Money Belt - Neck, Waist, or Leg?

My son and I like the ones worn around the neck. They can be tucked inside your clothing if you wish, you always know it is right there,and very easy to take things out and replace them.

My husband has one that is a pouch that hooks around his belt and then is carried inside his pants - ordered it from Magellin. Very convinient. He wears it in the front, basically right behind the front pocket of his pants. I have one that is a pouch on a string around the neck, which I don't really care for that much. I wear it bandolier style under my shirt, but it is still visible. The cord is pretty obvious too. With summer clothing, it just isn't practical.

when I travel I use a belt/waist one, inside my trousers, and never had a problem.

There's another style that works well for men who always wear belts -- a zippered pouch with a loop. Slide the loop onto the belt and then flip the pouch to the inside of the trousers.

I used the neck bag on my first trip to the U.K., it lasted about a day then I tossed it (I removed the contents first!). The cord showed at the back of the neck and had this big knob on it - just screamed, I'm wearing a money bag! Plus no matter how I adjusted it you could see the outline of it on my front. Maybe for a man's physique it might not be so noticeable if it was cold enough to wear a heavy sweater. I've never used the leg belt nor has my hubby but I think your concerns about it stayung up might be valid, but you could put it under your socks, unless you're wearing sandals of course.
I've used the waist belt and found it to be very secure especially when you also pin it to the inside of your trousers. If there's any bulge showing it just makes one look a bit chubbier than one actually is.

A neck wallet is my choice, I've been using them for years.

I wear a money belt and I keep it around the waist, just under the belt of my pants.

My wife carries the one with a string around the neck, but with summer clothing, as J_Correa says, is not so practical, since it can easily be seen.

I use a waist one. It's fine, I got used to it. The one caveat is if it's even remotely warm where you are and you're doing active things like climbing bell towers or to the tops of domes, the paper things in the money belt could get somewhat soggy!

I used the waist one until my hubby started wearing a 'leg safe'. Then I bought one for me and I love it! So we both prefer the 'leg safe'. The velcro holds very well, no 'slippage'. Of course, it works for us b/c we travel in cool weather only and therefore wear pants/slacks/jeans, no shorts, skirts or dresses.

Note: on the small 'pocket' that has a loop to slide over the belt, then you tuck the pocket into your slacks.. be mindful of it when going thru security in the event you have to remove your belt - hubby had one of these and it fell off to the floor while he was dealing with being wanded, etc. Someone picked it up and gave it to him.

I use a waist money belt, but with the pouch at the back, not the front. amyb - you need to wrap the contents in plastic! chatham - the whole point of a money belt or neck pouch is that noone else knows you're wearing it (which is why neck pouches aren't as good). You ALWAYS need to have it under your clothes, and you should try to never access it when people can see you (sometimes this isn't possible if you're using an ATM). Keep a day's worth of money outside the belt/pouch so you don't need to access it.

Dad likes the waist money belt and Mom uses a neck pouch on a string.

For me I just carry a normal purse. (No, we are not traveling together.)

We used money belts in the cities in Italy. It was my first time using a money belt. At first I caught myself making mistakes. There I was, standing right by the ATM machine, fiddling with my money belt, which was the kind worn around the waist, under your clothes. However I was taking it out in public...This defeats the whole purpose of a money belt!

After a while I realized I would need to place the cash I needed to have handy someplace easier for me to get at...I ended up choosing to wear a purse with the strap going cross-wise across my body. No one tried to take the purse. If they had gotten it, they would only have gotten some lipstick and a small amount of cash, no credit cards.

Inside the money belt I placed other things, and learned to go someplace private, like the ladies room, when I needed to access the "secret" money belt.

Trust me, if you are trying to take out a money belt that is under your clothes, and you are doing it in public, your attention is no longer on your surroundings...if somebody wanted to rob you, this would be a good time!

Among the worse things you can do is put anything valuable in a big bulging backpack. A museum guard told me he always sees pickpockets trying to access people's backpacks in crowds. He told me to wear my backpack on the front of me while I was in the museum. (by the way there wasn't anything important in the backpack...just maps and snacks...But some people do put important things in their backpack.

So the answer about which money belt to buy is...I think the waist money belt is the safest one, worn under the clothes, but you have to have someplace else to put the cash you are going to need soon. My daughter and I were alone once on the Spanish steps at night (I mean alone with a crowd of strangers!) A pickpocket, posing as a flower seller, actually patted us down looking for our money while trying to sell us a single flower! If we had been wearing the neck pouch I think he would have taken it. However at that time I had very little money with me and it was all in the waist pouch under my clothes where he couldn't get it...My daughter and I had to slap his hand away and walk away yelling "NO!) and find my husband who was nearby. The man wouldn't leave us alone until my husband and son, who are 6 feet tall, told him to leave.

I should add we were in Italy for 2 weeks and didn't get anything taken from us. That was the only scary incident.

You really don't need a money belt for Europe IMO.

Well, 2tired, I'd say you need a money belt in Europe more than you do in Asia. The only time I've been pickpocketed in months of travel on both continents was in Rome. I only lost one day's cash & an expiring bus pass, because that's all that was in my wallet, in a small zippered bag clamped under my arm. Partly my fault - it was bus 64 & I allowed myself to be distracted, but I was very glad that was all I lost.

The reason you need a money belt when traveling and not when you live in the same places is partly because you're less likely to be driving, partly because you're more likely to be carrying your passport, and partly because replacing what's lost is so much more of a hassle.

I have used all three and tossed the neck bag - hate the feel of the string around my neck. I still use the belt or the leg wallet or sometimes both. The leg wallet is probably the safest since the thief would have to be on hands and knees to get to it, so I will use it for my passport and critical IDs and such. I also have a belt pouch that I use at times for convenience. It is great for reciepts and although not as safe as the belt or leg wallet, it is better than a pocket. Mine is a tough leather that will not cut easily.

i don't agree that the whole point of using a money-belt is to ensure no-one knows you have it. IMO it needs to be easily accessible, else there is no point in having it, as it is meant to replace carrying a wallet or purse - so you need to be able get at the things you would normally in them.
I used a moneybelt around my waist for the first time in Rome - it made me feel a lot more secure than using a handbag, and I had no trouble taking money or ATM or credit cards out of it - I don't think that it's very likely that someone is going to whip it from round my waist!
I do keep some change in a pocket though, to save getting it out all the time.
A leg- bag would i suppose be useful for things you didn't need ???

My husband & I both wear money belts. We place money & passports inside ziplock baggies and then place them into the money belts. This helps to keep the items from getting soggy.

annhig, no, the money belt is in addition to a wallet or purse. You put the money you need for one day in the wallet, and everything else in the money belt (passport, ATM card, credit card(s), airline/rail tickets, money, important numbers, etc.). If your hotel has a safe, and it looks safe, you can choose to leave your money belt there, I mostly stay in places that don't have safes.

Have you ever tried a safari jacket? I have travelled with mine for many years, without problems. (Knock on wood!)It has some 20 pockets, some with zippers, some with velcro, some just plain. The only problem I have with mine at times is that I forget in which pocket I have put things. But this assures me that a pickpocket probably has the same problem.

I wear two of them. Both are the type where the belt goes through a loop and they slide down the inside-front of my pants.

One of them contains passports, major cash and a second credit card and is not accessed during the day.

The other contains about $50 equivalent and a primary credit card. It is the second that I use during the day when making credit card purchases.

In my pockets I keep about $20 equivalent and absolutely nothing else other than street maps, etc.

I am not concerned about somebody seeing me take out the credit card, use it and then put it back in the pouch and slide it down the inside of my pants. There's no way to pickpocket it without me knowing it and it would have to me outright robbery, Even then, there's not much negotiable to take.

I change to this approach three years ago after depending on dumb luck for many years.

I don't use a moneybelt at home and spend most of my lunchtimes walking around a busy city centre without any problems, so I see no reason to use one whilst on holiday. I never take my passport, tickets, etc out with me these days and have never had any need to do so since I started using ATMs to top up with cash.

If anyone thinks I'm being naive or lacking experience well, I've been travelling around Europe and Asia for most of my 52 years and just use the same common sense and caution on holiday that I use every day at home.

annhig, that's simply incorrect. it is NOT meant to replace a wallet or purse. it is to keep the really important stuff safe when you are moving around (passport, credit cards, etc.). it is NOT meant to be accessed in public during the day. i'm afraid you are entirely missing the point and method of using one.

anyone ever use the type ll bean sells which is a leather belt with an inside zip?

can't put a passport in there...

I have two comments on the $$belt topic:
1) We were accosted on a Paris subway, with the trick of tossing credit cards,etc. between my husband's legs. There were two participants--one who stood close behind my spouse and tried to get in to his pockets ( he did not succeed); the 2nd knelt in front of my husband, seemingly to pick up the cards, but also running his hand up the legs, to check, we assumed, for a leg safe. We read about this scam on a Fodor's BB prior to one of our trip and could not believe it happened to us. We lost nothing and the guy on the floor got a sore head and shoulder from my folded umbrella. they jumped off the subway at the next stop.
2: We both wear the waist money belts--I use the plastic baggies to keep things dry, but have found that I also wrap the baggie in a man's handkerchief--it seems to keep the sides of the money belt dry, since plastic can get damp from perspiration.

Not using some type of $$ belt seems to be "tempting fate." It only takes one event to ruin a long-awaited trip--but this is just my opinion. Ciao!! mhm

Is 'pickpocketing'a recognized and allowed profession? I have seen the same three bandits regularly in Krakow. Safety seems to be up in Warszawa: they have introduced cameras scanning the aisles.

Well - what are you carrying in your handbags [what you call purses] then? I only carry my purse [with money, credit cards, stamps] in mine, plus a pen, notebook, passport and tickets in mine.
so when I am exploring a city, and no longer need easy access to passport and tickets, and I don't want to carry my handbag, a moneybelt that a pickpocket or bagsnatcher can't get is ideal.
But where are you putting your ATM/credit cards - if they are somewhere you can't reach, like a leg-bag, what d o you do when you want to buy something?

Ann, I don't know how others operate, but in my pocketbook, is my bottle of water, map, travel guide and things like lip balm, hand cream, tissues. I also carry my cash for the day, less than $100, so at worst that's what I'd lose if my bag was taken. I take my ATM card out of the money belt at the hotel before I leave in the morning and on my way to get money, then once I get money I find a private place (restroom) to put it back in the money belt. I also usually know when I'm going to be doing power-shopping, so I'll take a credit card out that morning too if I think I'm going to need it. Again, at worst that's all I'd lose and I'm sure I have the collect number to call at the hotel in the event it's stolen too.

amy - exactly what I do, except add a camera to the day bag. I'm not a shopper, and aside from some hotels and dinners I almost always pay cash. I try to find indoor ATMs. Airports and railway stations are good if you're alert - you can head straight for a restroom after you get the cash. Otherwise I look for banks with the ATM inside or in a separate "enclosure". Some places you have to use the ATM card to get into the enclosure. And unless I'm topping up for the last day or two in a country, I withdraw the max. I'm allowed so I don't have to do it often.

Ooops...forgot the camera! I withdraw the max and just put the excess in the money belt, so I am minimizing trips to the ATM anyway (and withdrawal fees, if any...but that's a story for another thread!)

Man, how intricately we strategically plan the money belt situation!

What is in the handbag (purse, pocketbook) is what you need to get at during the day - one day's spending money, map, tissues, lipstick, comb, camera, whatever.

What is in the moneybelt is for long term safe keeping... passport, credit card, cash, like that.

If you do not want to carry a handbag, then I'd keep one day's money in a pocket that is easy to reach. Again point being that the money belt stays under your clothing, out-of-sight, is only accessed in private.

Several years ago my husband and I were at a flea market in Palermo,Italy. It was so crowded that you were forced to move along with the crowd. I was separated from my husband and when I caught sight of him he seemed upset. When I managed to speak with him he told me that he felt he was being targeted by some pickpockets. He discreetly pointed one out to me. As we had to continue along with the crowd to an exit, it afforded me an opportunity to observe the action. I spotted four individuals involved. One teenager was pointing with his eyes to the pocket my husband carried his wallet in, the other two mid twenties were shadowing my husband and the fourth who appeared to be the head of the group was middle aged. All appeared to be non Italian. We found an exit in the tent and left, no harm done. Recently in Marseille, France while we walking along with another couple I was jostled from behind on my left side. I turned to look behind me. Why I turned to my right I do not know, but to my surprise I found a young lady beginning to unzip my pocket on my right side which contained my wallet. I also saw one of my friends being targeted by this young lady's accomplice. I yelled out and they quickly disappeared into the crowd. I know that these were not imagined events. We do not travel with much cash and we do not use any money belts or such but try to stay alert. In most cases vigilence is the best deterrent.

I guess I overdressed. I wore a moneybelt from Target around my waist, the pack to the rear, with a ziplock baggie in it to hold my passport, driver's license, backup credit card. I also had a neck pouch (no discomfort) with cash and main credit card and tube/boat tickets. Then I carried an across-the-chest bag for camera, phone, tissue, etc. Sounds like a lot but it was comfortable.

For your husband, I would recommend the waist moneybelt.

This summer (HOT!) I visited Rome, Florence and Siena. I had never been to Italy and was almost paranoid about being robbed in the famous 64 bus from St Peter to the city center which we took daily. NOTHING HAPPENED. My husband had a money belt and neck belt and felt totally silly. I carried my stuff in a small Gucci bag, tucked under my arm. I had a copy of my passport, the original was at the hotel safe.

I think nothing happened partly because I am spanish and passed for an italian. Pickpockets in Europe usually focus on the obvious looking foreigners. Also, our roman friend (owns a restaurant called La Rampa, behind the Spanish Steps) told us that Rome had become much safer than in previous years, they had implemented a "zero tolerance" law for thieves.

I've got round the "what do you do with the rest of it?" problem by delgating that to the rest of the party, who get to carry the day pack. I don't feel that I am likely to have anyone snatcht the money belt from my waist, so I felt comfortable using it in public.
we're about to go to south-west france - I'll use my handbag at night and a moneybelt in the day - I'm not too stressed about crime in toulouse; the situation might be different if we were gonig to Marseilles!

I haven't tried various money belts, but I do stay alert in the US and Europe by not listening to a mp3 player while walking. Also if I need to consult a map, I'll pop into a coffee shop rather than advertising my status on a street corner.

The most important safety tip is watch your alcohol consumption. A friend lost her purse while in a bar in Germany. Perhaps a money belt would have prevented the theft, but never the less she was a tempting target since her guard was down.

Thieves usually try to target someone who is acting like an easy target...it's only logical. So try not to be an easy target.

I had my purse stolen once, and it was in my own home-town. I was doing something dumb I still see many women doing. I placed my purse, containing cash, in my shopping cart and proceded to allow myself to become distracted by grocery shopping. Hello! I was being dumb and a thief spotted me. He stood near me and I got an odd prickly feeling like I was in danger for no reason at all. Then he asked me a question about baby food. (We were standing in a grocery store near the baby food.) After I answered his question, he walked away.

I watched him go down the aisle without any baby food. I thought that was odd...until I noticed he had my purse tucked under his arm! He got away with it.


Since then I always keep a much better eye on my valuables. Remember on vacation you are especially likely to be MORE distracted. Don't put all your valuables in one easy-to-access place and then forget to watch them!

Ladies, I see you shopping in grocery stores the same way I did...turning away from your purse which you have put in your cart. Don't do this!

I'm another one who doesn't see a need for any type of money belt. Would you think you needed one if visiting a big city in the US ?

"The reason you need a money belt when traveling and not when you live in the same places is partly because you're less likely to be driving, partly because you're more likely to be carrying your passport, and partly because replacing what's lost is so much more of a hassle."

1) I don't drive at home, 2) I don't carry my passport about on holiday - I put it in the hotel safe or hide it in the room, 3) I only take out with me what I need for the day - 1 day's money, one plastic card if need be, whatever other small necessities I need - tissues, mirror, etc. We recently spent a week in Naples where as always I wore a very small shoulderbag with necessities as above (the same as I do for going into town at home), & DH carried his wallet with one day's money in it.

I usually don't use a money belt when I'm travelling, except for brief periods when: (a) I'm travelling with all or most of my valuables (e.g. en route from airport to hotel, or vice-versa); (b) when the day's activities include particularly high pickpocket risk areas (e.g. the souk in Marrakech, Las Ramblas in Barcelona); and (c) sometimes, when I'm new to a city and haven't quite figured out the risk level yet. I use a neck pouch, but do not access it in public, keeping the day's cash in my purse.

One nifty trick I read about, which I will try sometime when I need it, is to create a secret wallet out of a handkerchief. You sew a pocket out of a piece of fabric like a handkerchief and safety pin it to the inside of full skirt (or possibly a shirt). You can pin it below waistband level, so it's less likely to feel hot and uncomfortable than inside-belt-type secret compartments.

Kate, Some people actually sew (or have someone sew for them) secret pockets with zipper or velcro closures into the interior of their travel clothes. I think this would be better than relying on something that was only safety-pinned.

I realize we all have different thoughts about this but I never got why people would hide their passports in their rooms. You really have to make a point to remember to retrieve it before you leave. I guess that could be the same if you put it in a room safe. I prefer to carry it in a money belt so I don't accidentally forget it in the room safe.

I have no facts to prove my theory, but firmly believe more people: lose their own stuff, leave things behind, forget where they hide items, do careless things themselves when they travel... than are ever targeted by a pickpocket.

I've only ever left something behind in a safe once (although once is enough ...). I had put my passport into the safe and put my passport wallet on top of it. (I had just got my passport back from the front desk in a hotel in Rome, and hadn't put it back in its wallet yet.) When I left the hotel (luckily it was just to check into an airport hotel in the same city because I had an early flight the next day and I was engaged in a bit of a "mattress run" with Hilton to collect hotel stays for status), I grabbed the wallet and left the navy passport behind, almost invisible against the bottom of the safe. Stupid me. Lucky me again, though, when I got to the Hilton at the Rome airport, the front desk asked for my passport. Bingo. I called the hotel in the city centre, which had just retrieved my passport from the safe. I spent the rest of the very hot July afternoon taking myself back to the first hotel and then back to the airport hotel. Lesson learned. Always do an idiot check of the safe and essential belongings before leaving the hotel room.

"2) I don't carry my passport about on holiday - I put it in the hotel safe or hide it in the room, 3) I only take out with me what I need for the day"

If you leave everything that would otherwise go in a money belt in your hotel room, obviously there is no need to wear a money belt. If my hotel room has a safe, I leave my money belt & its contents in the safe. Mostly my hotel rooms don't come with safes. I suppose if you take a taxi from the airport or station to your hotel you don't need one then either, but I use public transport.

I started carrying my passport and money in a money belt this past trip to Italy....I kept reading stories about how hotel safes were broken into by the hotel staff. I would rather be safe than sorry.

I, like others, keep $1800 in $100 bills, my passport, my AMEX card, ATM card AND my MC in my money belt. I don't use no stinking travelers checks. Never liked them. I like cash. Not the safest way to go, but no hassles either. NEVER had a problem going through Europe for 3 weeks with all this on me except for a bit of discomfort if I have to bend over very far due to the bulge at my belt area.

I wouldn't change this set up for the world. Only been attempted to be pick pocketed 2-3 times in 15 years of travel. Money belt at my waist under my pants kept it all safe and sound.

Steve R

thursdaysd : we used exclusively public transport to, in & from Naples, as usual.

caroline - I guess this is a personal choice issue. If you'd rather risk being robbed than wear a money belt - your choice. Whereas I've spent nearly two of the last five years traveling, with a money belt, and have trouble understanding why it's an issue. I put my money belt on in the morning with my underwear and forget it. In fact, when I get home from a long trip, for the first few days I feel undressed without it. I look at it like insurance - you may never need it, but if you do, you'll be very glad you have it. But I carry flood insurance on my house even though I don't live in a flood plain.

stever, Ah! It scares me just to hear you say you have $1800 in $100 bills in your money belt. We all have different comfort levels. I don't carry more than $300 in cash anywhere, not even at home. We would rather use credit cards where possible as we always pay the full amount off every time the bill comes, and our credit cards actually give us some money back (in various benefits), so we are actually making some money by using them (and never paying any interest since we never carry a balance.)

Anyway I'm not picking on you, it's just interesting how we all travel differently. I get traveller's checks (with no fees) just in case we have a problem and need more cash. Usually we don't end up needing them so when I get home I spend them in grocery stores, etc.

In my home town I know which areas are dangerous, high-crime, and my guard is up, or else I avoid those areas. But on vacation I won't necessarily know which areas are high-crime, and I might be distracted by the brand-new sites I am seeing...I might also be lost and distracted. That is why a money belt is a good idea.

I still think the best idea is not to put everything in one spot. Spread it around in safe places..some in the hotel safe (put something in there you can't leave without, like your car keys...then you can't forget your passport!)...a money belt, an inside velcro pocket, a purse with a strap worn cross-wise across the body...

Don't forget to teach your older kids when they have money, don't flash it around. Better to learn early. I tell them safety knowledge makes you strong.

My husband and I when travelling also make sure we are carrying different credit cards. Otherwise, if one of us loses them or gets robbed, neither of us will have any useful credit cards!

Another reason solo travelers may choose different precautions. We have no one to fall back on, should something go wrong.

I have used all types but prefer the leg money belt. I put it under my socks and have had no trouble with it falling off.

Thanks for all the feedback! I decided to go with leg belt. Putting it under the sock is a good idea and makes me feel better that it will stay secure. Hopefully my husband will make good use of it.

pliant - so which kind are you wearing?

Originally I wasn't going to wear any. But now I think I'll wear a leg one too at least for my passport.

I always wear a money belt around my waist (tucked into my pants, so I don't have to worry about it coming unfastened), containing a second credit card, most of my cash, atm card, traveler's checks and passport. I have another credit card, walking around cash and other "necessities" (like maps, guidebook, comb, etc.) in a waist pack I bought from Travelsmith. It has a steel cord running through it so pickpockets can't cut it off, the clasp is covered by velcro so they can't unhook it, and all of the pockets (huge expandable ones - you really can fit all you need in them) can be secured with a single hook so no one can unzip them. When not using that, I use another Travelsmith bag that lies flat across the body (not a shoulder bag).

maidmarian, the pack itself can be slit open with a pocket knife.

Also, zippers don't have to be unzipped. When I was pickpocketed in Rome, the thief pulled part of the zipper apart.

I have used the around the neck kind and the silk, around the waist type. I used the one around the neck for the many transfers and security checks in the airports. I use the waist pouch when I am actually touring/walking the city. I have even been known to sleep with it in some areas where I wasn't completely sure about the hotel staff. Only once, I might add. As a woman, I sure don't want to add the impression of more pounds around my middle, but I can keep all my cash, my passport a lipstick and credit card in the money belt and it still lays flat. Also no trouble with it whether wearing slacks or a skirt. Hope this helps.

We just came back from our Italian honeymoon. My husband used an around the neck style and really liked it. He slipped it underneat his t-shirt, of course. there's no chance of it falling off and, aside from a wrinkle or two under the shirt, it works really well.

In a hotel obviously staff are accessing your room, but if you're staying in an apartment do you ever leave passport etc there locked in a suitcase so you don't have to carry a money belt or at least can reduce the bulk of it?

When I stay in an apartment I do keep the passport in my luggage.

Do you wear a money belt in your local town ?

Peter

Don't need a moneybelt in my town, need a bullet-proof vest, home security system, low-jack, etc. Pickpockets? nah.

I also don't need a passport in my home town, but I sure would need one if I had to leave Europe sudden-like. So I want it right here with me, but safe-like, under my clothes.

You can do what you want.

At home I don't walk around with my passport, airline tickets and or much cash.

Actually, at home, I don't walk around (except for exercise, when I only carry my keys). At home I drive everywhere. I live in N.C. - public transport? What public transport?

At home pickpockets are thin on the ground.

I totally fail to understand why wearing a money belt is such a big deal. But if you'd rather risk a pickpocket than wear one - go right ahead.

I can't believe that people are debating, and in some instances, arguing over something that is thier own preference! But that is just it: Do what works for YOU, not someone else on the forum.

I've tried the neck pouch back in 1997-hated it and have never used it since. On that trip a fellow student in my group left her passport in the hotel safe-it was stolen. I will not use a hotel safe after that lesson.

In Prague January 2003 I just had a handbag-and I was uncomfortable the whole time. In Paris October 2003 I had a money belt and a day pack. I was a target of a pickpocket on the RER near the Eiffel Tower. The "thief" squeezed herself between myself and my mom and managed to get the front pocket unzipped. My mom caught her and started to make a LOT of noise and she backed off-without a thing. Fortunately the only thing she *could've* gotten was some lip gloss, receipts, and some crumbled crackers.

I learned my lesson, even though I had the money belt and my wallet was actually with my mom. So in October 2005 (my honeymoon-also in Paris) I traveled with the moneybelt again and a shoulder handbag across the chest. The handbag is specifically designed to be pickpocket proof as it has wires in the bag itself and the strap. That is where I would carry the metro and museum passes, my videocamera, money for the day and some chapstick. My moneybelt ALWAYS contains my passport, extra money and credit cards.

I will be doing the same thing for my trip in Tuscany in two weeks.

But again, this is what works for ME. No, I wouldn't do this in my hometown, but I'm not easily distracted by the boring buildings and artwork in my hometown. In Europe--my mind is on overdrive over the beauty and the LAST thing I am thinking of is my passport.

BTW EuroTravelerJen, if those were credit card receipts you didn't want them stolen either. I think things are changing now in Europe, but they were printing the whole of your credit card number on the receipt.

I realize that and I'm careful with my receipts at home as well, even with most of the numbers "X"ed out. However, in this instance they were receipts of things I paid cash for like meals or postcards.

My husband carried a money belt around his waist. He had extra money and our passports.

I focused on the more Emergency/Crisis needs.
For myself, I sewed a little "emergency only pouch"--- kind of like a very small cloth envelope sewn of silky fabric. It was not hard to sew-- anyone could do it.

It was just large enough to hold a credit card with about a 1/2" overlap on top that closed with a tiny strip of velcro. A piece of silky ribbon was sewn in the seam and went around my bra strap, fastening onto itself with a snap. The ribbon was just long enough so that the "envelope" could fit inside the center front of my bra between----- well you know what. You should know by now Wilbur is the name of my dog and that I am a women! Even if the snap came undone around the strap- or somehow the velcro came open, there was no where for the credit card or money to fall. I guess I should mention the velcro and snap never failed during our 19 day trip.

I just kept a 2nd credit card in it--- a different credit card from what I carried in my purse, a few hundred dollars, and a folded copy of our main passport pages. It didn't show at all, and I never even knew I was wearing it. Even if we lost our wallets, I was ready to go with a different credit card, money and copies of of passport to make replacing them easier.

I know the new airport security machines are suppose to "show more" but no one has ever said anything about or questioned my little "pouch".

I bought the Rick Steves belt-type and was very happy with it. It's silk and has two compartments with a plastic liner in one to keep things dry when you work up a sweat! It also has a special sized compartment within the smaller pocket that is just the size of a credit card so it's easier to get to it. At first I thought it would be annoying but I got used to it fast. I did a few people wearing the neck style--on the oustide!?! It made me wonder if they didn't like the feeling of it or if they just didn't understand the concept!

I used the leg wallet at this link during a recent 3 week trip to Ireland:

http://www.beltoutlet.com/legwalbyen.html

It's stretchy and slides on, so you don't have to worry about it coming off. I wore it pretty much constantly for 3 weeks and it never bothered me - we used it to carry both our passports, 5 cards and extra money.

I can recommend a waist pack with steel mesh in the belt and a hidden lock, which makes it very secure. It is available for around $30 from Sharp Trading Company, which you can find on the internet.

A word of caution to leg-safe users -- Paris Metro professional thieves have been known to drop something and take a quick feel of a tourist's leg while picking up the "dropped" item.

Hidden Treasure

Who needs a man bag when your belt buckle doubles as a secret compartment? The Pepe belt is $960 at Bottega Veneta stores. Call 877-362-1715 for details.

Exceptional people deserve special concessions.

Any stranger that 'feels my leg' is going to get a swift kick in teeth.

But those Paris pros area able to feel for a leg safe without the victim noticing it. The leg pouch is certainly more secure than a jacket pocket, but not absolutely 100% thief-proof.

I don't care one way or the other about moneybelts, but what I am leery of is all the paranoia that seems to accompany too many travellers. Xenophobia is a contagious disease, fuelled by sensational anecdotes. Yes, I was once accosted by "gypsies" in Rome (I blame myself for daydreaming at the time) -- but they didn't break my car windows and steal my laptop like they did in Oakland; nor did they steal my son's backpack full of his expensive school books like they did in SF. Yet I wouldn't think of telling people that Oakland is full of thieves. Or that they need to wear a moneybelt there!

I agree w/suze & xeno:
"Author: suze
Date: 09/04/2006, 01:14 pm
I have no facts to prove my theory, but firmly believe more people: lose their own stuff, leave things behind, forget where they hide items, do careless things themselves when they travel... than are ever targeted by a pickpocket."


Author: Xenos
Date: 09/01/2006, 04:49 pm
"I don't use a moneybelt at home and spend most of my lunchtimes walking around a busy city centre without any problems, so I see no reason to use one whilst on holiday. I never take my passport, tickets, etc out with me these days and have never had any need to do so since I started using ATMs to top up with cash.

If anyone thinks I'm being naive or lacking experience well, I've been travelling around Europe and Asia for most of my 52 years and just use the same common sense and caution on holiday that I use every day at home."

Wise travellers.

Wow, I've been quoted. You made my day!

any time, suze. We do our best here at Fodor's forum...

Agree with LucieV's post.
I live in London and yesterday I had a few errands to run. I took £300 to the bank and went to the travel agents with my passport. I travelled on both the tube and the bus with the money and passport in an ordinary shoulder bag.
I didn't get mugged, maybe this was just luck or maybe it was because I looked confident and wasn't carrying anything that marked me out as a tourist who might have passport etc on their person and therefore a more profitable target.
I regularly wander around places like Covent Garden (admittedly, not with my passport, but I still don't want to get mugged or pickpocketed) and I just use the same commonsense precautions I would use in any big city - carry my (unobtrusive everyday, not specially designed for travel) bag diagonally across my chest, keep my hand on it in busy areas and generally keep my wits about me!
London is a reasonably safe city; I've lived here for years with no problems. If you start off with the attitude that you are going to be a victim of crime as soon as you step out of the airport then you will look nervous and unconfident and an obvious target to petty thieves.

" If you start off with the attitude that you are going to be a victim of crime as soon as you step out of the airport then you will look nervous and unconfident and an obvious target to petty thieves." Perfectly stated, cassius. I would add to that: keep your eyes open, stay as sober as you can, and just don't do anything you wouldn't do in ANY BIG US CITY. And hey, remember: at least you don't have to worry about being held up at gunpoint in most European countries...unlike our fair country...

Hear hear, Lucie ! I just don't understand all this paranoia.

Take whatever precautions you'd take in a big city in the US. I've never used a moneybelt anywhere; but in any case, it wouldn't have helped when I had my coat stolen in NYC.

Sorry, but it is wise to take precautions over and above those that you would do at home or in "any big city." The reasons are risk/vulnerability and consequenses. There are people who prey on tourists, including the city where you live. Tourists are prey because distracted, usually carry more in cash and other things of value, and usually are not familiar with their surroundings. In your own country you blend in. Abroad, you look like a tourist even if you wear all black in Paris. It is not only clothes, but hairstyle, make-up, the way one carries oneself, etc. Most important are the consequenses of loss. You are away from home and the convenience of more or less easy replacement or substitution for what may be lost. You are most likely carrying not only more cash than usual, but important travel documents such as passports, perhaps military or military dependent IDs, drivers license all of which have high steet value and can ruin a trip if lost. Do you really want to spend days of your vacation running around to consulates when your plans were to be elswhere? Been there - done that and it is not fun. So, it's a money belt and other precautions for me and I hope for you as well.

I don't understand also those who say that because they don't take any precautions at home why bother doing so in any other city. It's better to be safe than sorry. Things happen sometimes without your expecting it to. I heard of people saying they never expected to get robbed but it happened.

"You are most likely carrying not only more cash than usual, but important travel documents such as passports, perhaps military or military dependent" I don't.

You don't carry your passport? I do.

OK, picky, I carry my passport when actually travelling, but not while I'm there. I don't see any reason why I'd be carrying any more cash than at home. And I don't have a military or military dependent ID or a driving licence. Tickets are always e-tickets these days. So the only extra thing I'll be carrying above what I carry at home, when actually travelling, is my passport.

everyone, if you missed it, might want to see yesterday's post from the woman and hubby who were pickpocketed on the train from Naples. and yes, he was traveling with his wallet and ALL their money and cards in his wallet in his pocket!

I always thought I was a smart and careful experienced traveler but you only need to get scammed or pickpocketed once to make you realize that it really can happen to anyone.

I don't like neck bags because either the bag or the cord too often shows. I now faithfully use a waist moneybelt for most of my cash, credit card and copy of my passport. I keep a small amount of cash in whatever bag I am carrying. The debit card, my real passport, and some emergency cash is hidden in my hard-side luggage which is locked in my hotel room. The only problem with this was the time I hid it so well inside my luggage, I couldn't find it.

My girlfriend keeps some cash in her bag, and the rest of the cash and credit card goes straight into her bra. She says no one will get it without her knowing. I personally don't find that storage system to be very comfortable. She locks everything else into the hotel safe. I don't do that because I am afraid of checking out and completely forgetting to have those things returned.

Hello, Caroline - thanks for the help in 2005 - the trip to Scotland was superb, and we loved The Scotsman Hotel just of High Street. Ciao, Leone

Excuse, just "off" High Street.

I've returned from the trip and my husband really like having the leg wallet. He found it comfortable and didn't really notice it when we were out during the day. However, mine left big bloodshot areas on my leg, I think because my legs would swell from all the walking and so it would tighten. So I started wearing it looser but then it would slide down my leg and hang around my ankle. So my husband ended up wearing one on each leg which wouldn't have been very good if we got seperated as I would have had no identification or cash or way to get cash, but thankfully that never happened!

Sorry the leg wallets didn't work for you. But I'm surprised you had your husband carry your identification and money! That doesn't seem wise. I guess I would have rather tucked it in my pocket or purse than been without ANYthing and cross my fingers I didn't get pickpocketed -lol!

Hi pliant, sorry about your experience. Next trip try a waist moneybelt, one made out of silk which is comfortable, or as comfortable as a money belt can be. I hate them and do not use them on a day to day basis but when travelling they are good to have, ie. train etc.

I got stollen in Barcelona....and I think the moneybelt that goes under your pants are the best....you don't feel them and nobody sees the belt....have a safe trip

I now prefer the leg safe over the waist moneybelt, but I have pretty good calves from bike-riding to hold it up!

If I was traveling in a place or in a style where I felt the need for this kind of extra security, I would have my seamstress sew some hidden pockets into my clothing. Seems to me the easiest, most comfortable yet still secure.

I have a waist money belt. I am surprised at those who seem surprised that so many people wear them. I think they are a great idea - especially in countries in Europe that have such rampant pickpocketing and scams.

I don't wear one at home (or if I'm anywhere in the US), since the passport is the most important thing, and I can call the banks and such if credit cards got stolen right away. I do wear a belt bag daily (fanny pack, though I know in Britain that would mean something different). That way, someone can't just yank a purse off my arm.

No, they usually just slit the bottom open...

Actually I have a few friends, women who are in the legal field in Italy that each wear a leather belt with a small type leather purse attached that sorts of "sits" on their hip. Not an ugly fanny pack, very elegant looking actually. They travel around Italy a lot in their work via the trains. I would say the purse part is about 6 inches by four inches..brown leather. I have noticed they can easily put their hand on the purse (which has a zipper on the top). I have never even bothered to shop for one but I might the next time I am in Italy. Very convenient and quite attractive.

Maybe something like...

http://tinyurl.com/yykhcl (Saks 5th Ave)

http://www.basicreplica.com/Handbag_Belt_Bag_Brown--379.html

http://www.lesportsac.com/store/5303_5205.html

...although these aren't actually a 'secure' means of stowing valuables.

Yes Travelnut, that is the type of bag they use.

I have tried a variety of these things and the one I used all the time is an underarm pouch. You put it on under all your clothes. I have used it in Russia and it just did yeoman service for me during a 2 week trip to Chile. It does lead to gyrations when you want to get a credit card, passport or cash, but it is the safest way I know of carrying money. I got it from either Magellan or Travelsmith (can't recall which one). When you have a heavy sweater on it is not noticeable. With a t-shirt it is noticeable, but it would be a lot harder to steal than a fanny pack.

By the way, my camera is looped around the camera case and also around one of those photographer's vests. If they are going to steal the camera, they would have to take me with it.

Works for me.

They slit the bottom of a fanny pack? (I've not heard of that, but that isn't something that really goes on in the states - not that I've heard of, which is part of the reason I prefer a fanny pack). I also like that it isn't heavy on my shoulder.

If they did in Europe, they'd just get my hair pick, some feminine protection and not much else. I keep the money in the money belt.

I read through most of the comments with interest. I have been travelling in France and Italy for over 40 years and never had any problems. I have met people who have had bags, wallets or purses snatched, but then I know people who have had this happen in the UK and the USA too. For me the only reason for a money belt of some type is to keep my hands free from hanging onto a handbag. My husband likes a neck one so that he doesn't have things fall out of his pockets! One word about hidden ones - if you are flying in Europe you will almost certainly have to remove them when going through security checks.

Moneybelt?? How unfashionable. I keep my money in my Goyard tote when traveling.

You can bet Carine Roitfeld does not wear a moneybelt.

Do you answer your own door, too?

I've never had to remove a moneybelt while passing through airport security. there is no metal in them - plastic zippers.

We favor the 'leg stash' version these days, quite comfortable and easier to deal with.

Hi,

Comparing security measures taken in one's US home town to measures taken while traveling in Europe is comparing apples to oranges - the type of crime is completely different. In the US, we may worry about being murdered or mugged. In Europe, we SHOULD worry about being robbed. Failing to take proper precautions while in Europe will not have the same long term impact as being murdered or physically attacked, but it may cause huge short term hassles and grief and quite possibly ruin the trip of a lifetime.

Another factor in this false comparison - going about our daily lives in the US, most of us are not usually in major tourist areas (many of us don't even have tourist areas.) While traveling in Europe, many of us spend the majority of our time in said tourist areas, not in residential neighborhoods where we likely would be as safe or safer than we are at home. I lived in Barcelona for two years - while in my own neighborhood, I did not spend a moment worrying about losing my cash or my life. While downtown, I still did not worry about my life, but I was VERY cautious about my money, and I had close calls at least half a dozen times, probably more. Acquaintances who were actually personally robbed were either European themselves (Germans visiting Spain) or were professionals who had lived many years in Europe. Their level of experience was not, in itself, a protection.

Some very experienced travelers have been fortunate enough to never be on the losing end of petty crime, but it would be highly misleading for anyone to suggest that it is not necessary to take very careful measures to secure one's money and important documents while traveling in Europe, and giving such advice to an inexperienced traveler is irresponsible and uncaring. Implying that those who do take thorough precautions are paranoid, ignorant, or xenophobes, is as inaccurate as it is insulting.

Pick pockets in Europe are not casual thieves, they are skilled professionals - they are experts at psychology, they are creative, and they are technically highly proficient. Unless a tourist is also, on his home turf, a full time pick pocket, he/she is unlikely to be better at holding on to his/her valuables than a pick pocket is at taking them.

Do not mistake repeated good fortune for invulnerability. No matter how impressed we are by our own "experienced world traveler" sophistication, thieves will not be similarly impressed, and they will be as interested in our valuables as they are in Betty Bumpkin's.

Of course, be alert. Read up on theft techniques commonly used in the area. Mentally prepare for distractions and tricks. But you will still need to wear a money belt or neck pouch!

And if you become suspicious of the friendly lady in front of the cathedral who is trying to shove a flower down the front of your blouse, don't worry about being a xenophobe - yell "NO" at her several times and grab the euros that she just took from you right back. That actually worked for me once - maybe in small part because I was so mad I scared even the pro, but mostly because I was lucky.

If anyone is interested I have a picture (which I don't know how to post)of a safe pocket which is sewn into the waistband of my slacks. You don't need to disrobe, is entirely concealed and is not noticed next to your body. It was made by my Vietnamse tailor when I traveled to various countries. (AOL) Please state reason for writing.

I just thought that I should add to people's neuroses: if you use a pouch that hangs inside your trousers but is suspended from your belt, be aware that airport security often requires you to remove your belt before passing through the security gate.

yes, my h. used one of those pouches and it fell to the ground during the belt removal and typical confusion of the process. Someone picked it up and handed it back to him. We don't use that one anymore.

I like the one that hangs inside the trousers from a loop that goes around the belt. I have one made of leather that I've used for years after trying all the other variations.

This type is easy to use: you just flip it out and, when finished, slip it back. It is secure and it is extremely difficult for anybody to lift it without the wearer knowing because it hangs into a region into which strangers seldom intrude without invitation.

Happytrailstoyou, I can't resist asking how often strangers are invited to intrude? Or maybe we'd better just pass on that, and I'll ask my actual question. I've wondered about that kind of security holder - does the little loop that goes over the belt show on the outside enough that it would be a give away to sharp eyed pick pockets that the wearer is wearing what he/she is wearing? Kind of like the neck pouches where the cord shows around one's neck? Thank you.

A leather wallet of the kind I mention can be purchased in a color to match a belt and, in any event, is very inconspicuous.

That makes sense (buy one in a color to match the belt), I should have thought of that. Thank you.

I purchased the clip-on type, that can either be clipped over a waistband or looped through a belt, this week at AAA. However, a passport won't fit into it. So what good would that be, in traveling from airports to hotels on metros and trains? So back it will go. Bought a neck-type pouch that's a few steps above our old ones, with several different-sized pockets, with zippers AND velcro, and thinner straps, cord-like. Guess I'll buy one more for me. We're going to Paris and Rome next week and will be wearing warmer clothes, so it shouldn't be too noticeable. It's really a hassle trying to find something that works and is comfortable.

Don't know if you noticed my post above, but the leg stash version is quite comfortable and fairly accessible if you're wearing slacks/jeans.

Travelnut, I haven't seen the leg belts anywhere - I know AAA didn't have them, nor did Wal-mart. Where can I find them?

" If you start off with the attitude that you are going to be a victim of crime as soon as you step out of the airport then you will look nervous and unconfident and an obvious target to petty thieves."

But if your valuables are in a money belt you won't look nervous because you won't be worrying about petty thieves.

Taking simple precautions is a long way from paranoia.

Suze mentioned a post about someone who was robbed of money, credit cards etc, in Naples. There was a recent post from a woman (who didn't think it would ever happen to her) whose wallet was stolen in Paris. She lost her driver's license, money, credit cards and possibly her ATM card. These are only two of many posts reporting theft, but I've yet to see one reporting a stolen money belt.

Of course I don't wear a money belt at home. I live in a small non-touristy city and rarely carry much cash, but yes, I probably would use a money belt if I were going to a large city as a tourist.

I've never had to remove the money belt going through security although I have had to open it a couple of times when being "patted down."

Leg stash or leg safe:

http://www.eaglecreek.com/accessories/security_id/UnderCover-Leg-Stash-40025/
$15

http://www.magellans.com/store/Wallets__Purses___Totes___Security_WalletsSV608?Args=
$13.95

http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=91
$11

Cheap alternative: stuff your valuables into your socks.

I have a money belt thing, but I use it as a travel wallet. Having only travelled in europe (but quite a lot of it) I don't think it is really necessary. If you are aware of situations where your belongings are at risk, take simple steps to minimise this. I just keep it in an inside or front trouser pocket. If I am in a crowd, my hand goes in the pocket with it. Don't put anything in a rucksack that you can't afford to do without... My wife uses a clip key ring to keep the zips together on her hand bag, to discourage the opportunist.

I think STUMBLEBUM has it about right: a moderate level of technical security arrangements and a high level of security awareness.

Vigilance is more important than any money belt.

I posted my Passport pocket on Flickr.com. Don't know how it works since I've never used anything like this.
AOL.com ^

johnthedorf - this link should work for your photo:

http://flickr.com/photos/27645372@N00/411542392/

Thanks jefe. What did you do to get to that picture? Type in my AOL screen name?

johnthedorf - just did a search at Flickr for your Fodor's name, guessing that it was most likely the same.

Thanks again. All I can say is...DUH!

Thanks, johnthedorf and jefe, for the link, the pocket looks like an ideal solution - far more comfortable than belts or pouches, and quite inaccessible. However, a safety pocket in each pair of pants one brings would be necessary, and I don't know if I'm ambitious enough to sew that much. Do you keep your airline tickets in the pocket, also? If not, do you leave them in the room? In a safe? Thanks again.

I have a neck-style one, but ended up putting it in the inside pocket of my jacket. For someone to get it, they'd have to very conspicuously get their arm up into the jacket and down again to get into the pocket, or rip the coat off of me while I'm wearing it. Either option is not easy in the slightest.

I also disagree with many on the purpose of the money belt. It is to be a more secure wallet. People will see it if you're wearing one. The idea is that it is much harder to steal something clipped to your pants/around your neck, etc. than something just hanging off your shoulder or in your back pocket.

Even so, I only put things in it that I wouldn't need that day but didn't feel safe leaving at the hotel. This includes passports, future train tickets, surplus cash, and emergency credit cards. Everything else goes in my wallet. Believe it or not, people in Europe use wallets too, so you will not be targeted as a tourist if you have one.

My wallet had the day's cash, my ATM card, and my driver's license (mainly for ID purposes).

I've only been to Europe twice, but both times I felt as safe or safer than I would in a corresponding U.S. city.

One more thought, although the original poster probably isn't reading this any more. You only need one money belt.

Also, just saw a comment on airline tickets. What airline still issues paper tickets? Every flight I've taken in the past 5 years has been electronic check-in.

Spivonious wrote: "One more thought, although the original poster probably isn't reading this any more. You only need one money belt."

Not so. You need a spare for when the first one is stolen.

Paper tickets - I just flew to Russia and back. I booked my tickets through AA (FF miles) but they booked one leg through Swiss Air (Moscow to Zurich). Not sure why, but Swiss Air would not acknowledge AA electronic tickets so AA had to issue me paper tickets for this trip.

Paper tickets still exist!

The thing that drives me crazy is having things be different than they are at home. When I am traveling, my heart skips a beat twenty times a day when I pat my leg and my keys aren't there -- AAGH! WHERE ARE THEY? WHY DON'T I HAVE MY KEYS! until I remember that I'm on vacation and don't have them. Same goes with the wallet; I used to use a tiny wallet with only room for a couple of cards instead of my usual doorstop. Panic every ten minutes. Now I just try to pay attention to my surroundings.

I've used the neck kind once, but didn't really like it. I, too, believe they're only truly useful if they can be easily accessed. If a police officer asks for your passport, do you really want to be reaching inside your pants, trying to dig it out? A post towards the top jumped out at me from someone concerned enough about safety to wear a money belt, but who insisted on paying for everything with cash. With credit cards accepted about everywhere, why would you have more than a few bucks on you?

We're very comfortable using the 'leg stash' style.

<<Not so. You need a spare for when the first one is stolen.>>

I've been using an around-the-waist money belt for more than ten years and it's never been stolen. If fact, I've never seen a post by anyone that their money belt has been stolen -- but there have been several whose wallets have been lifted.

<<If a police officer asks for your passport, do you really want to be reaching inside your pants, trying to dig it out?>.

That's never happened either. I carry a photocopy of the first page of my passport in my purse and have another one in the hotel. The copy has been accepted for ID in museums and when filling out forms for the VAT refund. No one has ever asked to see the original.

It is not all difficult to take money or a credit card from the waist money belt but you'd certainly know if a thief tried to do it.

I find it very hard to believe that any European country is more dangerous than the US. Except maybe Chechyna. And I don't think many people holiday there, do they?! Is London or Paris really any worse than New York, Miami or LA?

Also, why would you want to take thousands of £/Euros/passport/tickets everywhere with you? Even if you don't get pickpocketed, you've every chance of just leaving them behind somewhere or dropping them unnoticed when getting other stuff out of your 'fanny' pack (god, I hate that word!) Stick 'em in the hotel safe and take just enough money out for a days worth of activities.

Someone said they like to have their passport on them in case they need to 'leave in a hurry'. Would you really be going straight from the Louvre or the Trevi to the airport, even in an emergancy, without collecting your clothes etc from the hotel first?!

If the hotel burns down, I want my passport on my person.

What if your house burns down? Do you carry your passport everywhere in case that happens?

RM67 wrote "Someone said they like to have their passport on them in case they need to 'leave in a hurry'. Would you really be going straight from the Louvre or the Trevi to the airport, even in an emergancy, without collecting your clothes etc from the hotel first?!"

It could happen. The police might be after me on account of my pickpocketing activity. All because I follow the dictum: when in Rome, do as the Romanies do.

But I do get bad feelings about throwing the baby. Some marks have bad co-ordination, and drop him. The baby rental agency charges extra if that happens.

At home I can much more easily apply for a new passport than if I were stranded in Europe.

Re the unfortunate case of hotel burning down with passport in the safe: Please have a photocopy of your passport on your person (and if you're carrying your passport, leave another in the hotel safe.) If you are abroad and your passport is stolen or lost or destroyed, the American consulate will immediately issue you another if you have that copy. (Possibly the one place where you can get a passport without a 10 week wait ...) The fastest way to clear up a missing passport is to have that copy ... fold one up and put it in your wallet, keep another in your baggage, etc. In fact, a great idea is to email yourself the image as an attachment, so you can print one up at any cybercafe by accessing your email.

As to the original subject: I live in NYC and don't wear a money belt, so I don't think it's a necessity for me - but I have one of the flat, zipped "wallets" with a loop to pass my belt through. This is then flipped over and worn inside the trousers (but not inside underwear). What do I keep in it? That photo copy of my passport, one credit/atm card that I will not use unless I lose the others, and a few euros or whatever local currency is, in case of emergency. That's it. I absolutely agree with those who say carrying lots of unnecessary cash is ... unnecessary. As my father used to say, What do I look like, a bank?

Just don't put a copy of your passport in your luggage when you check it on an airplane. That's not really safe.

And if the hotel burns down, I'll be thankful if it was my passport that was in it and not me.

You are right, Padraig, about the necessity of having your passport on you in case you need to leave in a hurry. When I worked in Iran, our instructions were to do exactly that if we were involved in an incident; drop everything and head for the airport.

One of our colleagues was involved in a traffic accident and spent six months in an Iranian jail cell before the company could get him out. I'm sure none of us would get involved in anything shady - but I'd like the option of being able to bail out, if necessary.

I wonder how many people have read the instructions in the passport.

Page 3 #4: ... Make two photocopies of your passport ID page. Leave one at home with family/friends. Carry the other with you in a place separate from your passport.
#5: Fill in the emergency information page of your passport. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family/friends at home.

I renewed my passport last year and followed these instructions. However, I had my previous passport for ten years and never noticed these instructions. Wonder if they are new?

"Wonder if they are new?"

FWIW those instructions are on mine that I got three years ago.

"Not so. You need a spare for when the first one is stolen."

If your money belt gets stolen, chances are your travel partner's money belt has been stolen too.

Bottom line - every city has pickpockets. Be aware of this and you will be fine.

...hmmm ...
I like the around the neck pouches ... but not to keep things safe ... I wear it over my clothes when doing things like going through airports and needing to keep my boarding pass, schedules, maps, etc handy.
If I wore jackets I wouldn't have to, but I don't wear them. And the fr..n shirt designers tend to design too many shirts without pockets.
I must look like a dweeb, but what the heh.

1. I leave my passport in the hotel safe. It's just too bulky to carry it with you.

2. Just came back from 4 days in Northern Italy. I bought a very comfortable wallet that hooks through the belt and is worn under your pants. I kept my money and credit cards in there. I brought a small purse with me with small sums of money and lipstick. If the purse gets stolen... no big deal.

http://www.best4travellers.com/product_info.php/info/p12_Geheime-Einschub-Brieftasche.html

If your husband sweats, any money belt worn next to the body will get wet and its contents (passport, etc.) will get bent our of shape.

We have found it is more comfortable to carry valuables in a shoulder bag while traveling and to put them in a safe upon arrival at a hotel.

If he insists on a money belt, get the kind that loops over a belt and use it only for extra credit cards and currency.

(We are not targets for pickpockets in the USA or in European countries.)

We use waist money belts and we place the items into ziplock bags and thus no wetness on the items.

MnJ and others: Wetness can be a problem. We go one step further, or at least I do. I put the items in the thin sandwich baggies and then I take a man's handkerchief and wrap it around the bagged items. It keeps the belt from getting clammy/damp. I believe that it is Samsonite which has a waist belt with the back finished with some type of wicking material. i have one, but seldom use it, as it is thicker than the other one I have.

If one wears their $belt with the bag part toward the back, in the flat of the back, its bulk does not protrude above the stomach--which some people do not like. It is a bit more complicated to retrieve itms that way, but finding a restroom, a fitting room or a convenient corner had always made it possible.

I have carried my passport on numerous (say 15 trips or so) since 2000 and my passport is in very good condition. Of course, all of this is my own opinion. Ciao!!mhm

I prefer a shoulder holster
type. It easily fits a passport, credit cards and cash. It looks like one of the
holsters you see detectives wear.

I use a money belt. I think it is necessary, especially when you travel places where you don't feel safe leaving your valuable things at your accommodation. I always keep my passport with me when I travel alone. I'd rather have it safe in my money belt safely tugged away under my pants.

My money belt has 2 pockets. The biggest one holds my passport, in a Ziplock bag of course. I also have a small paper with important phone numbers (credit card company, bank, embassy, hotel numbers, and any other number I might need in case of emergency). The smaller one holds my money, along with my ATM card and credit cards. I also carry a small wallet in my purse. Depending on what I plan to do during the day, the wallet will hold my money for the day (never more than about 80$), bus pass or train tickets, and sometimes a credit card if I'll need it during the day. The wallet is always in a zipped pocket, not easily accessible for pickpockets.

One thing that always bothers me. I make photocopies of every important thing I have when I travel (passport, plane tickets, front of credit cards...). I'm always wondering if I should carry those in my purse (along with my little book where all my itinerary and travel information are). Any advice for that? All those photocopies are in my suitcase also. Could I be in trouble if anyone gets their hands on those papers?

I wouldn't leave the copies in the luggage for the reasons you mentioned.

Also I don't use a money belt when I'm in my home city also. Yet it is under different circumstances I'm in when I am visiting overseas, and that's the time I do use it.

Nessa,

I don't think keeping the copies in
your purse is such a good idea in case it's snatched. The copies in your luggage aren't secure either.

Why not scan your documents into a computer then save them on an encrypted USB thumb drive? A USB stick is small enough to stash in your pocket or moneybelt and in the event it's lost or stolen the info is encrypted so it's safe. You have the password so you only need put it into a hotel computer or at an internet cafe to retrieve your
info.

You could also leave scanned copies with a friend or relative to be emailed to you in the event of an emergency.

Rob

My husband and I have gone with the around-the-waist style, and like them. Decided against the around-the-neck, because they seem painfully obvious and especially during summer, hot!

Thought this article was a goodie - http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneybelt.htm
Gives a very good run down on what to PUT in the money belt.
Interesting that a lot of people don't carry their passports with them - you should, by international law, have it with you (on your person) at all times when in a foreign country.
I'm all for the waist money belt, concealed under your clothes.

Personally, I like wearing my money belt around my waist & like it to have an elasticized waistband so that it doesn't chafe. Hubby likes one that has a loop that matches his dark belt & wear it tucked into his slacks. Have heard about folks who have had their leg "felt up" in a crowded metro in Paris (some of those folks are getting pretty bold).

My hubby was constantly being badgered by gypsies in Rome until after several days of it, I was finally able to convince him to WEAR his moneybelt and leave his empty wallet in the hotel. After that, the gypsies who had been drawn to him earlier, thrusting screaming babies, cardboard, newspapers & what have you at him & the whole 9 yards, totally ignored him as being uninteresting. I had always worn a money belt and was not at all interesting to the gypsies.

It was in a London tube that I had my pocket picked. Fortunately, all they got was 10 or 20 pounds and my old theater ticket (the rest was safely in my money belt UNDER my clothes). I had no idea until after I got back to the hotel that it had been taken from me! Hubby & I were together in the tube the entire time and neither of us saw it and I didn't feel it at all!

great thread. I thought money bags were made from cotton. How could the contents get slimy?
Exactly what is a 'baggie'?
moonrise

A "baggie" is a sandwich bag which is resealing. The money bags are worn under your clothing and can get wet with prespiration, especially in warmer weather. That's one reason for putting valuables (like passports) in a sealed plastic bag, even if the money bag itself is "breathable."

If you don't perspire much or it's cooler weather, it should be much of an issue. (Fortunately for me, I rarely perspire, but hubby does.)

Actually, my D & her friends in LA rarely carry purses with anything of value for the same reason that it's best not to carry one in areas of high crime on travel. You really don't want to attract attention or become a victim. They try to be as discreet as possible and when they sense a dangerous situation, they get away as quickly as possible. They don't carry valuables on their person at all, other than cash they may need for food during the day.

I find it very freeing not to have to hang onto anything of value while touring. Having a jacket with pockets you can keep maps and other things in is helpful (the weather in May/June will be chilly for us, so a jacket is good anyway). As I believe this is how my pocket was picked many years back, I will be sure not to have much of value in the pockets.

I never wear a money belt.