In this guide, we will discuss one of the most common problems and fears every tourist has when setting out on a dream trip. It does not matter whether you are travelling in Europe, the US, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia—the fear is pretty much universal.
We conducted extensive research and analyzed various discussions related to “how to avoid being pickpocketed” to collect the most essential information from different sources. We also used Artificial Intelligence and data analysis tools to identify patterns in discussions on platforms like Reddit to find the most suitable advice for this problem. We hope you enjoy the results and find this guide helpful.
Based on the analysis of a Reddit thread, here are the top four pieces of advice I would give to tourists to avoid being pickpocketed anywhere. Many suggestions are shared below—the situation may vary for everyone, so we hope you find the most convenient ones for you. We have written city-specific guides to prevent pickpocketing based on local circumstances.
How to prevent yourself from being pickpocketed in tourist destinations
Use layered security for valuables
Keep important items (passport, extra cash, main credit cards) in a money belt or neck pouch under your clothing, while carrying only what you need for immediate use in more accessible pockets. As one commenter noted in a Reddit thread:
However, one traveller disagreed, saying:
“He has the opinion that fanny packs and money belt silhouettes might as well be ‘ROB ME’ signs.
Hahaha! Funny, isn’t it? Don’t worry—we have other options for you.
Stay vigilant in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketed
Be especially alert in transit hubs, tourist attractions, and on public transportation. As experienced travelers mentioned:
“Watch yourself most when there are a lot of people around (train stations, bus stops, and near popular destinations). If someone is standing so close they need to touch you, assess the situation. Move away or make deliberate eye contact so they know you’re aware.”
Another traveler suggested avoiding behaviors that make you look vulnerable:
“Don’t make yourself look like an easy target. Maintain awareness of your surroundings. Don’t walk around holding out your phone or carrying items where they’re easily visible or accessible.”
Split up your valuables
Don’t keep all your money and cards in one place. Distribute them between different secure locations so that if one item is stolen, you’re not left completely stranded. As advised:
“Split your cash up. So if they pick your wallet, you aren’t stranded.”
Never keep all your money and cards in one place. As the second thread advises: This ensures that if something is stolen, you aren’t left completely stranded.
“Keep your credit cards and your cash separate—one in your wallet and another in your pants pocket.”
Use front pockets and keep your hands in them in crowded areas
Both threads strongly emphasize avoiding back pockets. Front pockets are much harder to access without detection. As one commenter noted:
:
“When walking through crowded areas, keep your hands in your pockets (if you’re a guy) to keep pickpockets out of them.”
Be alert to common distraction techniques
Pickpockets often work in teams and use specific tactics. Watch for people who bump into you, throw items for you to catch, spill drinks on you, or create commotions. One commenter warned:
“Be wary of situations that allow for pickpocketing… Be wary of people who bump into you.”
A colleague of mine who was on a family trip in Barcelona shared her experience. A street child gang distracted them by showing a piece of paper. As her husband was curiously looking at it, another child snatched her wallet—and he lost his passport.
Use specialized anti-theft gear appropriately
Consider using money belts under clothing, anti-theft bags with security features, or clothing with hidden pockets for valuables. As one traveler shared:
“I’d never travel without my reinforced bag that prevents snatching, slashing, and is tamper-resistant. The strap has metal cabling in it… The zipper for the main compartments has a clip that makes it impossible to be opened by pickpockets.”
These strategies focus on both prevention and damage limitation, which appear to be the most effective approaches based on the experiences shared in these threads.
