Do you actually use a money belt?
Feb 9th, 2007, 07:13 PM
#81
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Ningenfel --- don't be mean. You should swap colored copies of your passport, one credit card, and maybe one debit card. Just in care either one gets hit. We have about 300 days of travel over the past ten years or so and never had a problem, or close to it -- we think -- knock on wood. We take a lot of small precautions that add up but still expect to lose something someday. Part of the joys and risk of travel.
Feb 10th, 2007, 07:51 AM
#83
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Haha. The fact is that, although I do not have to unzip my jeans to get my money with my way, I struggle everytime when I take out my money! If you have to struggle everytime to get your wallet out, then the guy trying to pickpocket you will have to either knock you out or have a friend hold you down to get the wallet out--and it still will be a struggle for them! No insult, but I think your friend got sloppy and is embarrassed to admit it.
Feb 10th, 2007, 08:26 AM
#85
OK I'll give you that Mango... you *know* someone is slipping your wallet out of your tight jeans front pocket, but can you stop them, in time?
Just this week I had to chase down someone who was attempting to steal my wallet, from right under my desk at work(!!), in my very own OFFICE... I guess I really do need a money belt
Just this week I had to chase down someone who was attempting to steal my wallet, from right under my desk at work(!!), in my very own OFFICE... I guess I really do need a money belt
Feb 10th, 2007, 09:17 AM
#86
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Mango7, I am not trying to make an arguement out of this. I am just telling you want happended. And I know it will never happen to you because your too good, too quick, too strong,
He wasn't sloppy but he did have too much luggage. As he lifted a large bag onto the top shelf of the luggage bin, both arms were in the air. The mugger put a forearm across his back and pinned him with his body to the luggage bin. Took about five seconds to work the billfold free and my friend struggled but had limited movement, yelled, his wife who was a few feet on the other side, screamed. But it was over in less than ten seconds. He got it under the right conditions they can get you get also. The point is that under these kinds of circumstances, you cannot react as quickly as you think you can. and often your reactions are wrong. It is easy to think that you know who to handle these situation but without training and experience you will not.
As someone posted earlier, even if it is only a one in ten, one in hundred chance of losing everything, why take the risk when there are simple and easy solutions to reduce the risk to zero.
He wasn't sloppy but he did have too much luggage. As he lifted a large bag onto the top shelf of the luggage bin, both arms were in the air. The mugger put a forearm across his back and pinned him with his body to the luggage bin. Took about five seconds to work the billfold free and my friend struggled but had limited movement, yelled, his wife who was a few feet on the other side, screamed. But it was over in less than ten seconds. He got it under the right conditions they can get you get also. The point is that under these kinds of circumstances, you cannot react as quickly as you think you can. and often your reactions are wrong. It is easy to think that you know who to handle these situation but without training and experience you will not.
As someone posted earlier, even if it is only a one in ten, one in hundred chance of losing everything, why take the risk when there are simple and easy solutions to reduce the risk to zero.
Feb 10th, 2007, 09:31 AM
#87
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fm - Five seconds?
I'm afraid I've got to agree with Mango. If the pickpocket had this kind of time, then what prevents him from undoing the guys belt, slipping his drawers down to his knees and unbuckling his money belt?
This wasn't a pickpocket ... this was a mugging and in such a case it is better to give up the money no matter where it is.
When you say Paris train station do you mean Gare de Lyon? Wow. Can't see it happening.
I'm afraid I've got to agree with Mango. If the pickpocket had this kind of time, then what prevents him from undoing the guys belt, slipping his drawers down to his knees and unbuckling his money belt?
This wasn't a pickpocket ... this was a mugging and in such a case it is better to give up the money no matter where it is.
When you say Paris train station do you mean Gare de Lyon? Wow. Can't see it happening.
Feb 10th, 2007, 10:55 AM
#88
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Rojame,
Happened to us at the Gare de Lyon. French guy trying to "help" us figure out the fare machines. Kept leaning into me with his whiskey breath, which made me back off a bit. Turned my head for some reason to see his accomplice -- well dressed, with jacket draped over his forearm - unzipping my wife's handbag.
I hollered at him, and as he took off the first guy did a little shuffle with me to prevent me from following; all the while frisking me for my wallet.
Luckily, she did not lose her camera, nor me my wallet. Everything else of real value was in her money belt, as were my valuables.
Statistically unlikely, of course, but don't tell me it can't happen.
Happened to us at the Gare de Lyon. French guy trying to "help" us figure out the fare machines. Kept leaning into me with his whiskey breath, which made me back off a bit. Turned my head for some reason to see his accomplice -- well dressed, with jacket draped over his forearm - unzipping my wife's handbag.
I hollered at him, and as he took off the first guy did a little shuffle with me to prevent me from following; all the while frisking me for my wallet.
Luckily, she did not lose her camera, nor me my wallet. Everything else of real value was in her money belt, as were my valuables.
Statistically unlikely, of course, but don't tell me it can't happen.
Feb 10th, 2007, 12:27 PM
#89
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"it will never happen to you because your too good, too quick, too strong"
No real need to talk like that. I feel bad for your friend, but he was an obvious, easy target. When you're touring anywhere you do your best to look like a intelligent and difficult target. Crime can happen to anyone no matter what precautions you take, but you can at least do everything to minimalize the chance.
No real need to talk like that. I feel bad for your friend, but he was an obvious, easy target. When you're touring anywhere you do your best to look like a intelligent and difficult target. Crime can happen to anyone no matter what precautions you take, but you can at least do everything to minimalize the chance.
Feb 11th, 2007, 01:56 PM
#90
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I use my money belt on the days I am travelling and in airports, train stations, etc. Once I get to the hotel I put my passport, tickets, xtra CC & cash in the hotel safe. If I am robbed am out one CC, my ATM card, and pocket cash. I can live with that.
I keep digital photocopies of ALL IDs, CC, tickets, etc. on my personal web account, that I can access from anywhere in the world.
I keep digital photocopies of ALL IDs, CC, tickets, etc. on my personal web account, that I can access from anywhere in the world.
Feb 11th, 2007, 06:59 PM
#91
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Would you go to New York City and worry about being pickpocketed?? If so, you should wear a money belt. I have travelled frequently and I always wear a money belt in large cities, USA or Europe. A minor inconvenience to wear , but don't have to worry about losing passport and other valuables. Never have had a problem, but why not wear it and feel secure?
