Seasoned pickpockets create diversions – having someone distract you while they take your wallet or purse. So be vigilant about this. Many of them target tourists on public transportation as well. The bottom line: never allow any of your possessions into a stranger’s hands, not even for one second, and not even if you’re keeping an eye on them. Experienced thieves can pocket your stuff without you even noticing. Make sure your stuff stays secure in restaurants as well. Thieves have gotten adept at stealing things when you’re busy ordering your food or are otherwise distracted.
I have yet to be a victim of a pickpocket, but when I was in Istanbul, a man stopped in front of me in a fancy costume and offered to pour me a cup of apple tea from a fancy urn he had strapped to his shoulder. I was mesmerized and had to stop and take his picture. While he was doing it to make a few liras, and the tea was good, a few of my friends were ripped off when they gave him euros and he gave them lira in return (they ended up paying about $5 US for a small cup of tea). So not only do you have to be worried about pickpockets, but you have to be worried about street vendors and the like who are trying to make a fast extra buck. They prey on tourists, and it’s very easy to get ripped off, particularly if they see that you aren’t using the local currency. We had this problem throughout Istanbul, as they take euros and American dollars in addition to lira. The exchange rates were always off. So always carry the local currency to avoid paying extra in another currency.
It should go without saying that you should stay in well-lit, busy areas at night. If you’re a woman, this is especially important. And if you’re a woman, you should always be with someone when you’re out wandering at night. It’s good advice too if you’re a man, because although you don’t have to worry about sexual assault, you still have to worry about getting mugged. Remember, there is safety in numbers.