Travel smart. Stay safe.

The classics haven't changed much. Taxi meter "malfunctions", fake petitions that distract you while someone picks your pocket, restaurants adding items you didn't order, fake police asking to see your wallet, and the friendship bracelet trick where someone ties one on your wrist then demands payment. Our 20 crafty travel scams guide covers all of these with exactly how to handle each one.

First, don't panic. Check whether your phone and passport are safe, those are the two hardest things to replace. If cards were taken, call your bank immediately to freeze them. File a police report at the nearest station, you'll need the report number for any insurance claim. Then contact your insurer to start the claim. Most decent policies cover theft of belongings up to £1,000-2,000 / $1,250-2,500 / €1,150-2,300 depending on cover level. Full walkthrough in Robbed Abroad? Here's exactly what to do next.

Based on reported tourist theft, the highest-risk cities tend to be Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Prague and Rio de Janeiro. But honestly? Pickpockets operate anywhere tourists gather in numbers. It's less about the country and more about the situation: crowded metros, busy markets, tourist landmarks, and anywhere people are distracted taking photos.

Traditional under-the-shirt money belts are uncomfortable and awkward to access. A better option now is a cross-body anti-theft bag with lockable zips and RFID-blocking pockets, way more practical for daily use. That said, a slim money belt can still earn its keep for carrying your backup card and a photocopy of your passport as emergency reserves.

Use ATMs attached to actual banks, not standalone machines in tourist areas or convenience stores. Always choose to be charged in local currency to dodge dynamic currency conversion markups, which can add 5 to 10% to every withdrawal. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. And if anything looks stuck over the card slot, walk away.

Both, never just one. Carry a small amount of local cash for markets, taxis and card-free places, roughly £30-50 / $40-65 / €35-60 worth per day is usually enough. Keep your main funds on two separate cards stored in different places, so one theft doesn't strand you. A prepaid travel card like Wise or Revolut gives good exchange rates and freezes instantly from your phone.

Look for cross-body bags with cut-proof straps, lockable main compartments and RFID-blocking pockets. Pacsafe is the best-known brand, but Travelon and XD Design make solid options too. The key features: zips that can't be quietly opened from behind, a strap that can't be slashed, and enough organisation that you're not fumbling with your bag open in public. Our anti-theft gear guide has specific picks.

Most comprehensive policies do, yes. But read the fine print. You'll almost always need a police report filed within 24 hours. Some policies won't cover items left unattended, like a bag on a beach while you swim. Cover amounts vary wildly, from £500 / $625 / €575 on basic plans up to £3,000+ / $3,750+ / €3,450+ on premium ones. Electronics often have separate sub-limits, so check that if you travel with camera gear.

They're getting smarter rather than more common. The physical classics are stable, but cyber scams aimed at travellers, fake booking sites, spoofed hotel Wi-Fi, phishing texts about "delayed parcels" while you're abroad, have grown fast. Our cyber safety guide covers fake networks, phishing and skimmers in detail.