After Witnessing Someone Get Pickpocketed in South America, I Always Travel With These 11 Safety Devices

South America has a rich and vibrant culture that draws travelers from all over the world. But like many popular tourist hubs, it’s not immune to the challenges of crime. I witnessed this firsthand while recently visiting Lima, Peru. As our 20-person group paused to take pictures, a local on a motorbike was riding past and, in one effortless motion, swiped the iPhone from the lady next to me. It happened in a flash and the thief rode off before there was even a chance to react. 

The experience definitely shook me up and was a much needed wake-up call, reminding me how quickly things can happen when you’re distracted and navigating new environments — even when you’re in a group. While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks, being prepared and proactive can make a world of difference. Below you’ll find 11 of my favorite safety devices and anti-theft essentials. 

Guanzhi Apple AirTag Stick-on Mount for Phone Case

Traveling with Apple AirTags is an easy way to add peace of mind to the whereabouts of your belongings. I put AirTags in everything when traveling — from my checked and carry-on bags to my laptop sleeves. With this gadget, you can securely stick an Apple AirTag to your phone so you can track its location after it’s been stolen; while not foolproof, it’s nice to have as backup. Make sure a travel partner or loved one back home has access to the AirTag in their “Find My” network, so they can help you find your missing phone. The ability to track my items, especially when I’m not close by, helps reduce stress when abroad. 

Fabletics The Belt Bag

No matter where I’m traveling, I always bring this belt bag. As a dual-passport holder, keeping multiple documents and IDs safe and nearby (not to mention keeping my phone out of sight) is crucial, which is why I always turn to this Fabletics bag. I prefer to wear this as a crossbody bag, and use the hidden back zipper pocket to stow my most important items. That way, I know my belongings are more secure and I can focus on my surroundings. The material is water resistant and the strap is adjustable, so you can wear the bag off the shoulder or around your waist, and  the main compartment is great for things like chargers and snacks.

Cacoe Phone Lanyard Neck Strap 2 Pack

This is one item I did not bring to South America but wish I had. Between my phone, camera, and other documents, I was constantly rotating and fumbling things in and out of my bag — a thief’s dream. After that pickpocketing event, I noticed other people in the group had their phones connected to a lanyard like this one from Cacoe. One shopper shared, “I used these on a crowded European vacation to provide security to [my] expensive iPhone. … These lanyards provided some comfort that I am a more difficult target.”

Yoyi Yoyi Undercover Bra Wallet

Sometimes, the best place to keep your valuables is out of sight. A hidden bra wallet provides a discreet, secure way to carry cash and credit cards. Plus, if your phone gets stolen and you rely on Apple Pay, this is a surefire way to ensure you’ve always got some emergency cash on you. It also comes in handy for transporting small valuables. I put some sentimental jewelry from my grandma in this bra wallet, and flew with it comfortably on an 18-hour flight from Australia. It was a simple, discreet way to transport items and offered a ton of reassurance.

The remaining items on this list aren’t necessarily related to phone safety or my pickpocket experience in South America, but they are nevertheless important anti-theft and safety devices that I never travel without. I’ve used a few of them when traveling, and each offers greater peace of mind.

Ouligay 12-piece Zipper Lock Clips 

An anti-theft zipper lock might seem like overkill, until it isn’t — it can be easy for someone to discreetly open a bag or backpack without you knowing. A zipper lock clip adds that extra level of security and comfort in knowing that no one can causally open your bag and swipe your cash or phone. This pack of 12 has a very durable double-carabiner design, so they’re also useful for attaching things like keys, water bottles, and umbrellas to your purse or bag.

Jonyee Novelty Wallet 

Before heading to South America, I learned about the idea of a “distraction wallet.” The concept is simple: in the dreadful event of a mugging where you’re asked to hand over your wallet, you pass over this inexpensive one, which is stocked with expired credit cards, a small amount of cash, and other nonessential items, as a decoy. The decoy can be enough to satisfy the thief and buy you precious time to retreat to safety. When traveling through crowded areas where petty crime is more common, keep the decoy at the top of your bag while your actual wallet, phone, and other important possessions are stored at the bottom. 

Charmast Small Portable Charger

There are few things more unsafe and inconvenient than letting your phone die, especially when traveling alone in unfamiliar places. I used the Charmast portable charger on my trip to South America, and loved its tiny yet powerful design. I usually bring a small crossbody bag with me when exploring a city, and I really liked how this small charger didn’t add any bulk or require extra cords. I turned to this charger multiple times throughout my trip and loved how it plugged straight into my lifeline (aka, my phone), charging it up quickly while on the go. 

Munio Self-defense Key Chain

Created by a self-defense expert, this discreet and stylish key chain isn’t just an accessorize for your bag, it’s a handy tool that offers a greater feeling of safety when exploring unfamiliar areas — especially solo. The compact key chain fits in your hand and has a nonthreatening appearance (designs feature flowers and butterflies). Plus, you can take it on a plane without question. “I travel a lot, and this has been a very convenient alternative to my other self-defense items because it doesn’t cause a need for panic and I don’t have to remember to take this off of my key chain before reaching TSA,” noted one traveler.

She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm

You can be so cautious and do everything right, but there may be a time when you still run into trouble on your journey. The She’s Birdie personal safety alarm can provide added peace of mind in an instant. While the device is small enough to slip into your pocket or clip onto your bag, once activated, it flashes a bright strobe light and blasts a loud alarm at 130 decibels — the same decibel level as a jet taking off. The alarm is TSA-approved, making it easy to travel with, and can be used multiple times. 

Nightcap The Original Drink Cover Scrunchie 

Traveling means experiencing new places and social scenes, but balancing this with safety can be challenging. I once had my drink spiked; luckily, I had friends with me, and my mom was only a phone call away. We don’t necessarily have that sort of immediate support when we travel, which is why I always carry my Nightcap drink cover while abroad. Doubling as a scrunchie, the ingenious tool is unobtrusive and helps prevent unwanted drink tampering. The cover discreetly rolls up to look like a scrunchie but can easily be pulled out and placed over a drink when needed. You can never be too safe so having this extra level of protection will allow you to enjoy the local nightlife without constant worry. 

Resqme Emergency Key Chain Car Escape Tool

No matter if you’re at home or abroad, riding in taxis or rideshares is sometimes unavoidable and requires a lot of trust in an unknown driver. I’ll never forget the uneasy feeling I had in a cab in Greece. I wanted  to get out of the car, but couldn’t. This is where the Resqme comes in handy. Equipped with a seat belt cutter and a window-breaking tool, it can be a lifesaver for when you need to make a quick exit from a vehicle. One Travel + Leisure travel writer won’t get in a car without one. Though the device is compact, the blade isn’t TSA-approved, so it’s best to keep it in your checked luggage to avoid potential confiscation.

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