I was in Cancun about 5 yrs ago. We were walking in downtown at night and didn't have any problems. We had worse pickpocketing experience in Paris than in Cancun.
The same basic advice applies anywhere to avoid being targeted.
- Don't carry your cash in your wallet. Keep it in a different pocket, and even split amongst multiple pockets and a money belt or even your sock. But, keep a small bill (in the US a $5 or $10) in your wallet so if you do get mugged or pickpocketed they'll find some cash in your wallet. Think of that cash as your emergency money and don't plan on using it.
- Keep your wallet in your front pocket and if it gets crowded or you get approached by anyone, keep your hand in your pocket around your wallet.
- Don't look like a target. This is probably the most important thing. If you're walking around in white socks and sandals, with a camera around your neck, and looking at a map, you're a target. If you have to look at a map, go into a store or back up against a wall so you can't be approached or bumped from or behind.
- If you're carrying a bag, keep it under your arm or keep your hand on it. Never put your backpack on your back with both straps, and never put your bag on the back of your chair or on the floor (bus, restaurant, steps outside a museum, wherever).
- Fanny packs should be banned!
Finally, take a photocopy of all your documents (passport, credit cards) with you and leave it in your hotel room. Leave another with a trustworthy friend back home. Scan them and email a copy to yourself too.
I got off a bus in front of the Marriott and two police officers asked to search me for drugs. While one looked through my wallet, the other talked to me and they both apologized for the "misunderstanding." I got to my room and i was missing all the cash i had in my wallet ($300). I suggest not carrying more than 50 to 100 dollars on you at one point in time.
Pickpockets are in everypart of the world. In foriegn countries, it can often be easy to pick out a non-native. Always carry your wallet in your front pocket because back pockets, purses and fanny packs are targets. Try to carry the least amount of stuff you need with you and leave the rest in your hotel safe. I keep my tourist card and an emergency credit card in my hotel safe always.
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I was in Cancun about 5 yrs
I was in Cancun about 5 yrs ago. We were walking in downtown at night and didn't have any problems. We had worse pickpocketing experience in Paris than in Cancun.
The same basic advice
The same basic advice applies anywhere to avoid being targeted.
- Don't carry your cash in your wallet. Keep it in a different pocket, and even split amongst multiple pockets and a money belt or even your sock. But, keep a small bill (in the US a $5 or $10) in your wallet so if you do get mugged or pickpocketed they'll find some cash in your wallet. Think of that cash as your emergency money and don't plan on using it.
- Keep your wallet in your front pocket and if it gets crowded or you get approached by anyone, keep your hand in your pocket around your wallet.
- Don't look like a target. This is probably the most important thing. If you're walking around in white socks and sandals, with a camera around your neck, and looking at a map, you're a target. If you have to look at a map, go into a store or back up against a wall so you can't be approached or bumped from or behind.
- If you're carrying a bag, keep it under your arm or keep your hand on it. Never put your backpack on your back with both straps, and never put your bag on the back of your chair or on the floor (bus, restaurant, steps outside a museum, wherever).
- Fanny packs should be banned!
Finally, take a photocopy of all your documents (passport, credit cards) with you and leave it in your hotel room. Leave another with a trustworthy friend back home. Scan them and email a copy to yourself too.
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I got off a bus in front of
I got off a bus in front of the Marriott and two police officers asked to search me for drugs. While one looked through my wallet, the other talked to me and they both apologized for the "misunderstanding." I got to my room and i was missing all the cash i had in my wallet ($300). I suggest not carrying more than 50 to 100 dollars on you at one point in time.
My wife and I had our fanny
My wife and I had our fanny packs pick pocketed with all the basics. Pick pockets come all ages and sizes. DOn't be pariniod, just aware.
Pickpockets are in everypart
Pickpockets are in everypart of the world. In foriegn countries, it can often be easy to pick out a non-native. Always carry your wallet in your front pocket because back pockets, purses and fanny packs are targets. Try to carry the least amount of stuff you need with you and leave the rest in your hotel safe. I keep my tourist card and an emergency credit card in my hotel safe always.
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