I had my neck pouch with my credit card and bank cards as I walked through the metro to the train station in Barcelona. When a fellow traveler bumped me, I didn't pay much attention until I went to buy water and some food for the train trip and .... surprise.... no wallet. I did have my DL in there, why I don't know, and some Euros for daily spending. These guys are just so quick! I admit, I had let my guard down by not putting my DL and health insurance card in my pouch.....won't make that mistake again!!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Terry, Thanks for posting this "refresher warning". I was in Barcelona in June, but fortunately didn't have any problems with pickpockets, including in the "high risk" areas of Las Ramblas, Metro and the rail station.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9219 posts
You mean they put their hand down inside your shirt, took the wallet out of your neck pouch, and you didn't notice it?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I think he means that he had his valuable stuff (except his drivers license) in the neck pouch, which was safe. They got his wallet, which only had a few euros and his DL in it. Am I right, Terry?
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2787 posts
I go to Europe every summer for 11 of the past 12 years for a month. I have always used a money belt and have never taken a wallet and that has worked fine for me. I carry my daily spending money or necessary tickets for that day in a zippered chest pocket. We all live and learn by our experiences.
Posted by
OP
Rochelle, IL
263 posts
Jo....just the typical wallet in the back pocket. I kept everything else in a neck pouch and that was not touched. I like Charlie's suggestion. I hate having to dig out the neck pouch just to get money for a train, or snack. My wife has already commented on the wisdom of me keeping anything in the wallet except a couple of euros.
It's just frustrating...
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9219 posts
Ha! ok, I was wondering about that and it seems I misread the post. Sorry!
Posted by
OP
Rochelle, IL
263 posts
As a side note: I used to use a money belt. It would fit around my rather rotund waist and I could cinch my belt over it to give it added protection. While going through security at CDG, the man asked for my passport and I undid my belt and reached in to grab it. I don't know what he thought I was doing, but he waved his hands and yelled, "No monseiur, passport." I tokd him I was getting it and when I pulled the passport out, he laughed so hard I thought was going to cry.
Posted by
Denver, CO
796 posts
HA!HA!HA! Thanks Terry - your CDG security story just made my day!!! p.s Sorry about your wallet!