Riverroad Posted March 13, 2022 #1 Share Posted March 13, 2022 We’re traveling to Spain next month. I’ve heard the pick-pockets are terrible in both Madrid and Barcelona. What do people recommend for a small purse that will foil pick-pockets or should I forget the purse? What do you all do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2BACRUISER Posted March 14, 2022 #2 Share Posted March 14, 2022 I had my handbag (purse) pick pocketed outside the sargada familgia in Barcelona lost 150 euros 😢 After that i bought this prefer a cross body bag by Travelon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Travelon-Anti-Theft-Classic-Crossbody-Black/dp/B01EAFEEN4/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=Travelon%2BCrossbody%2BBag&qid=1646735866&sr=8-15&th=1 Does what it says on the tin. You can buy it on Amaxon.com too in dollars. hth. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverroad Posted March 14, 2022 Author #3 Share Posted March 14, 2022 4 hours ago, 2BACRUISER said: I had my handbag (purse) pick pocketed outside the sargada familgia in Barcelona lost 150 euros 😢 After that i bought this prefer a cross body bag by Travelon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Travelon-Anti-Theft-Classic-Crossbody-Black/dp/B01EAFEEN4/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=Travelon%2BCrossbody%2BBag&qid=1646735866&sr=8-15&th=1 Does what it says on the tin. You can buy it on Amaxon.com too in dollars. hth. Thank you. I’ll look at that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57redbird Posted March 14, 2022 #4 Share Posted March 14, 2022 Look at Baggalini bags...I've got a mini bag that holds my phone, credit cards, etc. ....It's my go-to for travel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mary229 Posted March 14, 2022 #5 Share Posted March 14, 2022 Carry less. I simply use a slim wallet at the waist inside my clothing. It holds my phone, a single credit card, ship card and a few coins. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoncom Posted March 14, 2022 #6 Share Posted March 14, 2022 Barcelona, Paris and Rome are the worst PP cities. My BF got attacked by 3 teens in BCN. Luckily he had most of his $$ in a moneybelt under his slacks. But they got his wallet. I use Eagle Creek money belts tucked under my undies with zipper facing inside. I have had guys put their hands in my jeans pockets front and back with no luck in Paris. They cannot get at my moneybelt. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruisemom42 Posted March 15, 2022 #7 Share Posted March 15, 2022 Similar to the above, I use a "money pocket" that I pin inside my pants (since I rarely wear dresses when sightseeing, this works for me). I'm not sure that you can outwit a determined pickpocket with any kind of purse or bag. Backpacks are easy prey. I've even read on here of people getting pickpocketed from front pockets of jeans and buttoned exterior pockets. If it's valuable, keep it close -- preferably under at least one layer of clothing. And some further food for thought regarding purses -- there are pickpockets in some European cities (primarily Naples but also others, even in London) on scooters, called scippatori, who will drive by and grab the strap of your purse. The smart thing is to just let go. Injuries have been sustained when tourists get dragged. And no special purse can stop that from happening. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 15, 2022 #8 Share Posted March 15, 2022 I have been to Barcelona and Rome and maybe I just got lucky but I never had any issues. I did wear something like this under my shirt so I never carried any kind of purse or crossbody bag (which is my normal type for walking around Europe) https://www.rei.com/product/129767/rei-co-op-rfid-neck-wallet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slidergirl Posted March 15, 2022 #9 Share Posted March 15, 2022 Never wear or carry your bag on the street side of your body. Learned that a long time ago. I attempt to use a bag that doesn't look like a "tourist bag" - those PacSafe and others. The past 10 years I've carried various bags by Sherpani. It'll be the same this year. Some of their newer bags have some anti-theft measures, but only one of mine does. I didn't buy it for that, but because it was cute - it's my year-round bag at home. I don't carry all my credit cards with me when I'm out and about - take one AMEX and one VISA and leave the rest in the safe in the room. I don't have more than 100EU on me at a time. Oh, I have been to Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Munich, Venice and many more. Lois - we're lucky, I guess. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 15, 2022 #10 Share Posted March 15, 2022 HI Kat...yes, we are👍.....I love Venice too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57redbird Posted March 15, 2022 #11 Share Posted March 15, 2022 Kat -- if you're still looking for a Faherty dress, check eBay. I just got a NWT one for $45 + shipping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ams1130 Posted March 16, 2022 #12 Share Posted March 16, 2022 (edited) Can I ask about money belts/pouches (sorry OP for piggybacking onto your post); those of you that use them, do you keep your actual money and credit cards in them? What do you do when you want to buy something? I wasn't sure the best way to dig out my stuff. Edited March 16, 2022 by ams1130 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slidergirl Posted March 16, 2022 #13 Share Posted March 16, 2022 20 hours ago, 57redbird said: Kat -- if you're still looking for a Faherty dress, check eBay. I just got a NWT one for $45 + shipping. There was only the orange stripe color and nothing in L or XL. Thanks for the heads up, though. I'll keep hunting there! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aungrl Posted March 17, 2022 #14 Share Posted March 17, 2022 4 hours ago, ams1130 said: Can I ask about money belts/pouches (sorry OP for piggybacking onto your post); those of you that use them, do you keep your actual money and credit cards in them? What do you do when you want to buy something? I wasn't sure the best way to dig out my stuff. I use a neck pouch - hangs around my neck like a necklace but goes underneath whatever clothes I'm wearing. When it's time to buy something, I pull it out from under my clothes and take out the card or the cash. Both my husband and I do, however, keep a small amount of cash in buttoned pockets for small purchases - a coffee, and ice cream, a piece of handmade street art, etc. Not so much that we'd be upset if we lost it. In Rome, in particular, we've encountered some pretty aggressive pickpocketers. We haven't lost anything yet, but we've had to physically push them away a couple of times outside the Forum in the evening and outside the Coliseum at mid-day. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ams1130 Posted March 17, 2022 #15 Share Posted March 17, 2022 Thank you, aungrl; our international travel hasn't been to any of the places known for aggressive pickpocketing, and it freaks me out a bit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruisemom42 Posted March 17, 2022 #16 Share Posted March 17, 2022 4 hours ago, ams1130 said: Can I ask about money belts/pouches (sorry OP for piggybacking onto your post); those of you that use them, do you keep your actual money and credit cards in them? What do you do when you want to buy something? I wasn't sure the best way to dig out my stuff. I use a pocket that looks like this: https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Travel-Undercover-Hidden/dp/B0054IH9IE/ref=asc_df_B0054IH9IE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198055385495&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=613930410976357725&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010770&hvtargid=pla-336872615006&th=1 If I am in a store and want to buy something or need my ID for some reason, I can pretty quickly and unobtrusively pull my waistband out a bit and flip out the "pocket" then get the item needed. Generally when you're in a store there is not a reason to worry about pickpockets. They are more likely to strike when you are distracted and are in a crowded situation such as getting on or off public transportation (bus, metro, train) or walking along a packed sidewalk, or doing something like taking photos at a crowded site (e.g., Trevi Fountain or the like....) Sometimes on a travel day or if I think I will need easier access to the contents, I will put the valuables in the pouch, then stash it in an INSIDE zipped pocket in my purse and I will actually pin it to the lining. I figure there is little chance someone would be able to get through two different zippers and unpin two pins to get it out without me noticing! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ams1130 Posted March 17, 2022 #17 Share Posted March 17, 2022 Very helpful, cruisemom42! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awhfy Posted March 17, 2022 #18 Share Posted March 17, 2022 19 hours ago, ams1130 said: Can I ask about money belts/pouches (sorry OP for piggybacking onto your post); those of you that use them, do you keep your actual money and credit cards in them? What do you do when you want to buy something? I wasn't sure the best way to dig out my stuff. I do pretty much the same as cruisemom. I’ve also stepped into a fitting room or restroom. I do keep a few dollars (under $20) in a zippered pants or jacket pocket. Do not wear good jewelry!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aungrl Posted March 18, 2022 #19 Share Posted March 18, 2022 10 hours ago, awhfy said: I do pretty much the same as cruisemom. I’ve also stepped into a fitting room or restroom. I do keep a few dollars (under $20) in a zippered pants or jacket pocket. Do not wear good jewelry!! Plus one on the "do not wear good jewelry"! I don't even take any of my jewelry with me on our cruises, not even my wedding ring. I might occasionally pack an inexpensive necklace to wear in the evening, but nothing I'd mind losing. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lissie Posted March 18, 2022 #20 Share Posted March 18, 2022 (edited) On 3/17/2022 at 1:30 PM, ams1130 said: Thank you, aungrl; our international travel hasn't been to any of the places known for aggressive pickpocketing, and it freaks me out a bit! Whatever you use - try it out at home and wear it for a day or so - I see so many tourists carrying their currency and passports in visible money belts - or even belts in their bags! I can't wear anything hanging around my neck - it makes my neck hurt - it rubs my boobs and its usually really visible unless you are a in cold climate wearing a puffy jacket. I use something like this Amazon.com | Zero Grid Hidden Bra Wallet - Travel Pouch & Secret Pocket for Passport, Money & Valuables - Undercover Bra Stash Fits All Bra Sizes | Travel Wallets - attached under my arm my connecting it to my bra. - it hangs free so is not hot and sweaty like a waist belt. It also doesn't bend the items in it - I've worn it for weeks at a time and not damaged my passport (put it in a ziplock to stop it getting damp). I also wear clothes with secured , invisible pockets - thats for anything I'll need on the day - the days cash or card - a passport only on the days I need it Edited March 18, 2022 by lissie 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogini06 Posted March 20, 2022 #21 Share Posted March 20, 2022 I have a cross body bag which I keep my water, umbrella, comb, sunscreen, etc. I keep cash/card in a neck wallet. In addition here are some helpful tips to avoid pickpockets. https://www.barcelonadaytours.com/what-to-know-before-going-to-barcelona/ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Been There, Planning That Posted March 22, 2022 #22 Share Posted March 22, 2022 On 3/15/2022 at 1:24 PM, Lois R said: . I did wear something like this under my shirt so I never carried any kind of purse or crossbody bag (which is my normal type for walking around Europe) https://www.rei.com/product/129767/rei-co-op-rfid-neck-wallet We've used these for decades around the world. We started of course long before Cell phones. We fondly call them our 'Dolly Partons' 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Coast Gal Posted April 2, 2022 #23 Share Posted April 2, 2022 On 3/14/2022 at 2:38 AM, 2BACRUISER said: I had my handbag (purse) pick pocketed outside the sargada familgia in Barcelona lost 150 euros 😢 After that i bought this prefer a cross body bag by Travelon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Travelon-Anti-Theft-Classic-Crossbody-Black/dp/B01EAFEEN4/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=Travelon%2BCrossbody%2BBag&qid=1646735866&sr=8-15&th=1 Does what it says on the tin. You can buy it on Amaxon.com too in dollars. hth. I used one like this for 5 weeks in Italy prepandemic - It has so many features that just work to keep from being stolen. You can't slice the strap, the clips on the zippers, etc 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slidergirl Posted April 2, 2022 #24 Share Posted April 2, 2022 If you want something that looks a tad more stylish, look at the Sherpani crossbody bags. Looks like most are sold out already. But a bunch of them have similar details - cutproof straps, zipper clips, a little cable to lock it up at a table/bar, anti-slash bottom, RFID. I have a Prima AT as my "evening bag" when I just need wallet, glasses, keys, phone. It's a nice size. There is a bigger one available still, the Geo. But it may be a size you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoncom Posted April 4, 2022 #25 Share Posted April 4, 2022 Eagle Creek money belt worn under all clothing with zippers facing skin. Neck wallets also. Only one days $$ in belts. Rest of funds in room safe. Never $$ in pockets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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