Suggestions for how to most safely carry money in Europe

I've traveled with a small, flat purse that went around my neck and could be worn under clothing. Sorry, I'm not sure where I purchased it, but it was just the right size for a credit card and my passport. Maybe try some travel gear websites.

I leave my passport in the hotel and only carry it when I move to another location. I carry enough money for a day or two in a small change purse and put credit/debit cards in a zippered compartment in my purse - separate from cash. I wear a cross body purse and haven't had a problem. I only wore a money belt once when I was backpacking years ago and travelers' check were the norm so I had to carry my entire savings with me.

I once met a woman who sewed a purse into a skirt pocket and kept her money there.

You could always make one of those purses that travelrene suggests if you can't find one. I find the problem with those things is that they don't work well if you are busty. The one's I've seen weren't long enough to go to the midriff. And if they are leather or, most likely, plastic and it's hot they will stick to your skin and irritate.

BTW - I have more problems getting robbed by taxi drivers than pickpockets!

Use a money belt or the hotel safe -- your choice. But I don't understand the "But as a female, I often wear dresses. " bit.

What has that got to do w/ anything?

Females use money belts whether they wear dresses or not. A money belt is not a substitute for a handbag or wallet. It is essentially a 'body safe'. You do not access it during the day or in public. It is for the surplus cash, back up ATM and/or credit card, passport. Not for your walking around money -- use a handbag/wallet just like you would at home.

When I'm not wearing my moneybelt, I use similar method as adrienne.

I put my 1-2 day's need of cash in my wallet. If there's extra cash I have, I split it up into various inside zippered pockets within my bag. CC and ATM cards go inside other pockets in my bag.

I do use my moneybelt at times - usually when I'm traveling solo and am moving from one city to another. These are times when my hands are tied up with luggage and my mind is occupied by looking for the right bus/train/flight etc.

I carry the same purse I do in the USA. End of story.

I was in France this summer and found a small purse (like a kids purse) with a Long strap worn crosswise worked perfect. As others suggested leave your Passport in the hotel just carry a copy with you. The small purse will also accomodate small purchases. Check out Target for the small purse. Good Luck and have fun, France is Amazing.

How do you carry money safely at home?

Thanks for all your replies - they have been very helpful. At home, I do not have an issue of safety with my money as I live in a small city where we do not even have keys to our house. As I have read trip reports from Paris on this site they have all mentioned the need to safely carry money as pickpockets are an issue.

I find it's a huge difference between carrying money safely at home vs abroad on vacation, esp if it's a place new to me.

In my home city, I know where I'm going. I don't have to stop and consult my map, or take out my camera to snap photos, or in general being awed by sights (be it architecture or shop windows). As a result, I'm much more aware of my belongings and my surroundings when I'm in my home town. Besides, living in the US (with few exceptions), you are never packed like sardines in the subway, nor rubbed elbows with other pedestrians. In fact, here at home, if someone gets really close to me, I'm very aware of that because there's so much space here it's no need to get close to one another.

However, in big cities in Europe, it can get very crowded (think Leicester Sq tube station). I may be distracted looking for the right exit, or the right train/platform; as a result, I am less aware that someone is dipping his/her hand into my purse.

We always leave our passport at the hotel. I just use a regular purse that has at least one side that zips. I am a little more aware of my purse when in a city and hardly ever think about it when in the country. We don't carry excess cash as there is always an ATM close.


It is a really good idea to have photocopys of all credit card, passports etc. Leave it home so someone can fax it to you if you have a problem.

Travellingmom3,

i am certain your hometown is wonderful and that there isn't any crime but you honestly need to understand that Paris, among many other places, is not necessarily crawling with thieves, pickpockets, scammers, etc.

St. Cirq has given some of the best advice IMO and I suggest you might at least CONSIDER that a lot of what you have "heard" is frankly coming from a bunch of rather overwrought posters, etc.

I know from experience what it is like to be robbed in a foreign city and if you want to experience that just hop onto the barcelona Metro and wait long enough..they are likely to show up.

OR hang around INSIDE (forget the so-called "seedy" outside) the Termini station in Rome..you can watch the pickpockets working below if you station yourself on the upstairs "balcony" area.

Have you ever considered wearing pants instead of that dress?

I usually travel in the fall and have my black microfiber raincoat. I made a pocket with a zipper and sewed it to the inside of the raincoat so I can carry something in there. I use a money belt but only keep out cash for the day. If I keep out any large amount, I separate it and carry it in different places on my body. With using ATMs it isn't like when we would carry large sums of money from home.

When I am at home, I don't have that much cash on me and I usually am aware of my surroundings and it is not a tourist site. There are more thieves at a tourist site and usually I am busy looking at whatever I came to see.

So far we have never had a problem - maybe we always look too poor to bother with.

My tradition - guy's view - has been to use a flat zipper pouch with a loop that I pass my belt through. Then it flips inside my waistband right against the pocket - but inside. The spending money and one card I might need are in my pocket in a VERY small wallet that sits deep in the pocket and isn't easy to access or even be seen by pickpocket (pretty much the way I operate at home in NYC), but that pouch is for extra cash in case of purchases, etc, and for my passport on a day I need to travel with it. If I need to access it I do it in private, in the restroom or elsewhere.

The best way to carry money is QUIETLY, wherever you are.

My other advice: always be aware of what you are carrying, whether purse, briefcase or packages. Distractions are just as likely to make you leave something behind, or carelessly turn your back. I have finally given up pointing out to women that their purse, hung on the back of a chair in a restaurant, is ASKING to be taken or have the wallet lifted from it. Likewise, a purse on the floor next to your chair: easily noticed by a pro who KNOWS how to access it from the next table.

There's no need to fear pickpockets once you're aware that they will work tourist areas. Carry as little with you as you can, so it can be as close to you as possible - yes, even attached to a string around your neck that ends inside your dress somewhere!

<<I find it's a huge difference between carrying money safely at home vs abroad on vacation, esp if it's a place new to me.>>

And I find no difference at all. It's all about the level of awareness, wherever you are.

I put my money in my wallet. I put my wallet in my back pocket. Sometimes it goes in my jacket or bag.

My wife puts her wallet in her purse. Sometimes, if she is going purse-less, she puts it in her back pocket.

Not sure there is any reason to overthink this. Europe is not crawling with pickpockets. Why worry about it?

Europe is not crawling with pickpockets. Why worry about it?

Except that many touristy spots in Europe ARE crawling with pickpockets. A quick search on the topic title for "Pickpockets" and for "Stolen" yielded these:

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/warning-if-you-are-going-to-sevillespain-pickpocket-scam.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/update-pickpocket-concerns-italy.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/beware-of-pickpocket-in-notre-dame.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/pickpocket-warning-interlaken.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/milan-train-station---pickpocket-video.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/pickpocket-reminder.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/our-passports-were-stolen-in-paris.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/wallet-stolen-in-granada-lessons-learned.cfm

People who post on Fodors represent a very small % of travelers in Europe. So, if it happens to our little community, I'm sure it also happens in the general tourist population.

So far we have never had a problem - maybe we always look too poor to bother with.
Same here!

People who post on Fodors represent a very small % of travelers in Europe. So, if it happens to our little community, I'm sure it also happens in the general tourist population.

And people also tend to post when bad things happen. Perhaps everyone that went to Europe and wasn't pick-pocketed should start threads about the lessons learned? If everyone did that, then I'm sure you would see something closer to the real risk emerge.

People overestimate the incidence of crime. They rely on anecdotal evidence (which isn't really evidence, IMO) and only remember the bad stuff. It is the same phenomenon you see in the US, where folks overestimate crime rates because the news only shows crimes. It is recipe for grossly overestimating your risk.

"Not sure there is any reason to overthink this. Europe is not crawling with pickpockets. Why worry about it?"

agree completely.
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StCirq on Sep 21, 09 at 11:59 PM

I carry the same purse I do in the USA. End of story."
me too , only the one with minimum of "hardware"!

I have a very light, black Lacoste purse I wear across the chest. Looks nice and leaves my hands free.

What does a "money belt" look like anyway?
Is worn under a dress or shirt ? Does it make one's clothes look bulky?

sorry,... Is it worn

A million years ago when I started travelling I used a money belt all the time, and carried a nifty backpack or daypack that just screamed "tourist." Now, I carry a regular purse that is big enough to hold a pocket umbrella, map, camera and whatever guidebook I am carrying that day, but doesn't advertise "strange person in a strange land." I finally realized that I live in a major metropolitan city that is a huge tourist area, so if the way I'm dressing at home isn't attracting pickpockets, I should try to replicate that when visiting another tourist area. The only concession I make to extra caution, particularly when visiting an area I'm not really familiar with or an area that I KNOW is crawling with pickpockets, is how I actually carry cash and credit cards. Sometimes I will put my small wallet (you know those equadorean woven coin purses that are just big enough for credit cards and folded bills? love them!!!!) inside of an inside pocket in my purse, and sometimes I will keep it in my front pocket - just depends on the situation. Either way I only carry one credit card and enough cash for the day and a COPY of my passport, so if something were to happen it would not be the end of the world.

<< Perhaps everyone that went to Europe and wasn't pick-pocketed should start threads about the lessons learned >>

I've been to Europe more than a dozen times (not much by some standards here) and have never been pick pocketed. I've taken public transportation much of the time - subway, buses, trains, trams, overnight trains and I've used precautions outlined above.

The one thing I do when I get bank notes, I fold them in half so I can easily see the denominations and put the same denominations together. That way I don't have to flash a wad of cash about looking for the correct Euros, etc. I reach into my purse and pull out the correct note to pay for my purchase. No one can see exactly how much money I have - they may think I only have 10 Euro on me. I also push the coin purse to the bottom of my purse as thieves know that women often leave their wallets (purses) on the top after making a purchase. I also don't look like I have any money! No flashy jewelry or fancy clothes.

I carry my passport/plane ticket in one pocket, wallet with monye in the other. Since I don't arrive with a lot of money (withdrawals as required), I don't have a fat wallet. If I'm wearing a jacket, I will put it in a zippered pocket. No moneybelt in years.

As others have stated, I recognize that pickpockets may be an issue and adjust. That being said, I would never characterize Europe as being full of pickpockets. I suppose a French tourist in NYC would also think that pickpockets are an issue, but would you if you went there? Not so sure. I would trust locals to quantify the risk.

That being said, I live in a big city, so I have a sense for situations (I hope).

I will delude myself that when I was in Paris last time walking around with nothing in my hands, no backpack, no moneybelt,no fanny pack...everything I needed in pockets...that I was less conspicuous to the neer-do-wells.

I do the same as St. Cirq--I carry the same pocketbook that I carry at home.

I find that if I try carrying something different from what I'm used to doing, it becomes a distraction in itself. With a familiar bag, I instinctively know it's on my shoulder, under my arm, and I'm more likely to carry it with confidence and awareness.

Trying something new on a trip when you're surrounded by new things to figure out and absorb, makes me less comfortable and I'm more likely to be unwittingly careless.

Passport is left in the hotel room safe or the rented apartment, and I don't carry a lot of cash. ATM's are everywhere.

The only people I've known personally who have been pickpocketed have been friends who let their guard down at home here in the U.S.

Ever since I moved my wallet to my front pocket (30 years ago), I have never had a problem in Paris.

Women are another issue. Purses with straps that can be grabbed: NO!

I'm another woman who carries a normal purse. It makes no sense to me to be paranoid while in a different country. Use the same percautions you would at home.

If you have all the information for your credit cards kept separate (send yourself an email with the numbers and phone contacts for lost or stolen cards), it will not be a disaster if you lose them for any reason. Scan your passport and send it as an attachment to yourself. Don't carry a lot of cash - it's unnecessary. I haven't seen pickpockets in action in many recent trips but if they were present they were looking for the easiest targets. Blend in and don't have stuff hanging out all over the place. Tilley's makes garments with velcro closure pockets and other devices for travelling. I hate money belts - they are uncomfortable and difficult to access. Keep your important documents in a place that you can check easily and remember where it is. If you attach something to a belt, make sure the belt is thick and hard to cut - if you open the belt for any reason, remember that you could lose what is attached to it.

I use both a money belt around the waist and a neck pouch. I keep most of the money and one debit card in the money belt. I never take anything out of it in public. I keep the other card, my passport and a couple of large bills in the neck pouch. If I need to show ID when buying something with the card, I do take it out of the neck pouch. If I had a second ID, I'd put the passport in the money belt and the other ID in the neck pouch. I keep some smaller bills and coins in my purse, for buying things like lunch or cheap souvenirs.

Leaving the passport in the hotel only works if there is a safe place to put it. If I stay in a shared dorm at a hostel, I wouldn't leave anything valuable there.

I see some of you think one shouldn't do things different than at home. But while it may be irritating to get a purse stolen in your home town, it's usually easy to call the bank and police to cancel cards etc. Being in another country, it gets more complicated. First you have to call the bank, then find a police station, then prove who you are, then contact the consulate to get a temporary passport, then find a way to get enough cash to get home.

kerouac, my wallet has been in a front pocket for about 30 yrs, too - I heard a report while still a youth that sitting on a wallet (even a slim one) is bad for the back.

The only time I've ever been robbed was here in NYC, on a crowded Times Sq street, when a couple of guys conspired to knock me down while another had his hand in my pocket, snatching an heirloom money clip and a few bucks. Thankfully permanent injury, but the experience stays with one ... at 6'3" I thought I was immune to that particular kind of move. I learned better.

We usually travel during the off-season, colder months. One advantage is the need to wear coats - my husband's coat has inner pockets, which are great for stashing a credit card and euros for the day. Resistant at first to the idea of keeping his wallet in his front pocket, he is now sold on the idea after several instances where he detected his back pocket being checked out by a stray hand, (we were in crowded areas).

As far as a purse goes, carrying a leather shoulder bag large enough to carry necessities for a full day of sightseeing is just not comfortable. I carry a lightweight tote bag or cross-body bag with nothing valuable inside, (just the things we need - or might need - like a map, umbrella, water bottle, sunglasses, kleenex, stuff like that). It has to be large enough to hold the "real" umbrella we bought in Paris to replace the cute but useless "travel" umbrella that turned inside-out one a windy, rainy day one too many times!

As far as pickpocketing goes, I was almost mugged once in the Paris metro, about 10 years ago. A group of young boys, (they looked like they were maybe 11 or 12, shockingly enough), surrounded me as I approached the metro car. I was wearing a small, "foldover" cross-body bag with lots of snaps & zippers, (nothing valuable in it, thank goodness) - they had sweaters over their arms which they used to hide their attempt to open my bag. Fortunately, I realized pretty quickly what was happening and shoved past them to get up into the car. Nothing was taken, but in that quick moment they had managed to unfold & unzip my bag!

Being aware of your surroundings is the most important thing, no matter whether you use a money belt, or whatever.

When traveling, I always wear a purse that I can sling over my shoulder. It can easily be adjusted for me to hold in front of me when traveling on the subway, train, or just walking around. Many hotels don't have safes so I keep my passport with me, money, camera, etc. I have never had a problem. You just have to be cautious and obviously aware of your surroundings. Make sure you have a zipper top so no one can easily reach their hands in your purse. I always told my husband to keep his wallet in his front pocket especially when headed into the metro.

I use my regular purse same as I do at home. I carry cash, debit and credit cards in my regular wallet same as I do at home. I leave my passport in the hotel room or apartment.

The first time I went to Europe seven years ago I used a money belt and special travel wallet and bought a special cross body messenger bag just for the trip. Everything was separated and zippered up in little compartments. It was really, really awful- I found using an unfamiliar "system" disorienting. I could never remember where I put anything and that made me paranoid that I had lost something.

I feel a million times more comfortable and secure just using my normal purse.

I have traveled a good bit in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. (routinely taking public transportation), and always wear a money belt under my pants if I'm away for more than a day trip. It's just big enough for cash, a passport, and a few credit cards and other ID cards like a driver's license and health insurance card.

I've never been pick-pocketed, either. Does that mean my basic precautions and self-awareness work, or that there are no pickpockets around? I don't know the answer to that but forced to choose, I'd guess the former.

Is Europe crawling with pickpockets? They're out there, no question. But even if there were only one pickpocket in all of Europe, if he happens to pick your pocket, he's caused you a problem. I'm thinking it's wise to take reasonable precautions and exercise reasonable awareness without being needlessly paranoid no matter where you go.

I wear a fanny pack in front of me and I keep my fist cocked. I look like a dork and don't relax much but I have not been robbed yet.

No wait, I was robbed in San Francisco by a gang of teenagers. Give me Termini station anyday.

This may have been mentioned above, but I carry my money, credit cards and passport in a pouch that I wear around my neck and tuck directly into my bra or under a tee shirt (if worn under a sweater or jacket). My husband carries his stuff in a pouch that loops onto his belt and tucks into his pants. We split our money evenly, and I carry one set of credit cards and he carries another (if we each carried our own credit card, and one of the pouches was stolen or lost, we would not be able to use the other half of the card -- the same card is in both names). In our wallets, we keep another credit card (we each carry the same card) and enough cash to get us through the day. If we need more cash, we'll go into a rest room and take some out. This system seems to work well for us.

We purchased our pouches at The Container Store.

I agree with St Cirq. Use what you use at home. That way you feel more comfortable and will notice if anything is odd or askew. Plus you won't make yourself crazy worrying about things.

Have been to europe more than 70 times and have never had any problems with money or credit cards. For business trips (about half) I use my regular (large) purse that holds all I need for a business day. This is a shoulder purse and I carry across my body in busy public areas - just like at home.

On vacation I carry a Sportsac medium size barrel that weight nothing and and has numerous pockets to hold all the things you need (regular purse stuff, guide book, camera, small bottle of water, small umbrella and even a sweater). This also goes across the body if in very busy public areas.

Granted I'm a native New Yorker - and seem to do automatically things that don't occur to some other people - but if you always hang onto your belongings it's very difficult for anyone to get a whole purse away from you.

And we carry cast, credit cards and passports at all times.

And I would never use any sort of money belt or neck pouch or whatever - IMHO it just makes you look odd and bulgy.

<<I carry my money, credit cards and passport in a pouch that I wear around my neck and tuck directly into my bra or under a tee shirt (if worn under a sweater or jacket). My husband carries his stuff in a pouch that loops onto his belt and tucks into his pants.>>

I don't mean to be snarky, but don't you look absolutely dotty trying to pay for anything? I mean, in the sense of drawing so much attention to yourself that you'd identify yourself INSTANTLY as a really major target?

We don't use the money or credit cards in the pouches to pay for anything. As I said above, we keep a separate card and some cash in our wallets (in my case, the wallet is in my backpack, and my husband's is in one of the pockets of his pants). We would never pull out the pouches in public. And usually my pouch cannot be detected under my clothing, especially if I am wearing a sweater or jacket.

Your wallet is in your BACKPACK? I'm stymied here. You're all pouched up with stuff tucked into here and there under layers and your wallet is in your BACKPACK?

And if you don't use the money or credit cards in the pouches to pay for anything, what DO you do with them?

Seriously, this is very confusing to me.

From the responses in this thread, obviously different people have different preferences as to how to carry his/her money and CCs etc. I think we should do whichever way is most comfortable and comforting to us. To each his/her own.

I know that I can never be on guard and alert every single second when I'm traveling; esp at the end of a 10-hr sightseeing day. For my own peace of mind, I like to know that my money is safely stored in my own "system".

I always carry 2 ATM cards and 2 CC with me when I go to Europe, in case one gets rejected or "eaten" by machines. It has never happened but better safe than sorry. I don't put all the ATM cards and CCs in the same wallet. I separate them so in case my wallet gets stolen (which also has never happened), I still have access to cash.

When my nephew, some years ago, started his first trip around the world, never having been abroad at all, carried everything in his back pack and Heathrow was his first landing and he never even made it out of the airport before his passport got stolen. LOL Lesson learned.

Me? I'm like St. Cirq, carry the same purse in Europe I carry here, with everthing I need in it. I don't carry a lot of cash but always have some.

I also want to add, I am by no means saying it could never happen to me.

St. CIrq -- it really isn't all that confusing. We don't like leaving our valuables in a hotel room that doesn't contain a safe. If there is a safe, we will put our passports, extra credit cares, cash, etc. away). I always travel with a backpack, mainly because I travel with my family, which includes a husband and two kids. I am always the one who has to carry the cameras, the snacks, water bottles, maps, books, sunglasses, etc. The wallet that I carry in one of the many hidden pockets is a taxi wallet, which to some doesn't even qualify as a wallet. All I carry in it is about $100 in cash, an ATM card and one credit card. It really works well with us, and I never feel like I'm a walking target. I also use my pockets to keep some small amounts of cash, so if I need to buy a soda or an ice cream, I don't have to pull anything out.

I'm not about to say I will never be pickpocketed or become a victim of crime, but I am very careful of my surroundings. I grew up in NYC and learned from a very young age how to be "street smart." Starting when I was 13 I travelled by bus and subway to high school, a 1-1/2 hour commute each way. You learn quickly how to stay alert and avoid trouble.

I'm not saying it could never happen to me, either, but in something like 150 trips to Europe the closest I've come to being pickpocketed was on a subway, coming from a huge parking lot outside Rome into Rome, in a massive crush of people, and a woman near me yelled out in Italian for me to watch my purse, and sure enough there was a young guy who looked like he might have been about to handle my purse in some way or other. He vanished into the ether and I lost nothing. I might have, sure, but imagine if my wallet had been in my BACKPACK.

Only place I've ever been mugged was on Connecticut Avenue, NW, in DC, years ago in broad daylight. I had everything valuable I had on me in a backpack. That was stupid.

"I wear a fanny pack in front of me and I keep my fist cocked."

LOL, cold

Reading some of our posts you'd wonder why people go on vacation at all!

I don't carry my normal purse but that's mainly because it would make my shoulder whine and cry before too long. When traveling, I carry a medium sized messenger bag with a zipper top and zipper pockets throughout. It's big enough for convenience, but the main opening is against my body and towards my front. It's easy to carry and fit souveniers/lunch into without being bulky like a backpack.

When I last used it overseas, I kept my passport and daily money in the zipper part that was right in front of my hip, and my purchases could go in the main part. If I was in a tight space, I could pull it in front of me to both take up less space and be safer. It sits just above my hip so my hand is usually on the strap with my arm along the top. The only way for anyone else to get something out of that bag is to either cut it open, or yank the strap off of me.

I never dink with money belts or the "around the neck" pouches, mainly because they drive me batty. I keep emails with my credit card and passport email in an account I can easily access if needed and don't put all of my money in one place.

If you're still reading this travellingmom, my suggestion is to go with what you're comfortable with and don't put everything in one place. Don't keep huge amount of cash that you're getting into every time you make a purchase, only keep a "daily use" amount that is visible when you're making purchases, hide the rest. If you start to run low in your wallet, simply use one of your bathroom stops to pull out more cash without revealing where the stash is.

As I just came back from London and was robbed on the underground, I say be careful of very packed places. I made the mistake of getting some pounds out of an ATM near the underground and was followed. As there was 4 of us, I was feeling very secure...until we got to the hotel and discoverd my wallet was missing. So, yes be weary of cramed spaces and keep small amounts of cash. It does happen out there. But don't let that stop you from traveling...I love to travel and have been flying to Europe for many years and this was a first.

In regard to "pickpockets" I have been in the metro in Paris when a voice announced over the speaker system first in French and then in English to "beware - there are pickpockets in the area". Also I have been with a group and a guide. Our guide told us she would say "there are angels all around" when she saw known pickpockets. This was in Rome. I have also known of thefts in New York. When in Naples I witnessed a purse snatching and a man who lept in between the cab driver and his fare and snatched the money. A theft can occur anywhere and I do usually wear a money belt and carry my small handbag with a little money, guide book, etc. Just be aware of what is going on around you and if possible don't carry all your money on your person. If you must, then an inside secure pocket or a "money belt" is a good idea.

I have learned so much from all these posts. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to add your thoughts. As a novice traveler, I would not have thought to email myself a scanned- in passport or my credit/debit card account and phone numbers. I appreciate the message of many of the posts to be careful, alert, organized but not paranoid. As I'll have my 8 year old daughter with me I am apt to be a bit distracted keeping track of her so keeping my money/cards organized and having a simple system that I keep close will work best. I appreciate the comments of using a purse/bag that is comfortable and that I am familiar with also are very helpful. I hate to admit this but I am often found at the grocery store with my wallet dropped into the bottom of my basket which I have been known to walk away from to gather items around me. I KNOW this isn't an acceptable way to travel which brought me to posting this question. I am planning on a fun, safe trip!

I often wonder why women who leave their purses and wallets in the grocery cart don't use a neck pouch for a wallet and just loop it around your neck while you put your purse in the trunk of your car?
At least get one of those wallets that are meant to loop around your wrist.

It worries me when I see purses in grocery carts, it would only take a moment...

Okay sorry to scold but now that I'm through with that getting a money belt would be a great idea for you to keep your passport, an extra card and money in.

But like others say a healthy dose of paranoia keeps you safe.

It sounds like you are not a person who is always aware of her surroundings -- and you are not the only one. If you get distracted in the grocery store, you will surely get distracted in Paris. Wear a money belt and go out and enjoy the sights without worrying about pickpockets. Carry a small amount of cash in your purse so you won't be wiped out if you lose that.

Have a great time in Paris.

www.tilley.com for great travel clothing. 'Pity the poor pickpockets' used to be their motto.

I do wear an eleastic money belt with a pouch attached to it with 2 zippers for passport and money. Then I carry a humongous handbag with all kinds of junk in it and even hanging out of it.

At the D'Orsay in Paris, a museum guard came over to warn me that my bag was open and there were pickpockets...I explained it was alright, I just had museum pamphlets sticking out of the bag.

At L'Orangerie in front of the Rodin statue, a man approached me speaking French maybe, or maybe not, with the game " the gold ring, did I lose it? - before he could go into his spiel
I told him " non, non, no." He changed his mind and asked me for a cigarette which I gave him and he left. Another young girl approached me with the same gold ring bit, she definitely looked to be the gypsy, near the Concord. Had I not been warned by Fodor's people I might have fallen victim to these pickpocket games.

But worst for reputation of pickpocketing are Rome and Barcelona where a definitely gypsy man walked up and down the cue openly surveying who would be a good victim...Rome has a large gypsy population and I was warned by the hotelier that a girl on the subway the day before had fought off a gypsy girl with her hand in the girl's purse...so the gypsy girl took her umbralla and stuck it in the girl's eye and killed her. An extreme example but dont be lulled into security by the well traveled Fodorites who are more experienced or aware.
You are not.

Just an aside - my grandmother came to America I guess around 1896/1900 from Europe. There must have been plenty of gypsies and/or pickpockets around even then because she never lost the habit of pinning her change purse to the inside of her bra - even 70 years later and even though we lived in a small country town where no one even locked their doors

;my waist safe is much thinner than this-no bulk- with 2 zippers one for passport and one for cahs , and actually I wear it in the back of my waist where it doesn't show under slacks, jeans or skirt. I got mine at Tuesday Mornings if there's one near you, otherwise here's a photo of what they have at Amazon's:

www.amazon.com/Waist-Safe-by-Austin-House/dp/B0002V9OYK

you should not carry your passport -leave it in the safe at the hotel; but you should carry in a safe place a copy of your passport;from a man's pespective, I wear either a neck wallet or a money belt that contains a small amount of cash, a credit card and any other passes required
like a museum pass or transit card. You need something like that-maybe you should adapt to slacks for a good portion of your trip. And try not to be very conspicuous with a lot of jewelry, fancy watches, or a large camera. A pocket size digital does very well for most people. The trick is to blend in as much as possible.

Pickpockets are rife in europe and S.A. at major crowded tourist spots like the long lines into the louvre ( agoo reosn for a museum pass), metro's, scenic walks like the ramblas in barcelona and the flea market in madrid, etc. Beware of one person approach you and attempting to distract you i some manner-brushing into you, dropping a paper in front of you, while another walks off with yur prized possessions.

My husband got pick-pocketed in a Rome subway, he got a little too comfortable... had a money belt but put it in his front pocket instead of where it belonged. Luckily he had very little cash, unluckily he had his passport in it. He never thought it would happen to him, he's a 5'3" former Marine. He knew when it happened, after the fact.

Shamelss self-promotion
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31348415

I've never worn a moneybelt or neck wallet in all the times I've been to Europe, Asia and Africa.

A wallet in your pocket, zippered preferable, and with whatever amount of cash you have withdrawn from the ATM. I've also tended to have a small amount of cash sitting in my pocket, that I use for lunch, admissions,etc..

I would never qualify Paris as "rife" with pickpockets.

Whoops, he's 6'3", not 5'3"

For those ladies that have their purse in a shopping cart. Put the child seat belt through the handles of your purse. This can help keep someone from grabbing it easily. It takes me forever to undo the seat belt clasp but suppose someone else could do it quickly. Don't turn your back on your purse while shopping. It just takes a second and your purse is gone.

one other thought - when in Prague we witnessed a stolen purse incident where the victim had just put her bag on the ground beside the table in an outdoor restaurant. If you must put your bag down keep it in your lap or put a chair leg through the straps if placing the bag on the ground. It would be a pain to have a bag stolen even if there was little money in it

I'm going to admit, I didn't read all the replies so I might just be repeating what everyone else has already said. I originally bought a moneybelt, but it was just too bulky and visible under my clothing, so I made one. It's just a pocket made of lining material with velcro closures just big enough to hold my passport. I stuffed my debit card, travelers checks and extra cash i there as well. The pocket is attached to a loop of pajama elastic, which is very comfortable. To put it on, I just stepped into it, no dealing with pokey buckles. I wore it both in the front and the back, tucked into the waistband of my jeans. I eventually wrapped my passport in plastic to keep it dry.

I know what you are saying about dresses, as I felt that the few times I wore dresses my moneybelt was visible under the clingy fabric and very inaccessible. I wasn't always sure when I could find an ATM so I had to be ready with my card to get cash when I found one. I discovered that the inner pockets of my denim jacket were the perfect size to hold the moneybelt when I didn't want to wear it. Also, the perfect size for my camera.

As for carrying smaller amount of money, I used a wristlet type wallet with a strap that you can detach, loop around something, and hook back on. I attached my wallet to a ring on my purse and then the wallet hung inside. It was easy for me to find the wallet in the mess of my bag, and it was hard for anyone to slip the wallet out of the purse quickly. Keep your purse close to your body in crowded areas and put it on your lap or at your feet when seated at a restaurant or on public transportation.

Also, another way to keep your funds intact is to not go into the huge department store that are all over Europe. The luxury goods, designer clothes, and the gourmet food departments will leave you with a much lighter wallet.

My suggestion is to wear casual slacks or jeans, and place a small foldable ID-style wallet in your pocket, if you are concerned about just cash, ATM and credit cards. This is what I do. Much less bulky. Also, I place this wallet in a zippered pocket in my cargo pants/shorts, depending on destination.
In another pocket, I carry my passport (or copy if the original is in hotel safe).
If you need to carry extra belongings, then place them in a purse or day-pack.

As someone planning my 1st trip to Europe next summer, I've read this entire thread with interest. I would really rather not put up with a money belt or other cumbersome solution, but at the same time, when so far from home (which means resolving problems will be a lot more work and take away from valuable vacation time) I'd rest better by taking some precautions.

Regarding passports; I thought you handed over your passport when you checked into a hotel, is that not the case? (again, I have zero experience in this area...) Should one lose his/her passport while visiting Europe, what is the procedure for replacing it? How "bad" is it?

I like the idea of redundancy with ATM and credit cards, and splitting them up is also sound advice, no matter where you travel. I am a bit leery of the idea of emailing your account numbers with contact phone numbers, though. Email is not very secure, and that would be trading one risk for another. I do like the idea of leaving photocopies of all valuable cards and documents with a trusted person back home to provide you this info if needed.

My plan is to travel as light as I can, and keep the amount of cash on hand to a minimum, taking ATMs when needed, and trying to keep the number of distractions to a minimum. But, my first priority to to be as informed as I can.

Just to answer about the passport part - Yes, hotels do take it to record it, but they return the passport to you right away. Therefore, you'll still be in charge of your own passport.

<<Regarding passports; I thought you handed over your passport when you checked into a hotel, is that not the case?>>

No, but sometimes a hotel will ask to see it. That only happened in one hotel in Rome and the clerk made note the the name and number and handed it right back to me.

I don't find a money belt cumbersome at all, it's nylon and weightless. I don't carry so much money in it that it would bulge/ Sometimes I forget whether I've put it on and have to touch my waist to check.

Being informed is a good idea.

Griz, I've never been asked to give up my passport when checking in to a hotel. They often look at it as a form of ID, but then give it right back. Their main safe is often a good place to keep your passport if you're going to be staying in the hotel for a few days.

As for losing your passport, don't panic if it happens. Make a photocopy of your passport and keep it somewhere other than with your actual passport. I scanned mine and emailed the image to a web accessible email account so it's easy to get to if needed. I'm okay with the risk of having this in an email for the duration of my trip. I also added my credit card numbers (AND their non 1-800 phone numbers) to the email. I'm okay with the email risk as I use my If you lose it I believe the US embassy is the place to go, but I may be wrong. If it happens, give them a call and they'll be able to direct you to the right place. You'll probably have to file a police report for the theft, but I'm not sure.

Don't panic. For the vast numbers of people who travel internationally every day, relatively few ever have a passport stolen or lost in some fashion.

I definitely suggest two ATM cards if possible that pull from different accounts, or even entirely different banks. This way if one is lost or stolen, eaten by a machine or if there is a bank error and they lock the account you're not SOL. Definitely call your banks ahead of time so they don't lock your account due to international charges. Sometimes they do this anyway unfortunately.

Many years ago when you checked into a hotel in Europe, you had to leave your passport at the hotel desk for the police to come and check overnight. As an American that made me very very uncomfortable.

Now, as said above, it is usual for hotels just to ask to see your passport, although on my last trip to Europe earlier this year, I stopped in several hotels in Spain and in France...I think it was one in France, they asked me for my passport and told me I had to leave it. I refused to do so...and told him to make a photocopy - that no American leaves their passport out of their site. After some argumentive discussion, the photocopy was made.

Keep in mind that many of the smaller hotels in Europe dont have room safes...and many people behind the desk who you dont see have access to the hotel safe.

An American passport brings a good price in Europe.

Word to the wise.

From first-hand experience, you have to get your passport replaced at a U.S. Embassy; they are only open certain hours (definitely not on Sundays nor during lunch time) and you have to fill out a police report. Unfortunately, we were in Rome on a Sunday and leaving the city the next day... I'm not sure what would have happened if we were supposed to leave for home on that day; luckily I had made copies of our passports and we had all the paperwork filled out so when we traveled through Milan we stopped at that Embassy and got my husband's passport replaced and it probably took less than 1 hour.
Next time, we'll leave the passport in the room/apartment and take the copy with us... you know what they say about hindsight.

<< It has to be large enough to hold the "real" umbrella we bought in Paris to replace the cute but useless "travel" umbrella that turned inside-out one a windy, rainy day one too many times! >>

LOL! that happened to me... very embarassing! I felt like a total boob! I live in the desert, and really had no idea what to take with me. I packed light on my first trip to Paris; I decided no umbrella was best. I would just buy it when I got there. I snatched up a nifty little umbrella for 1.5euros - little did I know it was useless beyond a minor drizzle with NO wind. Got what I paid for! <<BLUSH>> For sure the patrons of Café de Flore got a laugh at my expense. It was truely karma for all the times I played the "glued quarter trick" in my youth.

I ditched the money belt about 3 days into my first trip to Paris. For me, it was about comfort, or the idea that I felt more safe with it on. Then I realized it just wasn't for me. I took the advice of scanning everything (CC numbers, account numbers, cell numbers, PP, etc) and emailing it to myself and friends in the USA. I had a back up account all set - yes, I had the foresight to open a travel account and used it in addition to my regular account - it was suited to travel. Again, I got that advice here (or some other forum).

If some ppl want to wear things that make them FEEL better, let them... if one day they realize it isn't needed and they want to take off the training wheels, let them. If someone is absent minded enough to lose stuff in their hometown store, then maybe they need to attach their belongings to them in Paris - this would be responsible of them and this would be the place to ask about it... not bash them. Geeeeeze.

...and in the end, if ppl think Paris is chalked full of crime - it won't bother me too much, I know the truth. Also in the end, no one should insult some one's method of travel. Different strokes...

~Jay

*it was suited to travel SPENDING. oops.

An American passport brings a good price in Europe.

Interesting that some people still believe that. I guess that some people think that all of the security elements incorporated in passports are completely worthless.

I never use a purse belt now, theyb are so uncomfortable.(in fact the only time I've had anything stolen was because I slipped off the belt when sat waiting on some steps in Turkey, because it was uncomfy, and then left it behind.....it was handed in at the cafe I was outside, passport there, some casg gone...all my own fault!) I either carry a small bag or just carry my wallet in my hand....
just as I do at home. And I always use ATMs for getting out my local currency.....
I dont' know why people,think that it's so m uch different from being at home....

1. Carry a handy wallet with the amount of money you need for that day.
2. Leave your passport in your hotel safe
3. For extra money and credit/debit cards, I use a secret wallet stuffed down my pants but very easy to get to.
http://www.cometform.com/acontent%20catalogue/c12992/135257.php

Since using my "secret wallet", I feel much safer and enjoy my travels even more. There's no way a thief is going to get to it unless I have it hanging outside of my pants.

Some more security wallets:
http://www.cometform.com/acontent%20catalogue/c12993/137602.php

http://www.cometform.com/acontent%20catalogue/c12993/137603.php

The toilet seat cover:
http://www.cometform.com/acontent%20catalogue/c12994/138040.php

Europeans often use muslin bags (about 10x14" or larger) for shopping (often w/ a town name or business name printed on them) These help you blend in, and are great to carry your needs for the day; guide book, map, comb, lipstick, glasses, etc. Get one with long enough straps to wear comfortably over your shoulder, under your arm... Limited Cash in front pants pockets. Or Coins and small denomonation bills can go in coin purse in bag. Larger Deomonation bills and ATM or credit card in inside jacket or vest pockets, or pockets w/ ''velcro''.. Passport locked in suitcase in hotel. Carrying a photocopy of your passport on your person is a good idea.. I have photocopies in suitcase and carryon already. I have never carried a purse in Europe, 30 trips.

I have used a few different things- my regular purse from home leather thick strap (enough to go cross-torso) medium sized, a LeSac nylon type tote bag, or the canvas shopping bag as mentioned by bitsy above. All worked OK.

I'm not big on those special "travel" bags or crazy systems. I think it's disorienting (as someone already mentioned). I'm more organized if I use the same system as I do every day at home.

>>>The toilet seat cover:
http://www.cometform.com/acontent%20catalogue/c12994/138040.php <<<

Not to steer this thread in the wrong direction, but do people really use toilet seat covers?

<<Not to steer this thread in the wrong direction, but do people really use toilet seat covers?>>

The ones who bathe in Purell probably do.

I have a bra pouch-my playtex bra has a lace overlay. the pouch fits in there. I have one white & one black pouch, ordered online- my daily use cash is kept in my small crossbody purse-
only need to go to the 'vault' when in the hotel room.

Be careful, here are a few instances that have happened to some of my clients.
One of them was on a train, it was very crowded inside, she was wearing a fanny pack with a big zipper. She wore the pack in front thinking that she would be able to see if someone tried to open it. Not so! There were a few people who distracted her, she watched for just a few seconds and when they left, she looked down and her pack was wide open. They got everything! She didn't even feel or hear the pack open.

Another client was in Warsaw walking down the street by herself when 4 very big guys walked down the sidewalk at her where she could not get around them, they intimidated her and pushed her down and took her purse. She too, lost everything.

Then not too long ago, my husband and I were walking in Rome, I wear a small day pack just to hold small things like maps, some makeup, or other things that have no value. As were were walking I didn't feel it but I heard it, my zipper was opened! I turned around immediately, there was a young girl probably about 12-13 years old. She looked horrified, made the cross over her chest put her head down and ran away. If it wasn't for hearing the zipper she would have gotten some worthless stuff. In fact I like to put things in my pack that would make them just feel stupid, like tampons, dumb little notes and so on. I have actually contemplated getting a mousetrap that when they reach in would get their fingers!

The best way to avoid problems is to keep all valuables in your safe at the hotel. If they do not have a safe, then I suggest a well made money belt. If you just have to bring a purse, make sure the zippers are hard to open and you have a wire strap that cannot be cut. Wear the purse crosswise over your chest.

Never walk in a bad area alone.

Don't walk down a sidewalk near the street where a moped rider can steal your purse or pack.

Keep your luggage where you can see it at all times on trains. (watch out for people who will slice your luggage open when you are not looking and go through your items)Especially this is done in the luggage holds at you get on the train.

Find out from your hotel staff what areas to avoid.

Find out from your hotel staff what areas to avoid, or if you must go that way find out the safest times of day to go.

If you are planning on purchasing an item and you notice questionable people around, try to find a place where no one can see where you hide your cash and credit cards.

If you are traveling with an expensive camera, hopefully you are not traveling alone. Make sure you watch each others backs. If you are traveling alone, keep your camera with the strap around your neck and snugly under your arm. Again purchase a strap with a wire that cannot be cut. If you happen to have a tripod or monopod have it ready to whack someone with it who might try to steal your camera.

There are shirts, jackets, pants, shoes and socks you can purchase that have hidden pockets that cannot be broken into. Some can be purchased at Travelsmith.com.

These are just a few precautions I have learned over the years working in the travel industry. Hope this helps you plan for a safe trip!

I love Oregongirl777's advice/practical suggestions.

I have never been a victom in Europe, but I've had 3 wallets stolen over a 10 year period while working as a nurse in a Washington dc hospital, and my mother had a wallet snatched during church services in Pennsylvania.

I don't carry a purse anymore. I've used a wrist wallet with two zippered compartments - one for credit cards, one for cash. I've even gotten used to swimming with it (yes the cash gets wet but thats better than leaving your wallet on the beachchair while you take a dip)
http://www.beltoutlet.com/armwalbyen.html

My mom and some of her octogenarian best friends now sport wrist wallets.

I guess I'm in the "just do what you do at home" crowd.

kathcoll, Thanks so much for the link. I love the wallet and it will be perfect for me when I just need to take money and a card with me.

<In fact I like to put things in my pack that would make them just feel stupid>

Really? While I try to be careful and aware, I don't spend a lot of time thinking about pickpockets. Take initial reasonable precautions certainly. But don't ruin a trip being so paranoid you're afraid to get out and enjoy yourself.

If you are going to leave valuables including passports in a hotel safe or at the front desk, be sure to remember to take them with you. In Florence, friend had left her passport at the front desk, assuming it was in their safe and forgot to get it when we left for Rome. When she called to ask them to send it to Rome, they couldn't find it and we spent most of the day at the US Embassy in Rome getting her a new passport. Luckily, we were on our way to Rome anyway. Otherwise, it would have been more of a pain than it was.

And that's exactly why I never use the safe in hotel rooms. If I can't see something it ceases to exist in my brain. I hide my passport with my underwear, and I know that's not really hiding it at all because it's probably the first place a thief would look. But the chances of me forgetting about it in the safe are greater than the chances of someone breaking into my hotel room and stealing my passport.

Knock on wood.

I carry a purse that holds everything that i need for the day, and my inside zipper holds the money and my wallet. Before i get to the metro station, i put the metro pass in my pocket so i dont have to take out my wallet at the metro. I was just in Paris and my hotel room did not have a safe, so my passport stayed with me at all times. I would map out the places that i wanted to go to the night before and write the info. in a little note pad, so I didnt have to always take out a map on the street and announce that I am a tourist. You should be fine if you always keep an eye on your stuff, be aware of your surroundings and be extra careful in crowded places.

<<Before i get to the metro station, i put the metro pass in my pocket so i dont have to take out my wallet at the metro.>>

Get the Navigo Decouverte and you won't even have to take that out-- just touch your bag to the sensor.