How to Outsmart Pickpockets When Travelling Overseas

Travelling overseas is exciting—new sights, new food, new adventures. But you know what’s not exciting? Getting your wallet swiped in the middle of a packed train or discovering your phone’s gone missing in a busy marketplace. Pickpockets are pros at what they do—and they’re especially fond of tourists.

The good news? You don’t need to be paranoid. You just need to be smart. With a few simple habits and the right travel gear, you can stay one step ahead of even the sneakiest pickpocket. Here’s how to keep your belongings safe while you soak up the world.

1. Know the Common Pickpocket Tactics

Pickpockets don’t just walk up and grab your stuff—they rely on distraction, clever misdirection, and crowds. It’s not always the person who “looks dodgy,” either. It might be a well-dressed stranger, a group of children, or an old lady pretending to need help.

Watch out for:

• Someone bumping into you “accidentally”
• People creating a commotion (e.g. street performers or staged arguments)
• Crowded public transport or tourist hotspots
• Overly helpful strangers or fake petitions

Being aware of how pickpockets operate is the first step to not becoming an easy target.

2. Ditch the Back Pocket (Seriously)

It might be convenient, but your back pocket is a pickpocket’s dream. It means your eyes aren't on your valuables. You won’t see or feel a thing when someone slips your wallet out, especially in a busy crowd.

What to do instead:

• Keep valuables in your front pockets or inside jacket pockets
• Use a money belt or RFID-blocking pouch  under your clothes
• Carry smaller bills and keep them in separate spots

This simple switch could save you a lot of stress (and cash).

3. Use Anti-Theft Bags and Accessories

Technology to the rescue. These days, you can find travel bags designed specifically to keep thieves out. Think lockable zips, cut-resistant straps, and hidden compartments that make it way harder for anyone to get in. You can enjoy seeing the sights instead of stressing about pickpockets in touristy areas.

Top picks:

• Anti-theft crossbody bag – Comfortable, compact, and tough to crack
• RFID anti-theft travel pouch – Worn under clothing to block card skimming
• TravelSafe™ Luggage Straps – Keeps your suitcase secure in transit
• Combination lock – Perfect for zipping up your daypack or securing hostel lockers

4. Stay Alert in High-Risk Areas

Even the most seasoned travellers get distracted by beautiful views or exciting street performances. That’s exactly when pickpockets strike. They thrive in places where people are busy, distracted, or packed in close.

High-risk places include:

• Train stations, metros, and buses
• Street festivals or parades
• Tourist attractions and busy city centres
• Open-air markets and food stalls

In these spots, keep your bag in front of you, stay aware of your surroundings, and don’t zone out.

5. Don’t Flash the Goods

We get it—you’re excited to be in a foreign country. But pulling out your phone, wallet, or a stack of cash every five minutes is like ringing a dinner bell for pickpockets. Try to be organised ahead of time so you don’t have to get out your valuables so often in busy areas.

Smart habits:

• Keep your phone tucked away when not in use
• Limit how often you take out your wallet in public
• Leave flashy jewellery, expensive watches, and unnecessary tech at your hotel or Airbnb

Confidence is key, but so is being low-key.

6. Use Decoys and Split Your Valuables

If the worst happens and someone does manage to grab your wallet, it shouldn’t mean game over. Keeping all your cash and credit cards in one wallet means any theft (or you simply misplacing it) will ruin your trip entirely. That’s where the decoy trick comes in handy.

What to do:

• Carry a small “dummy” wallet with a few expired cards and small notes
• Keep most of your real cash and cards in a separate, secure place
• Store digital copies of your passport, ID, and cards in the cloud or email them to yourself

A little decoy action goes a long way in damage control.

7. Act Confident, Even If You’re Not

Pickpockets are looking for easy marks—people who look lost, confused, or distracted. You don’t have to pretend to be a local, but walking with confidence can make a big difference.

Even if you're following Google Maps, keep your head up, move with purpose, and try not to broadcast that you’re a tourist. Bonus points if you can dress in a similar way to the locals. Nothing screams tourist like a loud shirt and socks with sandals.

Conclusion

Pickpockets are smart—but you can be smarter. With a few smart habits and the right anti-theft bag, you can stay two steps ahead and keep your trip drama-free.

Stay alert, travel light, and don’t let the fear of theft stop you from seeing the world. You’ve got this.