Marija

Never been pickpocketed before today. We were staying at the Metropole in Hanoi, as was the president of Argentina and her entourage. The presidential visit turned the lobby into a madhouse with screening equipment, press, and wall to wall people. I paid the bill and decided to go to the Citibank ATM next door to get more dong since we were leaving for Hue. From the ATM went straight to the hotel room to finish packing. When the time came to divide up the money with DH, my wallet was not in the large purse I was carrying. I assumed that I absentmindedly set it down in the room or packed it. Took everything apart, not a trace. The hotel sent up staff to check the room. Nothing. Rechecked the luggage when we arrived in Hue. Nothing. Checked with Citibank before we left. Nothing. There was a rather shady looking gent in the elevator with me on the way to the room. It was just the two of us. Wonder if he helped himself while we were waiting for the elevator or inside the elevator?

Hanuman

Hard luck Marija. Hope the rest of your trip will not be ruined by this.

jacketwatch

very sorry to hear this. it happened to us in Vegas. my wife got her wallet picked right from her purse. I hope you are ok.

dgunbug

So sorry. My husband was pickpocketed in Madrid and Delhi. Luckily the majority of our money is in money belts. Hope they didnt get too much from you.

thursdaysd

So sorry! I was pickpocketed in Rome, but they only got an expired bus pass and one day's cash. I'm always nervous after using an ATM.

jacketwatch

So true thursday. Good bet someone saw her using the ATM and shadowed her.

jaimeGL

Bad luck! I went "home" to London a few years back and was pick pocketed on the Tube!

Kathie

So sorry, Marija.

loncall

Marija I am so sorry to hear of this miserable set back. I do hope that sorting out the matter was not too much hassle. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Craig

Been there - sorry for your loss. It is hard not to feel personally violated, but try not to let it ruin your vacation. Live for the moment and forget it.

rhkkmk

does you purse have a top zipper? and then a zippered pocket inside? if, not replace it..

even in that lux neighborhood things happen...

Shanghainese

I am so sorry about your bad experience, (hope your ATM card was not taken) please don't let it sour your trip.

colduphere

What a pleasant forum. Post this in the Europe forum and look out.

hawaiiantraveler

Sorry it happened to you. Had the same thought as Shanghainese about your ATM card and wallet+contents of. Take solace in knowing karma will catch up to them whoever it was.

Hoping that the rest of your trip is more enjoyable.

Aloha!

Jaya

So sorry to hear about this Marija. I got pick pocketed on the Metro in Paris. It's a awful experience.

Marija

Thanks for the support! I am a great believer in diversification of holdings in both the stock market and when traveling, so the thief didn't wipe us out. I do always keep the wallet with limited contents in a zipped pocket but since I was just walking across the hotel lobby to the elevator I didn't bother. Stupid, stupid, as the Europe forum would say.

crosscheck

Bummer! But at least you're okay and seem to have a great attitude. Pretty nervy of the perpetrator considering all the security that was probably in the hotel. Did you get to see Cristina?

offwego

Hmmm, about 5 years ago someone tried to knick my wallet just outside that same hotel. Caught him though, made a big fuss about it and then a lady came over and beat him with a broom. So sorry to hear that happened to you; no worries though, he'll get a broom taken to him eventually.

hawaiiantraveler

Good for future VN travelers to know that ATM is being watched by thieves.

Aloha!

yestravel

So sorry this happened to you. It's a good warning to always be careful. Hope you are enjoying your trip.