Have you been planning your ultimate holiday in Europe? Seeing everything you’ve lovingly listed on your bucket list. The Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, Berlin Wall, etc. etc. And you’ve chosen the summer months to visit Europe. Well, the Northern Hemisphere Summer sees the arrival of many tourists in Europe. And tourist arrivals is of great joy to pickpockets.
According to Quotezone Italy logs some 478 pickpocketing mentions per million visitors at its top attractions. Followed by France at 251 pickpocketing mentions. Two of the most popular places that are probably on your Europe bucket list.
Be Aware but DON’T be Scared
These numbers can be scary statistics but as long as you are aware you should be one of the majority of visitors that comes home with their wallet, passport and love for Europe intact.
Know When You Are Most at Risk
The data from Quotezone points to the same cities, year after year. And at the same places. Most reports of being pickpocketed seem to occur at:
In Italy, Rome’s Trevi Fountain – so watch out when throwing that coin over your shoulder. Also the Colosseum and Termini Station.
In France, Paris’s Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Metro lines.
In general, it is wherever crowds compress. Such as a turnstile, a bus or train door, a bottleneck near an ATM, watching street performers – all times to be aware of your surroundings.
Smart Hacks for Hassle-free Travel
These tips will help you enjoy the sites without worrying about whose behind you.
- Know about the scams. Be aware of current scams like being gifted a friendship bracelet on your wrist. Before you can object to having such gift, it is on your wrist and payment demanded. Also watch out for fake ‘tourist police’ who flash a badge and ask to inspect your wallet for counterfeit currency. Real police don’t do this. And don’t hold anyone’s baby cause their free hands can then be in your bag! These are just a few – I’m sure there are many more
- The back pocket in your jeans is a gift. So don’t keep your wallet or phone there. Best to keep your valuables in a cross shoulder messenger bag that you keep on you at all times. And swing the bag to carry it at the front of you, not your back.
- Use a money belt or neck wallet for your passport and backup cash.
- Protect your devices before you leave home. Phones can be stolen however, keep it password protected to stop pickpockets accessing your important apps – like your banking app. Enable FindMy on iPhone or Find My Device on Android before departure.
- Use ATMs strategically. ATM skimming is petty crime’s financial cousin. Use machines inside bank branches during business hours. Avoid those stand alone ATMs where people can reach over your shoulder and take your cash or card or skim you.
- Stay Alert, Not Paranoid. Enjoy yourself but be aware of your surroundings.
- Register your trip with your country’s state/foreign department.
- Purchase travel insurance that covers theft including emergency document replacement.
Lastly, don’t let pickpocket statistics deter you from going to Europe and doing what is on your bucket list. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Throw that coin in the Trevi Fountain. Line up to see the Mona Lisa. Stay alert and be aware!
READ MORE:
How Not to Look Like a Tourist
1 Month Central Europe Itinerary for First Timers
How to Spend 3 Days in Paris
Best Messenger Bags for Travel
Read up on Travel Insurance
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