Pickpockets on the crowded 32 bus route along the south coast
4 Answers from travellers
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Yes, professional pickpockets operate on the busy coastal routes, especially during rush hour when people are standing shoulder-to-shoulder. Wear your daypack on your FRONT, not your back. Never put your phone or wallet in your back pocket. If someone bumps into you aggressively while the bus lurches, immediately check your pockets.
I had my phone stolen out of my loose shorts pocket on that exact bus. Keep everything zipped up tight.
If you can afford it, just take the air-conditioned highway bus. Everyone gets a seat, so pickpocketing is virtually non-existent.
Scam Watch: galle
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