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Yikes, that’s where I usually keep my wallet, thinking that it’s safe from pickpockets. You would think you would feel it, but I guess some of them have a really light fingers… Sorry for your misfortune.Arrived in Porto yesterday to start Camino coastal Senda Litoral route tomorrow. Picked up metro from airport to Trinidade station in Porto at about Noon. Not very crowded and was super aware (or so I thought). Kept my wallet in zippered pocket of trousers along upper front leg. Just before arriving at Trinidade I noticed my wallet dropped to floor between my feet. Picked it up and put it back in zippered pocket. Later I discovered 150 euros missing. Completely amazed and angry by the situation. Word of caution. From the time your de-plane, put your money, passport, etc in a hidden money belt or waist pouch especially if using public transit. Lesson learned. Hope this helps somebody else!
Rick
Doing the Camino last spring, I actually had sewn inside pockets on my pants underneath my right front pockets. I used reclaimed pockets from thrift store pants and thought myself very clever. I kept my wallet and passport in those pockets.That’s where most men in cargo pants carry there wallet. Only takes a few days practice for a professional. On the metro stuff your wallet in the front of your underpants- that’ll give ‘em a challenge
Funnily enough, that's exactly the same advice I was give the first time I visited Spain on a foreign exchange visit when I was 13!That’s where most men in cargo pants carry there wallet. Only takes a few days practice for a professional. On the metro stuff your wallet in the front of your underpants- that’ll give ‘em a challenge
The chafing I was experiencing was because I wear one that’s under my pants. And when I was hiking or walking on a hot day in a city, I found this uncomfortable. I personally don’t like the ones you hang around your neck because often they’re really obvious underneath a shirt, especially if you’re just wearing light shirt?I wear a silk money belt under my shirt in any of the pick-pocketing cities, Paris, Barcelona, Porto, Milan, Rome, Madrid, etc. or when transitting. One is tired & distracted & they get you then.
You do not have to wear it weeks at a time, though I honestly don’t feel it. If they are chafing you, perhaps try a different brand? You should not feel them at all.
Yes, it’s very common.With all of this pick pocket activity I’m wondering-do they have the “tap” system on the Camino? Where one can store the card on the phone and “tap” a reader at the POS to purchase? It would preclude carrying the cards.
Actually this one is a quality belt and I mostly use it without any money. If needed it can hold some 800€ :I do think that was the best choice. I can’t stand moneybelts, because they chafe .
Yes, I’ve seen similar belts, and they are very cool. And maybe I’ll get one the next time I travel, but I would still need a place to keep my passport. Maybe not so much from the pickpockets but making sure I don’t lose it because of the huge hassle it would be to replace it overseas.Actually this one is a quality belt and I mostly use it without any money. If needed it can hold some 800€ :
Money belt - Travel Waistbelt 30mm - Tatonka
Travel Waistbelt from Tatonka • Money belt with secret zipper money pocket • 30 mm • Provides efficient protection against pickpocketswww.tatonka.com
Thats a great idea. Much simpler than sewing the pocket inside. Unless someone posts a better suggestion, that’s the one I’m using next time I travel!I hate anything extra around my waist, so I use this type of travel pouch for my valuables (but without the leather trim, or the RFID). You can use a diaper pin to attach the loops to the inside of your waist band. However, I have sewn another loop inside my waistband and use a carabiner to attach the pouch. It can be flipped outside my trousers if necessary, without detaching, but I try to do all my money transfers in private. I can easily detach it to transfer to my evening clothes, which also have a loop sewn in.
A tour guide on Spain once told a group of us years ago in the Costa del Sol to keep our hand in the pocket with the wallet if no money belt or similar, and then added the further caution to “make sure it’s your own hand.”Funnily enough, that's exactly the same advice I was give the first time I visited Spain on a foreign exchange visit when I was 13!
A tour guide on Spain once told a group of us years ago in the Costa del Sol to keep our hand in the pocket with the wallet if no money belt or similar, and then added the further caution to “make sure it’s your own hand.”
So sorry to hear Rick - I too was robbed on this same metro line. Had my little travel purse in a secret ?zipped pocket in the strap of my backpack. He got 72 Euros plus my debit card and a credit card. The cc was never used but the debit card was used to withdraw nearly AUD2000.00 - for which he needed a pin. I cannot explain how this happened but I had used the debit card on the station to buy the metro tickets and had to my surprise had to key in the pin. The thief had been talking to my husband nearby while I did this. I know he was the thief because when I described him to the Police they said the same man had had a very busy thieving week. So discouraging at the beginning of our Camino.Arrived in Porto yesterday to start Camino coastal Senda Litoral route tomorrow. Picked up metro from airport to Trinidade station in Porto at about Noon. Not very crowded and was super aware (or so I thought). Kept my wallet in zippered pocket of trousers along upper front leg. Just before arriving at Trinidade I noticed my wallet dropped to floor between my feet. Picked it up and put it back in zippered pocket. Later I discovered 150 euros missing. Completely amazed and angry by the situation. Word of caution. From the time your de-plane, put your money, passport, etc in a hidden money belt or waist pouch especially if using public transit. Lesson learned. Hope this helps somebody else!
Rick
I'm sure this was photoshopped by a person who hadn't understood that your belt would go through one of the loops, depending on its color.Although, when you look at a picture of it, you wonder how they got it around the belt loop?
I was not as thrifty and purchased hidden pockets from a US travel company. They have a loop to thread your belt through and hang inside your pants. I don't wear a belt so I removed the loop and sewed them into the waistband on my pants. They have two zippered areas and can accommodate a passport. I use them on my hiking pants to carry my car keys when I am out in the woods here. They are little difficult to access and usually requires a trip to the ladies room if I need to take out cash, but I guess that is what makes them feel secure to me!Doing the Camino last spring, I actually had sewn inside pockets on my pants underneath my right front pockets. I used reclaimed pockets from thrift store pants and thought myself very clever. I kept my wallet and passport in those pockets.
But alas, after a few weeks, the threads unraveled due to my inferiors sewing skills.
I do think that was the best choice. I can’t stand moneybelts, because they chafe .
But stuffing them down your underwear in an emergency, is not a bad idea.
I tried that and found it a bit annoying to have to dig in my pants to pay for something or to fetch my passport. Plus, every time I did so, I was aware that I was identifying myself to anyone nearby as a person who has something worth hiding. I discarded it, and kept passport and phone in shirt pocket, money and cards in wallet. Awareness is the best defense—two gypsy girls in Rome tried to pick the phone and passport, but I grabbed the pocket faster, and in Philippines, I foiled two attempts to pick my wallet.I wear a money belt, under my pants, and don't find it annoying at all. You can always keep a small amount of cash in a more accessible place -- some people even advocate a "throw away" wallet -- most money secreted, a bit handy that you wouldn't miss.
Good luck with your strategy. I’ve been victimized twice on metros (Porto and Paris) and was absolutely amazed at how fast and slick these pickpockets are even when I thought I was being cautious and aware. I’m determined to take steps to avoid this again in the future and will gladly break some pickpocket’s fingers if given a chance.I tried that and found it a bit annoying to have to dig in my pants to pay for something or to fetch my passport. Plus, every time I did so, I was aware that I was identifying myself to anyone nearby as a person who has something worth hiding. I discarded it, and kept passport and phone in shirt pocket, money and cards in wallet. Awareness is the best defense—two gypsy girls in Rome tried to pick the phone and passport, but I grabbed the pocket faster, and in Philippines, I foiled two attempts to pick my wallet.
I haven't used or even seen these pants but I'm impressed with how they are designed.I was not as thrifty and purchased hidden pockets from a US travel company. They have a loop to thread your belt through and hang inside your pants.
I bought a pair based on a recommendation on here. Comfortable, but over-engineered. Minimising valuables and having them touching skin at all times - preferably in the trouser department - will do for me.I haven't used or even seen these pants but I'm impressed with how they are designed.
Pick-Pocket Proof® Adventure Travel Pants
Secure travel pants with 11 multi-secure pockets proven to prevent theft. Patent pending design offers 2 & 3 levels of protection between a wallet and the world.www.clothingarts.com
Another great idea. And I saw those also . But, I thought it would be nice not to have to worry about taking it on and off of the belt. But on the other hand, I bet you’re thread didn’t unravel! Good to know that they worked well…I was not as thrifty and purchased hidden pockets from a US travel company. They have a loop to thread your belt through and hang inside your pants. I don't wear a belt so I removed the loop and sewed them into the waistband on my pants. They have two zippered areas and can accommodate a passport. I use them on my hiking pants to carry my car keys when I am out in the woods here. They are little difficult to access and usually requires a trip to the ladies room if I need to take out cash, but I guess that is what makes them feel secure to me!
Arrived in Porto yesterday to start Camino coastal Senda Litoral route tomorrow. Picked up metro from airport to Trinidade station in Porto at about Noon. Not very crowded and was super aware (or so I thought). Kept my wallet in zippered pocket of trousers along upper front leg. Just before arriving at Trinidade I noticed my wallet dropped to floor between my feet. Picked it up and put it back in zippered pocket. Later I discovered 150 euros missing. Completely amazed and angry by the situation. Word of caution. From the time your de-plane, put your money, passport, etc in a hidden money belt or waist pouch especially if using public transit. Lesson learned. Hope this helps somebody else!
Rick
<€30 if memory serves.My wife and I have hiked four Camino Frances, three times flying to Madrid and one time flying to Barcelona. We always used the metro to travel from the Madrid airport to Puerta del Sol. In Barcelona we took a bus. My wife and I take extra caution to ensure our backpacks and wallets are secure. This fall, I'm hiking the Camino Portuguese (solo) starting in Porto. Based on earlier threads, I was planning to take the metro from the Porto airport to downtown. I travelled extensively throughout my career without incident. That said, I think I'll play it safe and just take a taxi to downtown Porto. Anyone know the cost? Some airports have fixed fees from airport to downtown. I am staying in private rooms every night, so don't mind paying 20 to 25 euros for a secure ride. Gracias! Bob
... Based on earlier threads, I was planning to take the metro from the Porto airport to downtown. I travelled extensively throughout my career without incident. That said, I think I'll play it safe and just take a taxi to downtown Porto....
Thank you @C clearly, for this. It gave me an idea for my own DIY project. If I attach a similar key ring and clasp to other pants/trousers, I can easily transfer my ‘wallet’ from one to the other. Besides my time, the project cost me just the price of the zipper … and, well, the bus fare to the store.I hate anything extra around my waist, so I use this type of travel pouch for my valuables (but without the leather trim, or the RFID). You can use a diaper pin to attach the loops to the inside of your waist band. However, I have sewn another loop inside my waistband and use a carabiner to attach the pouch. It can be flipped outside my trousers if necessary, without detaching, but I try to do all my money transfers in private. I can easily detach it to transfer to my evening clothes, which also have a loop sewn in.
If you sew a loop inside the waist, it is even more out-of-view. I use an S-biner, so I only need one and it can easily be transferred to my other clothes. or even upon occasion clipped to my cross-body pouch or a loop inside my sleeping bag. Your metal widget is smaller but you would either need one on each pair of pants, or you would need to wrangle it off the ring each time.If I attach a similar key ring and clasp to other pants/trousers, I can easily transfer my ‘wallet’ from one to the other.
Yes, I will probably eventually do as you suggest, but right now I have more of those widgets and key rings than I do s-biners And, as it is, the pouch can still be flipped and worn inside my pants. My DIY projects are always works in progress, and most eventually get improved upon.If you sew a loop inside the waist, it is even more out-of-view. I use an S-biner, so I only need one and it can easily be transferred to my other clothes. or even upon occasion clipped to my cross-body pouch or a loop inside my sleeping bag. Your metal widget is smaller but you would either need one on each pair of pants, or you would need to wrangle it off the ring each time.
My husband loves these pants, he wears them all the time.I haven't used or even seen these pants but I'm impressed with how they are designed.
Pick-Pocket Proof® Adventure Travel Pants
Secure travel pants with 11 multi-secure pockets proven to prevent theft. Patent pending design offers 2 & 3 levels of protection between a wallet and the world.www.clothingarts.com
Then it may work in the case of a robbery. If a robber just sees paper he may demand the real wallet.I can understand having a decoy wallet. What I don’t understand is why one would put any money at all in it.
Actually, stuffing one’s wallet with useless paper may not be a good idea; it may just rile the pickpocket and one may suffer consequences.I can understand having a decoy wallet. What I don’t understand is why one would put any money at all in it. Why not just fill it with useless papers. After all, if a pickpocket takes the wallet, such pickpocket will be long gone before they realize what is or isn’t in the wallet.
I think I’d put a decoy wallet in my zippered pants pocket, and tap the pocket from time to time to make sure the wallet is still there.
Diaper pins appear to have gone from the market. The diapers now have velcro type closures or tape. Quilters' safety pins...the big ones that are equivalent to a diaper pin, don't have the safety catch. And they can rust. But they're sturdy.I hate anything extra around my waist, so I use this type of travel pouch for my valuables (but without the leather trim, or the RFID). You can use a diaper pin to attach the loops to the inside of your waist band. However, I have sewn another loop inside my waistband and use a carabiner to attach the pouch. It can be flipped outside my trousers if necessary, without detaching, but I try to do all my money transfers in private. I can easily detach it to transfer to my evening clothes, which also have a loop sewn in.
Looking at the photo, those loops don't really make sense. It's probably supposed to go on your belt and be tucked inside. With the shirt tail covering the elastics? Has anyone got thoughts on this?I'm sure this was photoshopped by a person who hadn't understood that your belt would go through one of the loops, depending on its color.
A pickpocket will also take your phone if it's possible!With all of this pick pocket activity I’m wondering-do they have the “tap” system on the Camino? Where one can store the card on the phone and “tap” a reader at the POS to purchase? It would preclude carrying the cards.
They are still available, but not in every drugstore.Diaper pins appear to have gone from the market.
Sorry to hear about this. I kept the bulk of my euros inside my shoes while walking. Yes, they smelled pretty bad but it was a safe way to travel with 500 euros each week.Arrived in Porto yesterday to start Camino coastal Senda Litoral route tomorrow. Picked up metro from airport to Trinidade station in Porto at about Noon. Not very crowded and was super aware (or so I thought). Kept my wallet in zippered pocket of trousers along upper front leg. Just before arriving at Trinidade I noticed my wallet dropped to floor between my feet. Picked it up and put it back in zippered pocket. Later I discovered 150 euros missing. Completely amazed and angry by the situation. Word of caution. From the time your de-plane, put your money, passport, etc in a hidden money belt or waist pouch especially if using public transit. Lesson learned. Hope this helps somebody else!
Rick
Remind me not to sell you anything if we meet on Camino.Sorry to hear about this. I kept the bulk of my euros inside my shoes while walking. Yes, they smelled pretty bad but it was a safe way to travel with 500 euros each week.
I am going to sew a small key ring, 1/2 in size, into my REI pants' leg pocket. I may attach a very short bit of chain, then add a locking carabiner that will clip to my small Chums wallet ( also from REI) which comes with an attached key ring. I don't think it will be too heavy or bulky. The chain might make maneuvering it in and out of the pocket a little easier, we'll see. I like the convenience of the wallet being close at hand. Passport, extra credit cards, extra money all go in an RFID neck wallet, in the zippered compartment under the hood of my pack. We use our pack covers when on the Chemin, on the train, and in cities, keeps the pack clean and another barrier for safe-keeping. I adapted a small camera bag that hooks across the front of my pack for snacks, phone, map, etc. It has two zippers so I could use a carabiner to secure the main compartment. I take it off and add a shoulder strap to turn it into a cross-body bag while in the city. We felt pretty secure this last trip (in France, Voie de Vezelay and some sightseeing.)This thread gives me pause, as I just moved to Porto and use the metro every day.
I asked a couple of Portuguese friends about the precautions they take. They shrugged and said they don't do anything beyond put their wallets in a front pocket. Which supports the idea that thieves target tourists, and makes me think about what I can do to look more like a local.
One other observation: my jeans and other everyday trousers have tight front pockets that would be hard to pick, but the main pockets in my zip-off hiking pants are so loose that things could practically fall out of them. Why are they designed that way? Yes, I can shift my wallet to a zippered pocket further down the leg, but that makes it harder to keep a hand over it, which seems risky in its own right.
One reason to put some money in the decoy wallet is that it's the one you use for small purchases. No sense revealing where your serious cash is every time you buy a snack.I can understand having a decoy wallet. What I don’t understand is why one would put any money at all in it. Why not just fill it with useless papers. After all, if a pickpocket takes the wallet, such pickpocket will be long gone before they realize what is or isn’t in the wallet.
Traditional diaper pins are still available on Amazon. We use them to hang laundry. They're lighter and more secure than laundry pins, and heavier-duty than simple safety pins.Diaper pins appear to have gone from the market. The diapers now have velcro type closures or tape.
Well, It has worked so far, in more than forty trips to thirty countries. But those three were the only attempts. (If there were any undetected, they didn't get anything.)Good luck with your strategy. I’ve been victimized twice on metros (Porto and Paris) and was absolutely amazed at how fast and slick these pickpockets are even when I thought I was being cautious and aware. I’m determined to take steps to avoid this again in the future and will gladly break some pickpocket’s fingers if given a chance.
I saw an ad for a small purse or wallet with a card in it that says in five languages, something like "Dear thief, hope you enjoy this. Consider getting an honest job."If a robber accosts you, throw the decoy wallet as far as you can, then run. Never tried this but seems like a good idea.
I encountered a wannabe pickpocket who thought I didn't know he was checking all of my pockets AND my socks. He also didn't know that I actually had the cash in my hand at the time. I didn't say anything, since it was in the same town where a small child was shot by a policeman who saw him grab an American's wristwatch. Besides, anyone that clumsy would soon be in jail or worse without my help.Sorry to hear about this. I kept the bulk of my euros inside my shoes while walking. Yes, they smelled pretty bad but it was a safe way to travel with 500 euros each week.
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