Yes, always keep an eye of people around you, especially in crowds and in the trains/metro/buses. If you’re standing next to the door in a train/metro/bus, keep your hands near or on your pockets, and make sure your bag is secure, especially when the doors are about to close. Pickpockets/snatch thieves often make a quick getaway just as the doors are closing.

Pickpockets can be found all over the world (unfortunately) so it’s rather unfair to name “the worst cities” I think. As a traveller, use your common sense, be aware of local scams (e.g. someone offers to clean up the bird poo that’s dropped on your shirt while an accomplice pickpockets you as your attention in diverted. Turns out, the poo was mustard) and always keep an eye on your belongings.

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After 9 months in Europe, I’ve been pickpocketed twice, which I guess isn’t bad! The first time was in Madrid – I had a one shoulder sling bag and a girl walking behind me quickly unzipped it and unzipped an inside small pocket and stole my notebook (which I guess she thought was a wallet) and 50 euro I had in the small pocket. My husband noticed her behind us unzipping me and turned around, but she ran off and had already taken the stuff! I was amazed at how fast she was. From then on, I used a caribiner rock-climbing clip to clip my zipper and the top handle of my bag together so that the zippers can’t just be yanked down.

Recently in Athens, my little coin purse was snatched from my pants pocket, which was closed and sealed with velcro! It was on the busy metro, and I had my hand on my pocket the whole time because everyone was so packed together, but as I was getting off someone must’ve snatched it because when I got to the restaurant, I noticed it was gone! Luckily, I learned from the first time never to carry much on me so it only had my ID and 10 euro. The professionals out there are so quick and smooth!

My grandma bought me special underwear that has a pocket built into the front for safekeeping and I never wore them because they’re hideous granny panties, but I might have to start

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Barcelona really is one of the worst cities for pickpockets. Do not suffer as I did. If two of you stop for a coffee somewhere (inside or out) and one goes to the bathroom, make sure that you put the table legs through the straps of any bags you are carrying. Do NOT leave them on a chair. If you do, then you may find that someone comes up to you speaking in a language you don’t understand and – whilst you are turning away to try and understand the person who is talking to you – his friend appears from nowhere and steals your bags off the chair.

I lost a bag containing a camera lens. Be careful out there!

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How about “don’t carry that much cash” as an additional tip. I remember doing a show about Brazil on the Amateur Traveler and the guest talked about tourists carrying $1000. That’s just not a good idea. In your case, it is not hard to hit an ATM machine in Spain if you need more cash.

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My husband always keeps his wallet in the front pocket of his jeans / trousers rather than the back pocket.

My mum chains her wallet into her small backpack. This actually foiled some pickpockets in Malaga. The pickpockets had been shadowing her and got her backpack open. They then tried to take the wallet which was chained in. Obviously my mum immediately noticed the tug on her back and the pickpockets bolted.

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Tourists are the most likely victims of pickpocketing as they are so easy to spot. Perhaps it would be prudent to NOT look like such a tourist when you are out and about. I could cite examples – but you know who you are!

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Here’s some advice. Anybody dumb enough to get their pocket picked should stay home.

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There’s really no need to have 300€ with you in Spain. Use your standard bank card in any ATM in Spain and you’ll get a deal as good as your bank at home AS LONG AS YOU PRESS THE ‘CHARGE ME IN EUROS’ BUTTON. Some banks try to do the conversion themselves and charge you too much commission.

If you are charged in Euros, the Spanish bank will not charge you anything, leaving your bank back home to sort out the charges for you. You’ll rarely pay more than about 2€ commission (check with your bank for the exact amount), so you can take your money out bit by bit and not carry huge amounts with you (or go through the hassle of using your hotel safe).

Yes, Barcelona is very bad for pickpockets. Be extra careful on the Ramblas and on the beach. The metro is bad too. Careful in Madrid too – I was pickpocketed on the Madrid Metro.

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There are , unfortunately, pickpocketers all around the world.

I’m so sorry about this terrible incident in Barcelona to this person but I can’t believe the label you set in a modern European capital, several times, in the past 4 years, labelled by experts, I mean real travel and toursim international qualified experts, one of the best destinations in the world.

It makes no sense to me that a modern capital, with a never ending list of cultural, natural and historical atractives is highlighted if it’s not a safe place.

Unfortunate incidents should not happily damage the well known and deserved reputation of an amazing place that worths to be visited.

Thank you Keith for your ” simply use commun sense” useful tips.

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So sorry to hear these stories when it is so easy to prevent & just takes a little bit of common sense. We are into our 4th year of non-stop travel as a family, have been to 4 continents,32 countries so far and we have been to Barcelona 8 times on this trip…often staying a month.

Like most people we love it and find it as safe as any city. Pickpockets operate in EVERY city and tourist area, always open to find an easy victim.

Why in the world would anyone carry that much money on them in a wallet?

If you must carry lots of money & valuables on you, use a money belt instead of wallet or purse and don’t look and act like a dazed tourist. Even Rick Steves wears a money belt as it is common sense.

Note..with stories of pickpockets you NEVER hear about travelers with properly used money belts being victims. It’s always those with purses and wallets filled with valuables who are also usually not staying conscious nor using common sense !

If you are carrying lots of valuables while traveling one needs to be more aware and responsible. Don’t blame the city or pickpockets, blame the minority of travelers who did not do their homework…. unlike the majority of travelers who go and have no problems what so ever with pickpockets!

Sadly, some people have to learn the hard way. I’m sorry for the victims but get exasperated with those that set themselves up as likely targets, then blame the place.

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low level crime is a pain in the a**. I always take a thin pouch i can wear around my waist under my t shirt. I keep my passport and money in there, with a bit of walking around money in my pocket.

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Pickpockets are both hard and easy to avoid:

- Don’t look like a tourist (hard to do with that SLR around your neck, but at least dress mostly like a local)
- Don’t carry a lot of cash ($1000 in Rio??? That’s nuts)
- Carry a decoy wallet (with some folded papers and a couple of dollar bills) to give a mugger or keep in your back pocket)
- Carry money in several locations on your body / bags
- PacSafe bags rule
- The carabiner clip idea above is great, follow it, they come in some really small sizes suitable for bag / purse zippers
- Be aware of people coming to close
- Assume strangers in a tourist locations have dodgy intentions, even if they look like tourists (common ploy)
- If someone intentioanlly blocks your view in a crowd, shove them away from you so that you can see your belongings
- Shout ‘pickpocket’ or ‘thief’ in the local language if you’re pretty sure someone’s trying to take your stuff!

Some things that may help

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Getting pickpocketed in Barcelona is really common, there is absolutely no doubt about that – but it is mostly restricted to the dead touristy areas. Just a few blocks from the tourist centres it feels really safe and I’ve never had any problems.

But anywhere around the Ramblas and Gothic area I switch into a different mode and never carry anything valuable in a shoulder bag. Don’t care if I look naff with a bumbag, it’s the only way I can relax and enjoy the city. The tips about bags in bars and restaurants are really good – never leave your bag on the floor or on the back of the chair – no matter how posh the place. But Barcelona is a fabulous city, so just take the obvious safety measures and you’ll have a wonderful trip.

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Take EVERYTHING you don’t immediately need out of your wallet. Only take as much money as you think you’ll need.

Redistribute your money, cards, etc. in different pockets or containers, so a tea-leaf doesn’t get the lot.
Ensure your ‘emergency numbers’ are in your mobile phone … use a cheap, ‘pay as you go’, rather than a ‘state of the art’ model.

Try and look as if you know where you’re going, and what you’re doing, even if you don’t

And, hardest of all ….

If you see a sign saying ‘Beware of Pickpockets’ … DON’T check that your wallet’s still there!

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I’m surprised no one has mentioned Rome yet… one of the worst places for pickpocketers… it is also true though about being aware of ur surroundings. I traveled alone and with one friend through Europe and I didn’t get mugged at all… maybe has something to do with being used to it from NY?

If I carry anything in a purse, the zipper is always in the front, not the back… harder for them to reach. and those bags that hug ur stomach under ur clothes are great as long as they stay hidden (or have a metal wire in them to keep from being cut). and ALWAYS leave a card at the hotel. if u lose one, u still got another.

I’m living in Japan now and yes I know it is pretty safe, but I always leave a card behind – or in a locker for the day in Tokyo. Actually something that I use and love is a big bag with a smaller bag inside it.

Me big bag doesn’t actually have a zipper but the opening is smaller when around my shoulder and finding the small clutch instead isn’t easy… and also it is too big to grab from the bag without being noticed.

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First of all. Every big city around the world could have thieves. Now; The cities I’ve been to and consider highly possible to get pickpocket are:

Rio: the area of the Avenida Atlantica when gets very crowded, the area of Av. Copacabana, and Lapa. specially during night or street parties……although beautiful city, just be discreet, where clothes as locals do, dont carry much cash, you can pay with your credit card, and try to avoid using ATM at lonely streets or if you see / feel unsafe to.

Sao Paulo: Everywhere, even so fantastic night life

Lima: Specially the downtown, don’t use ATM’s farther than 1 block from the main square

Mexico DF: Be careful in the metro, and the “zona rosa”, specially during festivals.

Santiago de Chile: At Santiago Centro, and some areas around, the market, the train station, and the metro. Avoid dark streets and lonely streets, a slight bump into you and you will have no wallet.

Buenos Aires: this is the worst, specially the main streets, as Florida, and the metro.

Some general advices:

1. Always carry only what you will need, this is: some cash por the metro or bus, carry one credit card, and put’em in a place where are safe, not your back pocket of your trousers.

2. Leave the valuable stuff (rest of credit cards, cash, etc) at the hotel safe lock.

3. If you carry a camera, pull it out, at a safe place. Wait till you get to a spot where lots of tourists are doing the same, and some security staff looks after you.

4. Never! count your money or take a look of your wallet or credit cards, at streets, or crowded places such as parties, street festivals, etc.

5. Read reviews about safety, and areas to walk around in the cities you plan to go to.

6. Finally be discreet, always play a low profile and don’t show off or act as you’ll in your own country.

Safe traveling to you all.

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Getting pickpocketed in Barcelona may be really common, but I think you should be aware of pickpockets in any city/place you visit. Check out this blog post on how to avoid pickpockets. It’s about Madrid, but most of the tips shared in the post can be useful in any other city of the world.

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Darren

A city any city.. bigger the city worse the problem

Personal experances in London (punching them does work, would not recommend it), Liverpool, Leeds … what is it with UK and L, New York, Paris (seen a guy going for wifes bag, as he did look round while touching the bag, I shock my head and he turned and went otherway)

Customer reports: London Leeds and Birmingham
Orlando, Washington, New york, LA, Paris, Amsterdam
Barcelona.

Standard advice applies, look lost or loaded with tourist stuff and you might as well have a sign thats says TARGET.

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Rome for sure. One major problem there is many of the pickpockets make little to now attempt to be sneaky – they prefer the smash & grab. And run.

I’ve traveled a lot & have yet to be pickpocketed (knock on wood!), & one thing I always always always do is try to make myself a less-than-ideal target. I put anything I want to keep in my front pants pockets, I leave my shirt untucked so it hangs over the tops of my pockets (so no one can tell exactly where they begin), I try to keep my hand in my pocket with my valuable stuff as much as possible, & I constantly (& visibly) check my back pockets. The idea is that anyone watching me as a potential target will decide I’m too difficult & not worth the risk. It seems to have worked so far!

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I’ve been pickpocketed in Rome (twice!) and never got my stuff back, although I went shouting and cursing to the police station. I even called my pickpocketer (who answered from my phone) and told him any swearwords I manage to say before he hang up, but no result.

A friend of mine was robbed in Seville, but she was carrying 500 euros and 300£! Interestingly, I’ve never felt unsafe in London, despite its size, but would never carry a big amount of cash nor show loud jewellery, not even in “posh” areas.

I know of Copacabana’s reputation, at least in the last five years. I went the first time 17 years ago and the atmosphere might have been less heavy, or maybe was just my impression after all I had heard. I went back two years ago, carried my digital Nikon around day and night and nobody ever approached me.

I think it pretty much depends on the traveler’s attention. As for me, after living seven years in Rome and having taken countless times the infamous bus 64, I’m ready for the worst!

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Why the tourist (in general) looks like a stupid animal without brain? Why do they carry all the money with them always? and also de passports? your wallet in your jeans pocket?…….the best way to avoid this “problem” is using the logica. USE THE SAFETY DEPOSIT BOX IN THE HOTELS!!!!!!!!
In all over the world there are safety problems…….london is secure?

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I was just in Madrid, where a friend was pickpocketed. Back at the hotel, I decided to not even carry my wallet (especially good tip if you are stupid like me and have an expensive Chanel wallet from Paris) or passport. I just put an ATM card, one credit card, a driver’s license and a bit of cash into a little zipper pouch and stash that at the bottom of my purse. Was much less stressed, worrying about being pick-pocketed that way.

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The hotel safe deposit box (or in room safe) is better than leaving your valuables out in plain sight or stuffed into a dresser. But they are not theft proof either.

With declining economies everywhere, many hotels (even 5-star) are hiring cheaper help, foregoing vetting procedures and cutting staff. Assume that friendly room service boy is casing your valuables as he waits fo the tip. Trust is a luxury you can no longer afford – even, and maybe especially, in your hotel.

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Yes, Rome has a bad reputation, although I haven’t seen any smash-and-grabs there (that seems to be more commonly reported in Naples). I’ve always been fine, knock on wood, and agree with those who say the key is to wear a money belt PROPERLY. Not over your pants, not carried in your bag, but tucked against your body and NOT accessed every time you buy an espresso. I don’t like the waist belts so I use one around the neck, and carry a small amount of change (20 – 30 euro) that I can afford to lose in a change pouch in a coat pocket on my chest.

I carry my book, waterbottle, etc. in a zipped bag that fits under my arm and only has one exterior pocket with velcro. A thief might get into the velcroed pocket in which case they can help themselves to the tissues and lip gloss which are the only things I keep there. My camera is a small point-and-shoot that I keep the strap looped around my hand and my hand hanging onto the camera in my pocket anytime I’m in a crowded area. I try to keep space between myself and other people as much as possible.

As others have said, it’s about common sense and not looking like a target. Pickpockets are opportunistic. Convince them to go after the guy next to you with his headphones on and his billfold sticking out the back of his jeans, and you will be fine.

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Such a pity to put Placa Real as an illustration of pickpockets!

However, I also agree that Las ramblas are kind of risky. I’ve been living for a bit more than a year in Barcelona and I never EVER had any problem with thieves or pickpockets.

As for defending the reputation of this beautiful city, most of locals will tell you that the city is really safe as long as you don’t end up on Las Ramblas being drunk or behaving like a typical tourist. Almost every single story I heard where about tourists being drunk or carrying huge sets of cameras….

Most of the people I met who where visiting Barcelona for the second or third time told me one of the first thing they learned was to avoid Las Ramblas. There is, at the end, nothing specific about this avenue and you should better avoid it and look for local places which are much more charming.

Regarding tips, I will focus on Barcelona as most of latest articles are about this city…
- First: Even if you are partying, do not stop if someone you don’t know starts speaking to you on Las Ramblas. You won’t do it normally so why do it now? British tend to be kind of loudly at night there and therefore attract attention. That’s NOT an attack against British of course but Spain is famous in UK for its cheap prices and parties, though attracting lots of “adventures seekers”.
- You can also use this kind of equipment: http://www.rayonrando.com/boutique/images_produits/vavoy2_1.jpg
- When you plan to buy something, take out the money you need before entering the place
- In places like metro, if you have a back-pack, put it in front of you, it will avoid you troubles.
- The advice about bars is so true ; If you have a bag, keep it under your seat but make sure to block it using strips.
- I often see tourists with big bags and tons of equipments, why not keep the minimum, it will be much easier.

As for ranking worst cities, I do not want to enter this debate, as each and every single experience is different. However, I think we should be speaking about specific places like Las Ramblas, Champs Elysees,….

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Madrid!

If you are a woman, use a small bag that you can put it in front, where you can see it. if you are a man, don’t put your wallet in the back pocket of your trousers. Put it in a front pocket.

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I spent some time in Barcelona last summer and had no problems on Las Ramblas or other areas except for being lost frequently. When that happened, I went into a shop, got out the map figured out where I was, (shop keepers were always helpful) put the map back into my small across the body handbag, and was on my way again.

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Seems pickpockets really loves Spain and its tourist crowded cities. I was pickpocked in Valencia twice during the last year, but happily one of those times got my stuff back. I have heard this thing also about Eastern Europe cities such as Prague, Warsaw etc. Now I always use credit cards and hold only small amount of cash with me. I also try to take with me as few things as possible leaving all my stuff in hotel safe; it’ makes your sightseeing much more comfortable as well.

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Lloyd has reminded me of something. If you are robbed in Spain, you MUST go to the police. No, I’m not saying they’ll be able to apprehend the thieves, that would be silly, but the thieves in Spain seem to have something resembling a conscience – once they have raided your wallet of what they can use (i.e. the cash), they will usually dump the wallet with the rest of its contents (maybe even with the credit cards) somewhere where it can be easily found. It is then often handed in to the police.

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Italy is notorious for Gypsies. Sitting at an outdoor table, I set my purse on the table in front of me all the time watching a 5 or 6 year old girl watching me. There was an older man about 10 feet from her watching her. When she got about 4 feet from me, I moved my purse to my lap with my hand around it. She looked at the guy and back at me. Another gypsy in training foiled.

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One thing to remember is that everyone is a potential pickpocket. The missus and I were in Kuala Lumpur and 2 well dressed middle aged men tried to pickpocket us. One distracted us at our table while another, with a bent car aerial, hooked the top of the wife’s bum bag which was on the seat next to her. Fortunately she was sitting on the strap and as soon as it was starting to move she swung around and the bloke got caught out. Well, she screamed and abused the shit out of him and everyone stared. I jumped up and headed for him and swung him around and abused him even more. I did think of king hitting him but a big 6 foot tall Aussie getting into a little Indian bloke would not have been viewed favourably in a crowded shopping mall. Talked to a copper later that day and he said that he would not be surprised if they drove a Mercedes Benz and were well off. They just get bored and try their luck at a bit of action. He also said that the wife’s abuse would have been a real shame job as women do not usually get stuck into Indian blokes verbally. Just goes to show that it’s not just the usual stereotyped young blokes that pickpocket, even the oldies get in on the act!

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Pickpockets are everywhere. Keep most of your money in a moneybelt strapped around your waist and placed INSIDE of your pants, and just a few dollars of spending money in your pocket, and you should be fine.

The most aggressive pickpockets I’ve ever seen were the incredibly brazen gypsy thieves who hung out around the Coliseum in Rome in the 90s, but luckily they seem to be a thing of the past.

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I spent some time in Barcelona last summer and had no problems on Las Ramblas or other areas except for being lost frequently. When that happened, I went into a shop, got out the map figured out where I was, (shop keepers were always helpful) put the map back into my small across the body handbag, and was on my way again.

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My daughter justt backpacked through Portugal & Spain. She was pickpocketed in Barcelona. She was lazy & hadn’t split her money & ID; and had only 1euro left. Her advice: always stick enough for cab fare in your bra. She reported the theft to police & US consulate contacted her after weekend. All cash gone, but passport, ATM , etc. Recovered. She may have been dumb, but I don’t know anyone who has been pickpocketed or robbed anywhere but Barcelona, Rome. Amsterdam.

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