How to avoid pickpockets and street scams

Staying aware, keeping your valuables close and employing 'layers of security' are among the ways to improve your street savvy

- ELAINE GLUSAC

STREET THEFT ISN'T petty to a victim. Having your pocket picked or bags stolen can ruin your trip and your finances. The best ways to avoid street crime is to maintain awareness, travel asset-light and understand where it tends to happen.

Use cards over cash The problem with cash is that if it's stolen, you can't get it back. If a credit card is stolen, holders can cancel it, which protects them from unauthorized activity. Still, there are many situations in which you may need cash, such as for tips (and some destinations, such as Morocco, still rely mainly on cash). When you go out, carry only the amount that you'll need that day and leave the rest in your accommodations, or rely on ATMs.

Depending on where she's traveling, Sally French, a travel expert with the online financial site Nerdwallet, usually carries no more than $200 in cash. "It tends to cover a couple of meals and a taxi ride in emergencies," French said.

When paying with cards that have a microchip, use the tap feature rather than swiping, if you can. Card readers are vulnerable to skimming, a scam in which your card's financial details can be read and stolen by a payment system that has been tampered with.