Security wallets to avoid pickpockets
 

Has anyone invested in some sort of security wallet to keep cash and credit cards in to avoid pickpockets when travelling?

If so, what type of wallets worked for you? How practical are they to wear/carry? Would you recommend them or an alternative method to have your credit cards or cash stolen when sightseeing in foreign destinations?

I sometimes use shorts with zipped pockets

My only security is an old post-it with three codes written on them. :D

This is done in the hope, that a very "talented" pickpocket thinks that the codes are valid for the different credit and debit cards in there and will subsequently try them all. Once he entered all three codes and failed, the ATM usually swallows the cards...

I use one from Rick Steves, the sort that attaches to your belt and gets stuffed down your pants.

https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/hidden-pocket

I often don't use it as my travel generally doesn't take me to places infested with pickpockets. If I'm in a city like Tokyo or on a business trip I don't bother.

However, I'm on my way to Vietnam next week so I should probably dig it out of my closet. In cities where I am worried about pickpockets I'll keep my passport, credit and debit cards in my money belt and just carry some cash in my pocket. Enough to get me through a day or two but not so much that I'll care that much if it's stolen.

Why not do a Frank Abagnale?

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Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

In bad areas I use something similar, carry cash, one CC and my GE card for ID. The rest gets locked in room safe.

https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/silk-moneybelt

And wear pinstripes :D?

I usually just keep my wallet really thick to where you need to basically rip it out of my pocket. It's not on purpose either! Too many plastic cards

No, put a fake wallet in your pocket with the sort of anonymous marketing cards that credit card companies hand out 'Charles Frost' of Amex, for example.

http://shop.eaglecreek.com/undercove...-pocket/d/1130

I use this one. Slip the loop over your belt and hang it inside near your right front pocket.

I carry my money and cards in my front pocket. Thieves avoid them.

In the Philippines, Pick pockets like to slice the rear pockets if they see something bulging like a wallet. My wife, who grew up and lived there until her mid-30's always reminds me to keep my wallet inside my front pocket.

When in a foreign country, I always have a separate wallet with all my US Cards, money, etc. and keep it locked up/hidden in my hotel while I'll use another wallet with a copy of my info page of my US passport and just enough local currency to be able buy/do what I am doing for that outing. I will keep that in my front pocket as there have been times I have been bumped into while walking around.

If I am held up, they won't get much. If I am pickpocketed, they won't get anything except maybe some sticky stuff I may put in the rear pocket that can be washed out with the laundry.

I was pick-pocketed from my front trouser pocket in Saint Petersburg last year when boarding a Metro train.

The platform was ridiculously busy and there was a group of people pushing everyone onto the train with some force. In the mayhem there wasn't much you could do as there were so many people being pushed onto the train.

During that moment someone managed to removed all of my cash from my trouser pocket. I didn't notice until I got off the train minutes later.

At first I though the crowd of youths were helping people to board the train, but they were a gang of pickpockets who used the mayhem to their advantage.

Wow! Sorry to hear that. It is unusual and most security firms will mention that thieves "usually" avoid the front pockets. Thanks for the story because if in a crowded situation like that I'll keep my hand in my pocket.

I use one of the "inside trouser" wallets people have linked above.

No matter what you carry you should also purchase a Safety Sleeves RFID Protectors for you credit cards. Thieves are now using small hacking tools to steal your credit card number. They don't have to get that close to you to steal the number so be careful and protect yourself.

This is a very overblown threat.

I disagree. The actors are not as plentiful because it takes a certain level of sophistication but the threat is real. Once it becomes easier to steal and use then you will see more and more people being affected by it.

I have something very similar to this and can confirm that it's probably one of the more secure options. I also carry a throwaway wallet with beer money for incidentals.

Given that:

* Relatively few cards offer contactless payments
* Most countries severely limit payments by this method (US limit is $25)
* Current-generation cards transmit a one-time code, not the actual card number
* You aren't liable anyways

I stand by my assertion that this is a silly thing to worry about.

Modern incarnations of this technology don't even transmit your name.

I'm in the market for a running belt (SPIbelt, Nathan, FlipBelt, etc.). Anyone use these as travel belts as a low-profile way to carry things like wallet, passport, etc?

I'm a fan of https://www.clothingarts.com/ - they sell (and I've seen them work) "pick-pocket-proof pants."

Their build quality is solid. ROCK solid... my only beef with them is that even their "business" type gear is more casual than I'd prefer, but for what it's worth, check them out.

I considered a hidden money belt/wallet, but rejected the idea for a couple of reasons.

- bulky under the pants
- embarrassing when fishing it out

Instead, I wear pants with hidden zippers in the front pockets. Carry only a credit card, a debit card, (hotel door card) and cash for daily expense in the wallet. The wallet is very small, just enough for these items.

Yup. But I only use it in places notorious for pickpockets.

Most certainly not a concern to take very seriously. Not only is this rare, but as someone else mentioned, you're not liable anyways, why bother?

One correction I'd like to make: the US actually doesn't have a limit. (But since contactless here is basically Apple Pay and other phone-based methods, it doesn't really matter all that much.)