How can I protect my luggage from pickpockets in Spain?

Question

I'm leaving for spain and I'm arriving at night. Does anyone know if I can have a lockbox in my carry-on for money? What other measures can I take that won't interfere with airport security and customs?

Answer 1

Go to a store like Target or Brookstones and look for a security pouch.  It should cost about $10.  

The one that I bought has two zippered pockets and an elastic belt that you use to put it around your waist or body.  The pouch will be for your money, credit cards and passport. You can keep your passport handy for inspection until you get past customs.  Then as soon as you are through customs, put your passport and all of your cash and credit cards, except what you may need for a taxi or bus, in the pouch and put it inside your clothes.  The first time I went overseas I put mine across my chest under my shirt.  The last time, whne we visited Spain and some other countries, I put it in my drawers.  You laugh, but there's no way anyone will get there without you knowing it.

I also wore a puul over jacket or sweater all of the time so that there was no chance that any pickpocket could reach inside my clothes.  You can wear a very light nylon jacket over your clothes that will not make you too warm and you can take it off and roll it when you do get too warm.

You also need to be aware that some pickpockets will discuise themselves as tourist, walking around with cameras hanging on a strap around their neck.  Our tour guide pointed out some of these.  Another trick that pickpockets use, working in tandem, is one will squirt or spill a liquid on your clothes while another will pick you while you are distracted.

When you walk, stay away from the crowds as much as possible and be wary of people strolling near you and DON'T WALK ALONE.

Answer 2

Here is an easy trick that I use when I travel.  I keep an old wallet in my pocket with a cancelled credit card and a few dollars in it.  Then I put all my money, passport, and real credit cards in simple money belt that I wear under my clothes around my waist.  That way if someone picks my pocket or holds me up, I can give them my wallet and still keep my valuables.

Answer 3

There are any number of common-sense procedures and devices acceptable to airport security to proect your goods.

First, do NOT carry large amounts of cash.  At minimum, get American Express traveler's checks.  You can also get an AmEx debit card with the same guarantees as their traveler's checks - and I usually divide the money among two or three of those cards.

Second if you don't use a money belt - the poster who gave that advice plus the "dummy" wallet was right on - then distribute some of your cards or checks among several pieces of luggage in positions hard for a thief to access.  The obvious places, such as the outside pockets, are really STUPID.  Put such items and documents into ziplock bags so that if your stuff is searched by security or immigration/customs officials, it is not loose.

I bought some clothing especially adapted fro safer travel (I go to Spain, Mexico, England and other countries on long business trips, sometimes).  For men and women there are lightweight, durable, attractive jackets, blazers, vests and pants that have zippered hidden pockets.  They are not really so secret, but it is darned hard for thieves to pluck stuff from them.  Women should look up advice about purses - most are very easy for people to steal - in some countries thieves will even slice them open on the bottom, then grab what they want in the confusion.

Third, make up a FULL set of copies of all your cards, identification and passport papers, and all the relevant contact numbers for reporting lost/stolen items..  Seal them in an envelope and bury it in the luggage.  You will need these very much if anyone does succeed in stealing your goods.

Use approved luggage locks.  THEN put those nifty straps around your baggage that will be checked in.  These features discourage theft in casual conditions.  And NEVER, EVER  leave your stuff sitting unattended.

Theft is definitely a reasonable worry - but don't obssess over it.   I have had worse problems in France and Italy than in Spain, and of course the worst of all right in my home neighborhood in the US.

Answer 4

mouse traps will come in handy

Answer 5

Pickpockets usually pick POCKETS, neh??

anyhow dotn leave your baggage unattended at all and also dont carry too much cash on you in evenings...on the whole, Spain is quite safe country but depends where in the country you are planning to visit.