's rude anyway
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
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?
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.
I see people with their cell phones in their back pockets and after watching these videos I now cringe!
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…
Pickpocket is everywhere in the world except it occurs more in Europe. I don’t usually wear anything fancy that stands out and rarely wear jewelry. I usually walk around like a local.
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.
It was the same 45 years ago, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, etc. ,
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.
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.
Do you work there?
Saw you in Barcelona two weeks ago. When's that video being uploaded?
The people in costumes at 7:32 are hilarious.
People tried to rob me before being 'impaired' in a different way. I'm disabled and walk with a cane. But I'm also hyperaware of my surroundings and have my important stuff near my body.
exact same words I was going to write. the worse that's ever happened to me in Europe? I got flashed by a naked man while at a market. lol
Air tags 😉😉 happened once (ok it was a test and an old wallet with no ID or credit cards in it but still) as soon as I’ve received a message on my phone that the wallet in my backpack has started moving away… I just chased it, until I met a guy. I asked for it back or I would’ve called the police. I was so chuffed I purchased more for my real wallet, my MBT, and my backpack 😅
Makes me scared to go home South Africa 😢 but thanks for the advice
I use a Pacsafe crossbody bag, my first line of defence. In it I have a purse/wallet with the money I will need for the day, and only one of my credit cards, but this is my second precaution: I have that purse on a strong lanyard attached to the inside of my bag. When I take my purse out to pay for something I never run the risk of accidently being distracted and putting my purse down on a counter or table, and if someone were able to reach into my bag for my purse, they would not be able to take it and spring away.
lots of luggage indeed. When I travel for a diving trip, I have two suitcases (one with the camera stuff) and a backpack and there are still people with more stuff. I often wonder what they're all carrying on holiday.
I feel we could benefit from an efficient packing video. We are currently on a 16 day cruise (transatlantic) from Barcelona to NYC. We overpack and would like advice.
my grandmas friend has been robbed in the car from motorcyclist gangs in brussels two distracted the driver and asked for directions whilst the other 2 opened the back door and drove off with the handbag . A person tried to buy my mom from my grandma in paris.
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!
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..
first off, great list.
second, at 7:30 what were the costumed men crossing the street supposed to be?
EXACTLY RIGHT!!! In crowded touristy areas or crowded events, I would tend to put my wallet in my front pockets to better safeguard my cash, cards or docs!!! Also, whenever possible, I'll wear clothing with zippers...In fact, for ALL of my sweatpants, I pay a lil more by having my tailor add zippers to them to better secure my things, esp cash & keys!!!