What to Do When your Wallet is Stolen in Italy & How to Protect yourself from Pickpockets
Milano you will always have my heart, even though you have my wallet somewhere
Travelling in Italy is the dream of a lifetime. Yet the highs also sometimes comes with the lows. If you had your wallet stolen in Italy, you are not alone. After I experienced this ordeal, I wanted to write this to send solace to going through the state of shock. It took me a few days just to emotionally recover - which included not going outside, especially on the metro again. And while I know you might only have a limited number of days on vacation, if you need to take a few days to marinate and wallow, please allow yourself to feel what you need to instead of pushing forwards and exploring when you don’t feel like it.
Also this post might seem out of line with Self Love and Confidence, but ultimately, I wanted to share this because it takes a tremendous amount of Self Love and Confidence to take care of yourself after something like this, pick yourself up (physicaly and emotionally), and bring even more Self Compassion and care in the aftermath. I’m cheering you on!
WHAT TO DO IN CASE THEFT HAPPENS TO YOU:
Cancel credit cards RIGHT AWAY - We found out later the thieves used my credit card to buy 300 Euros worth of train tickets (?), but luckily because the credit card company was notified right away they are able to write off this charge
Request Credit Cards to be sent to you, or a trusted family member so that you are able to register your credit cards on your phone to make digital payments: Thankfully Europe is rather advanced in this way, in that 90% places take Apple Pay, so that you can make payments if you have a smart phone (I imagine this should be the same for Androids!)
Find the nearest Police station and file a report: Unfortunately not much will come from it, but at least if you write an itinerary of what was stolen, you can either claim it for insurance later, or at least the authorities are notified in case identity theft happens consequently
HOW TO PROTECT AND RECOVER FROM THEFT:
HAVE BACKUP ID & Money: I was so thankful I left my passport at my friend’s home, and actually in that passport pouch I also had a spare ID, cash, and ONE credit card - that credit card was complete heaven sent, because at least I could pay for basic things to stay safe such as transport or food before my replacement cards arrived
Separate your cash & credit cards: I luckily had some spare cash in a different pocket compartment in the same bag, so worse comes to worse I still had some resources
Invest in an Anti-Theft bag: A very until it happens to you situation - I saw these bags and didn’t think they’d be necessary. But I purchased one where the zipper hooks onto a small carabiner. These thieves are trained to be incredibly stealthy, and can take your valuables without you noticing. Also, try your best to wear it cross body if you can.
Try not to carry a wallet if you can and buy a hidden wallet that can go inside your clothes: You can put your cash and cards in the inside compartments of your bag. This way it is harder for thieves to snatch a wallet without you noticing
Protect your phone at all costs! Please wear it on a lanyard - as at least having my phone was so helpful for calling my family, calling friends locally to help
It’s OK to feel vulnerable and scared during this time. If you had these thoughts of “why was I so careless” It’s ok to wallow in these feelings, but also know that you are not alone, this happens, and you can’t possibly be alert every single second because you are trying your best to navigate somewhere new. You still deserve to enjoy your travels. I’m rooting for you!