Common sense applies equally at home and abroad – take just a few extra precautions to protect your valuables and travel documents.
Travelling in Europe is generally very safe; however, all travellers should take certain common sense precautions to protect themselves from petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, which are common in well-frequented tourist areas everywhere. Stay alert and walk with confidence. This can be especially challenging following a long flight when you're jet-lagged, so take extra care upon your arrival when you may not be quite awake and at your most alert!
In hotels, use the in-room safes or those at the front desk to ensure your valuables are truly secure.
Crowded buses and trains are prime places for pickpockets – avoid the crowds, or if you cannot, take extra care in well-frequented tourist areas. Keep your possessions close to you and consider using a money belt to carry documents inside your clothing for maximum safety. Also, it’s a good idea to keep money in more than one place. Avoid wearing flashy jewellery or clothing that might attract attention. Make a photocopy of your tickets, passport, traveller’s cheques, credit cards and IDs and keep them separately from where you keep your valuables; it is also a good idea to make extra copies that you can leave with someone back home.
When renting a car, remove the rental sticker so that you are not targeted. Lock the doors when driving and after parking the car. Do not leave items exposed in the back seat.