Hi there,
I’m trying to decide whether to bring a shoulder bag or crossbody purse to these two islands. Do you think there are purse snatchers or pickpockets commonly here? Of course most crowded tourist areas have some of this activity. But, is it actually a known problem on these two islands?
Thank you!
I use a small crossbody bag that opens with a zip, I have not been to Santorini or Mykonos, but have used this bag in Rome, Athens, Crete with no problems. I keep it on all the time, even when I am eating, just put the bag on my lap. Just be alert and keep your hand on the bag when it is crowded.
The Athens subway is the most unsafe I have been in all of Europe. Sketchy people pushing in close to you. When the doors open, there is a mad rush to enter the car.
I did lose E50 on the subway. In full disclosure, I did not have my money belt correctly on. So it was my bad to a large degree.
Santorini and Mykonos are not pickpocket friendly islands because they are too expensive for them to come. They couldn't afford the luxury of staying there. On the other hand, these are islands where you will be relieved of your money by restaurants, bars, taxis and hotels by paying double the rate charged on the other islands. But in this case it's your choice
The Athens metro is no riskier than any other metro in Europe. The line most used by tourists, which connects the airport to Syntagma Square, Monastiraki Square and the Piraeus, is the favorite of pickpockets who prefer to target those who seem to be holding on to their so-called anti-theft money belt (carry your money and valuables in an old supermarket plastic bag, you will never be targeted by any pickpockets)
Otherwise, in Santorini, Mykonos or Athens, just take the basic precautions as in all major tourist places. Watch your bags, your pockets, don't stick to other people going up or down the bus or the metro and everything will be fine.
Personally, I have been using public transport in Athens for more than 30 years without ever having had the slightest problem.
Yes, they do exist, but it's not an epidemic. Use common sense and be vigilant in crowds. I keep my money, CCs, passport, etc. in a neck wallet under my shirt.
On the Metro I use a cross-body bag with my hand right on the zip, but my key stuff (wallet, credit cards passport) are in a neck wallet under my shirt, like Lee. To/from the airport I dont take the metro, since there's a secure x95 bus from Syntagma Square. As others have noted, Santorini & Mykonos are not nests of pickpockets ... Too expensive to base themselves there. Its Athens, & the people coming from airport/seaport with luggage that are the most vulnerable/distracted.... Also, in crowded situations like watching guard-change at Presidential Palace. Same as in London (Buckingham palace) and Paris (notre Dame).
We felt safer in Greece than in many if not most other European countries.
You can buy attractive and affordable anti-theft shoulder bags that have hidden pockets, locks, and slash-free straps.
A clearly visible anti-theft shoulder bag will only be effective if you don't put anything in it. Otherwise it's just a big flashing light signal that tells pickpockets: "there's money here".
Be sure that they are much more specialists than you with this kind of accessory
Thank you, everyone, for these common sense responses. You’ve given me lots to think about and use. I appreciate you taking the time to advise. I’ll keep checking this to read any additional comments. 😊
Watch the change given to you in a cash transaction in Athens. I was almost duped several times by unscrupulous merchants who took my 20 Euro bill and tried to give me change for a 10 euro bill. Try and have small coins for a small purchase and not hand out 20 euro bills unless the amount you owe for your purchase is in that range. Even the ticket agent at the X95 bus booth at the airport tried to shortchange me.
It's ok on smaller islands. Crete is bigger and has more crime. However, I heard that Athens is very bad. Even locals get pickpocketed.
