Ann1

"Pick pocketing is so relatively rare in America "

Yes, pick pocketing is very prevelent in the US. Living in NY I have been very careful but I have felt hands in purses and coat pockets, etc. I have known many people who have been pick pocketed in NY. I've never had anything taken, but my husband has. He is more careful now.

Just a hint: Read Rick Steves book on traveling in Italy. He gives you all the information about the buses, metro, protecting you valuable, etc.

Catbert

I'm sorry you got pickpocketed.

The last post made me think, I'd rather be pickpocketed in Rome than mugged at gun point in NYC. At least that doesn't happen much in Europe.

Sue_xx_yy

CubFanAlways

Thanks for the post. It is a good reminder that as uncomfortable as wearing a moneybelt can sometimes be, it is worth the trouble.

My problem with hotel safes is that it makes for one more thing to remember to clear when we leave the hotel. I like a simple, consistent system where I'm not always moving stuff from one secure place to the next - makes for easier tracking.

CubFan, show me the person who's never made a travel-related goof and I'll show you someone who never travels. Not long ago I bought a nonrefundable ticket just a week before I knew the airline in question had a history of announcing a sale. Sure enough, the sale came along as usual and I was out $300 for my impatience. Lesson learned. Ouch!

Glad you otherwise enjoyed Rome. Cheer up, in another era you might have been the starring entertainment in the Colosseum....

JJ5

Good post. I'm always told I'm gloom and doom about this issue. Believe me, there is pickpocketing in the USA. You wouldn't believe how many Americans are too embarrassed to report it. Mostly they just report it to the credit card companies.

It happens in Chicago on the el, and in sporting event crowds, Taste of Chicago etc. My brother used to work the pickpocket detail when he was younger.

I too use the spread it out technique and hardly carry cash amounts bigger than $60 to $100- especially in Europe or in any big city bustle.

And I'm a good girl so I won't say one thing about your name. GO WHITE SOX- just one more game to take the next step forward.

BTilke

francophile03, I was attacked by three young men in Brussels and a moneybelt would not have given me ANY protection. They had attacked several other people on previous nights; two of their victims had been wearing money belts, one a neckpouch. The only thing the moneybelt added in those cases were a few more injuries as the attackers beat the victims for making them "work" a little harder for their pickings. Fortunately, I had my keys in a pocket and my cell phone in another...they threw me down, grabbed my purse, checked that my wallet had my cash and CCs, stomped on my glasses and took off.
FWIW, we also had someone try to shoot my husband at point blank range in Brussels (attacker was too drunk to realize the gun was unloaded, his very big mistake); but I've never had any even remotely similar brushes with crime in NYC.

francophile03

BTilke, I'm sorry about you and your husband's unfortunate mugging. I don't know why I'm being singled out here as I'm not the lone believer in using moneybelts. There are two other posters who favor using moneybelts too. So do what you want, moneybelt or no moneybelt, stash your cash in your suitcase, safe, whatever. It's your choice. I made mine.

offlady

CubFanAlways, I am in total agreement regarding the money belt and your sound advice. I only keep my daily allowance of spending cash and one credit card in my backpack (no purse). The passports, spare credit card, travelers checks, airline tickets, etc. all go in the soft money belt hidden under my clothing. If I need to access it, I do it hidden--usually in the bathroom. The rest of the time we keep them locked in the hotel safe.

We met an older American couple on a train that were seasoned European travelers (17 trips) and they were both victimized several times. The husband had all 7 of his pockets picked on a 7 minute train ride, but luckily he had been wearing his money belt. Another time the wife had her fanny waist pouch cut off. By the time she notified her credit card company, the thief had managed to rack up $2000 in charges. They said they now keep all their valuables hidden in a money belt. It does work.

allanc

Pickoicketing is less popular in the States. They don't have the finesse...they just mug you there. It is faster.

kswl

Btilke, were both your unfortunate Brussels experiences during a single trip?

LoveItaly

Oh my,this thread is going to cause some people to not want to travel I think.

Even in SF, especially during the Holiday Season, the SFPD warns people about pickpockets, theft etc. It is just not a Europe problem. But if one is out of the country and has the problem then it is more devastating than if they are in their own country.

One clue from years ago...have a $20.00 bill on you to turn over to a robber if you are held up. That is better then if you pretend you have nothing.

Regarding pickpockets..do think about the millions of Europeans that go about their daily life without a problem.

Travellers, when you are in a city and staying in a hotel utilize the hotel (not the room) safe and put your passport, an extra credit card, ATM card and extra cash there.

When roaming about the city where you have a hotel room take a minimum amount of cash, one credit card and an ATM card if you need to get cash that day. And if you do get cash that day from an ATM don't wander all around the city with it. Take it back to your hotel and deposit it into the hotel safe except for what you need that day.

If you are travelling from area to area then put all necessary items in a moneybelt. A silk one is more comfortable to wear.

I disagree with CubFanAlways comment that pickpocketing is rare in America. I had it happen at my local supermarket a couple of years ago. It happens in the US also.

But CubFanAlways did give some good advice IMO. But again, remember, don't panic, Europeans go about their life day in and day out with their purses, wallets etc. Europe is NOT anymore dangerous then anywhere else and in a lot of cases it is safer IMO. Happy and safe travels to everyone.

BTilke

No, my mugging and the gun incident occurred during the 6 years we've been living there. Francophile03, I posted to you because you said you were "incredulous" at some TA posters saying that moneybelts were worthless if you were being mugged. Being mugged is very different from being pickpocketed and based on personal experience being mugged (NOT pickpocketed), I would agree with them.
I don't wear a moneybelt at home in Brussels for the same reasons that most posters would not wear a moneybelt while shopping at their local mall. For most people, it's simply not something you do every day at home.
However, I don't wear a moneybelt while traveling either, especially on business and have NEVER had a problem in any major U.S. city (NY, Philly, Chicago) or during our travels in Europe.

francophile03

Gee, I didn't mean to infer that being mugged is in the same category as being pickpocketed. I was trying to say that when given a choice between using a moneybelt or hiding their cash and important documents in a suitcase, some people chose the latter.

I see that the suitcase is favored over the moneybelt for some people, the shoe for others, etc.

Therefore, whatever method you (BTilke) choose that's your choice. A moneybelt is mine.

dutyfree

Cub Fan-the 64 bus is the infamous bus that goes from Termini Station and stops along the way to the Vatican. Its known especially in "high season" as the suckers bus as its always packed and everyone that is not a local is on it for the sightseeing?(I personally had the thrill of being goosed on it last year but that is another story?) There are numerous gypsy type teenage girls along with others that are known for traveling it to make some money. Don't feel bad about being pickpocketed-be lucky it was only the money. Another tip to others is-if you are leaving anything like a cell phone or other valuables in your rooms overseas-BE SURE TO HAVE SOME TYPE OF LOCKS ON THE SUITCASES. There are numerous instances that cleaning people.etc. break into hotel rooms and look through whats in the suitcases.
The best thing to do whenever you leave your hotel room overseas is to leave the lights on,the TV on in the language of the country that you are in and the bathroom door somewhat closed-that way if anyone opens the door they will think that someone is in the room. If the room is one that requires a plastic hotel room key, then use another card with you to keep the A/C, lights on,etc.This is something that most flight crews use on layovers as there have been problems at some places we stay in the past.

gblakely

Although I thought it was fairly amazing, a friend told me that while he was in Rome this summer in a crowd, he reached into his front pants pocket to secure his billfold, only to find someone else's hand! The same person tried again a few minutes later to pickpocket him again!

angy400

a friend told me that while he was in Rome this summer in a crowd, he reached into his front pants pocket to secure his billfold, only to find someone else's hand

Has this ever happened to anyone else? If so, what did you do? I would think I would be so mad I would either hit the person or make a huge scene about it.

Mary_Fran

I find it interesting that threads on this forum about pickpockets in European cities have a way of degenerating into emotional responses and counter-responses. One poster may advise you to leave your valuables in your hotel room, and another disagrees, citing theft from hotel rooms and even hotel safes as a real problem. Some strongly recommend use of money belts and discourage carrying valuables in purses. Others say that they since they don't shun purses at home and there are pickpockets in the US also, they certainly don't intend to avoid carrying a purse in Europe.

In the end, one is left feeling uneasy and uncertain about how to prepare for and deal with pickpockets in Europe. Each of us is left to try to sort out the conflicting advice and find something that will work for us. On one hand, I want to avoid a siege mentality, where too much of my time and energy is spent watching my back. Each time I leave my hotel room, do I really need to anticipate and attempt to foil a burglary of my room in my absence? Each time I leave my room, must I pack everything up in my suitcase and lock it? Put my laptop, passport, and other valuables in the room safe? No? Not safe enough? Must I check them in at the front desk to place in their safe?

What's enough? What's too much?

The best place to look for objective advice may be on the US State Department's website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/...fety_1747.html

For information about crime in Italy, see the Consular Information sheet: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1146.html. That site recommends the following, among other excellent trips:

"Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to conceal them in several places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing."

nonnafelice

Regarding the statement that you do not need to carry your passport with you: If you want to use an Internet point while traveling, at least in Italy, you do need to present your passport. I believe that this is a recently passed law -- part of the anti-terrorism initiatives.

I don't know whether this is true in other EU countries, or only in Italy.

worldinabag

Hi

Thanks for the tips. I don't know why people are so indignant about not needing to follow these simple, sensible precautions. To add to the list:

1. When taking money out avoid using large denominations.

2. Dress down. Leave the expensive watch, necklace etc. at home. Otherwise wear them to get noticed. Thieves will be particularly impressed.

3. Keep cameras out of view unless you are using them.

Safe and happy travels.

ginder

Hi CubFanAlways, thanks for the advice. Also with regard to safes in hotel rooms and hotel desk. I can't remember where I read this, but, if you would claim what has been stolen from your hotel room on your travel insurance and you didn't use the safes available to you, it could mean that the insurance co. may decide to reject your claim. Just a terrible thought. Read small print if you have an insurance policy.

JeanneB

Another personal note on how I managed to carry cash and cr cards while feeling safe and secure in Paris...for ladies.

I carried about 100 euro and 1 credit card at any given time, left excess cash, passport and other credit cards in the hotel safe. Never had a problem re: the safe. At first I wore a money belt, but found I didn't need it.

I carried a small softsided microfiber messenger bag with maps, camera, makeup, etc. I put a (very) small wallet in the inside pocket. For extra safety, I fastened the zipper pull of that pocket with a safety pin. The bag had a zipper to close the interior and then a flap covered the top of the bag, snapping on the outside. I usually put 10 euro or so in the outside zippered flap (or sometimes a separate small purse). Lastly, I carried a tiny "dummy" wallet...in the interior before one got to the pinned pocket. I usually carried the bag across my chest, but ALWAYS made sure the snapped flap was turned against my body. Lastly, I kept my hand on the bag in crowds.

Never had a problem, never felt insecure. I stopped wearing the money belt after just a couple of days. This method gave me enough carrying room for the items I needed and I felt completely secure that no one could "pick" that inside pocket...and, no, the dummy wallet never disappeared.