Lat minute tips?

Real quick before i leave to amsterda-paris-italy. Any tips on safety in those city?? It will be me only me and my wife. Do i have to watch out for pick pocketers, thieves at train station ect..? Im sure theres crime in every city of the world just like here in Los angeles. But ive never been to those cities and wondering how it is at the train stations or around the major cities. Thanks! i will gladly appreciate any advice.

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As you say there is crime in every major city. Yes be careful as pick pockets look to target visitors to a city. Be sensible, trust your instincts and you will be fine.

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A money belt, worn underneath one%26#39;s clothes, is good for hiding money and docs. And don%26#39;t leave your luggage unattended.

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Last time I was in Paris I was mugged in the metro station. My BIL was mugged the day before! I think we both had the same sign - %26quot;I%26#39;m easy%26quot; on us! lol!

My experience the 3-4 times I have been to France and Italy is that there are gypsies and just be careful. Don%26#39;t leave your wallet in your backpack, back pocket (they got my BIL from his front pocket!! and tried to get my wallet from my backpack - but a nice Parisian ran up and warned me so I could hit them off with my umbrella!)

Make sure you keep a copy or know your credit card numbers in case they are stolen - and a copy of your passport - makes life easier!

I think if you are just watchful, careful you will be fine - no more dangerous than most places!

have fun!

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A simple and easy trick I picked up on this forum is to put a large flat elastic around your wallet. I makes it surprising hard to remove from ones

front pocket!

Rob

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Rob - that is good to know - thanks!

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The pickpocket is as likely to be the smiling gentleman who helps you onto the train as the girl with the baby. I found a hand inside my camera bag on the metro. As I moved to look at her she swung off the train as the doors closed. The kind gentlemen who helped us onto the bus in Palermo got my husband%26#39;s wallet.

Lessons I have learned

Look as little like a tourist as you can

Secure your bags and zips. I use a short tether through the zip tag now and often use a capacious handbag instead of a camera bag.

Don%26#39;t wear fanny packs or bum bags or whatever.

Backpacks are vulnerable when they are on your back. Lock them.

Use a moneybelt for passport, credit cards and large cash, a wallet well tucked away with money for the day and a few coins in pockets if you want to give something to beggars (to open purse and wallet is to give away its location)

Makes it all sound horrible, and it isn%26#39;t. Just take some precautions.

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Hi Sal

I consider most cities in western Europe fairly safe, Paris in particular, I travel there alone , and alone with a child.

BUT, I am very aware and wary of pickpockets. Do not keep all your money in your wallet, I keep bulk in hotel safe and only carry about 100 euros around each day, I also either leave my credit cards and passport in the safe, or I wear them in my moneybelt. I do not bother keeping plane tickets in money belt as I use e tickets .

Follow all advice about back packs, fanny packs and purses. Have wife keep purse zipped and with her arm right across opening in crowds.. I wear it over my chest in crowds too.

BE AWARE of you body space, do not allow people to get too close to you,, in a subway or train, put your back to wall if you have to stand, and wife and you both face out,( if no wall stand back to back, not facing each other), do not allow people to jostle you.Do not allow someone to push in right behind you at a turnstile, and make sure the person in front of you is through the turnstile before you proceed) In Rome be very careful on crowded buses, watch for anyone who holds a newspaper over their arm, its a great way to hide their hands..

Do not talk to strangers who approach you on street in Paris, they will try a few scams, one is the %26quot; I just found a ring%26quot; , ignore them , same with the %26quot; talk english %26quot; ladies, just walk by them . I find no one is scary or threatening, more just annoying.

I know this sounds like a lot, and no, there are not crimminals everywhere, but you just have to be wary. I have never been pickpocketed in dozens of trips, although over 20 years ago I had one attempt made that I foiled. You can do it too.

You won%26#39;t have to worry about drive by shootings too much,, so really, its all about watchign your stuff more then personal safety.

Have fun,,

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I am a female traveller who spends a lot of time travelling solo in Europe. Here are my tips for minimising your chances of an unpleasant experience.

1. I swear by Hedgren handbags for women (black so they don%26#39;t stand out in a crowd) that are slung across the front of the body. Don%26#39;t have then bulging full of everything you%26#39;ve ever owned!

2. Look like you know where you are going.

3. Be culturally sensitive. If people around you are speaking quietly in a Metro or Tube queue, a restaurant or store, do the same.

4. Don%26#39;t wear trainers, particularly brand new white ones, no matter how comfy they are. They scream %26quot;I%26#39;m a tourist, come and rob me%26quot;.

5. Dress in dark colors so you don%26#39;t stand out in a crowd.

6. Don%26#39;t pull out maps, guidebooks, etc in crowded areas. Know where you%26#39;re going before you start off.

7. Keep a low profile in your hotel lobby. That%26#39;s where lots of pickpockets, conmen, etc can lurk looking for easy pickings.

8. Have a great holiday by taking sensible precautions, eg photocopy your passport details and always keep them separate, leave your flashy jewellery at home.

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