dln

A lot of Italian men are going to be suffering from busted knuckles if this ever catches on. Just imagine trying to pinch a bottom loaded up with "Privacy Issues."

crazymina

I have this very bizarre image of going to the bathroom and large euro coins clinking and clunking all over the floor...

And I know stuff can get damp in a money belt on a hot day, but somehow that seems more kosher than damp money from a panty....

I think I will stick to the money belt..or better yet, a purse with my wits about me.

SeaUrchin

Forget money and credit cards, why would anyone put packets of tampons in their underpants? I come up with some strange images of women in pants with bulges where there aren't supposed to be any.

The worse part is that it isn't a joke, it even says you could put s. napkins in there, now with people trying to look thin, why would they stuff s. napkins in their undies?

Am I missing something?

theholleyshome

If you aren't savvy enough to carry a purse and are just going out for the day...well, last I checked women's clothing has pockets and even some that are buttoned or snapped shut!!!

WendyWhy

I'm sorry guys - but I'm puzzled. I'm not a traveler, but from what I've read to plan my first trip to Paris and Italy - pickpockets are a pretty common annoyance and to avoid theft - wear a money belt! I don't wear tight clothes - but I am in my twenties and I like to wear low rise pants and figure flattering clothes. The money belt would really cramp my style....So what's a fashionable gal to do? I was thinking of these "privacy" undies as a way just to stash an extra ATM/CC or ID and have my husband carry the cash in his wallet and to carry the passports in HIS money belt. He hates the idea of a money belt too.

So what's the consensus of the board? Is it best to just be safe and wear the darned money belt ....OR is it fine to just carry on as if we were on holiday at home - i.e) carry a purse? Thoughts?

NYCFoodSnob

"Paris and Italy - pickpockets are a pretty common annoyance"

What a sensational overstatement of incorrect analysis. Clearly someone hasn't heard or read about the millions and millions of tourists who have never seen a petty crime in action. There are well-documented methods of avoiding victimization and I have yet to see a woman's handbag ripped free from around her neck in France or Italy. I'm sure it's happened but your odds of winning the lottery may be higher. Use your brain (pending having one) and a little common sense (which some will never have). A money belt is not convenient for everyday purchases but is great for the entire bankroll when going from city to city.

SteveJudd

Rigging up a lovely garter belt with stash purse might be ideal.

Erin

Wendywhy- I wouldn't worry about carrying a money belt- I don't. NYC FoodSnob is right- the only time you should need a money belt is if you are carrying large sums of cash. Just carry a purse with a strap that goes over your shoulder, and carry it in front of you. Just be aware of your surroundings!

elaine

I don't use a money belt or other special security pouches either, I've been traveling to large cities for years (plus, I live in one), I've never been a crime victim.
I'm of the totebag/shoulder bag school, it's deep, it has inside zippered pockets. When in crowded places like metros I keep my wits about me, hold my bag close, and have a wonderful time on my trip.

sandi

I was in my bath when I overheard The View in the other room.
Apparently there is just enough room for a credit card, $20 bill, key & maybe a tampon. Even with a small evening bag, if you happen to put it down on a bar, get up to dance - if the bag is lifted, you at least have a way to pay your bill, carfare to get home and key to get into your house.

It certainly not for wads of bills.

cparris

I know 2 people who were pickpocketed recently...in Paris. Actually one man...who is 6'4"...two people were working together going out of a metro station. One behind him grabbed his ankel and tried to knock him down. He foiled the mugging luckily. Another had her wallet stolen from her purse. Both happened during the day. No, it doesn't usually happen. I have been to europe many times and it hasn't happened to me...but taking a few steps to prevent it is wise. Think of how that could ruin your vacation. I use a money belt or have my husband use it. I carry only a small amount of money in my purse and sometimes one credit card. THe other money and credit cards are in the money belt.

applejacks

A pickpocket attempted to get my husband's wallet last week in Patis Metro. Two clean cut young men were posing as tourists holding a map and wandering through the connecting tunnel.My husband had a moneybelt so it was not a problem. (We travelled by train so there are times when we had all cards and passports WITH us). We split the resources and used the ATM when possible. I also had a day pack which I wore in front close to me (only in the Metro). Once you see how they operate you are able to pick out likely problems and act accordingly. It sounds like the product advertised might be helpful if the poster is going out dancing etc, but the moneybelt helped us and it would be my preference.

Chicago_Heather

I prefer flat-front pants, so would never want a moneybelt to add bulk. Can't imagine wanting $$ stuffed in my underwear unless I were a "dancer".

Regardless, on my last trip, I used what I guess you would call a "leg belt" for my credit cards, passport, larger bills, etc. I wore it around my calf and it worked perfectly - barely noticed it was there. With shorter skirts or shorts, I suppose it could be more of an issue but might work higher up on the leg.

Gretchen

There are money "carriers" that go over your shoulder and hang under your arm.

SteveJudd

If the View's Star Jones was pickpoceted, I guess she could sit on the perpetrator.

RachelG

When I was a teenager going on my first "big trip" without parents--to Mexico--my mom got me this pouch that snaps inside your bra to carry my money and birth certificate in (didn't have credit cards or a passport then). It worked great, and I continue to use one that is similar today--if anything, it just makes you look a little more volumtuous, which is a good thing, at least for me.

Scarlett

Rachel, where does one buy those bra thingees? Perhaps I can get one extra large for even bigger credit cards

Scarlett

Correction :
My previous post made it sound like I have extra large credit cards. I do not.
Perhaps one would want to have the look of large credit cards, voluptuous credit cards ~LOL~

crazymina

For the ladies who are concerned about low-rise, flat front pants..

The Eagle creek silk moneybelt worked well for me, and I wore them with low-rise, hip huggerish jeans. They taper at the bottom a bit, so the bunching isn't bad. It isn't perfect, and still takes some getting used to, but I was backpacking and didn't have a choice but to wear it many a time.

As a few people mentioned, I especially used it on "travel" days (from place to place). Only the essentials were kept there. I did keep some money in a over the shoulder lightweight purse. If any of you carry backpacks when you travel, it's great to put the purse on first, then the backpack. By the time you get the sternum straps and waistbelt on, the purse is secure against your body, and right at your hip. If someone wanted to snatch it, s/he'd be taking me with him.

Elizabeth

Higher level of safety for ladies:

travel as a man!! remove the makeup, snip off most of your hair, pack your cash and those tampons in a sock, and place it in just the right way in your underwear and --voila!! I bet no one will mess with you!!