5 Amazon Travel Essentials to Help Avoid Pickpockets

Getting pickpocketed is like getting chicken pox: once is enough. But while our bodies can develop immunity to viruses, even the savviest of travelers can fall victim to pickpockets on their travels. I know this because I’m one of them. In my career as a travel writer I’ve traveled solo to 70-some countries. I’ve also lived in two cities where pickpocketing scams frequently occur: Rome and Paris. Running into a nefarious stranger while traveling is a numbers game—the more you explore, the greater the probability that you’ll encounter one. 

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to not only avoid pickpockets, but to actively repel them. (And no, you won’t have to hire a body guard on your next vacation.) Below are five common mistakes travelers don’t even know they’re making that can put a target on their backs, and bags. I’ve also included what to do (or pack) instead to completely dissuade pickpockets from approaching you in the first place.

That said, even if you don’t follow my tips, know this: if someone steals something from you, it’s never your fault. Just make sure you have travel insurance that covers theft. (If I’d had it when my purse got stolen in Paris in 2022, it would have saved me about $5,000.) Shop the Amazon items below for safer travels, from just $8. 

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Mistake: Carrying loose cash

Crypto may be here to stay, but cash is still king in many countries. And while carrying bills in a giant wad in your pocket can make you look and feel like a baller, I don’t recommend it because it’s as easy to swipe as it is hard to trace. I’m also not a fan of the flimsy envelope banks give you. Scissors (and moisture) always beat paper.  

Pack this: VENTURE 4TH Travel Money Belt

“Money belt” still conjures up images of nerdy tourists for me, so I prefer to call this must-have a “wearable wallet.” Between the breathable mesh back and adjustable belt, it’s definitely comfortable—which is key considering it’s meant to be worn under your clothing. It’s made of a water-resistant ripstop nylon and features reinforced seams as well as RFID-blocking properties for your credit cards. With more than 2,000 purchased in the last month, the VENTURE 4TH Travel Money Belt is ranked No. 1 on Amazon’s list of Best Sellers in Travel Wallets, so you know it’s worth it. 

Pack this: Travelambo Carbon Fiber Money Clip

To keep your bills together within your money belt, consider this best-selling money clip with more than 7,300 five-star ratings. It’s made of carbon fiber so it’s equal parts lightweight and durable. Despite how compact it is, this clip can grip up to 50 bills or up to 10 cards. Currently, I’m in Thailand where $20 USD is 650 Thai baht. I always have to carry around a thick stack of cash, so I’m kicking myself for not getting this clip before my trip. 

Mistake: Using bags with easy-access zippers

Zippers are shiny objects that attract the attention of toddlers, cats, and unfortunately, pickpockets. If they’re too easy to access, I recommend locking them or clipping them together whenever you’re in crowded areas or you don’t want your valuables to feel vulnerable.

Pack this: Phinus Zipper Locks (Clips) 21-pack

Simple, effective, and affordable, Phinus Zipper Locks are so popular that more than 3,000 were sold in the last month and shoppers call them a “must” for foreign travelers. However, they’re not technically locks, they’re more like deterrants. They’re meant to be used to clip double zippers together, so that if a pickpocket (or anyone) tries to open your bag, they have to first take the time to unclip the clip. Believe it or not, this extra step is enough to make most thieves move on to easier prey. I love that you can also use these clips as small carabiners or to replace broken zippers. Each pack has two different styles of clips and a variety of colors, making it easy to find a clip that matches your bag. 

Pack this: Forge TSA Approved Cable Luggage Lock

Lock-wise, this TSA-approved best-seller—ranked #1 on Amazon’s list of Best Sellers in Luggage Locks—features a cable that fits through most zippers. And despite how thin it is, it’s so strong the brand offers a lifetime guarantee. Set the three-digit combination yourself, and change it every time you travel, or keep it the same. While it’s not the cheapest luggage lock, it is rust-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about getting it wet. Shoppers give it an average 4.7-star rating from more than 20,000 ratings. 

Mistake: Keeping things in your back pocket

Pickpockets are on the lookout for stuff that’s easy to grab out of back pockets. If you really don’t want to bring a bag, the easiest workaround is to invest in travel pants with secure front or side pockets that strangers can’t easily slip their fingers into without you noticing. 

Pack this: BALEAF Women’s Hiking Pants, Cargo Pants, Elastic Waist

Boasting two zippered hand pockets and one oversized zippered cargo pocket (big enough to hold a passport) on the top of the thigh, these drawstring pants have so much storage in the front that you won’t need to use the back zippered pocket. They’re also ideal for travel because they feature stretchy, water-resistant fabric with a UPF 50+ rating. The adjustable cords along the bottom cuffs even keep bugs from crawling up your calves. But don’t just take it from me—consider the fact they have nearly 15,000 five-star ratings. “Plenty of places to stash items, with zippers,” recalled one shopper who wore them all over Italy and described them as “lightweight and completely packable.” 

Pack this: Clothin Men’s Elastic-Waist Travel Pant

For men, consider these must-have bottoms with more than 3,700 five-star ratings. One shopper praised their “two biggest pros”: the ample pockets and quick-drying materials. “Wish I’d been wearing them on the Paris subway, then I wouldn’t have gotten pickpocketed!” they added. 

Mistake: Using the wrong day bag

Don’t get me wrong: there’s a time and place for totes. But if I’m traveling in pickpocket territory, I never use a bag with such easy access to the inside. Similarly, I want my valuables (or the zippers that lead to them) in front of me at all times, even if it means wearing my backpack on my chest. 

Pack this: WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack

With more than 7,000 purchased in the last month alone, this versatile pack holds the top spot on Amazon’s list of Best Sellers in Men’s Cross-Body Sling Bags. But “men’s” is a misnomer; it’s unisex and comes in many colors, assuring anyone can find their perfect match. I like it for traveling in crowded areas because it features an adjustable, and reversible, shoulder strap, so you can comfortably (that’s a key word) wear it in front of you whether you’re right-handed or left-handed. The mesh side pocket is perfect for carrying a water bottle or umbrella, and the main compartment is big enough to hold an extra layer and mini iPad. 

Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack

If you prefer a backpack, and insist on wearing it on your back, I got you. Try this “anti-theft” backpack with more than 3,700 five-star ratings. It’s made of a water-resistant, ultra hefty fabric the brand describes as “anti-scratch/-cut.” More importantly, its zippers are hard to find unless you’re really familiar with the bag or have X-ray vision. Personally, I love that this backpack features a luggage sleeve, so you can easily attach it to your carry-on if you don’t want to wear it behind you. 

Mistake: Wearing your finest jewelry or accessories

Besides my racing bike, my wedding ring is the most expensive thing I own. Meanwhile my husband’s ring—a custom-designed gold band that once belonged to my grandfather—is his prized possession. Neither ring sees the light of day in destinations where theft is common. Pickpockets don’t limit themselves to pockets. I’ve had my jewelry (a necklace) ripped off of me while traveling in Cape Town. The handsy thief also helped himself to the watch on my wrist.  

Pack this: ThunderFit Women’s Silicone Wedding Bands

Popular among those who exercise and/or do physical labor, silicone jewelry is also a go-to for travelers. This best-selling wedding band with more than 12,700 five-star ratings is made of a premium, hypoallergenic silicone that is far more flexible than metal. My hands tend to swell in hot climates, and this ring is forgiving and easy to remove when they do get larger. Even if you’re not married, you can wear it as a decoy wedding ring to deter unwanted suitors. Each multi-pack comes with a variety of colors, so you can coordinate your ring with what you’re wearing that day. 

Enso Rings Classic Elements Silicone Ring

It’s not the most affordable silicone ring brand, but I bought my husband an Enso because its rings are made in America and are so durable they come with a lifetime warranty. My husband loves that this particular style is infused with a touch of precious metal to give off a slight metallic sheen. And he says the ring’s internal “breathing channels” make a huge difference

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