Having negotiated two Brazilian Carnivals with all my reals intact and criss-crossed Colombia without a Peso being misplaced, I consider myself somewhat of an expert at not being robbed whilst travelling. A lot of this is often due to not having very much money to be stolen, however I do think I have figured out a few ways to protect what little I do have. Many privileged Humanitravels customers have previously received this advice, but now I will share it with the world whilst praying no professional tourist thief reads this blog.
1. Only carry cash
Having $20 taken from your pocket is annoying; losing your cash card is a disaster. When you need money get your cash card from wherever it is safely stowed and walk to cash point. Get out what you need for 3 or 4 days and then walk straight back to where you are staying. Always perform this operation with at least one other person in tow to keep an eye out for you when you are getting the money out.
2. Be creative as to where you hide things.
The first place a robber will look for your wallet is in your pocket or in your backpack, so keep your cash away from there. I, in this context, am big believer in socks. Socks have the dual merits of being far away from where money is normally carried and being smelly, so any money stuffed down them is generally very safe. If the climate is not sock friendly then a money belt, worn on the inside of a pair of trousers or shorts, is an excellent option.
3. Take a lock with you travelling
You can purchase a travel lock at any airport for a few dollars, which may be the soundest financial investment a traveller can make. Use this to secure the zips of your backpack together on long bus journeys and so you can us lockers supplied by hostels to protect your valuables.
4. Look poor
This comes very easily to a lot of backpackers and may seem a very obvious bit of advice, but if I was a pick pocket I would definitely target the jeans with the Diesel logo rather than the slightly moulding board shorts. This also means that walking around with your ipod, laptop or gold bullions is really not the best idea. Leave those safely protected by your newly purchased lock in the hostels when you go wandering.
5. Have a backup of everything
Whilst if you observe all of the above you are much less likely to be robbed and if you are it should only be small amounts, obviously it can still happen. In case of this eventuality make sure you have a back-up card and a photocopy of your passport well hidden somewhere. I again strongly recommend putting things in socks in your big bag, if someone is prepared to go through dirty underwear to steal then perhaps they deserve it.
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HumanitravelsTom 