Keep your valuables safe

By Sarah Schlichter

updated 10:24 a.m. ET Feb. 8, 2007

That little girl who came up to you in   Rome looked so innocent — until you realized that she was just distracting you while her father picked your pocket! Unfortunately, this type of petty crime is all too common against travelers all over the world. Whether they're fumbling through guidebooks or gawking at new sights, tourists are often unaware of their surroundings — making them easy prey for thieves.

Luckily, a little bit of common sense and preparation can go a long way toward keeping this from happening to you. Read on for tips from us and our members about how to keep your valuables — and yourself — safe on your next trip.

Where to Keep Your Valuables
The most important rule of the road is to make sure you keep your money, credit and debit cards, passport and airline tickets on you at all times. We don't recommend carrying anything valuable in a purse (too easily snatched) or a backpack, which can be opened without your noticing. Even a wallet kept in your front pocket can be taken by an experienced pickpocket.

Instead, we recommend a money pouch that can be concealed under your clothing. Some attach to your belt, while others are worn around the neck, waist or calf. These are particularly important if you're sleeping on a train, standing on a crowded subway or staying in a hotel that is not very secure. Choose one that is comfortable and practical for where you're traveling. You can buy money pouches at Magellan's or other travel stores.

And it's not just pouches — you can find some really creative ways to hide your money. There are key chains, belts, cases, even a portable closet safe disguised as a padded coat hanger! You can get all of these items for under $40.

Try not to carry all of your valuables in the same place. If you're traveling with a companion, make sure each of you has some cash and a credit card on hand in case you're split up or one of you is robbed. If you're alone, keep a backup credit or debit card in a separate pouch from the one you'll be using most often.

MORE FROM INDEPENDENT TRAVELER Click below for more information Visit the Passport Center! Get the Best Exchange Rate See All Money Resources   Where do you carry your valuables? More coverage

While most valuables should be safely hidden away, you may want to keep a small amount of local currency in a separate dummy wallet where it's easily accessible; that way you're not flashing your cash each time you want to make a small purchase, and if it's stolen it won't be a huge loss.

Another good tip is to make two copies of your passport, credit cards, ATM cards, plane tickets and traveler's check serial numbers. Leave one copy at home with someone you can reach in an emergency. Keep the other set with you in a safe place separate from the originals.

Safety at the ATM
Since your ATM card is a direct link to your financial savings, guard it at least as carefully as you would cash or other valuables. Visa offers these tips for ATM safety:

• Make sure that no one waiting behind you can see you entering your PIN number.
• Be sure to take your receipt with you. 
• Be aware of your surroundings. If the machine is poorly lit, or is in a hidden area, use another location.
• Don't count your cash or rummage through your personal items while standing at the ATM.
• If you are using an indoor ATM that requires your card to open the door, avoid letting anyone come in with you that you do not know.
• When using a drive-through ATM, lock your car doors. When walking up, never leave your car running or unlocked.
• If you lose your ATM card, immediately contact the financial institution that issued it.

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