Msp1278

I will be traveling through Europe next month and doing a lot of sightseeing....do I carry my passport with me or leave it in my hotel and only carry a copy?

MmePerdu

I carry mine, leave the copy. Some do the opposite. There are reasons either way, which you'll now hear.

Msp1278

Do you carry other ID with you as well?

wantgelato

I think it's just a matter of preference. As for me, I am more comfortable having my passport on me, rather than leaving it at the hotel. I always carry my passport in my flat money belt that's hidden under my clothes and I don't take the belt off until I return to the hotel. I do leave a copy at the hotel.

Have nice trip!
Cheers...

thursdaysd

In some countries, e.g. Italy, you are required by law to carry it. There have been a number of threads addressing this.

If I have a hotel safe I sometimes leave it there, but I more often take it with me - in my money belt. Next trip I'll probably email a scan to myself as well as taking a copy.

MmePerdu

Regarding "other ID", I do have a wallet with my driver's license buried deep in my bag behind zippers. But I like having my passport with me as one never knows when you'll need a quick getaway. Games I play to entertain myself. And who knows what nefarious character may have access to your room or apartment. I never assume what's there is safe.

kja

I also carry my passport with me, in a secure passport pouch under my clothing unless I know I will need it on a specific day, in which case I carry it in a hidden zippered pocket. I also always carry a copy, always keep a copy in my suitcase and day bag (etc.), and always email a scan to myself.

I carry other ID, too -- I'm not about to leave my passport as the required ID "deposit" for an audio guide or other temporary use item!

thursdaysd

"I carry other ID, too -- I'm not about to leave my passport as the required ID "deposit" for an audio guide or other temporary use item!"

I have done it on occasion. Always got it back... These days I usually take my driver's license just for that purpose, since I don't need it to drive (haven't rented a car on a trip since 2004).

suze

I have a passport "card" in addition to my passport. I carry the card and lock up the actual passport.

Whathello

As a good European, I have a national ID card and a passport.
I put away the passport in a safe or even leave it in a suitcase and use the ID card when traveling inside the country.

kja

@ suze: I had never heard of a "passport card" and just looked it up. Seems like it is valid only in the Western hemisphere. Have you used yours elsewhere?

doug_stallings

People carry passport cards because they verify identity (and don't hinder you as much if they are lost or stolen), not because they permit international travel.

sparkchaser

The "passport cards" are only valid for travel from the US to Canada, some Caribbean countries, Bermuda, or Mexico. A law enforcement official outside of those countries is not obligated to accept a passport card as valid identification.

NewbE

We opted not to get passport cards when we renewed our passports, for the reasons doug and sparkchaser list.

suze

kja - I use mine for ID in Mexico. For the reasons doug states.

The card is only $30 extra and good for 10 years the same as a US passport. For $3/year I thought it was an excellent value to get one.

suze

I'm not talking about ID for "law enforcement", rather to change money, etc.

kja

Thanks for the clarifying responses!