Bangkok Tops 2025's Most Pickpocket-Prone Cities Worldwide
On October 22, Compare the Market, a travel insurance company, released its ranking of the world's top cities for pickpocketing and scams. Bangkok leads with a whopping score of 83.45, making it the riskiest spot for tourists in 2025.
Top 10 Cities for Pickpocketing and Scams in 2025
Here's the full list of the top 10 global cities with the highest rates of pickpocketing and scams, based on traveler reviews:
- Bangkok: 83.45
- Paris: 68.81
- Prague: 52.16
- Shanghai: 51.83
- Agra: 47.48
- Rome: 45.53
- Pattaya: 44.43
- Phuket: 40.52
- Shenzhen: 39.51
- Mumbai: 36.86
Why Bangkok Stands Out as the Riskiest
Bangkok averages 2.8 pickpocketing incidents and 6.9 scams per 1,000 traveler reviews, totaling 9.8 crime-related mentions—the highest on the list. Hotspots include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho temple, and Chatuchak Weekend Market, where reports of theft and cons are sky-high. Despite the risks, travelers report lower fear levels at just 35.1 points, highlighting a surprising sense of complacency.
Other Notable Cities and Trends
Paris ranks second with 68.81 points, driven by 4.5 pickpocketing cases per 1,000 reviews at spots like the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre. Shanghai follows closely at 51.83, with 6.28 scam mentions per 1,000 reviews—second globally—though robbery fears are low.
Asia and Europe dominate the rankings, with 24 Asian and 27 European cities in the top lists, while only six American cities appear near the bottom. Even chill spots like Sydney and Melbourne in Australia make the cut.
Stay Safe and Enjoy the Trip Anyway
Bangkok remains a beloved destination—admin still loves it! Just keep a sharp eye on your belongings, especially at major attractions, and you'll be fine. A little caution goes a long way in these vibrant hotspots.
