Questions and Answers: Volume 26

Pickpocket Tips

Traveling with valuable items like camera gear can make one a target for pickpockets, but Gary Arndt shares effective strategies to avoid falling victim. He emphasizes the importance of carrying wallets in front pockets and using bags with zippers positioned to make access difficult for thieves. Additionally, Gary recommends using clothing with zippered pockets and keeping camera bags attached to oneself, even when seated, to deter potential snatchers 1.

Real pickpocketing is actually an art form that's slowly being lost.

--- Gary Arndt

These precautions make it harder for pickpockets to target you, ensuring a safer travel experience.

   

Scam Awareness

Awareness of scams is crucial for travelers, as Gary Arndt explains through his experiences. He notes that scammers often initiate conversations, a red flag indicating a potential scam. Gary shares a personal anecdote from Manila, where he encountered a taxi driver claiming the meter was broken, a common scam that cost him a bit more than usual 1.

If you're just standing on the street and someone starts a conversation with you that requires you to do something, it's probably a scam.

--- Gary Arndt

Recognizing these signs can help travelers avoid falling prey to scams and ensure a smoother journey.