There are 9 travel essentials to wear that help you avoid pickpocket theft. Thieves hate to see me traveling because I will not be their pickpocket victim because valuables are hidden, and I am very observant with my eyes and my body.
First I will show you the 8 travel essentials that thieves hate. Then I will give you simple tips tourists can do to avoid pickpocket theft.
While walking in a crowded tourist spot where theft is literally happening when you do not even realize it, one travel essential is:
- a hidden money belt.
- Travel tip: do not reach for it in public places.
- This one is really soft and not hot and the buckle does not poke out-somewhat embedded.
- Travel tip: do not reach for it in public places.
- Some alternatives would be a lanyard flat RFID blocking passport holder but not for your passport.
- A bra pocket holds a wad of cash for tips for tour guides from your excursions.
- It holds is some credit cards.
- A vest that has an inner hidden pocket could be helpful and give you peace of mind as a tourist.
- The pockets can be deep to hide a wallet, a passport if moving hotels…or even a 3rd bag to get in the airplane (do not miss my vest video).
- One place to be aware of holding your wallet if it is in your front pocket is a bus or in a train since people can be squeezed together.
Men, one travel tip is that you could hold a minimalist RFID blocking wallet in your front pocket when walking through a crowd, and do not let go of it.
One place to be aware of holding your wallet if it is in your front pocket is a bus or in a train since people can be squeezed together.
5. Locking Safe for Travel: Wired like a bike lock; you wrap it through the hotel’s bed frame or if on some excursion, thread the wire through. Place valuables inside. Easy for large fingers to use too. I would only pack a locking safe if I checked luggage.
One travel tip: do not carry all your credit cards in one wallet. Divide them so that if you are robbed, the thieves did not steal all your cards.
You could put 1 in the bra pocket and one in your husband’s wallet.
This is not based on fear; we are arming ourselves to be smart. You will hear bully comments say, “Oh they will just cut your bag and steal your wallet.” We are not just going to tour a city known for pickpocket theft without a care in the world. Ignore the ugly comments.
You can put 1 credit card in a sock with a hidden pocket that zips.
If, like me, you still do not use your apple watch or phone to pay for stuff, one thing to do is:
- to practice getting your card out of the slots of your wallet
- putting it back and securing your wallet accurately and confidently.
WHY? So your eyes are not completely unaware of our surroundings while paying for something.
I keep my RFID blocking wallet clipped to the thing. Do NOT use the card slots in purses.
Let us know if you are a passport in the safe or wear the passport while touring a city traveler.
People have valid reasons for both.
6. For a long flight, an anti-theft travel essential: a scarf with a hidden pocket, or you may want to wear your hidden money belt. The trick is that the zipper and thread must match the fabric.This one doubles as a blanket with no bulk.
If you get bad vibes at a hotel, keep your cash on your person. You can put it in the padding space of your sports bra.
You can get a brush that has a screw top to stash your cash.
You can use an empty deodorant bar.
Jewelry is always costume when I travel, except for my wedding ring.
7. A slash-resistant crossbody bag. There is a wire in the strap and the mesh panels are wire. It gives me peace of mind and it can hole my wallet and my strong travel umbrella.
8. The most important act you can do is invest in zipper clips or locking ones. If you choose the locking ones, practice them! They are not the easiest, but you will get used to them. I just use the regular ones.
Quick Freebie Explanation
You know how people take a picture of their credit card info or the front page of their passport? Well, you do not want a criminal to find those images if they steal your phone because they have all that personal information in them.
The freebie shows you how to save photos to your Notes app and then lock it with a password. Super easy. Grab that free download below.
Some Other Quick Tips
One of the most important things you can do to avoid theft in pickpocket areas is be aware of anyone who has a clipboard near you or wants to survey you or holds a pamphlet or a map. Walk away. Avoid those thieves or your valuables could be stolen.
We noticed with pilot wives when one guy was walking up behind our group in known for diamonds, near the train station, this guy was eyeing my friend’s backpack. The zippers were locked but he was looking too long, so I called her name. But you could have a code word to holler out if you notice someone behaving abnormal.
While in another country, if you your passport is stolen, follow my steps in this video.