With the surge in outbound travel, more issues have come to light. Many are lamenting how hard it is to guard against the traps and schemes in international travel. Take the trouble of encountering thieves, for instance. Xiaoma, a user of Yixin (a Chinese messaging app), shared insights from his own "theft" experience and compiled personal property precautions for European travel. Especially for Hangzhou residents who are about to enjoy the G20-exclusive holiday, if you have plans for overseas travel, this guide is worth a read.
Stay Alert: High Theft Rates in Five Cities Including Rome
Every year, a large number of tourists visit Europe, and many also fall victim to theft there. Among them, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Prague, and Rome have been ranked by netizens as the top five European cities most prone to theft.
Stay Connected: Your Lifeline for Help and Reporting Losses
Communication is vital when abroad. Many travelers choose not to activate international roaming due to high costs, but Xiaoma recommends keeping your phone accessible during international trips. In case of emergencies—whether seeking help from family or reporting lost credit cards—you'll need your phone.
To tackle communication challenges overseas, Xiaoma suggests three practical solutions:
The first is to use your carrier’s international roaming service. This method is simple and convenient, but the fees are relatively high, making it more suitable for those who don’t mind spending more.
The second option is to buy a local SIM card, which also allows you to stay connected. It’s ideal for travelers who have friends or relatives in the area, so you can get immediate help in an emergency.
If you want both convenience and to save on call costs, try the third software-based solution: apps like Yixin offer free international roaming. The latest version of Yixin supports zero-cost two-way calls. Just connect to Wi-Fi, launch Yixin, and make free calls to both mobiles and landlines—no need for the other person to have Yixin installed.
Stay Calm: Don’t Panic If You’re Robbed – Secure What You Have Left and Report to Police
Reflecting on the details of the theft, Xiaoma said that if he had been more careful and not let his guard down, the theft might have been avoided.
After losing the first backpack, the thieves struck again while everyone was in chaos and stole the second one. Xiaoma analyzed that thief gangs often have different roles—some distract you while others make the move, making it very difficult to guard against. In such situations, don’t panic. Split up tasks: some can watch over the bags that weren’t stolen, some can track possible suspects, and others can call the police.
Local police are used to frequent theft cases, but it’s still important to report the incident if you’re unlucky enough to be robbed. They can issue you a certificate for applying for a temporary passport.
Xiaoma recalled that the only time he left his luggage unattended was when he went to check the timetable for a few seconds—and that’s when his backpack was stolen. It wasn’t noticed immediately because everyone was moving together, creating the illusion that someone else might have picked up the bag.
Stay Attentive: Minor Details to Watch Out For
First, always stay alert. Thieves could be lurking nearby, perhaps disguised as someone looking at a map or spraying something on you to distract you. Even seemingly harmless individuals like children, women, or elderly people could be part of a theft ring. If a stranger gets uncomfortably close to you, keep an eye on your belongings.
Second, don’t keep important documents or money in the back pockets of your coat or pants. Also, try to separate important documents, money, and bank cards to minimize losses in case of theft.
Third, European train stations have unique layouts and no ticket-checking process. Passengers simply check the platform for their train based on their ticket and board directly. At this point, everyone focuses on finding the right platform, becoming less vigilant about their luggage—an opportunity thieves exploit. Stay extra cautious and keep your belongings secure.