uclarobin

Hello everyone -
I'll be in Vietnam in July - a very hot climate, of course. How do I carry my cash & credit cards with me on the streets, cab, and cyclo? I have a neck pouch that I've used in Europe under my sweater, but I can't hide it around my neck in a HOT climate, when all I have on is a thin t-shirt. As a woman, I don't want a big lumpy thing on my chest, either.

Do you leave your passport, excess cash, travel docs, credit cards etc. in the safe deposit box at the front desk of your hotel (assuming no safebox in room), or carry it with you all day? I'm staying at mid-range hotels that are $40 to $50 per night.

What about on the overnight train - did you ensure the safety of your passport & money by sleeping with it tucked in your clothes?

Thank you everyone for all your help.

Robin

Bisbee

If need to carry it on you, then a money belt or undercover waist pouch are good options. Otherwise you can leave it in a sealed envelope in the hotels safety box. On the train, I would keep money/cc on my person.

http://www.eaglecreek.com/accessories/security_id/

thursdaysd

I use a money belt, worn with the pouch at the back. Wrap the contents in plastic! If I have an in-room safe, I usually use that, but I mostly don't have one.

I used to sleep with the money belt on on trains, but now I mostly put it under my pillow.

Guenmai

Money belt. Happy Travels!

galiano

Being hyper paranoid about losing my passport I only carry it with me when absolutely necessary. I always leave it in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy with me. Between hotels I carry it in a shoulder bag guarded with my life ! I am always greatly relieved to forget about the damn thing once we get home.

Neil_Oz

You may not like this option, but cargo pants/shorts with zip-up front pockets work well for cash and credit cards. You could consider a flat wallet rather than a conventional purse. You don't have to worry about carrying coins in Vietnam, just paper money.

I'm not sure of this is still the case, but I have a recollection that when we were there in 2000 the hotels took our passports for registration purposes and didn't return them until we checked out. My memory may be faulty there - maybe another poster can comment. For your main travel docs I'd use the hotel safe, anyway.

WeiLong

I'm not a fan of money belts though depending on the situation they can be useful. Like Neil I tend to carry a wallet in my front pocket. Passport, leave in in your room or the hotel safe.

http//www.travelsinasia.com

snorkelcat

I am planning on wearing really nice embroidered tunic type tops in cool cotton or linen. They are loose enough to be cool and not revealing. I definitely plan to wear either my neck wallet or a money belt. I kept mine on at all times traveling through Europe. You can wear it diagonally so that the wallet is under your arm so it is not so obvious under your shirt.

I live in the deep south and breathable 100% natural fabrics are the key.

chatter_ann

Without a doubt use the money belt, I've travelled in Asia a few times in the hot weather and soon get used to the belt. I keep my passport, credit cards and plenty of cash with me 24/7. Only remove to have a shower and then have it in view. Also carry a small purse which i use all the time for shopping and top up during the day when in the toilets

chimani

NEVER leave your passport in a hotel room unless it is of the international chain variety. Even then - well I wouldn't know - it might not be safe.

Get a money belt. Look for one that has an elasticated waist strap. The ones that you see most places have a rigid strap and they are seriously, seriously uncomfortabe to wear all day.

I have travelled throughout Asia, Africa and that's the best advice I can give you.

Nutella

I use a neck pouch but when I don't want to wear it around my neck I tie it securely around a belt loop of my pants (above a front pocket) and then tuck it inside my pants (between me and the pocket). I always try to have enough cash in my pocket for easy access, so when I buy something on the street I don't have to reveal that I have the pouch and am therefore carrying valuables.

Craig

I am a big fan of the zipper pocket that is inside a front pocket on my trousers. I have several (both long and short pants) of this type. It is easier for me to access but pretty much impossible for a pickpocket.

blgerber

buy really good cargo shorts or pants with pockets. I have been around SE Asia, India , and most of Europe with no problems. The tougher and more concealed the zipper the better.

lcuy

Just got back from Vietnam this morning. I found a great money belt ("the Happy nurse&quot in Japan.

It has a cloth strap with velcro to go around your waist and the money part has two sections...An american passport and most currencies can be carried without folding. The whole thing has a very flat profile and is easy to access if you wear it in front, and just about totally invisible if worn under your pants with the pocket in back.

I sometimes also use a smaller pouch that I either loop around a bra strap, then tuck into my waist band or safety pin it to hang down inside my pants. I can pull it out without doing much lifting of my shirt.

No matter what kind you use, expect to be handing out damp bills all the time...

Neck straps are so obvious to thieves, so I try to avoid them unless it is my ticket/i-pod pouch that I use only airports... My girlfriend once woke up on a night train with a man reaching down her blouse to take your money pouch. She was groggy and at first thought he was just getting a "feel", but later realized she was lucky to still have her bag.

j_4tay

Make a couple copies of your passport before leaving. Leave the passport in the hotel and carry the copy with you.

As a guy, I carry my money(cash) in a separate pocket from my wallet, which holds credit cards.

What about Rick Steves' silk money belt?
http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Rick-S...633&sr=8-2