<p>Tango14, a couple of years ago we went to Barcelona, which has a big pick pocket problem. I thought and planned a lot about how not to be pickpocketed. Husband, who puts zero thought into his travel wardrobe, happened to already own several shirts with front pockets that velcroed closed. He kept his wallet in there and had no problems. (One time, upon emerging from the subway, he noticed that the zippers on his cargo pants had been unzipped…the disappointed thieves didn’t go for his chest pockets.)</p>
<p>Agree with the angry look. My sweet-faced S cultivated pure Unabomber when he went to school in NYC. Hoodie, sullen stare, slouch. I sure woudln’t want to mess with him if I didn’t know him.</p>
<p>don’t flash money. Handle your wallet quickly, put things away securely. Don’t be looking down, leafing through it, in an unorganized way. Be efficient in motions.</p>
<p>Look like you know where you’re going. Avoid studying the subway map in an empty station–know your route ahead of time (yay, Internet!)</p>
<p>Walk with authority. don’t stare up at the big buildings. In othe words, don’t be a tourist.</p>
<p>As others said, don’t stare, don’t let incidents escalate into confrontations. But also, don’t look like a victim. Move on with confidence. I think it’s ninety percent attitude.</p>
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One that I’ve used a lot and particularly like is the Bird’s eye view on maps.live.com . It allows you to see it as if you’re there and is much better than the satellite images. And you’re right, one can use this to get a sense of the area they might be about to go to.</p>
<p>I agree with the ‘look like you know what you’re doing’ (even when you don’t) method and have used it a few times when I found myself in places I probably shouldn’t be. I’ve also been driving a few places where I ceased stopping at stop signs since it was very clear I was where I shouldn’t be.</p>
<p>Another item that can cause one to stand out is clothing relative to others in the area.</p>
<p>Some countries require all foreigners (and citizens) carry IDs with them all the time. Russia is one example: a cop can stop you without any reason and ask to produce your passport.
If you are thinking about traveling abroad, check the Department of State website which has a lot of useful information on foreign countries as well as travel warnings and advisories.</p>
<p>No experience like real life experience! Unfortunate. My kids’ biggest problems have stemmed from carelessness with personal belongings. Wallets, cell phones keys.</p>