k2ok

I always used to lock my passport in a safe at my hotel and carry a copy with me. Is this still the best thing to do?

elberko

There is constant debate about this question!

My take: If the hotel burns down, or all hell breaks loose and I need to get OUT!, I want my passport ON me. I keep mine in a leg stash.

~Liz

Christina

There is no one correct answer, Whatever you think is best is just as good an opinion as anyone else's. I do both at different times, but tend to keep it on me more. I never leave it at a hotel desk, though, don't trust them.

Michel_Paris

I've never used a hotel safe, not even sure if all the hotels I've stayed at have one.

In the same theme as elberko, I prefer to carry my valuables with me. I've not used any money belt in quite a while, I store stuff in a zippered pocket. Some places will take your passport, some will photocopy, so I adjust. Not a bad idea to have a photocopy that you leave wherever your passport is not.

The last time I was ever asked for my passport (after clearing customs) was when I used to convert TCs (many moons ago), or when I bought local currency at a bank (no/minimal ATMs in the country)

travel2live2

I, too, prefer to have my actual passport on my person. However, photocopies are always made and one left with a family member back home and one in our luggage.

suze

This question is often asked and answered here... it comes out about 50%/50% each time.

I carry mine on my person. In case of emergency or ya gotta run, having it in the hotel safe isn't going to do ya much good!

hopscotch

I always carry my passport day and night. I keep two copies - one in my toilet kit and one in my wallet. The wallet and passport are in separate pockets for obvious reasons.

J62

I'm in the carry a copy, leave original in hotel room tucked away in my suitcase camp.

I find that when I carry pp I'm repeatedly checking to see if it's still there.

I agree with the others though, every time this comes up it's 50-50, so no consensus on what is the best thing to do. Obviously, either way can work, or can have issues.

If we start to get lots of reports here on Fodors of passports being stolen from suitcase in hotel rooms I may rethink, but not now.

LoveItaly

I have a bit of a different type of trip. I always leave my original passport with friends in Italy and carry a copy with me. I also leave a copy with them along with a copy with my daughter and son-in-law here at home. I have left my original passport in hotel safes, note NOT a hotel room safe, without any problem. So do what you feel the most comfortable with k20k.

ekscrunchy

I always carry it with me. I made several copies and I have one or two in my luggage and one at home. Also make copies of credit cards.

I have never used a safe; not in the room nor at the front desk.

Nikki

I only carry the original when I am traveling between places. The rest of the time I carry a copy. I agree that in previous discussion, people seem evenly divided in their opinions.

Fra_Diavolo

I do both. I buy a travel "roller safe" and shackle it to my left ankle while touring. In civilized countries which permit tourists to carry firearms, I generally lug a shotgun as well. But you see -- it's all a decoy! I've actually left my papers and valuables in the hotel room safe. So far no one's bothered me on the street, and the hotel staff (invariably villains and brigands who like dressing up in chambermaid costumes) believes my room offers slim pickings. Works for me.

Bloom

If one was to lose their passport while traveling, in which way would this most likely happen- in a hotel fire, or having it pickpocketed?

Bloom

Carrybean

I carry it. I stay in flats which have never had a safe.

k2ok

Thanks for all the opinions. I agree with them all ;-)
I guess there is no best way -- whatever makes me comfortable at the time. I also leave a copy at home and emergency info with a friend. Thanks again for all the responses. K2

elberko

Bloom,

I wouldn't keep my passport in my pocket, as I said, it's in a leg stash. Besides, pickpockets don't scare me- I slap them:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...=2&tid=1380636

~Liz

nytraveler

I always carry mine with me. If something happens to it (very unlikely) I want to know immediately - so I can fix it. Not find out 3 days later when I'm ready to leave town.

(Caveat: have been to europe 70+ times and have never had anything stolen, been pickpocketed or been the victim of an attempted scam - except the feeble "take a flower" one in Spain.)

marginal_margiela

I keep my passport in my room safe. What kind of horrid hotels do you people stay in?

The maids do not go through your valuables at the Ritz-Carlton or Crillon.

Thingorjus

seetheworld

We usually keep our passports in the room safe.

HOWEVER, we are staying in a flat on our upcoming trip to England. Not quite sure what we will do in this case.

hopscotch

Thingorjus,

I always try to stay in those hotels the day after you do. They give me half price for your room for not needing to change the linens. I found some Italian war bonds in the safe one time. Do you want them back?