Lanyards, Wrist Straps, and 3 Other Ways To Protect Your Phone From Thieves While Traveling

If you, like most tourists, walk the streets of a foreign country staring cluelessly down at your phone, you’re a prime target for thieves. All it takes is a pickpocket to snatch the device straight out of your unsuspecting hands, leaving you without GPS, a phone, or a camera for the rest of the trip. Because such a loss would be expensive and potentially dangerous, it’s worth taking precautions to thwart local cutpurses. Redditors on r/TravelHacks recently shared several products that they say help keep cell phone thieves at bay.

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Like most of these products, a phone lanyard is going to look a little dorky. But that’s the price you have to pay to deter pickpockets. A lanyard also “gives you instant hands-free availability for eating, using the restroom, and so forth,” one commenter writes. “And you can leave it around your neck all day long.”

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A wrist strap works in the same way. Assuming you keep your phone attached to your body, thieves will have a hard time running off with the device. Beyond serving as an anti-theft precaution, the wrist strap will keep you from dropping or losing your phone, Redditors say.

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“Why not use a second device and dedicate one for picture taking alone?” one Redditor asks. You can use the cheaper device — an old phone, a digital camera, etc. — to take photos while you keep your smartphone tucked away. Another commenter agrees, writing that they also carry fake jewelry and a throwaway wallet.

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Cross-body bags are also popular among savvy travelers. If someone tries to unzip a compartment or tear it off your body, you’ll know it. Some manufacturers even sell “anti-theft” packs with extra features like lockable zippers.

Related: What to Do If Your Phone Is Lost or Stolen While Traveling

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While it might not be as protective as an anti-theft bag, one Redditor says phone cases from Loopy offer a little extra “peace of mind” while traveling. Each case is equipped with a small loop, which you can wrap around your fingers to make theft a tad harder. Amazon also sells Loopy knockoffs, which are significantly cheaper.

Related: How To Stay One Step Ahead of Pickpockets and Scammers While Traveling