How to avoid pickpockets in Europe
Pickpockets can be found all over Europe, but they are notoriously bad in these cities:
Prague, Czech Republic
Paris, France
Barcelona, Spain
Rome, Italy
Florence, Italy
Amsterdam, Netherlands
HONORABLE USA MENTION: New Orleans, Louisiana
They typically operate in the more touristy locations in major cities and in a variety of ways. They’re smart and sneaky and target those who look like American or Asian tourists, and usually have more than one person operating. It is super important to always be aware of your surroundings and know that sketchy people don’t always look sketchy.
Some tactics pickpockets use to steal your belongings:
Distraction - One will come up and talk to you while the other is stealing from you. Or they’ll shove a map or something in your face while they swipe your phone or wallet. If this happens and you don’t already have your phone or wallet in your hand, it may be too late but grab your items immediately.
Bump - Some will bump into you and while you’re regaining your balance they or an accomplice will steal your belongings.
Using crowds - Pickpocketers love utilizing crowds. They can steal your items and run off and you’ll be none the wiser because you’re surrounded by so many people.
Metro grabs - This happened to a friend of mine in Rome. They boarded the metro and a dozen kids ran onto the metro and just started grabbing everything. Then they ran off the metro as the doors were closing with wallets, phones, purses, etc.
Luggage “help” - Someone will grab your luggage and offer to help you carry them and will run off before you say no. While you’re distracted, an accomplice will pickpocket you
When I was in Berlin, we went to a Beer Hall and I laid my jacket behind me on my bench. I had my phone and camera on the table, but a waiter came by and said the men sitting behind me were sneakily reaching in my jacket pockets trying to find things to steal. Thankfully, all I had in my pockets was lipstick, so I’m sure they would’ve been disappointed. Keep your items in your hands or in your direct sight line the entire time.
Seeing all of these ways people can steal your belongings can be overwhelming. But there are ways to prevent it!
Always know where your belongings are - This past trip, I wore a neck wallet under my clothes with my money and cards and keep my phone in my hand out of my jacket or in my hand in my jacket pocket. My phone is never not in my hand (or my neck wallet) while I’m traveling. If you bring a purse, make sure it has a zipper (or many) with some hidden compartments in it. I have this one crossbody purse I bring on all of my trips. It has a ton of zippers inside with some hidden pockets. While I keep my valuables literally on me in my neck wallet, if I do bring a purse I’ll put my tickets, chapstick, portable chargers, etc in it. Nothing of major value just in case it gets stolen.
Consider pickpocket proof travel gear - I know neck wallets and money belts are not the cutest, but I’d rather be safe and have my money with me than be cute with a purse and someone possibly steal from me. I made fun of Neal for the money wallet and now I won’t travel without one. If you want to be really safe, get and RFID-blocking wallet (but do your research) so people can’t steal your identity. For women, there are some cute travel scarves with hidden pockets in them.
Carry a purse with zippers! I see so many women with wide open purses when I travel. Get a purse that zips and keep your hand on that zipper. I know a woman who had her purse zipped shut in the French Quarter in New Orleans and a pickpocketer unzipped, grabbed her phone and wallet, zipped it shut, and passed it off before she realized what had happened. If you must carry a purse, make it a small one, preferably a cross-body, keep it zipped, keep your hand on the zipper, and be aware of what is happening around you.
Limit the cash you carry. I usually only get cash out for stores that don’t accept cards or for items that are less than 10 euros. Don’t carry all of the cash you have with you everyday. Take as much as you think you’ll realistically need.
Secure your bag and luggage. I tend to carry my backpack in front of my body, especially at the airport or in public transportation. I don’t do this and I should, but you should either put a lock on your suitcase or get a suitcase that locks itself.
Finally, don’t let the fear of pickpockets make you avoid traveling! Be aware of your surroundings and outsmart those assholes :)