“I Just Put it Down for a Second!”-How to Protect Your Phone While Traveling in Europe

Phone theft is an unfortunate reality for travelers in Europe, particularly in tourist-heavy  areas of countries like Italy, France, and Spain. While violent crime is rare, petty theft, especially of phones, is common in bars, outdoor cafes, on public transportation, and at  popular attractions. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and minimize the risk of losing your device during your travels. 

Start by ensuring your phone is protected by a password, fingerprint, or facial recognition, as this is your first line of defense if it’s stolen. Almost everywhere you go will have a tap-to pay option, so consider using a smartwatch to avoid taking your phone out in vulnerable  places, especially in bars. If you need to look at directions, stand close to a building rather than on the edge of the sidewalk, where thieves on scooters can snatch your phone. This is another area where a smartwatch comes in handy, as you don’t need to pull your phone  out to look at directions. Never leave your phone sitting out on a table at a cafe or restaurant, as it’s pretty much the easiest possible target for opportunistic thieves.  Instead, store it in a crossbody bag, use a wrist strap, or keep it in a secure pocket.  Personally, I purchased a Nike crossbody bag and ended up wearing it every single day and  kept my wallet, passport, keys, and phone in it. I never had any problems (other than maybe forgetting it at a restaurant once, but I got it back). Above all, stay vigilant and aware  of your surroundings. 

Before traveling, there are two essential steps to protect your phone if it does get stolen. First, enable the stolen device protection in your phone’s settings. This feature gives you an  hour to report the phone stolen before the thief can change your password. Second, take a  screenshot of your phone’s model number, serial number, IMEI number, and iCloud login information. Share this with a trusted friend or family member so they can help report your  phone stolen if needed. Be sure they also have your Apple ID and password for quick access. 

Despite your best efforts, phone theft can still happen. If it does, follow these steps immediately: 

1. Have your trusted contact log into iCloud’s Find My iPhone and put your phone in Lost Mode. This disables Apple Pay and tracking features while marking the device  as lost. Beware of phishing scams—never click on links claiming to find your phone  that ask for your Apple ID and password. 

2. Contact your carrier to report the theft and ask them to blacklist the IMEI number so  the phone cannot be reactivated. 

3. Change all your passwords, including email and social media accounts, and check  for any suspicious activity. 

4. Unlink any credit cards or ride-sharing apps, like Uber, that were connected to the  device. 

5. File a local police report, as this will be required for insurance claims. 

Phone theft is stressful, but taking proactive measures can help you avoid that stress. By securing your phone, enabling safety features, and knowing what to do in case of theft, you’ll be better equipped to handle the situation. Luckily, I never experienced this issue but remember to stay vigilant in high-risk areas and be mindful of where and how you use your phone. Traveling in Europe is an amazing experience, so don’t let phone theft ruin your adventure!