How to Keep Valuables Safe on Trains

Here are some tips for keeping your stuff safe and secure on an overnight train:

- Don’t flaunt your valuables.

- Lock your door and make sure that everyone in the couchette understands the importance of keeping your door locked. Conductors usually emphasize this point, but doing it yourself doesn’t hurt either.

- Reserve the top bunk. Although the top bunk is hotter, it puts your goods above the easy reach of most thieves, and you can sleep with your head next to your bags.

- Stow your bags in the luggage niche above the door. If you strap or lock your bags to this railing, a thief can’t easily tug them down and run off with them.

- Wear your money belt while you sleep. After you take care of your tickets and passports with the conductor (you may have to give your passport to the conductor if your train crosses a border overnight), excuse yourself to the bathroom and strap your waistbelt around your upper thigh. This will sound creepy, but thieves with light touches sometimes unzip your pants and deftly empty your money belt while you sleep. If you strap your money belt around your thigh, they can’t get away with your goods without you noticing.

- Turn your valuables into a pillow. You may not experience the most comfortable sleep, but if you wrap your valuables in your clothes and put it in a sack, the discomfort is worth the reward.

- Take special precautions when sleeping in unreserved sitting couchettes.