It's a stark contrast with big cities in parts of Asia where I go. Sometimes I'm toying with an idea of moving to Europe but apart from troubles getting digital nomad visa petty crime is also a thing that scares me.
(However it's not generally supported by published crime stats so I'm not 100% sure whether to be worried)
I mean cities in other countries, without such a central CCTV network but still safe. Walk with XL sized phone hanging out from your back pocket in city centre safe. If you can do it in Paris (or leave your laptop in a cafe while you go pee) then sure.
But I read a story how phone was snatched out from guy's hands at a crossing in central London so I doubt it. I use phone while walking a lot so in Europe I should better be rich enough I can buy a new one easily.
Not true. Major asian cities are pretty much safe throughout.
> That said, having lived in Beijing for a bit I would guess it is technically safer there, you just are living in a panopticon.
The guy said asian cities. Not beijing. Also if beijing is a panopticon, what is london? Super panopticon?
Are most asian cities panopticons too? Or are you just picking on beijing because of an agenda?
You should not. There is some level of crime anywhere, but big cities have become much safer than they used to be, at least in the West. Shit still happens sometimes, but there is no reason to be worried if you have a reasonable behaviour. I know of a couple of people who got their phone stolen or who had a burglary, but many more who lost wallets by dropping or forgetting them somewhere.
I’ve I’m gonna get robbed, I’m gonna get robbed. Rather not have a Glock stuck in my face while it’s happening.