Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Questions on how we spend our money and our time - consumer goods and services, home and vehicle, leisure and recreational activities
ROIGuy
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by ROIGuy »

neilpilot wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 9:59 am
Ski_FI wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 9:44 am I agree with most of the posters here, Apple Pay would be the easiest solution as he still has his phone. I've also seen ATM's with a contactless reader so it looks like he may be also be able to get cash out with Apple Pay if need be.

Although I wonder what one would do if both wallet and phone were lost or stolen while abroad. Aside from having a backup credit card in the hotel safe, how could you possibly access your accounts/credit?

Some ideas:
-Bank at a global institution and hope they have a branch nearby.
-Get access to a phone and have someone wire money over western union.
-Keep $1k in an Apple Cash account and hope a physical Apple store lets you buy an iPhone with it.
-Keep some cash in your shoe.

Any others?
While you focus on travel abroad, aren't all of these issues when traveling domestically as well, unless your near home, family or friends?
I use a money belt but I always thought of getting a cheap wallet and put a few monopoly dollars in there and put it in my back pocket as a fake out for pick pocketers to steal.
Ski_FI
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by Ski_FI »

neilpilot wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 9:59 am
While you focus on travel abroad, aren't all of these issues when traveling domestically as well, unless you're near home, family or friends?
Fair point, those would all be the same considerations domestically too. Abroad, you would have the availability of a US embassy like another poster mentioned. Although I would feel more comfortable in that situation in the US rather than a foreign country where I may not speak the local language.
Thesaints
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by Thesaints »

No need to rush to the Police. Instead, you/he should immediately cancel the credit cards.
Since it is your son, I assume you have the same name. The fastest replacement would be fedexing him one of your credit cards, or even your favorite ATM to use abroad.
He should get it within 48 hrs and will adopt your first name for the rest of his Roman holiday
Jeepergeo
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by Jeepergeo »

How does he know it was stolen? Could he have accidently left it at customs or airport security? It would be worth checking lost and found.

When you video call with him, have him do a slow 360° turn around so you can see what and potentially who is around him.
OldSport
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by OldSport »

MathWizard wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 8:28 am
OldSport wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:51 pm

Moneybelts are cumbersome. If the wearer is even the slightest bit overweight they cause the contents (e.g. passport) to become bent.

Hidden pockets or neck wallets are good for a passport and backup cards for the valuable stuff you need to carry but are still cumbersome for regular use multi times per day.

They do make small cross body anti-theft bags that have lockable compartments and slash preventive straps that are better for the less valuable stuff you need to access more regularly,
Hidden pockets or money belts are the best for things you need to have with you but don't use regularly.

Across body bags are still vulnerable and you can be dragged by them (Vespa comes along and rider grabs bag.)

My wife did have an across body purse and still had money stolen from it. We got in an elevator at a Paris Metro and two young women pushed in as the doors were closing,basically pinning is against opposite sides.

I just carry the days cash in my front pocket. Did not have it stolen, but I would not mourn a 50 euro loss.
Cross body bag was just for things you use regularly, like a small amount of cash, one credit card, etc. Not a passport. They make small antitheft lockable and slash resistant versions you can easily keep in front, lock, and hold on tightly. Nothing is perfect, but it is still considerably better than nothing.
BabaWawa
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by BabaWawa »

terran wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 8:15 am
BabaWawa wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 4:28 am Guard it with his life.
I expect you mean this figuratively, but this is terrible advice if there's any chance a person will take it literally.
Of course, it's just a common figure of speech never meant literally.
hunoraut
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by hunoraut »

SuzeO wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:35 am I'm paranoid now about his passport and phone- thoughts on the best way to keep those safe?

Thank you in advance!
Smartphone payment will get by for most things.

For now:
-don’t carry actual passport around unless absolutely necessary. carry a photocopy instead.

-dont put valuables in pockets that are exposed, like exterior of bag, rear of trousers, outside of jackets. use pockets deep interior the bag, front of trousers, or inside of jackets.

-dont use the phone mindlessly in busy places. dont leave it on the restaurant table. etc. mainly, just be mindful of your environment.

For the future:
-always carry a backup atm and credit card and split it (eg in backpack or locked in hotel vs on your person).

mostly use some common sense, and you wont need to do the silly stuff like carrying cash in your socks or use body wallets.
ROIGuy
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by ROIGuy »

OldSport wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 12:45 pm
MathWizard wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 8:28 am

Hidden pockets or money belts are the best for things you need to have with you but don't use regularly.

Across body bags are still vulnerable and you can be dragged by them (Vespa comes along and rider grabs bag.)

My wife did have an across body purse and still had money stolen from it. We got in an elevator at a Paris Metro and two young women pushed in as the doors were closing,basically pinning is against opposite sides.

I just carry the days cash in my front pocket. Did not have it stolen, but I would not mourn a 50 euro loss.
Cross body bag was just for things you use regularly, like a small amount of cash, one credit card, etc. Not a passport. They make small antitheft lockable and slash resistant versions you can easily keep in front, lock, and hold on tightly. Nothing is perfect, but it is still considerably better than nothing.
Money belts may be of a pain to wear, but I rather deal with that then having my wallet stolen.
ROIGuy
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by ROIGuy »

hunoraut wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 1:21 pm
SuzeO wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:35 am I'm paranoid now about his passport and phone- thoughts on the best way to keep those safe?

Thank you in advance!
Smartphone payment will get by for most things.

For now:
-don’t carry actual passport around unless absolutely necessary. carry a photocopy instead.

-dont put valuables in pockets that are exposed, like exterior of bag, rear of trousers, outside of jackets. use pockets deep interior the bag, front of trousers, or inside of jackets.

-dont use the phone mindlessly in busy places. dont leave it on the restaurant table. etc. mainly, just be mindful of your environment.

For the future:
-always carry a backup atm and credit card and split it (eg in backpack or locked in hotel vs on your person).

mostly use some common sense, and you wont need to do the silly stuff like carrying cash in your socks or use body wallets.
Always make sure the hotel you are staying at has a room safe. Keep you passport in there, as previously mentioned there is no need to walk around with your passport.
MGBMartin
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by MGBMartin »

ROIGuy wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 1:25 pm
hunoraut wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 1:21 pm

Smartphone payment will get by for most things.

For now:
-don’t carry actual passport around unless absolutely necessary. carry a photocopy instead.

-dont put valuables in pockets that are exposed, like exterior of bag, rear of trousers, outside of jackets. use pockets deep interior the bag, front of trousers, or inside of jackets.

-dont use the phone mindlessly in busy places. dont leave it on the restaurant table. etc. mainly, just be mindful of your environment.

For the future:
-always carry a backup atm and credit card and split it (eg in backpack or locked in hotel vs on your person).

mostly use some common sense, and you wont need to do the silly stuff like carrying cash in your socks or use body wallets.
Always make sure the hotel you are staying at has a room safe. Keep you passport in there, as previously mentioned there is no need to walk around with your passport.
The law in Italy requires that everyone carry ID and present it when asked by police etc. a US state issued driver’s license is not sufficient and a passport is really the only accepted form of ID for someone from the US.
Here’s the English translation of the law…
”The foreigner who, at the request of public security officers and agents, does not comply, without justified reason, with the order to show the passport or other identification document and residence permit or other document certifying the regular presence in the territory of the State is punished with arrest up to one year and with a fine of up to 2,000 euros.”

There are lots of opinions on this subject, so take it as you will.
I wouldn’t leave my passport in a hotel safe; you don’t know who has access to the safe.
I’ve carried my passport on me when traveling for 50 years, never had a problem with its security.
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OldSport
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by OldSport »

ROIGuy wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 1:23 pm
OldSport wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 12:45 pm

Cross body bag was just for things you use regularly, like a small amount of cash, one credit card, etc. Not a passport. They make small antitheft lockable and slash resistant versions you can easily keep in front, lock, and hold on tightly. Nothing is perfect, but it is still considerably better than nothing.
Money belts may be of a pain to wear, but I rather deal with that then having my wallet stolen.

How does a person with anything resembling a belly (overweight) wear a moneybelt? They cannot. It bends the passport.
MGBMartin
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by MGBMartin »

OldSport wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 2:13 pm
ROIGuy wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 1:23 pm
Money belts may be of a pain to wear, but I rather deal with that then having my wallet stolen.

How does a person with anything resembling a belly (overweight) wear a moneybelt? They cannot. It bends the passport.
I use a neck pouch that goes under my shirt; it’s small and discrete about the size of a passport.
I keep my passport and cards in it. I have to fashion the cord so that it is high up otherwise if it is on my belly it sticks out like a sore thumb.
I usually keep a small amount of cash and maybe 1 card in a pocket that is not easily accessible in case I need it, so no fumbling around accessing the neck pouch.
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happygrayhair
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by happygrayhair »

Options for better pockets, from less to more secure:

Zipper-pocket pants, easiest to use, which is more convenient for both traveler and pickpocket:

https://www.rei.com/product/234906/rei- ... pants-mens

A belt loop nylon travel wallet. Belt goes through the loop on the pouch. Pouch goes inside your pants.

https://www.amazon.com/Lewis-N-Clark-RF ... r_1_1_sspa

Multiply zippered and buttoned pocket pants. I have two pair, which I use in places renowned for pickpockets. Some of the pockets require two zippers to get in, or zipper and then velcro, or button-zipper-button ("triple secure" in their marketing write up).

https://www.clothingarts.com/

(No conflict of interest, just someone who travels a fair bit...)
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rob
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by rob »

MGBMartin wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 1:49 pm The law in Italy requires that everyone carry ID and present it when asked by police etc. a US state issued driver’s license is not sufficient and a passport is really the only accepted form of ID for someone from the US.
Here’s the English translation of the law…
”The foreigner who, at the request of public security officers and agents, does not comply, without justified reason, with the order to show the passport or other identification document and residence permit or other document certifying the regular presence in the territory of the State is punished with arrest up to one year and with a fine of up to 2,000 euros.”

There are lots of opinions on this subject, so take it as you will.
I wouldn’t leave my passport in a hotel safe; you don’t know who has access to the safe.
I’ve carried my passport on me when traveling for 50 years, never had a problem with its security.
I did know that - and in other countries - but pick your country. I suspect you might be ok in Italy but less so in say Rwanda.

One of the reasons I got a passport card is so I can carry it around while leaving the passport book at the hotel. Is it technically the same as a passport no... might it work in most places - I suspect so. It's also a good back-up IMO if did loose the passport it should be easier at the US embassy if you have the card.
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otinkyad
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by otinkyad »

ROIGuy wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 1:25 pm Always make sure the hotel you are staying at has a room safe. Keep you passport in there, as previously mentioned there is no need to walk around with your passport.
I’ve only seen a room safe a few times in 40 years of international travel. I’ve also occasionally needed my passport unexpectedly (e.g., to buy train or museum passes). I’m more likely to lose it while carrying it, but I would feel dumber if it disappeared from my hotel room.

I carry my passport in a separate internal, zippered compartment of my crossbody bag. I keep a photocopy along with spare credit and ATM cards in my suitcase at the hotel.

Last year I also got a tether for my phone. It’s a Koala, meant for hiking, but it seems better than nothing. There are also tethered cases. I have a small backpack for flights and when I need more room for jackets or such. I have some small “locking” carabiners to make opening the backpack zippers a little harder.
Capsu78
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by Capsu78 »

SuzeO wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:52 am
White Coat Investor wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:49 am
As far as how to prevent future theft, I guess don't do whatever he did to get the wallet stolen. Was it a mugging? Don't go to that area any more or similar areas. Was it leaving it out in a hostel? Well, don't do that. Was it a pickpocket. Get better pockets.
:D I like "get better pockets"!
Says he was walking to his AirBnB from the train station, wallet in his back pocket... Didn't notice a thing
I feel for your son. The area around the Rome train station is well known as a pickers haven. My little trick is I save my expired DL's or other forms of valid ID's and carry them in a temporary wallet when walking around. I only carry what I may need for that specific day- 1 CC, and my wife carries a different one, one of us has the ATM card, an expired DL. I have been picked twice when I was traveling heavily. In Athens at the changing of the guard where every day the crowd surges with a minute to go before it starts. I discovered my wallet was gone within 2 minutes, we called the CC into the company at the 10 minute mark and by the time we got off the call, someone had already tried to use it. Surveillance CC everywhere...and I will go to the grave believing this happens each and every day with the street critters faces easily spotted.
Second pick in Tokyo was a complete magic trick as no one was even in my personal space in the 15 minutes from when I bought some coffee and needed to pullout some more money. Tokyo police had a substation right where I was so I did do a report despite the language barrier. The issues me a 4 inch by 4 inch paper report entirely in Japanese! I saved it as a souvenir. one piece of real ID lost was my US Passport card, a small laminated card issued in the US- not a real passport that would not get me out of the country, but one that a consulate could tie back to get me a new PP.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by neilpilot »

MGBMartin wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 1:49 pm
ROIGuy wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 1:25 pm
Always make sure the hotel you are staying at has a room safe. Keep you passport in there, as previously mentioned there is no need to walk around with your passport.
The law in Italy requires that everyone carry ID and present it when asked by police etc. a US state issued driver’s license is not sufficient and a passport is really the only accepted form of ID for someone from the US.
Here’s the English translation of the law…
”The foreigner who, at the request of public security officers and agents, does not comply, without justified reason, with the order to show the passport or other identification document and residence permit or other document certifying the regular presence in the territory of the State is punished with arrest up to one year and with a fine of up to 2,000 euros.”

There are lots of opinions on this subject, so take it as you will.
I wouldn’t leave my passport in a hotel safe; you don’t know who has access to the safe.
I’ve carried my passport on me when traveling for 50 years, never had a problem with its security.
Italy will also accept a US driver license along with an IDP, or a scanned copy of your passport. I have an image of my passport in a secure file on my phone.

ps - While walking in a crowd in Shanghai back in 2008, 2 friends I was with had their money and passports take.
MGBMartin
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by MGBMartin »

neilpilot wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 4:37 pm
MGBMartin wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 1:49 pm

The law in Italy requires that everyone carry ID and present it when asked by police etc. a US state issued driver’s license is not sufficient and a passport is really the only accepted form of ID for someone from the US.
Here’s the English translation of the law…
”The foreigner who, at the request of public security officers and agents, does not comply, without justified reason, with the order to show the passport or other identification document and residence permit or other document certifying the regular presence in the territory of the State is punished with arrest up to one year and with a fine of up to 2,000 euros.”

There are lots of opinions on this subject, so take it as you will.
I wouldn’t leave my passport in a hotel safe; you don’t know who has access to the safe.
I’ve carried my passport on me when traveling for 50 years, never had a problem with its security.
Italy will also accept a US driver license along with an IDP, or a scanned copy of your passport. I have an image of my passport in a secure file on my phone.

ps - While walking in a crowd in Shanghai back in 2008, 2 friends I was with had their money and passports take.
As I said, there are lots of opinions on this matter.
There are many threads on TripAdvisor with all sorts of opinions from folks all around; however, the posts from Italians are pretty consistent on the topic.
I would guess that you will not get thrown in jail if you only have a copy of your ID or a not entirely acceptable ID; but, there is a law.
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OldSport
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by OldSport »

MGBMartin wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 4:46 pm
neilpilot wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 4:37 pm
Italy will also accept a US driver license along with an IDP, or a scanned copy of your passport. I have an image of my passport in a secure file on my phone.

ps - While walking in a crowd in Shanghai back in 2008, 2 friends I was with had their money and passports take.
As I said, there are lots of opinions on this matter.
There are many threads on TripAdvisor with all sorts of opinions from folks all around; however, the posts from Italians are pretty consistent on the topic.
I would guess that you will not get thrown in jail if you only have a copy of your ID or a not entirely acceptable ID; but, there is a law.
In Italy, I would be much more concerned with someone pretending to be the police asking to see the passport in order to distract or lift it. How do you verify they are legit?
OldSport
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by OldSport »

Capsu78 wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 4:32 pm
SuzeO wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:52 am

:D I like "get better pockets"!
Says he was walking to his AirBnB from the train station, wallet in his back pocket... Didn't notice a thing
I feel for your son. The area around the Rome train station is well known as a pickers haven. My little trick is I save my expired DL's or other forms of valid ID's and carry them in a temporary wallet when walking around. I only carry what I may need for that specific day- 1 CC, and my wife carries a different one, one of us has the ATM card, an expired DL. I have been picked twice when I was traveling heavily. In Athens at the changing of the guard where every day the crowd surges with a minute to go before it starts. I discovered my wallet was gone within 2 minutes, we called the CC into the company at the 10 minute mark and by the time we got off the call, someone had already tried to use it. Surveillance CC everywhere...and I will go to the grave believing this happens each and every day with the street critters faces easily spotted.
Second pick in Tokyo was a complete magic trick as no one was even in my personal space in the 15 minutes from when I bought some coffee and needed to pullout some more money. Tokyo police had a substation right where I was so I did do a report despite the language barrier. The issues me a 4 inch by 4 inch paper report entirely in Japanese! I saved it as a souvenir. one piece of real ID lost was my US Passport card, a small laminated card issued in the US- not a real passport that would not get me out of the country, but one that a consulate could tie back to get me a new PP.
Tokyo? Wow, that's surprising. I had heard Japan was relatively safe compared to PP hotspots like Rome and Barcelona.

Where were the picked items stored before they were picked?
OldSport
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by OldSport »

MGBMartin wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 2:18 pm
OldSport wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 2:13 pm

How does a person with anything resembling a belly (overweight) wear a moneybelt? They cannot. It bends the passport.
I use a neck pouch that goes under my shirt; it’s small and discrete about the size of a passport.
I keep my passport and cards in it. I have to fashion the cord so that it is high up otherwise if it is on my belly it sticks out like a sore thumb.
I usually keep a small amount of cash and maybe 1 card in a pocket that is not easily accessible in case I need it, so no fumbling around accessing the neck pouch.

Indeed the undercover neck pouch is the way to go for passport, debit card, backup credit card, etc. I wear the strap crossbody.

I use a Pacsafe Metrosafe LS100 for the items I'm actively using throughout the day (except the passport), when the threat is more pickpockets and not violent crime. Sure it's not 100% perfect, but to take that the way I wear it crossbody, locked, higher up, would be an active semi-violent crime vs an undetected pick/lift from an unprotected pocket.
Last edited by OldSport on Sun Feb 02, 2025 5:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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arcticpineapplecorp.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by arcticpineapplecorp. »

Watty wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:27 am Following Rick Steves advice we always use a money belt for our passports, documents, cash, and credit card and only have a limited amount of cash and maybe one credit card in a wallet or purse.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/ ... -moneybelt

He also has a web page with an explanation of what to do it you do lose everything.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/ ... ing-it-all
but even Rick got pickpocketed too
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OldSport
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by OldSport »

arcticpineapplecorp. wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 5:15 pm
Watty wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:27 am Following Rick Steves advice we always use a money belt for our passports, documents, cash, and credit card and only have a limited amount of cash and maybe one credit card in a wallet or purse.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/ ... -moneybelt

He also has a web page with an explanation of what to do it you do lose everything.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/ ... ing-it-all
but even Rick got pickpocketed too
That sucks for Rick, but he wasn't wearing his moneybelt. Although I don't see how an undecover neckpouch worn properly is not good enough for those of us who cannot wear money belts.
MGBMartin
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by MGBMartin »

OldSport wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 5:00 pm
MGBMartin wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 4:46 pm

As I said, there are lots of opinions on this matter.
There are many threads on TripAdvisor with all sorts of opinions from folks all around; however, the posts from Italians are pretty consistent on the topic.
I would guess that you will not get thrown in jail if you only have a copy of your ID or a not entirely acceptable ID; but, there is a law.
In Italy, I would be much more concerned with someone pretending to be the police asking to see the passport in order to distract or lift it. How do you verify they are legit?
I’ve never been asked to produce ID in Italy while out and about.
The few places I have been asked for ID, out of many trips, the people asking showed badges that looked legit and their demeanor was appropriate. Those occasions were also either on a train or at a train station and it appeared they were doing some kind of spot check with one of them hauling some guy off the train at the next station.
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ROIGuy
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by ROIGuy »

MGBMartin wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 1:49 pm
ROIGuy wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 1:25 pm
Always make sure the hotel you are staying at has a room safe. Keep you passport in there, as previously mentioned there is no need to walk around with your passport.
The law in Italy requires that everyone carry ID and present it when asked by police etc. a US state issued driver’s license is not sufficient and a passport is really the only accepted form of ID for someone from the US.
Here’s the English translation of the law…
”The foreigner who, at the request of public security officers and agents, does not comply, without justified reason, with the order to show the passport or other identification document and residence permit or other document certifying the regular presence in the territory of the State is punished with arrest up to one year and with a fine of up to 2,000 euros.”

There are lots of opinions on this subject, so take it as you will.
I wouldn’t leave my passport in a hotel safe; you don’t know who has access to the safe.
I’ve carried my passport on me when traveling for 50 years, never had a problem with its security.
I didn't know that about Italy. Thanks for the info.
rich126
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by rich126 »

Probably a decade ago I lost my wallet in Paris. It was in the winter and I had a bulky winter (ski) jacket. I'm not sure if the wallet fell out of my jacket's pocket because I didn't zip the pocket close, if I left it in the hotel room and someone took it, or if I was pick pocketed. Usually I use a money belt and am very careful. Fortunately while I lost some stuff like a driver's license and some credit cards, I didn't lose my passport or other credit cards because I had emptied my wallet of most stuff.

On a work trip a coworker decided to go to Rome to sightsee when we had a down day and he took off his leather jacket and tossed it into the trunk. Someone saw him do that and when he came back the jacket was gone.

Sadly pick pocketers are all around the major cities. I remember seeing a show on this lady in Barcelona who would walk the metros warning people not to leave stuff out and call out the pick pocketers because she was fed up with them stealing from tourists.
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SuzeO
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by SuzeO »

May I begin by saying this is the best community ever? Thank you so much to everyone who responded, I truly appreciate it!

Just wanted to share some updates:
- he is staying in an AirBnB, already paid for, so that part was easy
- We set up Apple pay over the phone using one of my credit cards; it worked; he already used it
- I sent him $100 via Western Union just in a case. We were in Germany a couple of years ago, and I agree with many here, you don't really need cash in Europe, except in rare cases.
- He took a picture of his passport and sent it to me too, again, just in case.

The one thing that bothers me is- this is his first solo trip. He was really excited and looking forward to it. After this incident esp. in the first 15 minutes of him being in Rome, I noticed, he feels deflated and discouraged, not only afraid to leave the apartment but also to ever attempt a trip like this. And I'd love for him to stay curious about the world, love travel, and not get discouraged for life by this setback... You know, we, parents, never stop worrying about our children...
hunoraut
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by hunoraut »

Re: Passport.

In theory, for 3rd country nationals visiting most countries in Europe, you need to have it on you at all times. It is an ID requirement, and passport is your only/most valid form of ID. (for EU or Schengen locals their national IDs suffice).

In practice, you don't need to. Why? First, there's the infinitesimally low chance you would encounter police and be required to show it. Second, were such a thing to happen (say, you got stopped for jaywalking), the authorities are reasonable enough to resolve the fact that you are a tourist and your passport is at the hotel. I mean, you're not going to be tossed in a holding cell until the embassy bails you out...

You might need a passport-like thing to get discounts at museums based on age, buying booze, entering clubs, and things of that nature. In which case, a copy of a passport often passes. Theres very little risk accompanying losing such a paper.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by hunoraut »

SuzeO wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 8:57 pm May I begin by saying this is the best community ever? Thank you so much to everyone who responded, I truly appreciate it!

Just wanted to share some updates:
- he is staying in an AirBnB, already paid for, so that part was easy
- We set up Apple pay over the phone using one of my credit cards; it worked; he already used it
- I sent him $100 via Western Union just in a case. We were in Germany a couple of years ago, and I agree with many here, you don't really need cash in Europe, except in rare cases.
- He took a picture of his passport and sent it to me too, again, just in case.

The one thing that bothers me is- this is his first solo trip. He was really excited and looking forward to it. After this incident esp. in the first 15 minutes of him being in Rome, I noticed, he feels deflated and discouraged, not only afraid to leave the apartment but also to ever attempt a trip like this. And I'd love for him to stay curious about the world, love travel, and not get discouraged for life by this setback... You know, we, parents, never stop worrying about our children...
1. It is not-bad for your child to have experienced this and be on guard for the future. Rome, Paris, and Barcelona are literally the top 3 scammy pickpockety cities in Europe. So anywhere else on the trip, like maybe a Berlin, it cannot be worse :)

2. Encourage child to book hostels and link up with other travelers. There are often solo travelers there. Hostels are diverse and may offer fully private or semi-private rooms, it's not all mass dorms.

3. Consider getting an Apple Card. If you have an Apple account, the application takes a literal minute at most, with instant approval and instant availability for spend in Apple Wallet. You can spawn Family accounts from it, with spending limits and monitoring tools. Moreover, their forex rate is super good, AND 90% of terminal charges in Europe is going to count as Apple Pay for 2% cashback. It's an incredible product and you give your child access to spending with a few clicks.
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lthenderson
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by lthenderson »

SuzeO wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 8:57 pm The one thing that bothers me is- this is his first solo trip. He was really excited and looking forward to it. After this incident esp. in the first 15 minutes of him being in Rome, I noticed, he feels deflated and discouraged, not only afraid to leave the apartment but also to ever attempt a trip like this.
My guess is that he will still have a good time now that hopefully the "worst" has happened and he is still able to continue on with the journey.
Capsu78
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by Capsu78 »

OldSport wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 5:04 pm
Capsu78 wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 4:32 pm

I feel for your son. The area around the Rome train station is well known as a pickers haven. My little trick is I save my expired DL's or other forms of valid ID's and carry them in a temporary wallet when walking around. I only carry what I may need for that specific day- 1 CC, and my wife carries a different one, one of us has the ATM card, an expired DL. I have been picked twice when I was traveling heavily. In Athens at the changing of the guard where every day the crowd surges with a minute to go before it starts. I discovered my wallet was gone within 2 minutes, we called the CC into the company at the 10 minute mark and by the time we got off the call, someone had already tried to use it. Surveillance CC everywhere...and I will go to the grave believing this happens each and every day with the street critters faces easily spotted.
Second pick in Tokyo was a complete magic trick as no one was even in my personal space in the 15 minutes from when I bought some coffee and needed to pullout some more money. Tokyo police had a substation right where I was so I did do a report despite the language barrier. The issues me a 4 inch by 4 inch paper report entirely in Japanese! I saved it as a souvenir. one piece of real ID lost was my US Passport card, a small laminated card issued in the US- not a real passport that would not get me out of the country, but one that a consulate could tie back to get me a new PP.
Tokyo? Wow, that's surprising. I had heard Japan was relatively safe compared to PP hotspots like Rome and Barcelona.

Where were the picked items stored before they were picked?
My bad- It was in my back pocket as I hadn't yet switched into my automatic "crowded urban" wallet mode. I had just endured a couple of 12 hour flights, with a 9 hour layover in Dubai to get to Tokyo...I was clearly jet lagged and had used my wallet 2x before it went missing. And as you mention, I consider Tokyo very safe as I had been there before a couple times. I was just fortunate that I was still walking distance back to my hotel and my wife, who was there on business, was sitting by her phone at her office. She was able to call the bank to cancel.
f8andbethere
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by f8andbethere »

hunoraut wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 3:54 am 3. Consider getting an Apple Card. If you have an Apple account, the application takes a literal minute at most, with instant approval and instant availability for spend in Apple Wallet. You can spawn Family accounts from it, with spending limits and monitoring tools. Moreover, their forex rate is super good, AND 90% of terminal charges in Europe is going to count as Apple Pay for 2% cashback. It's an incredible product and you give your child access to spending with a few clicks.
This is a great idea, but if for some reason he's not approved for or doesn't want a credit card then Apple Cash might work just as well. Assuming you're both in the Apple ecosystem, you can use it to send him money instantly via a linked debit card. He can then use his Apple Cash balance (which is itself essentially a pre-paid debit card) for Apply Pay at any contactless terminal or use the virtual card number (in the Wallet app) for online bookings. I don't believe there is a FTF, but usual caveats about charging holds/deposits to debit cards apply.
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CuriousGeorgeTx
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by CuriousGeorgeTx »

Sorry to hear your son has experienced this. If he files a police report, have him make sure the report actually says it was stolen. The Italian police will often say it was lost to make their numbers look better.

He should be fine without any cash. In our last several trips to Europe (including Italy), everywhere we went, we were able to use ApplePay.
AlohaJoe
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by AlohaJoe »

clip651 wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 10:34 am The US embassy might be able to help. Haven’t been in that situation but it’s where I’d probably go first.
The embassy isn't going to do anything other than tell you to use a commercial money transfer service like Western Union.

US embassies only offer are two things:

1) is a money transfer service via the State Department, which is slower, more complicated, and more expensive than using Western Union or Moneygram, which is why the staff will tell you not to do it that way. It costs $30 just to set up the State Department money transfer account and you need to wire money to the account anyway and the funds won't be available until the following business day. It is really only an option if you're in some country like, I dunno, South Sudan or something, where there aren't any Western Union shops.

2) is a repatriation loan, where the US government gives you a loan to fly home. Getting one is not easy, requires several rounds of interviews to establish you are actually destitute, and your passport is revoked and you can't travel outside the US until the loan is paid off. I saw one such interview where the person changed their mind on the repatriation loan at the last second because, as he put it, he'd be just as poor and unemployed back in the US just now with a debt of a few thousands dollars.

In general embassy staff aren't really there to help out with anything other than getting emergency travel documents.

Also, OP's son will need to get a police report to file an insurance claim but I'm going to go out on a limb and guess he doesn't have travel insurance either.
Thesaints
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by Thesaints »

CuriousGeorgeTx wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 5:25 pm The Italian police will often say it was lost to make their numbers look better.
Doesn't sound right. If anything, Italian police will try to find a crime where there is none.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by neilpilot »

CuriousGeorgeTx wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 5:25 pm Sorry to hear your son has experienced this. If he files a police report, have him make sure the report actually says it was stolen. The Italian police will often say it was lost to make their numbers look better.

He should be fine without any cash. In our last several trips to Europe (including Italy), everywhere we went, we were able to use ApplePay.
Paying for public restrooms is common in Europe. Have never tried Google Pay to use one.
CuriousGeorgeTx
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by CuriousGeorgeTx »

neilpilot wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 7:25 pm
CuriousGeorgeTx wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 5:25 pm Sorry to hear your son has experienced this. If he files a police report, have him make sure the report actually says it was stolen. The Italian police will often say it was lost to make their numbers look better.

He should be fine without any cash. In our last several trips to Europe (including Italy), everywhere we went, we were able to use ApplePay.
Paying for public restrooms is common in Europe. Have never tried Google Pay to use one.
Last summer in Amsterdam I was able to pay for public toilets with ApplePay. Not sure about Rome. (Also was able to use ApplePay for public transit in Amsterdam).

But I get your point- a little cash could be handy. But you shouldn’t need very much.
MGBMartin
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by MGBMartin »

neilpilot wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 7:25 pm
CuriousGeorgeTx wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 5:25 pm Sorry to hear your son has experienced this. If he files a police report, have him make sure the report actually says it was stolen. The Italian police will often say it was lost to make their numbers look better.

He should be fine without any cash. In our last several trips to Europe (including Italy), everywhere we went, we were able to use ApplePay.
Paying for public restrooms is common in Europe. Have never tried Google Pay to use one.
I can’t remember where this was other than somewhere in Europe but…
I remember one place where we had to pay €2 to use the toilets but they gave us a coupon worth €2 to use at cafe or store at the same location.
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Thesaints
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by Thesaints »

neilpilot wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 7:25 pm
CuriousGeorgeTx wrote: Mon Feb 03, 2025 5:25 pm Sorry to hear your son has experienced this. If he files a police report, have him make sure the report actually says it was stolen. The Italian police will often say it was lost to make their numbers look better.

He should be fine without any cash. In our last several trips to Europe (including Italy), everywhere we went, we were able to use ApplePay.
Paying for public restrooms is common in Europe. Have never tried Google Pay to use one.
Very few real public restrooms in Rome. The one I remember, near Piazza Navona, needs a 1€ coin. Don't think it took any other form of payment, but I did not investigate.
DesertDiva
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by DesertDiva »

OldSport wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 12:45 pm
MathWizard wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 8:28 am

Hidden pockets or money belts are the best for things you need to have with you but don't use regularly.

Across body bags are still vulnerable and you can be dragged by them (Vespa comes along and rider grabs bag.)

My wife did have an across body purse and still had money stolen from it. We got in an elevator at a Paris Metro and two young women pushed in as the doors were closing,basically pinning is against opposite sides.

I just carry the days cash in my front pocket. Did not have it stolen, but I would not mourn a 50 euro loss.
Cross body bag was just for things you use regularly, like a small amount of cash, one credit card, etc. Not a passport. They make small antitheft lockable and slash resistant versions you can easily keep in front, lock, and hold on tightly. Nothing is perfect, but it is still considerably better than nothing.
I love Travelon products. I have a crossbody bag and a small backpack. They have anti-theft locks and are slash resistant.
finite_difference
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by finite_difference »

tibbitts wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 11:48 am
LoveTheBogle wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:45 am I agree that the easy and safe thing to do would be to just let the thief go, but alas, this is part of the reason it is so rampant in some parts of the world: no consequences for actions.
It's more than "easy and safe"; it's the only rational choice in this situation.
Yeah not advisable in the US, since the chance of getting shot or knifed is much higher. In Europe or SE Asia, much less of a concern. Still risky though unless you are trained.

Keep your wallet in your front pocket. Stay alert.
The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. - Thich Nhat Hanh
anoop
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by anoop »

ResearchMed wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:58 am
neilpilot wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:54 am
wallet in his back pocket - a big NO

Not in any pocket that is not secured, where one can just "reach in".
Skilled pickpockets typically slit the pocket and have the wallet slide out, so even if secured with a zip or button, it doesn't help. Front pocket is safest. Nowadays a lot of pants have shallow front pockets and wallet can easily fall out when seated.
Cruise
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by Cruise »

OP: I feel your son’s pain! I took my first European trip at age 34. Right after checking into our hotel, I took a cab ride to the American consulate to transact some business. Jet-lagged, I dropped my wallet upon leaving the cab. Luckily, my wife was with me and had other cards. So, I couldn’t blame a bad actor for the loss, just my lack of attention.

My situation ended well— before leaving for Eorope, I wrote the name and address of our hotel on a piece of paper and put it next to my driver’s license. By the time we returned to the hotel, my wallet was returned by a nice university student. Tell your son this story and next time, write his contact info and hotel in his wallet. Who knows, his looted wallet may have been thrown in a gutter by the thief and might have been returned.
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thriftynick
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by thriftynick »

If his credit card company won't overnight a new card to him, he could use Apple Pay in a store that accepts contactless to buy a prepaid debit card, ideally one reloadable over the internet. Then, he can use the debit card for the rest of the trip at places that only accept a card.
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SuzeO
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by SuzeO »

Me again, with another appreciation message and an update :D

While the first 2 days were quite challenging for him and he was visibly defeated, yesterday and today were much (!) better! He had a Vatican tour scheduled for yesterday, walked to Sistine chapel, purchased some touristy merchandise and had pizza. He sounds much better and more optimistic!

Meanwhile, I continue learning so much from this supportive and knowledgeable group of people. So grateful to have stumbled upon this site a few years ago!
halfnine
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by halfnine »

ROIGuy wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 10:54 am ...I use a money belt but I always thought of getting a cheap wallet and put a few monopoly dollars in there and put it in my back pocket as a fake out for pick pocketers to steal...
Having fake wallets, cards, cash is immaterial in regards to pick pockets. If you don't have anything accessible they simply are just going to move on to someone else. Enticing them with something fake doesn't change the end result. Now for a good old fashioned mugging a fake wallet can work. Some muggings are more risky for the mugger than others and so they might just grab the wallet and go. But if it is some professional gang, or you are out there on your own, late at night, etc. they are just going to strip you of everything valuable anyway.

My best advice is simply to have a look around and see who you would pick pocket or who you would mug. And if you can't find anybody then its you and you should be extra wary.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by ROIGuy »

halfnine wrote: Wed Feb 05, 2025 8:17 am
ROIGuy wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 10:54 am ...I use a money belt but I always thought of getting a cheap wallet and put a few monopoly dollars in there and put it in my back pocket as a fake out for pick pocketers to steal...
Having fake wallets, cards, cash is immaterial in regards to pick pockets. If you don't have anything accessible they simply are just going to move on to someone else. Enticing them with something fake doesn't change the end result. Now for a good old fashioned mugging a fake wallet can work. Some muggings are more risky for the mugger than others and so they might just grab the wallet and go. But if it is some professional gang, or you are out there on your own, late at night, etc. they are just going to strip you of everything valuable anyway.

My best advice is simply to have a look around and see who you would pick pocket or who you would mug. And if you can't find anybody then its you and you should be extra wary.
Mugging/ physical violence and pick pocketing are two different things. I rather give a diversion to someone who is going to picket pocket me and look at my wallet long after I am gone. If someone is going to try to mug me is a whole different problem.
protagonist
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by protagonist »

The good news is that most pickpockets steal the money and then toss the wallet and its contents, since they can then claim innocence if caught.
If credit card fraud does happen, if the theft is reported, the bank winds up holding the bag, not the card holder...at least that has been my personal experience (I have been victim to credit card fraud a handful of times).
It is quite possible that somebody will find the wallet and try to return it. I had my wallet stolen twice and once it fell out of my pocket (all in the US)...in every case it was found and replaced. In the USA I would check with the local police station to see if anybody turned it in. I don't know about Italy.
Going to the US embassy is an excellent idea. I would do that.
Hopefully he still has his passport.
"The truth cannot force its way in, when something else is occupying its place." | -Ludwig Wittgenstein
halfnine
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by halfnine »

ROIGuy wrote: Wed Feb 05, 2025 2:57 pm
halfnine wrote: Wed Feb 05, 2025 8:17 am

Having fake wallets, cards, cash is immaterial in regards to pick pockets. If you don't have anything accessible they simply are just going to move on to someone else. Enticing them with something fake doesn't change the end result. Now for a good old fashioned mugging a fake wallet can work. Some muggings are more risky for the mugger than others and so they might just grab the wallet and go. But if it is some professional gang, or you are out there on your own, late at night, etc. they are just going to strip you of everything valuable anyway.

My best advice is simply to have a look around and see who you would pick pocket or who you would mug. And if you can't find anybody then its you and you should be extra wary.
Mugging/ physical violence and pick pocketing are two different things. I rather give a diversion to someone who is going to picket pocket me and look at my wallet long after I am gone. If someone is going to try to mug me is a whole different problem.
You missed my general point. No one is going to target you if you don't have any low hanging fruit. You don't need a diversion. Not from a pick pocket. If it isn't easy they are going to look elsewhere.
ROIGuy
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by ROIGuy »

halfnine wrote: Thu Feb 06, 2025 3:38 am
ROIGuy wrote: Wed Feb 05, 2025 2:57 pm
Mugging/ physical violence and pick pocketing are two different things. I rather give a diversion to someone who is going to picket pocket me and look at my wallet long after I am gone. If someone is going to try to mug me is a whole different problem.
You missed my general point. No one is going to target you if you don't have any low hanging fruit. You don't need a diversion. Not from a pick pocket. If it isn't easy they are going to look elsewhere.
I disagree with " if it's not easy." My wife and I were on a train in Europe. Her phone was pick pocketed. It wasn't sticking out as "low hanging fruit".
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