Article Highlights:

Pickpocket and Thief Favorite Methods: Thieves use Bump and Lift, Cut and Grab, Distract and Swipe distraction techniques to pickpocket or steal from unsuspecting tourists.

Bag Snatching: Criminals on motorcycles or foot grab bags, purses, or backpacks from tourists and make a quick getaway.

Zipper Pockets and Crossbody Purses: Expert travelers use zipper pockets, crossbody purses, money belts and other methods to keep valuables safe from pickpockets and thieves.

Separate and Secure: Keeping money, credit cards, and important documents in separate places during travel can enhance safety and security.

 

Top Tips for Traveler Protection When Traveling Abroad

 

Tourists are easy targets for scammers, pickpockets and thieves. Protecting your money, credit cards, and important documents while traveling internationally is crucial to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. The latest survey of the world’s most experienced travelers revealed expert tips to protect your valuables when traveling abroad.

 

The Importance of Splitting Up Valuables

A man steals a wallet from the open backpack worn by another man.
Zippered pockets are great protection against pickpockets…as long as they’re zipped.

Most travelers reported splitting up their valuables was one of the best ways to prevent losing everything at once due to loss or theft, according to the Summer 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

“Separating and securing your valuables ensures that if a thief nabs a shoulder bag or a pickpocket steals your wallet you still have access to some of your money, credit cards and duplicates of other important documents,” said Harding Bush, associate director of Security Operations at Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.

A quarter (26%) of male travelers said splitting their valuables to prevent losing everything was their top choice, and nearly a third of female respondents (30%) used the same method – but it was not their leading option.

 

Travel Protection Preferences for Men Vs. Women

Women responding to the survey favored different protection methods compared to men. Seven-out-of-10 female travelers (31%) chose a crossbody purse or bag as their number one method to protect valuables from loss or pickpockets. Only 5% of men identified a crossbody bag as their preferred anti-theft method. The crossbody purse or bag is more of a deterrent to bag snatchers on motorcycles or foot who grab bags, purses or backpacks from tourists and make a quick getaway.

A fifth of male respondents (22%) revealed that using zippered pockets was their runner-up way to keep valuables safe during travel. “Travelers wearing clothing with zippered pockets or pockets on the inside, like a vest or a sport coat, make it difficult to snatch a wallet,” Bush said.

The survey revealed a major attitudinal distinction between how women and men protect their valuables during travel.

More than twice the percentage of men surveyed said they don’t use any method to protect their valuables compared to their female counterparts. One out of four male survey respondents (25%) don’t have a method to preserve their valuables compared to less than 10% of women who do.

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Other Anti-Theft and Loss Prevention Methods

Other anti-theft and loss-prevention methods used by the world’s most experienced travelers include money belts (10%), travel wallets (5%), fanny packs or waist packs (3%), backpack locks (2%), undercover leg or wrist wallets (1%) and dummy wallets (<1%).

No one opted for shoes with hidden compartments.

Here are some additional tips to help travelers keep their cash, credit cards and important documents safe.

  • Keep Copies of Important Documents: Make copies of your passport, ID, travel itinerary, and credit cards. Store these copies separately from the originals in case your documents are lost or stolen. You can also consider storing digital copies in a secure cloud storage service.
  • Use RFID-Blocking Products: RFID-blocking wallets, passport holders, and card sleeves can help protect your information from electronic theft. These products block the signals that thieves use to scan and steal your data.
  • Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Stay vigilant in crowded or touristy areas where pickpocketing is common. Keep your belongings close to your body and avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Notify Your Bank and Credit Card Companies: Inform your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards being flagged for suspicious activity. Provide them with your travel dates and destinations to prevent disruptions in your transactions.

By following these tips and taking proactive measures to protect your valuables, you can enjoy your international travels with greater peace of mind.

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How Is a Global Rescue Membership Different Than Travel Insurance?

A Global Rescue membership includes travel services for passport and visa issues. Losing your passport in a foreign country can be a nightmarish bureaucratic ordeal, especially when you need to replace a lost or stolen passport. Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen belongings. Review the policy to understand what is covered and how to make a claim if needed. If you have travel questions, contact Global Rescue. Your outreach will be answered by in-house experts on your first call.