Preventing Pickpocketing Medellín

Introduction

Medellín has a violent history but it has made miraculous improvements in the last couple of decades. However, just like in any city, there is always a risk of getting pickpocketed. We have created a guide with you including practical tips to help you.

Preventing pickpocketing consists of a couple of factors. 

Clothing – Pickpocketing Medellín

– You can wear a money-belt under your pants. This is really hard for people to steal from for obvious reasons. It may be a little bit impractical if you have to take something out of it every minute. However, for moments when you are in really crowded areas it may provide the perfect solution to store your phone, wallet etc. For example, when you are leaving a busy place in Medellín to take a cab. In these moments you are extra vulnerable for pickpockets since they know you are distracted and you are walking through a crowd. Before you go here, put your valuables in your money belt and take them out when the coast is clear. 

– A money belt is not the only thing you can wear. You can also wear pants where the pockets are protected with a zipper. It’s that extra layer of protection that makes it hard to be robbed. 

– Another good option is to wear a crossbody bag.

– You can also consider taking a long sleeve shirt and tie that around your waist. The shirt will then cover your pockets as well.

In any case, there are so many ways to protect your belongings with clothing, be creative and think rationally, you will surely find solutions that suit you!

There is a Decathlon store that sells moneybelts and pants with zips in the area of Blink.

Only take essentials with you

What you don’t take with you can not get stolen. If you have multiple bank cards, leave all but one at home. Take a sufficient amount of cash with you and don’t bring your passport unless explicitly necessary. 

Avoid risky situations

Public transit, crowded streets, certain neighborhoods, festivals and more are always more risky. Keep that in mind when you are going out.

Be wary of unsollicited help

– You can never really 100% prevent all these risks. Therefore, another good tip is to bring a second cellphone and wallet. Buy a cheap one in a store here for €100 and download the basics on it like Uber and Instagram.

And as always, never bring your passport unless it’s specifically required from you.