9 Easy Techniques to Prevent and Defend Yourself Against Theft Abroad
Traveling can make you want to throw caution to the wind. The lure of adventure is incredibly seductive. Thinking about passports, insurance, vaccinations and padlocks can be a huge buzz kill. However, being stuck in a foreign country with no identification, money, clothes or food can be a bit uncomfortable (in a homeless, dirty, begging for change in a different language sort of way). The little you bring is everything you need and you need everything that you bring. So how ’bout we tell you how to keep those things safe?
1. Copying & Scan/E-mail Documents
People steal Passports because they are worth a lot of money on the black market. So, make 3 copies of everything (legal I.D., passport, birth certificate). Keep one copy on you, one in your backpack and stick one up your ass (or put it in any other safe place, perhaps a dresser drawer at your parents house; you choose). Scan all your documents and email them to yourself. That way, even if you are robbed and stripped naked, you can still easily access and print out your documents. Another easy precautionary measure is to e-mail yourself necessary telephone numbers of your credit card companies (in case cards are stolen), hostels/airlines you’ve made reservations with, your bank, doctor and family/friends. Consider this a lifeline (like on ‘Millionaire’ but without Regis, or that new annoying woman).
2. “The Wrap Around” aka ‘The Asexual Reach Around’
While you are traveling, there will be times when you sit down to take a breather and think about your next destination and reflect on all your crazy experiences. Some of those breaks turn into naps. Naps leave your backpack vulnerable and can turn into the perfect opportunity for a quick run-by snatch-and-grab. Your backpack will have a ridiculous amount of straps on it (we think they put them there to make it look more badass than it really is). In this case, you can finally make use of the extra straps. Wrap them around your wrists and ankles while you nap so if someone tugs, you will sense it and ideally wake up. If you’re really tired, a tug may not be enough to wake you from snoring slumber. In that case, you’ll need to step up your game and..
3. Do “The Marsupial”
That’s right, do the marsupial. The same way a Kangaroo keeps its baby safe from predators by always having them ride shotgun in front, treat your bag as if it was your baby. Keep it in front of you when you sit down to show others you are a good mama. Unless you can find a way to lay completely against or on top of your bag, have it strapped in front. BE SURE to wrap your arms around the front and keep them there. Thieves will take any opportunity they can get to unzip a pocket or snatch your bag. So make it as difficult as possible.
4. The Marsupial Part 2
The same way you use the Marsupial when sitting down, part 2 applies to walking around areas notorious for pick-pocketing. Simply walk with your backpack in front of you. You may feel a bit ridiculous (almost like you’re pregnant) but you will avoid someone unzipping a pocket in your bag from behind and snatching your important belongings (pickpockets have it down to a 2 second science). If you’re walking around in a popular touristy area and notice others doing the Marsupial part 2, it’s a good sign the area is well known for its pick-pockets.
5. Travel Locks
Buy a lock to secure your important items in hostels. Hostels usually provide you with lockers, but not locks. Its nice to know your stuff is safe when you’re out getting cultured. We recommend Travel Sentry locks because they are made specifically with travelers in mind as they are designed for different scenarios. They fit on hostel lockers and your backpack zipper lock as well. They are also recognized and easily opened by U.S. And U.K. Customs officials at all airports (if they’re going to dig through your bag anyway, you might as well make it a faster process).
6. Intuition, Attitude, and Common Sense
Stay alert and street smart while traveling. You have to be assertive and avoid looking nervous as predators will exploit that instantly. Be aware of your surroundings and do not ask strangers to watch your stuff – take it with you even if it’s for a quick bathroom break. Do some research on sketchy city regions to avoid, but don’t get yourself to a point where you cut off your interaction with natives or deny yourself the ability to take your plans off course.
- Avoid old baby mamas and their babies (or cute little begging kids for that matter). They often use their cuteness, helplessness and desperation as a decoy to pick-pocket tourists. Ignore them, check behind you and walk away quickly.
7. M&M (Minimize and Monitize)
Minimize: Take as little as possible with you when you go out so you have less to carry and less that can be stolen. When going out, take what you need out of your wallet rather than bringing your whole wallet.
Monitize (i.e. keep your eyes on your money): Often check to make sure you don’t have anything sticking out of your pockets (easier with less stuff). Try not to carry ANYTHING in your back pockets. Since your backside is mostly a layer of fat (sorry its true), you don’t feel as much there which makes reaching into your back pocket the easiest way to snatch something. If you must, check your back pockets often.
8. Neck Wallet
Neck wallets are an option if you are extra paranoid about the safety of your documents (they’re very nerd-chic; maybe more nerd than chic). A neck wallet is a slim pouch that you wear as a necklace and can only fit your passport, some emergency cash, and a condom or two (although if you’re wearing this, your chances of getting laid diminish significantly). While it is decidedly unsexy, it can prevent passport theft, because even the most accomplished thieves find it difficult to reach up or down your shirt without you noticing.
9. Loud Noises
Just like in pre-school, if someone is harassing you, make loud noises. This works because the people around you will likely speak another language and a loud distressful noise translates among all cultures. They may all think you’re crazy but at least you will get their attention. Our personal favorite noise is the dog bark. You get a good bark going and nobody will touch you, promise.
Although this all might initially seem like a lot to take in, everything described above will quickly become second nature once your travel survival mode clicks on. As much as safety is a top concern, don’t let paranoia about potential mishaps ruin your trip. Be aware, be brave, do the marsupial, practice your dog bark and most importantly, have fun.
Written by: Freddie Pikovsky
Co-Written by: Anna Starostinetskaya
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