Being a tourist destination filled with charm and picturesque sites, Italy has its fair share of good and bad. One common trick that local scoundrels use to exploit visitors is pickpocketing. While Italy is no more dangerous than any other European country, there are certain ways you can protect your valuables and avoid getting your holiday ruined. Without wasting much time, let’s get started on the steps to safeguard your possessions.
Dress Inconspicuously
Peacocking around with designer clothes and shiny accessories may boost your holiday spirit, but unfortunately, it also draws the wrong type of attention. Pickpockets are automatically gravitated towards a well-dressed tourist. Try to blend in and avoid dressing overly flamboyant, wearing expensive watches, or flashing a lot of cash. Opt for casual clothes and keep your accessories minimal.
Divert and Distribute
The number one rule for keeping your money safe is not to keep it all in one place. Divert and distribute your cash, credit cards, and important documents in different pockets or bags. In case you do fall victim to pickpockets, you won’t lose everything at once.
Embrace Digital Wallets
The advent of technology has provided us with secure and convenient mobile payment methods such as PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, etc. Utilize these digital wallets to decrease your reliance on physical cash, therefore reducing the risk of losing money to pickpockets.
Invest in Anti-theft Bags
Nowadays, there are many travel gears designed specifically to deter thieves, such as bags with hidden zippers or slash-resistant material. Investing in anti-theft bags will provide an extra layer of security for your belongings. These are harder to access without your noticing, and their sturdy construction makes them less appealing to pickpockets.
Be Vigilant in Crowded Places
Crowded attractions, public transport, markets, and festivals are pickpockets’ paradises. Be extra careful in such high-traffic locations. Keep your belongings in your sight at all times and avoid any physical contact with strangers.
Avoid Showing Tourist Maps
Looking lost and frequently consulting a tourist map is like sending an open invitation to tricksters. Try to plan your route before you leave your accommodation. Use mobile apps for directions instead of conventional maps.
Beware of Distractions
Most pickpockets work in pairs or groups, where one distracts the victim while others do the job. If you sense an uncalled-for distraction ranging from an argument, an accident, sudden commotion, or even someone spilling something on you, safeguard your belongings immediately.
Travel Light
The fewer items you carry, the less attractive you are to pickpockets. Having fewer things also makes it easier to track your belongings.
Enable Phone Tracking and Share Location
In the digital age, your phone is arguably one of your most valuable possessions – it’s a mini-computer that has your digital wallet, reservations, travel information, and contact details. Therefore, it’s crucial to take precautions to protect it.
Most smartphones have built-in GPS that can be used to track them in case they get lost or stolen. For instance, Android phones have a ‘Find My Device’ feature, while iPhones offer the ‘Find My iPhone’ function. Enable these features before starting your journey.
Alternatively, consider sharing your location with a trusted person. Most phones and social messaging apps offer this feature. This shared connection could become vital in case you lose your phone or encounter an emergency.
Additionally, always keep your phone locked with a password or biometric authentication, making it harder for thieves to access your private data. Regularly backing up your data is also a smart move so that you can restore your data if your phone is lost or stolen.
Never leave your phone unattended, especially in communal areas, and try not to take it out unnecessarily when in crowded places. Consider using headphones to make calls and a smartwatch to check notifications to avoid having to keep picking up your phone.
Remember, executing some simple safety measures can potentially save you from significant distress later on. Don’t let your guard down; safeguard your phone just as vigilantly as you would your wallet.
While Rome wasn’t built in a day, it only takes a moment for pickpockets to ruin your Roman holiday. Implementing these simple yet effective strategies will not guarantee an entirely pickpocket-free trip, but will lower your risk substantially. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
Stay smart, stay safe, and let nothing steal the magic away from your Italian adventure!
