This Common Mistake Tons Of Tourists Make Can Lead To Theft In European Restaurants

A smartphone (along with an international travel eSIM) is needed for everything from taking vacation selfies to mapping your sightseeing route and even accessing digital tickets for tourist attractions. Unfortunately, you might be without your phone if a thief swipes it when you're not looking. It's no secret that pickpockets are rampant in areas frequented by tourists, and this can extend to your dinner table, too.

It's easy to let your guard down when eating in a restaurant — after all, shouldn't it be only other fellow diners and servers passing by your table? The truth is, this isn't always the case. Unless a restaurant or bar has a bouncer or hostess at the door, thieves can freely enter the premises. You may find them wandering around or peddling goods they know you won't be interested in, until they have a chance to swipe your phone while you're distracted. If the restaurant offers outdoor terrace seating, criminals have even easier access to your personal belongings and can make a quick getaway once their work is done.

While another person's crime is never your fault, some mistakes are more likely to attract people with bad intentions. One common example is leaving your phone on your restaurant table. Even if you believe your phone is within your sight and unlikely to be taken, thieves in Europe can be sly and particularly skilled with their sticky fingers. As a rule of thumb, keep your phone stashed in a safe place when eating out.

If placing your phone on a restaurant table is a thief-attracting display, it might seem smart to conceal the phone in your bag and out of a criminal's sight. However, this might not be the wisest choice, especially if you hang your bag on the back of your chair or place it under the table. If your phone isn't in your hand or on the table, most pickpockets will assume it's in your bag and devise a plan to take your purse or backpack without you noticing. This can have even worse consequences than simply keeping your phone on the table. If all your valuables are in one bag and the bag gets stolen, you're not only left without a phone — you won't have access to your identification documents, cash, payment cards, and other necessities.

The one instance where it's okay to keep your phone in your bag is when the bag is securely attached to your body. TikTok's genius strap hack is a good place to start. Simply place your leg through the strap, keeping the body of the bag under or between your legs. This method can feel uncomfortable if your phone is on the chunky side, but it's an effective way to avoid pickpockets in Europe.

If you don't have a bag small enough or with a long enough strap for the TikTok hack, another option is to place your phone in your pants pocket. This can be a risky move when you're out walking, especially if you rely on your back pocket, so only use this tip when sitting at a restaurant. If using your front pocket, you can place your napkin or another item on your lap to hide your device.

A phone lanyard is another way to keep your phone safe and reduce your chances of being targeted by thieves. These lanyards are usually worn across the body and make it easy to carry your phone hands-free. Consider sporting one while eating, and, if possible, opt for a style with a strap that can't be easily cut by thieves.

Finally, try asking the restaurant staff for a table that's positioned away from foot traffic. Generally, indoor tables are safer than outdoor ones. If you still prefer an al fresco experience, aim for a table as far from the street and sidewalk as possible. If you're sitting inside, it also helps to request a spot at the back of the restaurant rather than near the entrance.