While in Paris we had to walk around two men who were standing halfway up the stairway at a Metro stop. As we passed them, I felt a tap on my back pocket but I assumed it was just my swinging backpack strap hitting me as it often did. Found out later my wallet was gone. But they had taken my dummy wallet with blank paper in it and not my real wallet which was still zipped up in a front pocket. Someone had suggested the dummy wallet thing to me with the theory that give them something easy to take and they won't go any further. Didn't think it would actually happen.
Great tips. I've been to 110 countries and have never been mugged because I follow these additional tips: The important thing wherever you go (whether when it's traveling or near your home) is 1. keep your head up and ears open to be aware of your surroundings, to avoid danger. Walking with your head down looking at your smartphone or with ear buds in make you a perfect target. Keep your head on a swivel and make note of odd people. 2. If you are on public transportation and someone suspicious gets on, get off even if it's not your stop. You may have to wait 20 minutes for the next train or bus, but your life is worth it. 3. wear money belt inside your pants to put cash and ID into. 4. I wear cargo pants or shorts all the time (I don't care about fashion trends). I carry my phone and wallet in the leg pockets, so I can keep my hands over them in crowded areas. I also put my wallet in a zippered pocket and make sure I put my hand over that pocket first. I also wear a money belt when I travel and have to have back-up cash. I carry a photocopy of my passport in my wallet. I carry a second credit card , my passport, and extra cash in the hotel room safe. I have a photocopy of all my ID and credit cards (front and back) and the phone number of the credit card company in the safe too, in case I have to report anything stolen. Plan ahead, think what you would need if you would ever have to report something stolen, and what you need on hand to do that. Lastly, at an ATM try to go to one inside a building where there are lots of people around. Don't use one outside at night. Look around at who's around you. If you are with someone, have them watch what's behind you, as you use the ATM. Thieves are usually deterred by being seen and someone focusing on them. Put your cash into a money belt inside your pants as soon as possible, and then put what you don't immediately need into your hotel safe.
I previously saw a RUclips video (not this one) which warned that many of the cheaper Hotel safes are configured to always open with the default pin code of "000000". This is done because of hotel guests that forget their code number or who leave it locked with their own number. Folks should ensure that any safe they use, does not unlock with just a string of all zeroes. Other cheap safes can be opened by giving them a firm slap on the side (if accessible) with an open hand, at the same instant as twisting the handle (works by vibrating some springs in the locking mechanism).
@@KiwiCatherineJemma 100%. The advice offered above is all 100% spot on except for the part about the hotel safes - for pretty much exactly what you mentioned. It may not be a 'default' code, but they certainly have 'admin override codes' or something similar set by the hotel administration.
When my step father travelled in Italy, he always wore a set of Tilly pants which my mother had tricked out by sewing the outer opening on one side closed and made that pocket accessible from the inside only. That is where he kept his money and credit cards. She use to joke that if thieves ever got his money, she would want to know why he was not wearing his pants at the time of the robbery. HaHaHa!!!! He carried a decoy wallet in the other pocket so if it was necessary to give up something, the thieves got nothing of value. These are all great tips for travelers. Thanks for posting this.
Just get those those thin carbon fiber wallets and put your phone and it in front pockets. I never got pick pocketed in front pocket and always have my hands in my pockets when converging into a crowd. The pick pocketers always go for back pockets which I keep Kleenex with snot on it.
We spent five weeks in Europe and never lost a Euro! I had a money belt. I had a stout nylon pouch on my belt with a strong rubber band around it. I had money under my insoles. Never flash money in public. Sit quietly in a street restaurant or rest area and WATCH the street. Watch people. The pickpockets stick out like sore thumbs! Use your head. Common sense always.
Fwiw, I'm a nearly 50 years old European woman who has lived in Paris, Madrid and London (in different periods) all of my life - in addition to travelling extensively across the continent for business and pleasure - and have never lost any money to muggers, pickpockets or scammers either. And that without ever having felt the need to keep the money inside stout belt pouches or under my insoles 😂. The truth is that the probability of being victim of this type of crime in Europe remains incredibly small and the overwhelming majority of visitors will never do. Like you said, using common sense and being aware of your surroundings is the number one protection against opportunistic crime. In London, for instance, people should instantly stop using their phone and put it inside a pocket or bag when walking around if they spot or hear a moped coming right behind them. These modality of robbers will snatch the handset right out of their hand as they're using it, without getting off their bikes. They wont stop and threaten people with a knife or anything like thst; they'll just take advantage of the fact that they were engrossed in their screen or had noise cancelling headphones on to catch them by surprise.
I have been using my front pockets ever since I started travelling over 60 years ago. Never been successfully pickpocketed, but in Paris they tried it twice. The first time they tried my back pocket and the only thing they found was some dirty tissues. The second time a gipsy girl blatantly tried to put her hand into my front pocket on the metro. By then I "modified" my travelling pants, put some velcro strips on all the pockets. This way I have to force it open to access it and it is much harder for a pickpocket to slide her hand into it.
Be Alert. This has saved my life several times. I am a middle aged white female. When I went by myself to a Miami restaurant for a late dinner, I noticed a thin young man who looked at me briefly and stepped behind a thick column on the sidewalk. After dinner, waited a few minutes, looking out the window. Sure enough, I saw a shadow move behind the post. So I explained the situation to the manager and asked him to accompany me to my car. He said, "you go out the door, I will be ten steps behind you." As soon as I stepped outside, the young man made his move to follow. The manager and two employees tackled him and kept him on the ground until police arrived. I travel a lot, but this happened in my town, Miami.
When in Madrid, two women followed me from the ATM. I kept feeling that they were in my space, too close. One had an open map which she was “looking at” over my backpack and the other had unzipped the pack. Lucky I felt the tug and turned around. They took off running, empty handed, but we gave chase and cornered them in the middle of the street yelling “thieves.” A crowd circled them all yelling “thieves.” They were on their knees scared and caught. Satisfying.
For guys who are used to carrying a wallet in their back pocket on their home turf, simply carrying it in the front pocket doesn't work so well because of three factors: 1: When you actually do use your wallet, you are likely to slip it into your back pocket without thinking by force of habit. 2: You will inevitably have that reflexive "Where's my wallet!" panic that occurs when you suddenly realize your wallet is not in your back pocket. (You are probably going to experience this multiple times if you are used to keeping it there.) 3. In a pickpocket-rich environment, (such as in many European cities,) thieves are hip to this trick, and you are vulnerable to losing your wallet anyway. The absence of one in your back pocket will not convince them that you don't have one, and they are PRACTICED at grabbing them from the front OR back pocket while their buddy is bumping into you, then handing it off to a third person who disappears in the crowd. My solution is to carry a throwaway wallet in my back pocket with enough money in small bills to be believable as my real wallet. I even pull it out and use it to pay for most purchases. (It can be replenished from your main store of cash as needed. You can think of its contents as a per diem.) In short, an amount you can afford to lose in exchange for the security of your main stash of money, etc.) It also contains a used up Walmart gift card or two and a reloadable FedEx Kinko's card to make it present like an actually used wallet. Passport, credit cards and such can be carried under the clothing in a money belt or similar device as mentioned in the video, along with your main supply of traveling cash. I keep my main supply of traveling cash divided up in two separate places, (so that means three places in all.) Also keep your driver's license and a photocopy of your passport in a separate place from where you keep your passport. None of these things should be in your throwaway wallet, just expendable cash. Once you have made these provisions, enjoy your trip and don't worry about it. You don't have to overthink it once you have taken precautions. I have been in pickpocket prone areas in Europe and have been aware of being sized up many times, but have never been pickpocketed. If you present as street-wise and self-confident, they will see you as a hard target, and will look for easier pickings most of the time. Worth saying though that a great degree of that self-confidence comes from knowing that I have already taken countermeasures against them. Hope this helps, Y'all! Happy Travels Everyone!
Never had this problem. Been carrying my wallet in the front left pocket for years. Right after having my previous wallet stolen. I’d only panic if I didn’t feel it in the front left pocket.
NEVER carry your passport around. It isn't necessary at all. The ONLY time you need to carry your passport is in the airport or border crossings. Always and only carry your passport in a waist or neck passport carrier - UNDER YOUR CLOTHES. Put the passport in the passport carrier in your home, and take it off and put it away once you get to your destination. You can carry a copy of your passport or a digital version if you go out and need to access it such as at a POS store where you may want to get the VAT refund forms (in Europe). An American passport is the single most valuable thing people carry. They have great value on the black market.
Expired/used gift cards are a great thing to put in a decoy wallet. They don't include any credit card numbers or names, but can look like they have value. I also use my decoy wallet when I'm in a city with high risk of pick pockets and put a small amount of cash in there to pay for something small like a coffee, soda or a bus ticket. That way my real wallet stays secure and I'm not pulling it out for a small purchase.
My Dad always wrapped an elastic band around his wallet, that way he’d feel it if it was being stolen. The elastic band would tug at the fabric of his pocket.
In an episode of a cop show in the UK in the 80s, one man had sewn vicious fishing hooks into the opening of his wallet pocket, so that if any pickpocket tried to steal his wallet, he'd soon know about it.
I have often used an elastic band wrapped round my wallet if I am going to a place I have concerns about. Touch wood I have never been a victim despite being in some very dodgy places across the world.
If anyone gets close enough to me to pick pocket, they are liable to have a doctor visit soon for a broken arm. Meanwhile my wallet is loaded with money however it also is connected to a chain which attaches to my belt and to a belt loop. The main reason for this is that I don’t want to set my wallet down and forget it somewhere!!
Most of these tips I have heard of but one new take away was the separating your bills to avoid taking out a wad of cash, is a new one. Actually, there is another; designating which pocket you place your valuables. This way you avoid panicking and fumbling for whatever you are looking for. You know exactly it's where it should be. Admittedly, I just put whatever in either front pocket, never the back. I have two pairs of pickpocket-proof pants with secret pockets. The brand is Clothing arts. They are a bit pricey but worth this.
Thank you for the info; something to consider. I am afraid, for a professional thief, undoing one button and one zipper would not be a problem to get inside of a pocket.
It would be pretty difficult for a thief to get at these zippers and buttons without you noticing. Believe me, these anti theft pants are good.@@michaels3003
I'll never forget my parents took us to Disneyland a long time ago , this mother had her child reach into my dads back pocket to steal his wallet. My dad took the childs hand while turning and the mother apologized, saying her child is special needs🤷🏻♀️
Do not trust hotel safes - rather use hard shell lockable luggage as your safe. I carry a sling bag w zippered compartments across my chest for easy access yet secure location that can be carried under a buttoned shirt or jacket for concealment. Also a decoy wallet w a small amount of money and expired cards. The small bills can still be used for small purchases w/o exposing your main wallet. If not kept in a sling bag, I keep valuables in a waterproof waist pouch under my pants waste. Also keep several copies of important ph numbers, DL, itineraries, tickets on paper in separate locations and pockets. Redundancy is a safeguard.
A very valid point John re Hotel etc safes. I once had to educate a guy who insisted they were totally secure and even then it took some doing. THEY ARE NOT. All electronic safe units have a MASTER CODE OVERIDE to them. They have to! If you accidentally forget the locking code YOU entered et as YOUR default code? How would the hotel etc like the idea of YOU having rendered their safe un useable? Thieves bribing hotel staff et is NOT uncommon. Hotel employees knowing the master code??
Ok, but couldn’t someone just wheel your suitcase out of the room locked with everything in it? Rooms look small and not many places to hide the suitcases. Has that ever happened to someone?
@@arthurdanielles4784 The ones I've used have a little stick the employees use (look at the safe, there's a little socket), and the stick is connected to the PC, and they have to use some software to open it. The hotel staff have to be in pairs to do this (the honest ones at least). There no code which can be used to open the safe without the extra equipment.
@@arthurdanielles4784 If they're this organised, you're pretty much effed anyway, you won't stop the theft. The room safe defeats the avg cleaning lady looking for an easy take. You gotta trust something because you're not getting a safety deposit box in a bank every city you visit.
Many people don’t know hotel and ship safes have a default opening code. This is incase you forget the code or you lock the safe before leaving. Many hotels don’t even change the code and many can be opened easily. Keeping money in a locking suitcase is risky. Most zippered cases can be opened with a pen then closed so it looks like it was not tampered with. Don’t be fooled by TSA locks either. There are only 7 keys to unlock all TSA locks and they can easily be bought online. I would carry all valuables in a pouch under your clothes. Wear a strap that can’t easily be cut and in another “Velcro” pocket only carry one card and minimal cash. Are sure you know how to lock your card if it is lost or stolen. My phone is in a secure case with a cut resistant cable attached to my belt so if I put it on a counter and walk away the phone will be there with me. Lastly, if you need more money from your pouch, go in to a bathroom…preferably with a friend to keep watch as you retrieve some money. In a pinch you could use a single stall bathroom for added security. A couple of other tips. If someone demands money open your purse and take out $20. Wave it then throw it. The thief will most likely choose the easy approach and take a the $20. If they threaten to shoot you then run away but in a zig zag line. Even a sharpshooter would have trouble hitting their mark. Lastly, never ever allow yourself to be taken to a secondary crime scene. Your chances of survival drop drastically
Good tips. For things like the passport and main credit card I think the easiest is to have a money belt or similar item hidden inside your clothes. Trying to remember which pocket may be hard in the moment, even with practice.
I sew an extra pocket with zipper on the inside of my jeans and skirts and that's where extra money and cards go. Only problem is I have to go to the bathroom somewhere if I need those things.
As for keeping wallet ONLY in a front pocket, I can say that my wallet in my FRONT POCKET was stolen twice in Paris and once in Milan. In each case, I would have been protected against the theft if I had followed my own advice of keeping either a wadded up plastic bag or a water bottle in the pocket on top of my wallet. Nobody's hand is going to be able to get beyond a water bottle or plastic bag to dig out a wallet.
Learn to stay calm. I just do that naturally. But you can learn to meditate. If you are someone who freaks out at the smallest thing practice not freaking out. What’s the worst that can happen? Practice thinking what are the worse things that can happen, logically. Think of scenarios ahead of time. When you become a parent, most people realize they are not the most important person in the room. They start planning for situations-baby’s diaper could leak, need new set of clothes and extra diapers. That’s how to be when traveling. If you are the person who always loses things or leaves stuff behind, get organized. Plan what you’re going to take with you. Take things that can do double duty. Instead of a lipstick and a chapstick, take a colored moisturizer. Narrow it down to those things and make a list. Always take those things with you and take them when you leave to come back. Take the list too. Do the same with the things you carry. Always be prepared. Get there on time. Make a schedule. Instead of standing right in front of a crowd, stand to the side so you can watch people. Keep your eyes open. Don’t be paranoid, it’s just good practice. Be nice to everyone. You never know when that person will help you out! Have fun!
I just can’t wrap my head around trying to travel light but having 2 of everything valuable.(meaning 1 keeper and 1 decoy) I do like the idea of keeping several separated stacks of bills. I’m going to start practicing that in my day to day life to see if I like that.
I'm not too concerned about being pickpocketed where I live and I'm fairly cautious about what's going on around me at all times. I'm surprised more people don't know about keeping your wallet in the front pocket. Not only is it safer you can injure your back by sitting on your wallet for a prolonged period of time. But I've been a little concerned about pulling out cash and the idea of folding the cash into smaller stacks is brilliant. I didn't think I would learn anything from this video, but I sure did so thank you!
Great tips, Anil! I often refer to carrying a decoy wallet, but I don't often take my own advice. I do, however, make sure that all my id/cash/cards etc aren't in the same place, so if any wallet/purse/bag etc is stolen or lost, I don't lose everything. (And yeah, I learned that one the hard way) ;-)
When I travel to more sketchy places I have a "Throw down" wallet that's got fake money, cards and even an ID of a guy who looks like me in it. I have a little cash in it but the bulk of my cash is in a hida belt, on my waist. If I need more money, I just go to the bathroom and take out what I need for the upcoming transaction and put it in the throw down wallet. I had about a hundred dollars worth of Pesos one time in Mexico and got robbed by the local police. Yes you read that right. I got robbed by the local police. I gave them the pesos and told them I had no more. They then released me with the nearly 600 dollars cash in my hida belt.
Recommend having a fake wallet but do not have fake money in it or on you. It is all too easy to use "fake money" by accident and get yourself in trouble when the fake money is detected.
Very good information for people who live in a so secure place that this never happens...we leave our doors unlocked and our cars unlocked...but then we also have to leave our safe place to travel and see the world...I have been researching London as a place to have a holiday and every little bit of information is so valuable. Thank you and I have now subscribed and following.
Great tips--especially staying calm (hard to do with adrenaline) and make it quick. But, I would say your best first step is situational awareness. Take in your surroundings, and look up and about; it doesn't mean being paranoid, but if you show that you're aware and relaxed, you're better off than having your head bent over paying attention only to your phone.
One of the funniest things I recall about livin' in good ol' Fun City was ridin' on the subway and hearing the PA announcement cautioning straphangers about pick pockets. Everyone would feel for their wallets and you'd see exactly where they kept them. To err is human, to not screw up is divine.
I have a tailor sew my 2 front pockets 3 inches longer so: 1 harder to pick pocket 2 put more things in my pockets 3 harder for stuff to empty out At restaurants, bus seats, etc.
Good advice and I've been using and teaching this for many years. My decoy wallet is in the front pocket and that's all people will see, Still when in crowds I put my hand on it so pick pockets know I'm aware and not the easiest target. When getting mugged or robbed don't hand over your decoy wallet but throw it to the side behind them. When they go pick it up you make your escape making as much noise as you can. For this I carry a loud whistle around my neck 24/7. Criminals hate attention.
Hotel safes. I once had to educate a guy who insisted they were totally secure and even then it took some doing. THEY ARE NOT. All electronic safe units have a MASTER CODE OVERIDE to them. They have to! If you accidentally forget the locking code YOU entered et as YOUR default code? How would the hotel etc like the idea of YOU having rendered their safe un useable? Thieves bribing hotel staff et is NOT uncommon. Hotel employees knowing the master code??
I wouldnt give those thieves a dime even the bus robbery video you show. I scream Bible verses and the name Jesus Christ and it works every time. Because you have woken up their sleeping dead spirit and mind and convicted them. The word of God is like a sword per Bible that penetrates the soul even to a persons bones! Become a Christian and you can do this too! ❤️
The backside of your good examples here - is to definitely give up as little crap as you can, if in a robbery situation BUT you should also have photocopies of the stuff you’ve given up, stashed safely back at your home base. This makes it soooo much easier to handle when having to report your loss to police, your bank or your credit card provider. Experience speaking!!💸
I got pickpocketed out of my front pocket on the Paris subway. It was very crowded and I was standing so you had to hang on or you would be on the floor. So a front pocket is not safe either.
I was in Vegas waiting for my wife to come out of the restroom when two foreign women came up to me, one of them wrapped her arms around me all flirty and the other one circled behind me. I have no doubt that this was a pickpocket attempt but I do carry my wallet in my front pocket and immediately hooked my thumb in the pocket to cover the opening. If it weren’t for doing those things I’m sure I would have lost my wallet.
Jee.. I traveled enough and the best place in the world is … my little village. No worries about been robbed or something, everybody knows each other, everybody helps each other… I watch travel programs online… nuf for me 😊 Wishing you being safe whenever you are!
Make a separate note of the serial numbers Imei numbers for phones and laptops. Set up find on the same devices so that if stolen you have more information to report to police / insurance. Take care where you stand on busy underground trains. Not near the door.
I usually wear pants or shorts with multiple pockets. My decoy wallet and cellphone are in my right pocket, my real wallet and cellphone in my left pocket. I'm right-handed. My real wallet is a lot thinner than my decoy one & a different color, too. It's also best to carry an envelope with your drivers license, credit cards, cash in one pocket & the decoy wallet in the other if you're just going to the store or restaurant close to home. The lesser, the better.
the world has always been that way and we can be happy, that unlike in the old days the present generation is more and more unable to work with their fingers 😂
Not if the pocket is sewn shut and only accessible from the inside. It’s like your car. When at home, leave nothing of value in it and at least one door unlocked. Thieves would rather not possibly call attention to themselves by breaking a window. When they see there’s nothing to steal, they’ll shut the door and try another one. These days, with the capability of streaming music, podcasts, Audible books, etc. from my phone, I no longer have an expensive stereo system nor CDs, cassettes, 8-tracks (😂) to be concerned about someone stealing.
Leaving a car door unlocked for thieves to access your vehicle, should it get stolen, would make you look foolish to local police when you make a report and have to admit you purposefully left the door unlocked. Might even effect your insurance claim. Probably not the best choice of safety action.@@susanmcintyre5377
I was always told. Just a few things in your wallet. Cash,ID, one credit card with the loss prevention number on it written down on it somewhere else to call them when it’s missing. Never carry Important professional license’s or cards in your wallet. Don’t have your bank’s App on your cellphone. They get your phone, they get your bank account.
> Don’t have your bank’s App on your cellphone. They get your phone, they get your bank account. Not if you have face ID/fingerprint to unlock the phone. There's literally no way they'd be able to unlock and use it in this case. For Apple pay/Google Pay/etc payments the phone also usually needs to be unlocked first. At least that's the case with iPhones, I don't know if Android always enforces unlocking a phone before paying with Google Pay. What the thieves can do, though, is extract and use your physical SIM card - e.g. put it into their own phone and enter your banking account via phone number code-based authentication. PIN code on your SIM-card is not a bulletproof protection against it, there're ways to bypass not knowing PIN. Which is why it's preferable to to use eSIM, as it's not something you can extract and put into another phone, or use it on the stolen phone without unlocking the phone first.
My bank app is secured with my fingerprint, so good luck to any thief trying to get into it. What you said might be true for iPhones because the phone PIN also lets you into a whole bunch of other apps.
I previously saw a RUclips video (not this one) which warned that many of the cheaper Hotel safes are configured to always open with the default pin code of "000000". This is done because of hotel guests that forget their code number or who leave it locked with their own number. Folks should ensure that any safe they use, does not unlock with just a string of all zeroes. Other cheap safes can be opened by giving them a firm slap on the side (if accessible) with an open hand, at the same instant as twisting the handle (works by vibrating some springs in the locking mechanism).
We were going down to a square for fair in Mexico in the mid 70's. My dad put a few pesos in his front pocket and left his wallet at home. When we got home he realized some little kid got the money in the front pocket. Nothing is safe... when you get home check to see if you still have your underwear😂🤣🤯
After being nearly pickpocketed in Saigon thirty years ago I had a tailor sew a zipper into the right pocket opening of my slacks to prevent sneaky hands from gaining entry. Those became my regular travel pants when in Vietnam, etc.
Keeping your wallet in your front pocket is useless. My wallet was taken from my front buttoned up pocket in 12 seconds. In crowded spaces place your hand in your pocket while holding your wallet. Go through your wallet and only put absolute essentials back in. Make a photo copy (front and back) of all id and credit cards. Best practice is to keep all valuables under your clothes. Velcro pockets are good deterrents as they are very difficult to open. Most of all don’t look like a tourist, no flashy cameras, watches or jewelry. Try to blend in with the locals.
I’ve carried a decoy wallet since I went to an inner city college. Now I have a small crossbody bag with the wallet, car key fob from a car I totaled and old cell phone with personal info erased. My real stuff is on my body.
Thinking keeping the money in the shoe under the insole might be a good spot (for most of it) and keeping a few small bills in your pocket. One tip that people have given me is to not show where you keep your money. So say if you're going to be going into a restaurant, go to the restroom and get your money situated there (pull it out of your socket or your shoe and into your pocket to pay for your dinner). This way people don't see where you have your money stashed. The issue with using pockets is that some thieves may demand you empty both pockets so that may not work and why shoes might be a better place to store money as most situations would take too long for someone to remove their shoes or socks, but asking someone to clean out their pockets can be fast.
I think I got hit with the fake bird poop in Manchester! I was draging my wheeled travel bag to the train station. Looked over and saw some sort of crud on my right jacket sleeve. I just kept walking, then took off the jacket and threw it on the trash! Lol! Don't fall for the bird poop or mustard trick! Unlike many tourists, I dress like i'm almost homeless when on vacation.
In more scrupulous places, I don’t carry a credit card and only cash. I carry cash in my socks, in my underwear and in my pocket. When I need more cash, I go to a bathroom or a private area and take more out.
Always use a Fannypack. I mainly use it though for easier and quicker transactions because it has 2 minipockets on front where I store both dollars and quarters separately so I don't have to end up holding the line while I dig through my wallet.
I gave money to street entertainer in Barcelona and I guess I was observed putting wallet back in bag and that was last 8 saw of it. Cancelled cards at police station and lost about 40 pounds. Now only have change in pockets or bag and card and more money in a money belt. Also got online copy of id and passport and insurance document in case I am mugged. I loved Barcelona though.
The problem is, you have to leave the rest of your money somewhere; back on the cruise ship, or in your hotel room. But all good points. I grew up in NYC and have used most of these techniques for years when travelling in big cities.
When I travel for work, I carry the majority of my cash and credit cards in my breast pocket wallet that I rarely pull out in public. I also carry a money clip with one credit card, my driver's license and roughly $60.00 cash. I also carry a dummy wallet in my rear pants pocket with $20.00 in one dollar bills a bunch off fake credit cards that come in the credit card advertisements that I get in the mail weekly. I also have several business cards in my dummy wallet from friends who are in law enforcement to give the pickpocket a real Oh Shit moment!
They make a security wallet with a built in camera. It snaps a picture of whoever opens the wallet and it's saved on the app....pretty cool if they aren't wearing face masks 😊
Ye just had my wallet stolen from my front pocket in an elevator ,to get the train from Barcelona airport to Barcelona main train station .Barcelona is one of the main european countries for pickpockets so be careful.....
Some good tips! Ladies beware of your bag when sitting at a bar or restaurant too. Keep it on your lap and/or tie handles round something e.g table leg, chair leg or even your leg if you can. Try not to sit on the outer edges of the space by public thoroughfares too.
I’ve met a French lady in Paris who keeps most of her cash in her bra and only a small amount of her cash in her handbag. She takes the Metro everyday and knows how rampant pickpocketing is in the Paris Metro.
When traveling, I carry $50 in a card wallet with a cash app card. I keep my ID, copy of passport, 1 travel CC, and $200 in local currency clipped inside a Louis and Clark pouch that clips inside my waistband. I also travel with the prior version of my iPhone with only travel apps on it. When I need to load my Cash App Card, I redownload the app and add money. I have my bank account information memorized.
Great tips ! I once encountered the 'ice cream trick' in Brussels. Luckily I was smart enough not to fall for it. In trainstations you often see people getting on a train that is about to start, and then jump off when it starts. You can be sure they are pickpockets. And they are never alone.
I have two wallets. My real wallet in the front pocket and my fake wallet in my back pocket. It's filled with some $1s, $5's and some stage money off ebay of American 100 dollar bills. They look pretty real but the fine print on them states they are fake. I also bought old expired credit cards on ebay as well ...and get this.......a California Drivers License with a photo of Marty McFly from Back To The Future....also from ebay.
I always carry 3 wallets with money and bank cards shared. Also I keep a small tin with coins and small notes in my pocket for small daily expenses. Been mugged twice but on bouth occasions only one wallet was taken. Who would ever think I'm carrying 3 wallets.
I do this all the time, separate my money and cards in hidden pockets under my clothes or in my shoes My phone can be turned off and I can make a quick call to deactivate my bank card It's good to be aware
In Thailand, my room safe kept failing because they didn't change the batteries. Once the manager came with the master key. Then it was a cleaning person. Then a maintenance man. So I wouldn't assume no one has access to your room safe. They sell alternate locks you can put on a room safe giving another layer of protection.
Very good video and I’m glad everything you said already I have done and I’ve done for the past 10+ years. You don’t put a wallet in your back pocket, but that is where I put my dummy wallet a wallet I got from the thrift store an old wallet. It did have fake cards. Because when my wife buys a new purse or I buy new wallet, it comes with some fake cards so you can see what it looks like. .. I took a little bit of time and made a fake credit card out of a piece of paper and laminated it. I had that around the house I was able to do that and it said sucker on it. I put it in the language where I was traveling.. And one time it was taken and again it was like your minimalistic type wall if it wasn’t a big bulging wallet and so I was kind of happy they got a wallet full of credit cards and money. The old cell phone is a good idea to bring so we can give them your cell phone and I have a few that don’t work whatsoever, but I haven’t had to do that yet thank you thank you thank you
One thing I forgot to add is in America and Canada go to a Walmart store. I only pick that store cause this is where the prices the cheapest but if you can find a cheaper place go for it, you can get a Casio watch these watches were all the hit all the rave in the 80s and now they sell for seven to $10 so I’m actually traveling. I have my Apple Watch but if I’m going out for the day or something like that, I will bring my Casio watch, if I have to give up that watch, I’ve only given up 7.99
Depending on where you are, even the front pocket is not a safe place for a wallet. In Paris, you shouldn't have *anything* valuable in your pockets, the pickpockets are that good, Instead, carry your stuff in a backpack or sling of some sort.
This is actually a pretty good video. Your front pocket should contain a a credit card/debit card, passport and phone. You do not need to carry cash. Certainly not additionally in that front pocket. Why carry a dummy wallet and attract pickpockets to yourself, makes no sense. However during a robbery no one wants your passport your credit/debit cards or phone. Preferred goal…MONEY! Be prepared to part with $£€’s. This video addresses this very well.
When I was in Paris I kept my wallet in my front pocket. I also crammed a half-filled water bottle in there. Good luck getting past that without being noticed.
I always wear a *fanny pack* or *leg bag* . Have my daily cash in the front of the fanny pack (or leg bag) and the larger bills in the back -- separate compartment. Say daily I have $30 in the front, and my CCs / $100 plus in the back. The only way they can steal my real cash is if they steak the entire pack, which is not possible since my shirt covers the straps.
I have a thin cloth pouch that I hang on my neck and long enough to be tuck undershirt and even a little under my pants containing money, cards & ID. It iss only the airport inspectors in some airports who would knew if they touch my whole body.
I accidentally placed a plastic table fork in my back pocket without realising it and some one fell behind me and heard some one in pain as he tryed to lift my wallet out of my back pocket. When i placed my hand behind me to fetch my wallet i nearly stabbed myself on the sharp points when i discovered what all the comotion was about. I like the rubber band idea around the wallet. A inner tube from a bicycle tire could be cut to size, as a wide rubber band and the wallet slipped thru it adds friction with the pocket lining when removing it, making it easy to detect when a pick pocket trys to snatch it out.
I think I just won't go to Europe. The idea of trying to walk around with money in my sock! I'd just be constantly checking to make sure it hadn't fallen out. I'm also having mental images of having to sew pockets on the insides of all my travel wardrobe. And then, rummaging around under my clothes, so I can pay for a meal. Here in the South, some women keep their cash in their bra, but eww, that's some sweaty money.
@@foXnoMad When I travel I carry my important things in a money belt under my clothes & I have an empty wallet (except for some cash) in my back pocket to sacrifice in case of a pickpocket or a robbery.
Only the last is able to contain some, in several countries to be needed, coins! For the many last years I have only bought purses with an integrated chain on them, and several rooms for my several Cards, and licenses, also to be able to secure a connection between my bundle of keys and my purse! And also to be able to find them myself, in the house, in the morning, when I formerly had to leave for my job. A chain to the belt is also fine.
When we went to Europe we had wallets that hung from our necks...it had RFID protection, I always use front pocket for my waller when in crowded places.
Tips: Most important tip is to never have all your things in one place. My jeans have 4 pockets, 2 in front, 2 at the back. I distribute my valuables in all of them, the idea is in case i'm a victim of a pickpocket (I was for 3 times) I don't risk loosing all but only part of the valuables. Have some pockets inside of your clothes, that are not visible and reachable from the outside. Keep valuable hidden somewhere in my backpack, hard to find. Keep a bracelet like Xiaomi Band 7 that is connected to your phone, and make it sound an alert if it lost the connection with your phone. The bracelet can make your phone ring loud in case the thief just took your phone and it's close to you.
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While in Paris we had to walk around two men who were standing halfway up the stairway at a Metro stop. As we passed them, I felt a tap on my back pocket but I assumed it was just my swinging backpack strap hitting me as it often did. Found out later my wallet was gone. But they had taken my dummy wallet with blank paper in it and not my real wallet which was still zipped up in a front pocket.
Someone had suggested the dummy wallet thing to me with the theory that give them something easy to take and they won't go any further. Didn't think it would actually happen.
I'm stealing this idea!
YouTUBE sucks❤️
I had same idea, dummy wallet filled with some obsolete worthless currencies lol
@@JuanMoreno-wo5yb agreed
Or could put monopoly play money in it and maybe glitter so when they open it they get covered in glitter
Great tips. I've been to 110 countries and have never been mugged because I follow these additional tips: The important thing wherever you go (whether when it's traveling or near your home) is 1. keep your head up and ears open to be aware of your surroundings, to avoid danger. Walking with your head down looking at your smartphone or with ear buds in make you a perfect target. Keep your head on a swivel and make note of odd people. 2. If you are on public transportation and someone suspicious gets on, get off even if it's not your stop. You may have to wait 20 minutes for the next train or bus, but your life is worth it. 3. wear money belt inside your pants to put cash and ID into. 4. I wear cargo pants or shorts all the time (I don't care about fashion trends). I carry my phone and wallet in the leg pockets, so I can keep my hands over them in crowded areas. I also put my wallet in a zippered pocket and make sure I put my hand over that pocket first. I also wear a money belt when I travel and have to have back-up cash. I carry a photocopy of my passport in my wallet. I carry a second credit card , my passport, and extra cash in the hotel room safe. I have a photocopy of all my ID and credit cards (front and back) and the phone number of the credit card company in the safe too, in case I have to report anything stolen. Plan ahead, think what you would need if you would ever have to report something stolen, and what you need on hand to do that. Lastly, at an ATM try to go to one inside a building where there are lots of people around. Don't use one outside at night. Look around at who's around you. If you are with someone, have them watch what's behind you, as you use the ATM. Thieves are usually deterred by being seen and someone focusing on them. Put your cash into a money belt inside your pants as soon as possible, and then put what you don't immediately need into your hotel safe.
Excellent information.
I previously saw a RUclips video (not this one) which warned that many of the cheaper Hotel safes are configured to always open with the default pin code of "000000". This is done because of hotel guests that forget their code number or who leave it locked with their own number. Folks should ensure that any safe they use, does not unlock with just a string of all zeroes. Other cheap safes can be opened by giving them a firm slap on the side (if accessible) with an open hand, at the same instant as twisting the handle (works by vibrating some springs in the locking mechanism).
@@KiwiCatherineJemma 100%. The advice offered above is all 100% spot on except for the part about the hotel safes - for pretty much exactly what you mentioned. It may not be a 'default' code, but they certainly have 'admin override codes' or something similar set by the hotel administration.
110 countries? 😂
Yes.
When my step father travelled in Italy, he always wore a set of Tilly pants which my mother had tricked out by sewing the outer opening on one side closed and made that pocket accessible from the inside only. That is where he kept his money and credit cards. She use to joke that if thieves ever got his money, she would want to know why he was not wearing his pants at the time of the robbery. HaHaHa!!!! He carried a decoy wallet in the other pocket so if it was necessary to give up something, the thieves got nothing of value.
These are all great tips for travelers. Thanks for posting this.
Italy is all credit cards. Guys. Cash is so 1950s. If you carry cash you deserve to get mugged.
Just get those those thin carbon fiber wallets and put your phone and it in front pockets. I never got pick pocketed in front pocket and always have my hands in my pockets when converging into a crowd. The pick pocketers always go for back pockets which I keep Kleenex with snot on it.
@@peterrost7620 ah, getting tracked about every financial movement is so trendy, eh!
We spent five weeks in Europe and never lost a Euro!
I had a money belt. I had a stout nylon pouch on my belt with a strong rubber band around it. I had money under my insoles.
Never flash money in public.
Sit quietly in a street restaurant or rest area and WATCH the street. Watch people. The pickpockets stick out like sore thumbs!
Use your head. Common sense always.
Be very observant even in your home town
Fwiw, I'm a nearly 50 years old European woman who has lived in Paris, Madrid and London (in different periods) all of my life - in addition to travelling extensively across the continent for business and pleasure - and have never lost any money to muggers, pickpockets or scammers either. And that without ever having felt the need to keep the money inside stout belt pouches or under my insoles 😂. The truth is that the probability of being victim of this type of crime in Europe remains incredibly small and the overwhelming majority of visitors will never do.
Like you said, using common sense and being aware of your surroundings is the number one protection against opportunistic crime. In London, for instance, people should instantly stop using their phone and put it inside a pocket or bag when walking around if they spot or hear a moped coming right behind them. These modality of robbers will snatch the handset right out of their hand as they're using it, without getting off their bikes. They wont stop and threaten people with a knife or anything like thst; they'll just take advantage of the fact that they were engrossed in their screen or had noise cancelling headphones on to catch them by surprise.
@@Basauri48970 And don't dress/act like a tourist :-)
I have been using my front pockets ever since I started travelling over 60 years ago. Never been successfully pickpocketed, but in Paris they tried it twice. The first time they tried my back pocket and the only thing they found was some dirty tissues. The second time a gipsy girl blatantly tried to put her hand into my front pocket on the metro. By then I "modified" my travelling pants, put some velcro strips on all the pockets. This way I have to force it open to access it and it is much harder for a pickpocket to slide her hand into it.
Triple fish hooks hanging on a small clipped on bar with the help of press studs in your inside jacket pocket . An old trick in Hong Kong .
@@johnsmith-rs2vk Please elaborate.
@@DanSlotea Self explanatory .
Be Alert. This has saved my life several times. I am a middle aged white female. When I went by myself to a Miami restaurant for a late dinner, I noticed a thin young man who looked at me briefly and stepped behind a thick column on the sidewalk. After dinner, waited a few minutes, looking out the window. Sure enough, I saw a shadow move behind the post. So I explained the situation to the manager and asked him to accompany me to my car. He said, "you go out the door, I will be ten steps behind you." As soon as I stepped outside, the young man made his move to follow. The manager and two employees tackled him and kept him on the ground until police arrived. I travel a lot, but this happened in my town, Miami.
They were black.
@@i.c.wiener2750the manager and two employees ?
@@i.c.wiener2750 How do you know? Not all restaurant workers and managers are black.
@@pbworld7858My folks just got robbed in Nice and they were white.
@@i.c.wiener2750so is your dad. Big deal.
When in Madrid, two women followed me from the ATM. I kept feeling that they were in my space, too close. One had an open map which she was “looking at” over my backpack and the other had unzipped the pack. Lucky I felt the tug and turned around. They took off running, empty handed, but we gave chase and cornered them in the middle of the street yelling “thieves.” A crowd circled them all yelling “thieves.” They were on their knees scared and caught. Satisfying.
For guys who are used to carrying a wallet in their back pocket on their home turf, simply carrying it in the front pocket doesn't work so well because of three factors:
1: When you actually do use your wallet, you are likely to slip it into your back pocket without thinking by force of habit.
2: You will inevitably have that reflexive "Where's my wallet!" panic that occurs when you suddenly realize your wallet is not in your back pocket. (You are probably going to experience this multiple times if you are used to keeping it there.)
3. In a pickpocket-rich environment, (such as in many European cities,) thieves are hip to this trick, and you are vulnerable to losing your wallet anyway. The absence of one in your back pocket will not convince them that you don't have one, and they are PRACTICED at grabbing them from the front OR back pocket while their buddy is bumping into you, then handing it off to a third person who disappears in the crowd.
My solution is to carry a throwaway wallet in my back pocket with enough money in small bills to be believable as my real wallet. I even pull it out and use it to pay for most purchases. (It can be replenished from your main store of cash as needed. You can think of its contents as a per diem.)
In short, an amount you can afford to lose in exchange for the security of your main stash of money, etc.) It also contains a used up Walmart gift card or two and a reloadable FedEx Kinko's card to make it present like an actually used wallet.
Passport, credit cards and such can be carried under the clothing in a money belt or similar device as mentioned in the video, along with your main supply of traveling cash.
I keep my main supply of traveling cash divided up in two separate places, (so that means three places in all.)
Also keep your driver's license and a photocopy of your passport in a separate place from where you keep your passport.
None of these things should be in your throwaway wallet, just expendable cash.
Once you have made these provisions, enjoy your trip and don't worry about it. You don't have to overthink it once you have taken precautions.
I have been in pickpocket prone areas in Europe and have been aware of being sized up many times, but have never been pickpocketed.
If you present as street-wise and self-confident, they will see you as a hard target, and will look for easier pickings most of the time.
Worth saying though that a great degree of that self-confidence comes from knowing that I have already taken countermeasures against them.
Hope this helps, Y'all!
Happy Travels Everyone!
Cool
Never had this problem. Been carrying my wallet in the front left pocket for years. Right after having my previous wallet stolen. I’d only panic if I didn’t feel it in the front left pocket.
NEVER carry your passport around. It isn't necessary at all. The ONLY time you need to carry your passport is in the airport or border crossings. Always and only carry your passport in a waist or neck passport carrier - UNDER YOUR CLOTHES. Put the passport in the passport carrier in your home, and take it off and put it away once you get to your destination. You can carry a copy of your passport or a digital version if you go out and need to access it such as at a POS store where you may want to get the VAT refund forms (in Europe). An American passport is the single most valuable thing people carry. They have great value on the black market.
@@janearcher3834 💀damn
My boobs are my wallet
Expired/used gift cards are a great thing to put in a decoy wallet. They don't include any credit card numbers or names, but can look like they have value. I also use my decoy wallet when I'm in a city with high risk of pick pockets and put a small amount of cash in there to pay for something small like a coffee, soda or a bus ticket. That way my real wallet stays secure and I'm not pulling it out for a small purchase.
Same here, u gotta out smart them.
Imagine the next level of lawlessness where multiple decoy objects are required.
Why even put cash in the decoy wallet. You’re wasting $ right there.😂
And I a put in a really nasty note in the interior folds of the wallet!
@@lummoxx8586 I doubt they care. 😂
My Dad always wrapped an elastic band around his wallet, that way he’d feel it if it was being stolen. The elastic band would tug at the fabric of his pocket.
In an episode of a cop show in the UK in the 80s, one man had sewn vicious fishing hooks into the opening of his wallet pocket, so that if any pickpocket tried to steal his wallet, he'd soon know about it.
I have often used an elastic band wrapped round my wallet if I am going to a place I have concerns about. Touch wood I have never been a victim despite being in some very dodgy places across the world.
@@ElToro2000UKAwww, thanks for that! He passed in 2017 but used this trick back in the 60’s while traveling the world.
If anyone gets close enough to me to pick pocket, they are liable to have a doctor visit soon for a broken arm. Meanwhile my wallet is loaded with money however it also is connected to a chain which attaches to my belt and to a belt loop. The main reason for this is that I don’t want to set my wallet down and forget it somewhere!!
Great idea, your dad sounds like a smart fella
Most of these tips I have heard of but one new take away was the separating your bills to avoid taking out a wad of cash, is a new one. Actually, there is another; designating which pocket you place your valuables. This way you avoid panicking and fumbling for whatever you are looking for. You know exactly it's where it should be. Admittedly, I just put whatever in either front pocket, never the back. I have two pairs of pickpocket-proof pants with secret pockets. The brand is Clothing arts. They are a bit pricey but worth this.
Thank you for the info; something to consider. I am afraid, for a professional thief, undoing one button and one zipper would not be a problem to get inside of a pocket.
It would be pretty difficult for a thief to get at these zippers and buttons without you noticing. Believe me, these anti theft pants are good.@@michaels3003
Front deep pockets is all one needs. Pick pocketers only target back pockets.
I also have pants and shorts with zipper inner pocket from kohls called columbia roc 2
@@inquisitvem6723 yep, they don’t want you to be able to identify them. That’s another reason why it’s good to keep your head up and be observant.
I'll never forget my parents took us to Disneyland a long time ago , this mother had her child reach into my dads back pocket to steal his wallet. My dad took the childs hand while turning and the mother apologized, saying her child is special needs🤷🏻♀️
The mother’s special need is money!!
I always have Kleenex in my back pocket with some snot in it for the pick pocketers.
I'm thinking wipe my ass for donation
Do not trust hotel safes - rather use hard shell lockable luggage as your safe. I carry a sling bag w zippered compartments across my chest for easy access yet secure location that can be carried under a buttoned shirt or jacket for concealment. Also a decoy wallet w a small amount of money and expired cards. The small bills can still be used for small purchases w/o exposing your main wallet. If not kept in a sling bag, I keep valuables in a waterproof waist pouch under my pants waste. Also keep several copies of important ph numbers, DL, itineraries, tickets on paper in separate locations and pockets. Redundancy is a safeguard.
A very valid point John re Hotel etc safes. I once had to educate a guy who insisted they were totally secure and even then it took some doing. THEY ARE NOT. All electronic safe units have a MASTER CODE OVERIDE to them. They have to! If you accidentally forget the locking code YOU entered et as YOUR default code? How would the hotel etc like the idea of YOU having rendered their safe un useable? Thieves bribing hotel staff et is NOT uncommon. Hotel employees knowing the master code??
Ok, but couldn’t someone just wheel your suitcase out of the room locked with everything in it? Rooms look small and not many places to hide the suitcases. Has that ever happened to someone?
@@arthurdanielles4784
The ones I've used have a little stick the employees use (look at the safe, there's a little socket), and the stick is connected to the PC, and they have to use some software to open it. The hotel staff have to be in pairs to do this (the honest ones at least). There no code which can be used to open the safe without the extra equipment.
@@arthurdanielles4784 If they're this organised, you're pretty much effed anyway, you won't stop the theft. The room safe defeats the avg cleaning lady looking for an easy take. You gotta trust something because you're not getting a safety deposit box in a bank every city you visit.
Many people don’t know hotel and ship safes have a default opening code. This is incase you forget the code or you lock the safe before leaving. Many hotels don’t even change the code and many can be opened easily. Keeping money in a locking suitcase is risky. Most zippered cases can be opened with a pen then closed so it looks like it was not tampered with. Don’t be fooled by TSA locks either. There are only 7 keys to unlock all TSA locks and they can easily be bought online. I would carry all valuables in a pouch under your clothes. Wear a strap that can’t easily be cut and in another “Velcro” pocket only carry one card and minimal cash. Are sure you know how to lock your card if it is lost or stolen. My phone is in a secure case with a cut resistant cable attached to my belt so if I put it on a counter and walk away the phone will be there with me. Lastly, if you need more money from your pouch, go in to a bathroom…preferably with a friend to keep watch as you retrieve some money. In a pinch you could use a single stall bathroom for added security. A couple of other tips. If someone demands money open your purse and take out $20. Wave it then throw it. The thief will most likely choose the easy approach and take a the $20. If they threaten to shoot you then run away but in a zig zag line. Even a sharpshooter would have trouble hitting their mark. Lastly, never ever allow yourself to be taken to a secondary crime scene. Your chances of survival drop drastically
Good tips. For things like the passport and main credit card I think the easiest is to have a money belt or similar item hidden inside your clothes. Trying to remember which pocket may be hard in the moment, even with practice.
I sew an extra pocket with zipper on the inside of my jeans and skirts and that's where extra money and cards go. Only problem is I have to go to the bathroom somewhere if I need those things.
That's still better than losing your valuable stuff!
As for keeping wallet ONLY in a front pocket, I can say that my wallet in my FRONT POCKET was stolen twice in Paris and once in Milan. In each case, I would have been protected against the theft if I had followed my own advice of keeping either a wadded up plastic bag or a water bottle in the pocket on top of my wallet. Nobody's hand is going to be able to get beyond a water bottle or plastic bag to dig out a wallet.
Learn to stay calm. I just do that naturally. But you can learn to meditate. If you are someone who freaks out at the smallest thing practice not freaking out. What’s the worst that can happen? Practice thinking what are the worse things that can happen, logically. Think of scenarios ahead of time.
When you become a parent, most people realize they are not the most important person in the room. They start planning for situations-baby’s diaper could leak, need new set of clothes and extra diapers. That’s how to be when traveling.
If you are the person who always loses things or leaves stuff behind, get organized. Plan what you’re going to take with you. Take things that can do double duty. Instead of a lipstick and a chapstick, take a colored moisturizer.
Narrow it down to those things and make a list. Always take those things with you and take them when you leave to come back. Take the list too. Do the same with the things you carry.
Always be prepared. Get there on time. Make a schedule. Instead of standing right in front of a crowd, stand to the side so you can watch people. Keep your eyes open. Don’t be paranoid, it’s just good practice.
Be nice to everyone. You never know when that person will help you out!
Have fun!
I just can’t wrap my head around trying to travel light but having 2 of everything valuable.(meaning 1 keeper and 1 decoy)
I do like the idea of keeping several separated stacks of bills. I’m going to start practicing that in my day to day life to see if I like that.
I have decoy clothes, I eat decoy food, and travel with a decoy family.
@@Fuliginosus brilliant lol
@@Fuliginosusand travel in your decoy car. Lol
Lastly make sure you are in a decoy vacation trip
I’ve decided I’m just going to send a decoy of myself on vacation and stay home where it’s safe!
I'm not too concerned about being pickpocketed where I live and I'm fairly cautious about what's going on around me at all times. I'm surprised more people don't know about keeping your wallet in the front pocket. Not only is it safer you can injure your back by sitting on your wallet for a prolonged period of time. But I've been a little concerned about pulling out cash and the idea of folding the cash into smaller stacks is brilliant. I didn't think I would learn anything from this video, but I sure did so thank you!
Great tips, Anil! I often refer to carrying a decoy wallet, but I don't often take my own advice. I do, however, make sure that all my id/cash/cards etc aren't in the same place, so if any wallet/purse/bag etc is stolen or lost, I don't lose everything. (And yeah, I learned that one the hard way) ;-)
When I travel to more sketchy places I have a "Throw down" wallet that's got fake money, cards and even an ID of a guy who looks like me in it. I have a little cash in it but the bulk of my cash is in a hida belt, on my waist. If I need more money, I just go to the bathroom and take out what I need for the upcoming transaction and put it in the throw down wallet. I had about a hundred dollars worth of Pesos one time in Mexico and got robbed by the local police. Yes you read that right. I got robbed by the local police. I gave them the pesos and told them I had no more. They then released me with the nearly 600 dollars cash in my hida belt.
Recommend having a fake wallet but do not have fake money in it or on you. It is all too easy to use "fake money" by accident and get yourself in trouble when the fake money is detected.
Very good information for people who live in a so secure place that this never happens...we leave our doors unlocked and our cars unlocked...but then we also have to leave our safe place to travel and see the world...I have been researching London as a place to have a holiday and every little bit of information is so valuable. Thank you and I have now subscribed and following.
Great tips--especially staying calm (hard to do with adrenaline) and make it quick. But, I would say your best first step is situational awareness. Take in your surroundings, and look up and about; it doesn't mean being paranoid, but if you show that you're aware and relaxed, you're better off than having your head bent over paying attention only to your phone.
One of the funniest things I recall about livin' in good ol' Fun City was ridin' on the subway and hearing the PA announcement cautioning straphangers about pick pockets. Everyone would feel for their wallets and you'd see exactly where they kept them. To err is human, to not screw up is divine.
I have a tailor sew my 2 front pockets 3 inches longer so:
1 harder to pick pocket
2 put more things in my pockets
3 harder for stuff to empty out
At restaurants, bus seats, etc.
Taylor Switft?
@@mikatu adjusted. Thank you
@@mikatu "Switft"? You corrected someone, then used the wrong spelling for her last name. 😂
Good advice and I've been using and teaching this for many years. My decoy wallet is in the front pocket and that's all people will see, Still when in crowds I put my hand on it so pick pockets know I'm aware and not the easiest target. When getting mugged or robbed don't hand over your decoy wallet but throw it to the side behind them. When they go pick it up you make your escape making as much noise as you can. For this I carry a loud whistle around my neck 24/7. Criminals hate attention.
I am an 70 year old woman who ALWAYS keeps $20 and a credit card in my sports bra….”Plenty” of room inside and not noticeable
Very informative, I will definately use some of these tips
Hotel safes. I once had to educate a guy who insisted they were totally secure and even then it took some doing. THEY ARE NOT. All electronic safe units have a MASTER CODE OVERIDE to them. They have to! If you accidentally forget the locking code YOU entered et as YOUR default code? How would the hotel etc like the idea of YOU having rendered their safe un useable? Thieves bribing hotel staff et is NOT uncommon. Hotel employees knowing the master code??
Hotel safes have a “hidden” master key slot. Anything with a key can be picked rather easily.
I wouldnt give those thieves a dime even the bus robbery video you show. I scream Bible verses and the name Jesus Christ and it works every time. Because you have woken up their sleeping dead spirit and mind and convicted them. The word of God is like a sword per Bible that penetrates the soul even to a persons bones! Become a Christian and you can do this too! ❤️
The backside of your good examples here - is to definitely give up as little crap as you can, if in a robbery situation BUT you should also have photocopies of the stuff you’ve given up, stashed safely back at your home base. This makes it soooo much easier to handle when having to report your loss to police, your bank or your credit card provider. Experience speaking!!💸
I got pickpocketed out of my front pocket on the Paris subway. It was very crowded and I was standing so you had to hang on or you would be on the floor. So a front pocket is not safe either.
Neither is around the neck(such as a camera).
An old trick is to put a highly visible easel with beware of pickpockets, when seen every one pats their valuables wherever, a giveaway to the crooks
I was in Vegas waiting for my wife to come out of the restroom when two foreign women came up to me, one of them wrapped her arms around me all flirty and the other one circled behind me. I have no doubt that this was a pickpocket attempt but I do carry my wallet in my front pocket and immediately hooked my thumb in the pocket to cover the opening. If it weren’t for doing those things I’m sure I would have lost my wallet.
Jee.. I traveled enough and the best place in the world is … my little village. No worries about been robbed or something, everybody knows each other, everybody helps each other… I watch travel programs online… nuf for me 😊 Wishing you being safe whenever you are!
Japan, actually Okinawa was the safest place for me!
Make a separate note of the serial numbers Imei numbers for phones and laptops. Set up find on the same devices so that if stolen you have more information to report to police / insurance. Take care where you stand on busy underground trains. Not near the door.
Great tips. Thank you. I’m thinking of going overseas next year so I’ll definitely put these in practice.
Good tips for those living in high crime areas
I usually wear pants or shorts with multiple pockets. My decoy wallet and cellphone are in my right pocket, my real wallet and cellphone in my left pocket. I'm right-handed. My real wallet is a lot thinner than my decoy one & a different color, too. It's also best to carry an envelope with your drivers license, credit cards, cash in one pocket & the decoy wallet in the other if you're just going to the store or restaurant close to home. The lesser, the better.
This is what the world has come to. Pretty pathetic we need to make videos like this because we have to worry about being robbed at any time.
the world has always been that way and we can be happy, that unlike in the old days the present generation is more and more unable to work with their fingers 😂
Charles Dickens, 1838: Oliver Twist (the Artful Dodger, Fagin).
I know dippers in London that could take that wallet from your front pocket they are slick and well practiced. Quite scary for anyone.
Hey, there's people out there that are slick enough to steal the eyes outta yer head.
Not if the pocket is sewn shut and only accessible from the inside. It’s like your car. When at home, leave nothing of value in it and at least one door unlocked. Thieves would rather not possibly call attention to themselves by breaking a window. When they see there’s nothing to steal, they’ll shut the door and try another one. These days, with the capability of streaming music, podcasts, Audible books, etc. from my phone, I no longer have an expensive stereo system nor CDs, cassettes, 8-tracks (😂) to be concerned about someone stealing.
Leaving a car door unlocked for thieves to access your vehicle, should it get stolen, would make you look foolish to local police when you make a report and have to admit you purposefully left the door unlocked. Might even effect your insurance claim. Probably not the best choice of safety action.@@susanmcintyre5377
I was always told. Just a few things in your wallet. Cash,ID, one credit card with the loss prevention number on it written down on it somewhere else to call them when it’s missing. Never carry Important professional license’s or cards in your wallet. Don’t have your bank’s App on your cellphone. They get your phone, they get your bank account.
Sushmita: if they get hold of yr fone, how is it possible for anyone to get into yr banking app without the pin number?
How do they get the bank app passwords?
> Don’t have your bank’s App on your cellphone. They get your phone, they get your bank account.
Not if you have face ID/fingerprint to unlock the phone. There's literally no way they'd be able to unlock and use it in this case. For Apple pay/Google Pay/etc payments the phone also usually needs to be unlocked first. At least that's the case with iPhones, I don't know if Android always enforces unlocking a phone before paying with Google Pay.
What the thieves can do, though, is extract and use your physical SIM card - e.g. put it into their own phone and enter your banking account via phone number code-based authentication. PIN code on your SIM-card is not a bulletproof protection against it, there're ways to bypass not knowing PIN. Which is why it's preferable to to use eSIM, as it's not something you can extract and put into another phone, or use it on the stolen phone without unlocking the phone first.
My bank app is secured with my fingerprint, so good luck to any thief trying to get into it. What you said might be true for iPhones because the phone PIN also lets you into a whole bunch of other apps.
Thank you for the tips .about taking care at the airport.😊😊
I previously saw a RUclips video (not this one) which warned that many of the cheaper Hotel safes are configured to always open with the default pin code of "000000". This is done because of hotel guests that forget their code number or who leave it locked with their own number. Folks should ensure that any safe they use, does not unlock with just a string of all zeroes. Other cheap safes can be opened by giving them a firm slap on the side (if accessible) with an open hand, at the same instant as twisting the handle (works by vibrating some springs in the locking mechanism).
We were going down to a square for fair in Mexico in the mid 70's. My dad put a few pesos in his front pocket and left his wallet at home. When we got home he realized some little kid got the money in the front pocket. Nothing is safe... when you get home check to see if you still have your underwear😂🤣🤯
After being nearly pickpocketed in Saigon thirty years ago I had a tailor sew a zipper into the right pocket opening of my slacks to prevent sneaky hands from gaining entry. Those became my regular travel pants when in Vietnam, etc.
GREAT idea 💡! I will plan on Using this one 👍.
Keeping your wallet in your front pocket is useless. My wallet was taken from my front buttoned up pocket in 12 seconds. In crowded spaces place your hand in your pocket while holding your wallet. Go through your wallet and only put absolute essentials back in. Make a photo copy (front and back) of all id and credit cards. Best practice is to keep all valuables under your clothes. Velcro pockets are good deterrents as they are very difficult to open. Most of all don’t look like a tourist, no flashy cameras, watches or jewelry. Try to blend in with the locals.
I’ve carried a decoy wallet since I went to an inner city college. Now I have a small crossbody bag with the wallet, car key fob from a car I totaled and old cell phone with personal info erased. My real stuff is on my body.
Thinking keeping the money in the shoe under the insole might be a good spot (for most of it) and keeping a few small bills in your pocket.
One tip that people have given me is to not show where you keep your money. So say if you're going to be going into a restaurant, go to the restroom and get your money situated there (pull it out of your socket or your shoe and into your pocket to pay for your dinner). This way people don't see where you have your money stashed. The issue with using pockets is that some thieves may demand you empty both pockets so that may not work and why shoes might be a better place to store money as most situations would take too long for someone to remove their shoes or socks, but asking someone to clean out their pockets can be fast.
I think I got hit with the fake bird poop in Manchester! I was draging my wheeled travel bag to the train station. Looked over and saw some sort of crud on my right jacket sleeve. I just kept walking, then took off the jacket and threw it on the trash! Lol! Don't fall for the bird poop or mustard trick! Unlike many tourists, I dress like i'm almost homeless when on vacation.
In more scrupulous places, I don’t carry a credit card and only cash. I carry cash in my socks, in my underwear and in my pocket. When I need more cash, I go to a bathroom or a private area and take more out.
Always use a Fannypack. I mainly use it though for easier and quicker transactions because it has 2 minipockets on front where I store both dollars and quarters separately so I don't have to end up holding the line while I dig through my wallet.
I gave money to street entertainer in Barcelona and I guess I was observed putting wallet back in bag and that was last 8 saw of it. Cancelled cards at police station and lost about 40 pounds. Now only have change in pockets or bag and card and more money in a money belt. Also got online copy of id and passport and insurance document in case I am mugged. I loved Barcelona though.
The problem is, you have to leave the rest of your money somewhere; back on the cruise ship, or in your hotel room. But all good points. I grew up in NYC and have used most of these techniques for years when travelling in big cities.
When I travel for work, I carry the majority of my cash and credit cards in my breast pocket wallet that I rarely pull out in public. I also carry a money clip with one credit card, my driver's license and roughly $60.00 cash. I also carry a dummy wallet in my rear pants pocket with $20.00 in one dollar bills a bunch off fake credit cards that come in the credit card advertisements that I get in the mail weekly.
I also have several business cards in my dummy wallet from friends who are in law enforcement to give the pickpocket a real Oh Shit moment!
In India,we don't use cash anymore and its scary to go to Europe...rather India is very safe
They make a security wallet with a built in camera. It snaps a picture of whoever opens the wallet and it's saved on the app....pretty cool if they aren't wearing face masks 😊
Ridiculous.
That won’t get your wallet back before it’s emptied out.
When travelling I have a back pocket wallet with a few euros in it with a couple of fishing hooks attached 😂😂😂
In my decoy, I put a razor blade in the credit card slot.
@@Starmerispureevil
In the UK, you could get locked up for that.
🤣🤣🤣
@@etiennedevignolles7538 of course you could, stupid 🙄
Always carry a decoy wallet with a small amount of cash when driving in Central America and Mexico for bribes.
Ye just had my wallet stolen from my front pocket in an elevator ,to get the train from Barcelona airport to Barcelona main train station .Barcelona is one of the main european countries for pickpockets so be careful.....
Barcelona and all of Spain felt uncomfortable. Liked the country but I didn’t care for the people at all.
Put a mouse trap in your pocket 😊
🤣🤣🤣
😂😂😂
Some good tips! Ladies beware of your bag when sitting at a bar or restaurant too. Keep it on your lap and/or tie handles round something e.g table leg, chair leg or even your leg if you can. Try not to sit on the outer edges of the space by public thoroughfares too.
I’ve met a French lady in Paris who keeps most of her cash in her bra and only a small amount of her cash in her handbag. She takes the Metro everyday and knows how rampant pickpocketing is in the Paris Metro.
great tips - thanks for sharing
When traveling, I carry $50 in a card wallet with a cash app card. I keep my ID, copy of passport, 1 travel CC, and $200 in local currency clipped inside a Louis and Clark pouch that clips inside my waistband. I also travel with the prior version of my iPhone with only travel apps on it. When I need to load my Cash App Card, I redownload the app and add money. I have my bank account information memorized.
Great tips ! I once encountered the 'ice cream trick' in Brussels. Luckily I was smart enough not to fall for it. In trainstations you often see people getting on a train that is about to start, and then jump off when it starts. You can be sure they are pickpockets. And they are never alone.
Thank you for your fasted reply. Did not think about that,
I have two wallets. My real wallet in the front pocket and my fake wallet in my back pocket. It's filled with some $1s, $5's and some stage money off ebay of American 100 dollar bills. They look pretty real but the fine print on them states they are fake. I also bought old expired credit cards on ebay as well ...and get this.......a California Drivers License with a photo of Marty McFly from Back To The Future....also from ebay.
I always carry 3 wallets with money and bank cards shared. Also I keep a small tin with coins and small notes in my pocket for small daily expenses. Been mugged twice but on bouth occasions only one wallet was taken. Who would ever think I'm carrying 3 wallets.
Great advice and techniques.
I do this all the time, separate my money and cards in hidden pockets under my clothes or in my shoes
My phone can be turned off and I can make a quick call to deactivate my bank card
It's good to be aware
Thanks for the tips, it rough out here😮
My iPhone 7 is still working and is my main cell. It’s worth $20. 😂
I always separate my bills, some with my phone, and some in my coin purse.
Is that the type of iPhone where the unlock PIN gets you into everything else inside your phone? 😂
In Thailand, my room safe kept failing because they didn't change the batteries. Once the manager came with the master key. Then it was a cleaning person. Then a maintenance man. So I wouldn't assume no one has access to your room safe. They sell alternate locks you can put on a room safe giving another layer of protection.
Very good video and I’m glad everything you said already I have done and I’ve done for the past 10+ years. You don’t put a wallet in your back pocket, but that is where I put my dummy wallet a wallet I got from the thrift store an old wallet. It did have fake cards. Because when my wife buys a new purse or I buy new wallet, it comes with some fake cards so you can see what it looks like. .. I took a little bit of time and made a fake credit card out of a piece of paper and laminated it. I had that around the house I was able to do that and it said sucker on it. I put it in the language where I was traveling.. And one time it was taken and again it was like your minimalistic type wall if it wasn’t a big bulging wallet and so I was kind of happy they got a wallet full of credit cards and money. The old cell phone is a good idea to bring so we can give them your cell phone and I have a few that don’t work whatsoever, but I haven’t had to do that yet thank you thank you thank you
One thing I forgot to add is in America and Canada go to a Walmart store. I only pick that store cause this is where the prices the cheapest but if you can find a cheaper place go for it, you can get a Casio watch these watches were all the hit all the rave in the 80s and now they sell for seven to $10 so I’m actually traveling. I have my Apple Watch but if I’m going out for the day or something like that, I will bring my Casio watch, if I have to give up that watch, I’ve only given up 7.99
Yeah my grandaddy had his wallet attached to a chain that was hooked onto his pants loop
Depending on where you are, even the front pocket is not a safe place for a wallet. In Paris, you shouldn't have *anything* valuable in your pockets, the pickpockets are that good, Instead, carry your stuff in a backpack or sling of some sort.
This is actually a pretty good video. Your front pocket should contain a a credit card/debit card, passport and phone. You do not need to carry cash. Certainly not additionally in that front pocket. Why carry a dummy wallet and attract pickpockets to yourself, makes no sense. However during a robbery no one wants your passport your credit/debit cards or phone. Preferred goal…MONEY! Be prepared to part with $£€’s. This video addresses this very well.
You often do need to carry cash and thieves will use your credit/debit cards.
Be carefull with date or open dating apps on tourist places. They will follow you until take everything
When I was in Paris I kept my wallet in my front pocket. I also crammed a half-filled water bottle in there. Good luck getting past that without being noticed.
In Colombia having credit cards no matter if expired or not will make u a kidnapping target. No good
I always wear a *fanny pack* or *leg bag* . Have my daily cash in the front of the fanny pack (or leg bag) and the larger bills in the back -- separate compartment. Say daily I have $30 in the front, and my CCs / $100 plus in the back. The only way they can steal my real cash is if they steak the entire pack, which is not possible since my shirt covers the straps.
Very helpful, good info
I have a small switch on my belt that turns off the power pack to the electric shocker on my aluminum foil edged decoy wallet.
😅
I hope in a few years we will still use money . Say no to CBDC
I have a thin cloth pouch that I hang on my neck and long enough to be tuck undershirt and even a little under my pants containing money, cards & ID. It iss only the airport inspectors in some airports who would knew if they touch my whole body.
I accidentally placed a plastic table fork in my back pocket without realising it and some one fell behind me and heard some one in pain as he tryed to lift my wallet out of my back pocket. When i placed my hand behind me to fetch my wallet i nearly stabbed myself on the sharp points when i discovered what all the comotion was about. I like the rubber band idea around the wallet.
A inner tube from a bicycle tire could be cut to size, as a wide rubber band and the wallet slipped thru it adds friction with the pocket lining when removing it, making it easy to detect when a pick pocket trys to snatch it out.
I think I just won't go to Europe. The idea of trying to walk around with money in my sock! I'd just be constantly checking to make sure it hadn't fallen out. I'm also having mental images of having to sew pockets on the insides of all my travel wardrobe. And then, rummaging around under my clothes, so I can pay for a meal. Here in the South, some women keep their cash in their bra, but eww, that's some sweaty money.
Can you make a follow up on what to do if you are completely mugged?
You got it
@@foXnoMad Thank you.
@@foXnoMad When I travel I carry my important things in a money belt under my clothes & I have an empty wallet (except for some cash) in my back pocket to sacrifice in case of a pickpocket or a robbery.
I wear tactical pants 12 pockets with zippers and Velcro dome are hidden
Only the last is able to contain some, in several countries to be needed, coins! For the many last years I have only bought purses with an integrated chain on them, and several rooms for my several Cards, and licenses, also to be able to secure a connection between my bundle of keys and my purse! And also to be able to find them myself, in the house, in the morning, when I formerly had to leave for my job.
A chain to the belt is also fine.
Great tips, Thanks
When we went to Europe we had wallets that hung from our necks...it had RFID protection, I always use front pocket for my waller when in crowded places.
Thank you for the tips
How do you protect a mobile phone from a snatcher on a motorbike?
Thanks!
Liked & subscribed.
Some good ideas here.
Much appreciated, thanks!
Tips: Most important tip is to never have all your things in one place. My jeans have 4 pockets, 2 in front, 2 at the back. I distribute my valuables in all of them, the idea is in case i'm a victim of a pickpocket (I was for 3 times) I don't risk loosing all but only part of the valuables. Have some pockets inside of your clothes, that are not visible and reachable from the outside. Keep valuable hidden somewhere in my backpack, hard to find. Keep a bracelet like Xiaomi Band 7 that is connected to your phone, and make it sound an alert if it lost the connection with your phone. The bracelet can make your phone ring loud in case the thief just took your phone and it's close to you.
Good ideas