Alright, let’s talk about keeping your wallet safe when you’re bouncing around other countries. I learned this stuff the hard way, well, not too hard, but enough to make me change how I do things.
My First Step: Ditching the Fat Wallet
First thing I did was get rid of my big, bulky back-pocket wallet. You know the kind, stuffed with old receipts and cards I never use. It just screamed “pickpocket target”. I went out and got myself one of those slim, front-pocket wallets. Much harder for someone to get to without me noticing, especially compared to reaching around back.
Splitting Up the Goods
This became my golden rule: never keep everything in one place. Seriously, don’t do it. Here’s what I started doing:
- My main wallet (the slim one) only held cash for the day, maybe a bit extra, plus one main credit card and maybe my ID if needed.
- A backup credit card and some emergency cash (like $100 or equivalent) got stashed somewhere totally different. Sometimes in a hidden pocket sewn into my pants, sometimes deep inside my backpack, or even tucked into a sock in my luggage back at the hotel safe.
- Copies of important documents, like my passport and visa, were kept separate from the originals, usually digitally and maybe a physical copy back in the hotel room.
The idea was, if I lost my main wallet, or someone managed to grab it, I wouldn’t be totally stranded. I’d still have a way to pay for things and get by until I could sort stuff out.
Being Aware in Crowds
You gotta pay attention, especially in crowded spots like markets, train stations, or tourist traps. It’s just common sense. When I’m walking through a packed area, my hand naturally goes to my front pocket where my wallet is. Not clutching it desperately, just resting there casually. It’s a small thing, but it makes me feel more secure and probably looks less inviting to anyone watching.
I also completely stopped using back pockets for anything valuable. Ever. Just seems like asking for trouble.
Using Hotel Safes (Mostly)
Most decent hotels have safes in the room. I started using them religiously. Passport (unless I legally needed it on me), backup cards, extra cash – it all went in there when I wasn’t needing it. Yeah, you hear stories about hotel safes, but I figured it was still way safer than carrying everything around with me all day.
Did It Work?
Well, I haven’t had my wallet lifted since I started being this careful. Knock on wood. Maybe it’s just luck, maybe it’s the system. But honestly, the biggest difference is how much less stressed I feel. I’m not constantly patting my pockets or worrying about bumps in a crowd. I can actually enjoy where I am a bit more.
So yeah, that’s my routine. Nothing groundbreaking, just simple, practical steps I picked up along the way. Split your stuff, keep valuables close or locked up, and just be aware of what’s happening around you. It’s worked for me.
