Protect your money while you travel – it goes without saying, but reminders are always helpful! Even when your travel has spiritual significance (especially if it has spiritual significance), it’s important not to put the Universe to the test. Traveling brings many perils, and going to large cities in Europe is particularly scary to your wallet.
My pockets were safe for a year, even while the people closest to me were stolen from, so rest assured that this simple advice will work! Read on to learn how to protect your money and valuables in Europe.
Pickpocket Paradise
Barcelona is the pickpocketing capital of the world, and that is not an exaggeration. Let me tell you a story about my trip to Europe’s most beloved and popular furniture store: IKEA.
My roommates and I had just moved in and wanted to use the weekend to spruce up our new home. Most apartments come furnished, but you can’t go without the little things like blankets, towels, tupperware and decoration can you?
We were in the living room section, sandwiched into a tiny little row full of throw pillows. There was only enough room for one person to squeeze past our cart, and it required a gentle shimmy. I had my back turned to the cart, admiring the decoration. My roommate had placed her small purse in the basket and stood over it, safe.
Or so we thought.
Masters of their Craft
An adorable little pillow caught my eye just as a small family was sliding by. I exclaimed out loud about how cute it was and my roommate turned to see.
“Oh yeah, that is cute!” she agreed, and reached out to stroke the fabric. Then she turned back to the cart.
That’s it. 5 seconds. Maybe 10. We turned around and the purse was gone, along with everything inside it – wallet, keys, passport and all. She never saw it again.
Follow these Steps to Secure Your Things!
The next few hours were a whirlwind of IKEA managers, police reports and parents encouraging everyone to stay calm. In the end my roommate was able to replace everything she lost, but the stress had impacted all of us. Who knew that your stuff could get swiped in a place as public as IKEA? And with all the cameras present?
The audacity of thieves is remarkable.
We were staying there for a year at least, so there was no rush to replace her passport and other documents. But if you’re visiting for a short vacation, having your identification stolen is a costly risk that you’re better off not taking.
Follow these steps and protect your money and valuables!
1. Wear a Crossbody Bag or Fanny Pack
I genuinely think my crossbody purse was how they got my roommate and not me. I hadn’t been paying attention and the closure was metallic, so it could open without much force. But it stays close to the body which usually dissuades a pickpocket, and if it has a magnetic closure or buckle it’s that much harder to get into.
Invest in a crossbody bag or a fanny pack if you don’t have one already!
2. Set up Apple Pay and Take a Photo of Your ID
This is one of my favorite European paradoxes – their Wifi is slow but the payment services are fast. In Western European countries most merchants use Apple and Samsung pay (except small towns in Germany, where they will curse you in their language if you don’t have cash).
Take a moment if you haven’t already and set up your phone’s wallet. You won’t need to bring your cards along, which means no one will be able to take them. Plus, the likelihood of your phone getting taken is much lower if you’re a traveler who loves taking pictures.
These countries accept digital proof of identification as well – whether at restaurants, bars, or other venues with age restrictions, so be sure to take pictures of the front and back of your ID!
This little trick was a life saver for me. I was able to leave my house with just a phone and some cash tucked into my phone case – my purse was for lip gloss and lotion only! And since I was always filming content, I never had to worry about losing my phone.
3. Practice Situational Awareness
Pay attention to your surroundings! You don’t have watch strangers’ hands everywhere you go, but keep your wits about you. Place a hand on your crossbody bag while you walk and keep your phone in a zipped pocket (back pockets on Las Ramblas are a phone’s final resting place).
Remember, pickpockets aren’t mobsters. They’re looking for someone who is unaware, a likely tourist who is so taken by the beauty of the city that they forget to keep watch over their valuables. Don’t be that person! Protect your money by remembering to keep a hand near your items.
What to Do if Someone Steals Your Things
The day after my plane landed in Spain, I saw that someone had taken my card information and bought $200 worth of Panera Bread!
What is there even to buy at Panera for that price?
The theft didn’t happen in Spain – whoever got my information took it before I boarded the plane. But I had no idea what to do and being an ocean away from everyone you know doesn’t help reduce stress, so I panicked, called my parents, and followed these steps:
1. Cancel Your Cards!
Your financial institution will have an international phone number to call for emergencies.
2. Get a Cash Transfer
Have your loved ones send cash to any of the Western Unions around town. Barcelona is a favorite for Latino immigrants, and many people send money back home. You can use these locations to receive money at reduced fee if going to the ATM is no longer an option!
3. Have Your New Card Sent to Your School
If you’re a student studying at one of Europe’s international universities, have your bank send the new card to your school! Mailing systems take a while to figure out over there – my dad once sent me a package full of goodies that ended back in our garage in Texas because I simply could not find the post office.
It’s far easier to alert your administrators about your dilema and tell them you’re expecting a new card. They are pretty sure that most of the students will lose their things at least once (it’s like a rite of passage). Your school will have a system set in place to ensure you receive your new cards.
That’s All Folks!
These are simple, common sense steps, but I promise the beauty of your destination and the joy of new culture will distract you, so get your plans to protect your money and valuables together before you go!
If you follow this advice you’ll have carefree, fully-funded trip.
Next, read my post on How to Go to Business School in Barcelona!
I’m praying Job 5, verse 22 for your travels. I love you!
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