^about the gypsies, another thing you can do is to make an eye contact. let them know that you see them, and that you can remember their faces. Usually, they go away. They usually work in pairs, or even more. And yes they do slash the bags. When we joined a tour in 1999, the bag of another Filipino in our group got slashed. Take note that he's a 6-footer, a former San Miguel PBA Player in his 40's. And, he was using a belt bag. They are that good. Then one time in Rome, we saw a pickpocket successfully steal the wallet of a Japanese guy. He's using a backpack. Siguro avoid backpacks kasi less likely na maramdaman mo na ninanakawan ka and your back is the best position for them to steal your stuff.
Before, the gypsies wear what they usually wear. Lately, they disguise as tourists. They wear "Paris" shirts or "Rome" shirts.
We use the slim money belt which we wear inside our clothes. That's where we keep our passport, one emergency credit card, and our pocket money. Para you won't have to get money from the beltbag all the time, nilalabas na namin yung budget for the day and place it in another wallet which we keep inside our bag. In case na kulang, that's the only time na we'd get money from our moneybelt. That way, kahit manakaw nila our whole bag, minimal damage. You can still survive with a credit card, your passport and the rest of your money. Always hold your purse and never never let go of it. Even while eating in a restaurant, put it on your lap and nowhere else (not on top of your table, never on another chair, kahit sa likod mo/sandalan).
If you will be using an open type of purse such as the neverfull, put all your stuff inside its drawstring dustbag, then put the whole thing inside your purse para hindi pa din exposed and mas mahirap for them to steal from you. It also helps if you use pouches. Let's say one pouch for your make-up, one pouch for your wallet and phone, another pouch for other gadgets. In case they slash your bag, they'd still have to slash the pouch to get your wallet. And malilito na sila which one among all your pouches has your wallet. It's going to take them so much effort kaya most likely, hindi nalang ikaw ang nanakawan nila.
They usually steal quietly, hindi obvious and won't make a scene and they're really good in what they do. Walang sinabi ang mga snatchers sa Divisoria.
If you're going to Sacre Coeur, be careful sa mga guys na nasa stairs. Do not entertain them at all, no eye contact, don't smile at them, or respond to anything they're saying.
Enjoy Paris!
