Beating the Pickpockets

Diane, I think you answered your own question - whatever you're going to be most comfortable carrying is what YOU should carry......... I don't do messenger bags because they're too large for me. I haven't found a purse large enough for what I carry while traveling in Europe that isn't too heavy, is comfortable worn across my body, and will stay on my shoulder (argh!), so I usually end up with a backpack. I typically carry it on one shoulder, but have the option of wearing it on my back when I want/need to. The arm strap goes around my thigh (or ankle at the very least) when sitting down at a restaurant or cafe - no exceptions. It's in my lap when possible. That's what has worked for me; this may change in the future. Many of you would hate this solution LOL! The main thing is, I don't worry about leaving it behind; that's never been a problem for me, but it's a huge problem for many of you - you know who you are! [I never leave things behind, break things (drinking glasses, plates, etc.) but I'm apparently in the minority!] I put anything I want with me in my bag, because (1) I'm extremely aware of my surroundings and keep an eye on my stuff - even here at home, and (2) my travel partners are also watching out for any 'weirdness' that might be going on around me. That's all one can do...[One of my travel partners often sets their belongings down, and often flat-out walks away from them (OY!)! I've spent a lot of time gathering daybags, luggage, etc., and running after this person.]...My bag, like the OP's sling bag, never comes off of my body during the day - including the restroom.........So, try out as many options as you can while running errands, etc. Then choose the lesser of evils ;-)

Kathy, very tricksie ;-)...............As long as the pin doesn't come undone (OUCH!)!

The only time i really felt super unsafe in europe was when we were packed like sardines on the Rome #64 bus and i had people surrounding and squishing me but i had to hold on to the bar. I think as long as you're aware of your surroundings and of your belongings its not a huge issue, especially if you have all your important stuff in your money belt. For added safety, you can lock your zippers together, or even just use a twist tie to lock them together. If you're willing to invest, there's a company called pacsafe that make all sorts of bags that incorporate mesh into it so that the theif cannot slice your bag open, and has built in clips to lock the zippers. I believe they also make a camera strap that cannot be cut. their website is www.pacsafe.com

I will say this,, Rick is wrong about women leaving their handbags in restaurants( did he really say that,, shame on your Rick) , I mean, really I have never done that in my entire life. And what possess Rick to think a person is less likely to leave a BACKPACK, something many of us do not carry in our everyday lives,, there we are MORE likely to forget it.. geesh. I have a purse I always use, it has a thick strap that can adjust quite long , so I do wear it over my shoulder across my chest ,, messenger bag style.Love having my hand free, love it can't slip off my shoulder, or be grabbed easily, and love that I can swing it in front of me and put my hand on top of it in busy buses and metros. It has a good closure flap and a zipper underneath it. I have never had a problem. It is strong by lightweigh nylon,, black to go with everything and I love it. It is no special travel purse, but it wonderful and have been to many countries with me. The number one thing, is do not get those open type sling bags,, hands can slip into open bags way too easy,, and I love that mine has a flap that clasps close ,, and a zipper,, plus zippered inside pocket. Its like Fort Knox and its not even trying,LOL Edited to add: I DO use a moneybelt,, but only on travel days, the rest of the time stuff is left in hotel safe. I carry less then 100 euros in cash and usually leave ATM and CC with passport at hotel..

I honestly don't remember where I read the thing about not using purses, but I think, if it was Rick, he did have a point as I know that if I'm at a restaurant and carrying my handbag, I will take it off when I'm eating as it's not the kind that stays on your shoulder very well. I don't even bother to zip it shut, but then again, we don't really have a pickpocketing problem in NZ. I won't do that with sling bags though, which is why I was asking about them. Thanks for the advice. It's nice to know that backpacks aren't the staple (my husband will stick with the backpack though...he's not a fan of the man-bag) and will get something for holding those zips together.

Hi Diane, We were in Italy mid July and contemplated the same thing. We are a family of 4 so had to consider everyone's needs. We opted for the back pack- husband and I took turns carrying it. We were able to put everything in it and because only one of us had anything to carry, the other one could "watch" the backpack and was hands free for carrying guide books, maps etc. It worked out very well and allowed us to carry our camera in it, when needed, as well as IPODS for Rick's podcast tours, snacks, wipes/tissues and 2 water bottles in each side pocket as well as an assortment of other things! Didn't have a need for a handbag as it held everything I would have needed.

MAny people opt for a messenger style sling bag just because of the reasons you have outlined. They are easier for some people to carry. Plus you are usually better aware of what is going on woth them as opposed to a bag behind you.

For the essentials; passport, credit card, ATM card, cash, I always use my (Rick Steves) neck wallet, and for the other things such as iPod, camera, spare batteries, guide books, etc...I use a small messenger bag. Don't weigh yourself down with a big bag. Only take what you will need for the day and leave the rest at your hotel safely locked away. I am fond of PacSafe products as they have some pickpocket/bag slasher/bag snatcher resistant features. It's not as dangerous as everyone makes it out to be as long as you are vigilant, especially in crowded situations. I can attest to the crowdedness of the buses, and I avoid them like the plague just because of this. You literally can get packed in like sardines where you couldn't do anything about it even if you did find someone fishing in your pockets. http://pacsafe.com/www/index.php

Here is my cheap, clever trick for keeping something safe in a pocket. When I was in Turkey solo, I put my passport and most of my cash in my back jeans pocket, then before putting on the pants, I wove a large safety pin through the pocket top from the inside of the jeans. The contents were sealed in sufficiently; if I really needed to get to items I could. In my front pocket (I prefer pockets to carrying bags) I put walking-around money, my credit card, and the small camera I used on the trip. I wish I could made a bucket of money off selling large safety pins as security tools....

I use a messenger style bag instead of a purse. The ones I use are from Pacsafe.com. They have a wire mesh sewn into the bag and strap for added safety. When we eat I usually put the bag on the table beside me or on my lap. I never hang it on the back of my chair or put it on the floor. A cross body bag is a better idea than a backpack. Backpacks are easier to get to in a crowd than a bag that is tucked under your arm. As for the camera, I carry my DSLR around my neck all day and have never had a problem. You can carry your point and shoot in your hand without a problem too. Donna

Pat, women leave purses in restaurants and stores all the time. I've done it, too, and that's why I no longer carry one. I do take a messenger bag to carry crap when I travel. Once on vacation I'd left my bag at a restaurant and realized it a few miles down the road. We rushed back and found it. My husband was worried that the $500 cash I was carrying was gone. Had to tell him that I had the money in my money belt, but I was really worried about the good book I was in the middle of reading-that was in the bag.

I was in Italy in June and I saw a woman carrying a backpack in FRONT. It was a strange sight and it could not have been too comfortable. She certainly solved the problem of pickpockets getting to her things. Well...at least she could see them better.

I had my passport-credit & debit cards and all vital items in my Rick Steeves money belt positioned in front under waist band with my backpack on my back on a crowded bus in Naples. I saw this woman eyeing me and then she got behind behind me as she pushed to the front of the bus so I moved my backpack to my front. The would be thief just slyly smiled.

Hi, We did the "backpack in front" thing too when it was especially crowded. I actually found it more comfortable at times and could "rest" my arms on the backpack. Gives your shoulders a rest and can cool off your back but then of course, heats up your front :).

I tried a Pacsafe bag and thought it was very well-made. Many people love them. However, it was quite a bit heavier than the regular shoulder bag I was used to carrying. At the end of the day my shoulders ached and I decided that, for me, it was overkill. When making your decision you may want to consider this comfort issue as well. Regarding the camera issue, we have only a small camera and it wouldn't be a tragedy if it were lost or stolen. My husband carries it in a small case that has a loop that goes on his belt. If you have an expensive camera, this may not be a good idea for you.

I don't recall Rick's advice towards handbags, but I'm going to assume he means that if you bring something with you that you're not used to carrying, you will have a greater tendency to forget it. If you carry a purse with you everywhere you go, then you are comfortable with that fact and are less likely to leave it somewhere. I try to go as minimalist as possible nowadays. The less I carry, the more fun I have. But, I do have a small backpack for those days when I need to pack sunscreen, water, lunch, etc. If I sit down, I usually loop it around my leg so I don't forget it (which I have done many many times). Walking around town, I sling it over one shoulder and have my arm over it to where no one can get into it. But, above all, do NOT put any money, credit cards, passports in the bag. Keep that in your money belt. I don't keep my camera in the backpack either, I only buy digital cameras that can fit in my shirt pocket

While lots of women wear their purses across the body, I've never understood that - if someone (who's probably bigger and stronger than me) is going to try to take my purse, I'd prefer they not also drag me along. I've been very happy traveling with the purses by AmeriBag (kind of like a backpack over one shoulder), which I first started using because of a shoulder injury. They hold a lot without hurting my shoulder (medium size holds a guidebook, water bottle, camera, sunscreen, rolled up hat or rain poncho, sunglasses, plus normal purse stuff). If I'm nervous I just reverse it, which brings the front of the bag in front of me, without being as awkward as a reversed backpack. Also, I've never had a guard make me check it, when those same guards required that smaller backpacks be checked.

Karen,, how is a messenger bag any different then a purse??? It IS a purse,, just a style one wears over shoulder and across chest. If you are likely to forget a purse, then you are just as likely to forget a messenger bag aren't you.

About the #64 bus: I've always carried a daypack, and I put it on the floor between my feet when standing on a crowded bus. You are more likely to notice someone suddenly bending at the knee than someone brushing against you.

Diane, regarding the Camera bag, I always take a large DSLR on trips and NEVER use a Camera bag when I'm day-touring. It would be a huge nuisance to have to take the Camera out of the case each time I wanted to take a picture. I usually carry the DSLR in the open in crowded places (including Rome and Naples) and on the Metro with no problems so far (although on the Metro, I tend to keep it at my side with the strap around my neck and hold the Camera firmly). I also carry a small P&S Camera stored discreetly in a pocket in my Vest. What kind of Camera are you using? It's good that you'll be using a Money Belt, and I'm assuming you'll keep some funds for "daily expenses" in a more accessible pocket. The issue of whether to use a Messenger Bag or a Backpack is mostly a matter of personal preference and comfort. What method do you use when touring at home? Backpacks and Messenger bags can both be "pilfered" by an experienced thief, given the right circumstances. I occasionally use a Daypack for longer day trips (most often Rick's Civita Bag as it's so easy to pack - see the Travel Store here for details), but use a lock on the zippers which tends to prevent "opportunistic" theft. I have on occasion also worn the Backpack in front in crowded conditions, and don't really find it to be uncomfortable, although it's often a bit of a challenge to keep the straps from slipping off. Finally, when in Rome try to avoid the #64 Bus as it has a well known reputation for pickpockets. Happy travels!

Sherry,, most thefts are not violent purse grabs,, in fact 95% plus seem to be stealth pick pocketing. Thats why most of us don't worry about bags being snatched off our bodies.I also think if a thief was looking to grab a bag violently he would be least likely to select someone he would have to body tackle to the ground to remove bag. I like carrying my bag that way because it also seems to distrubute weight better, although I mind what I pack in my bag so I keep it fairly light. If some people can manage by just packing their pockets( my pockets would never be enough!) then it should be no surprise some us can do with a purse type bag. I find the bigger my bag or purse is,, the more I put in it,, sort of a self fulfiling thing.

A nice trick for a man is to carry a cheap wallet in your back pocket with nothing in it. Mine had a piece of paper inside with a "less than polite" greeting written on it for any potential thief. By the time the pickpocket figures out that the wallet is a decoy, you are long gone. Of course mine went all through Italy with me, including a few trips on the 64 bus in Rome where pickpocketing is literally an art form, and came back with me completely intact. Still, better safe than sorry.

I stuff a credit card down one side of my bra and my trash cash down the other side. I scotchtape over my watch clasp and put my camera round my neck. No worries.

I just got a really good deal on a pacsafe metro 300 for $48.99 (regularly $99.99) I will feel much safer with this and my ScottEVest (with many inside pockets) too. Once I was on a crowded bus in Amsterdam and almost had my front facing waist pack pick-pocketed but I heard the velcro and the thief took off. I plan to use it to lock small items up in my room as well so it will be double duty.

Gwen, that Messenger Bag is several inches larger that the Civita Bag - and looks it. I've never had to 'check' my Civita Bag, unless ALL bags were to be checked.........Also, IF the RS signature is a colored ink, use a Rub-a-Dub pen (Sharpie too, perhaps) to 'black' it out... [I've spoken to ETBD employees who've done the same ;-) ]

Some creative ideas out there! I like the idea of the pin on the pocket and using your bra as a safety device! Great idea with the decoy wallet too ;) I'm glad to know that I can safely walk around with camera in hand - mine's larger than a point-and-shoot...a "bridge" camera (which is a camera that's not quite a DSLR) - but it's extremely light and I'd hate to have to keep putting it away, especially when there are so many photo ops! Thanks for all the tips on the messenger bag too - I'm glad to know that it's safe to have around. And now, just to figure out what I'm going to put in it...

Pat, I'm less likely to forget a messenger bag because it stays on me at all times now, but a purse you take off of your arm. Your point was that women never forget their handbags. That would not be true. I've had women leave purses at my work to know that. I also see so many women pay so little attention to what is happening with their purses that I wonder why they even have them.

With a messenger bag, it is easy to just wear all day, you never need to take it off to eat. I have watched theives just run by and grab bags off of womens shoulders. Wearing your bag cross body, thwarts this kind of robbery. As to the pinned pocket, it sounds good until you come home and find that someone has slit the bottom of your pocket with a razor blade without you noticing a thing. Have had this happen to close friends, and boy were they surprised. These were German friends who probably should have known better..... I can't wear a back-pack anyway as it kills my shoulders. A messenger bag distributes the weight better for me.

I would really prefer to use the RS Civita day pack, but I will instead use the RS messenger bag because I will be able to avoid having to check it at the entrance to many sites. I like the RS messenger bag because it is ultra light and has plenty of room for my stuff, but geez, Rick, did you have to sign your name on the front of it? Everywhere I go I will be a walking advertisement for RS!

I think you have to be vigilant when you are in any big city. I read that those straps that supposedly can't be cut CAN be. Here's something that happened to my wife in NYC - I see women do this all the time, everywhere I go - she sat down to eat and slung her bag over the back of her chair. While she was eating someone cut it and took it without her ever even noticing. So Ladies, please don't sling your bags over the back of your chairs!

I don't think a woman can beat the security of a bag that can be worn cross body with the purse area across your tummy, not your butt. It easy to keep your hand over it, and you don't have to take it off when you sit down to eat ( or use the facilities) - so no one is stealing it from under your chair or off the back of the chair. I've worn mine like that for years whenever I feel like I'm in a dicey area. I haven't had any problems...yet...so I'll continue with that practice until it doesn't work for me anymore.

The way I wear my backpacks is very similar to how you'd wear an "AmeriBag" Healthy Back Bag - tucked under my arm with my hand on the strap. The zippers are always to the front, and I don't walk in crowds If At All Possible. And even in my hometown of 12,000, my purse never goes on the back of my chair. Things happen...but not to me, if I can help it ;-). Whether at home or overseas, you just have to be vigilant - Hypervigilant in foreign surroundings. Gosh, traveling is exhausting LOL!

Karen,, I think you misunderstand me,, I carry a purse,, but, messenger bag style. It is not large or heavy,, I can shorten strap if I wanted and wear it over one shoulder,, which I sometimes do at home, but when travelling I lengthen the strap and carry it across body,,,and I don't take it off.The bag is a Derek Alexander,, and I love it. As to slinging a purse over a chair,, anyone who has travelled much knows that is a huge no, no. Since I travel alone sometimes, or sometimes alone with a child, I am very vigilant,, I have no back up person ( like hubby with the other set of CCs in his wallet for instance) so the system I have worked out seems very safe. Its worked for years.

I laugh when I read these money belt discussions. It's like a logic class: I didn't wear a money belt and I didn't get pickpocketed. Therefore, a money belt is not necessary.....That's like, I drank the water in Mexico. I didn't get sick. Therefore, the water in Mexico is safe to drink.

Just got back from a London, Paris, Florence and Rome trip. My wife and I took turns carrying the RS Civita Day Pack and it was perfect. Never had to check it anywhere. Very lightweight and it carried everything we needed (maps, camera, kleenex, etc). Money belt,, leave it at home (IMHO). I tried it on and lasted 2 minutes. The 13 days over there, I never felt unsafe (and I actually know someone who lost 500 dollars to a pickpocket). Carried a little cash and an ATM and Credit card in my front pocket. Keep your eyes open, stay off the buses and you'll be good to go. I truly believe RS makes serious money on selling money belts by mentioning pickpockets on 4-5 pages in his books. Never left our hotel with our passports and never needed them.

We just got back a week ago and to be honest, other than just being observant of our surroundings we did nothing different than we would have done in NYC and we were fine. Just think when you are around people and men move your wallet to your front pocket, that is all I did. My fiancee just kept her purse closed and in front of her and we were fine.

CHRIS, "I truly believe RS makes serious money on selling money belts by mentioning pickpockets on 4-5 pages in his books". ¶ I definitely DON'T AGREE with your comments regarding Money Belts or Rick's motives for mentioning these in his Guidebooks. To begin with, most people likely use Money Belts made by OTHER manufacturers, so RS gets no financial returns from those. The Money Belt I use is made by Eagle Creek. Rick's advice on this matter comes from over 35 years of travelling in Europe, and IMHO this is sound advice! ¶ I personally know someone who lost a SUBSTANTIAL amount of money to Pickpockets in Rome. The funds were in a zippered pocket and were "lifted" while in a crowded Metro car. ¶ You're certainly welcome to refrain from using a Money Belt; that's your choice. However, I'll continue using one when travelling in Europe. Cheers!

Good point about the logic. It all comes down to whether you really want to take such a chance with your credit cards, your ATM cards, big wads of cash, etc. I personally would never travel to Europe without a money belt (although I prefer the kind you wear around your neck). I do get a kick out of the image of Rick rolling in all the dough he's making from selling moneybelts. :-)

I agree. The discussion is always the same. "I have never had a problem, never wear a money belt, so why should anyone need to wear one?" Some like to take their singular experience and expand it into universal advice......... Joe and Chris remind me good friends who made fun of our "fixation" with money belts. I have posted the story before so I will give all the details. They had made four trips to Europe will no problems, and besides, "I keep everything in my front pocket and no one can get it without me knowing." On their fifth trip in Paris, they got everything - two passports, all debit/credit cards, cash, etc. ......... And there has been more than one postings on this site from people who have lost front pocket stuff. The front pocket may be safer than a back pocket but only marginally so. The vast majority of travelers will have no problem regardless of what they do.

I, too, recommend the messenger bag. Needed something big enough to hold a netbook, so just purchased one from Chicobags.com. The 12"x14" was $25 and weighs only 5.6 oz. Perfect if you're traveling with only a backpack and want to keep things light.

I use a combo of moneybelt, travel vest, small purse, and sometimes a small packpack. If I have a room safe, I keep some things there. I'm not a big camera user. My favorite camera is a disposable one. Nobody steals those and they can be carried in a pocket.

Wondering if pick-pocketing in London, Rome, Paris is worse than what you'd expect in NYC, Chicago, LA.....

I wasn't making fun of anyone or said anything about money belts not being necessary, I was just letting people know that I just got back, we were cautious and observant and everything was fine. Sorry if anyone took that as offensive.

I'm wondering what some of you keep in your backpacks or purses that would make you so worried about pickpockets. I carry a small cross-body messenger bag/purse (with daily money) and have only carried a backpack during one trip. In there was my jacket, map, kleenex, maybe a granola bar. I didn't care if anyone went through it because there was nothing of value.

To the guy who put his wallet in his front pocket.... my husband had his wallet in his front pocket on the bus to the train terminal and was pick pocketed. Luckily, it only had 100 euros in it and the rest was in a money belt. He never felt a thing - they are very good. He bought another cheap wallet and again on the bus he felt an old guy try and pick his front pocket but this time he was aware of it and just moved. My husband used a small messenger type bag and the rest of us had a cross over purse. I would never use a backpack for valuables on the crowded buses or metros unless it was turned around and worn on the front. They actually made tourists do this in a few places because of the problems they have with pickpockets.

As far as the money belt goes, even if someone says they didn't need it I'd rather "be safe then sorry". I've never heard of anyone at all having their money belt robbed... As for purses, I didn't even have to go all the way to Europe to have my purse robbed. My purse was grabbed here at home in broad daylight, and I have never carried a purse since, in Europe or at home. It's like a target that says "rob me". It will always be assumed you are carrying wallets, money, credit cards in there.

I just got a brilliant personal idea. The jacket that I'm bringing with me (light weight, waterproof w/hood, & fleece lined) is "reversible" so has pockets inside and out. The waterproof side had zippered pockets and the fleece side just regular pockets. The fleece side will be internal for my trip and has deep pockets. I'm going to put my stuff in there and use a safety pin to keep in closed! Reading all the comments here caused me to remember that about my jacket. Thanks everyone for the comments here, you are really helping me out even though the question didn't originate from me its been a very helpful topic.

Could not agree with you more Chris, I had the same experience while planning my trip earlier this month. Now, be ready for them to tell you to search on Rick's website for what you are looking for before asking questions, lol....

Oh mannnn, I forgot (as I'm smacking my forehead), this isn't a site where people ask questions, you give your opinion on your past experiences and hope you can be of some assistance, this is a site where people ask questions, you give your opinion and then 20 people tell you that you're wrong,, I'll have to remember that. Are you kidding me? I bet some of you people are a hoot to work with. I guess if you've posted 4 thousand times, you must be experts!

Ya, probably more experienced than you are.