Avoid Pickpockets With These Tips

You've heard the horror stories of pickpockets and thieves in foreign countries, robbing tourists blind left, right, and center. So, how do you protect yourself? Here are a few tips, from travellers themselves.

Don't keep it all in one place. This is the most important rule. If you are robbed, you will likely lose some money, but if you follow this rule, you won't end up penniless. It is a good idea to split your money up and keep it in at least three places. You should have a small amount in your pocket, to pay for food, souvenirs, etc. Another quantity should be kept hidden on your body and the third amount, your backup, should be very well hidden. You might also want to keep some cash in another place, such as the hotel safe, in case of a major emergency.

Convert it. Having only cash is not necessarily the best way to go. Carry some of your money in traveller's checks, which can be replaced if they are lost. While some areas won't be able to change these, it is a good idea to have your money in two forms, cash and traveller's checks.

Wear a money belt. Sure, thieves will know you have one, but the average pickpocket is not going to try and get into your money belt or neck pouch, they are not interested in risking being caught and their techniques depend on you not noticing that they have slipped your wallet out of a pocket or bag. Don't make it obvious that you are wearing a belt, or flash money around, as this could attract more aggressive thieves.

Keep it in a front pocket. Anything you have in your back pocket is easier to steal. Although you may be convinced that you will feel someone's hand slipping into your pocket, the fact of the matter is that these guys are good and you won't notice until it is too late. Having your cash in a front pocket is a bit safer, but even better is keeping your hand in that pocket when walking through crowded areas.

Watch for desensitizing. This is a technique that pickpockets use. They will jostle or bump you while slipping your money out of a pocket. In some cases, they use small children who will come up and tug at your clothes or hand while the pickpocket is stealing your cash. Your attention will be on the main area of contact, not where they are stealthily robbing you. This is often used when you have money in a more difficult place, such as inside a suit jacket.

Being alert and paying attention is the best way to avoid pickpockets, but by following the tips given in this article, your money will be safer. Always be on the lookout in crowded areas, although the really good pickpockets will never be seen or caught.