elberko

I rarely stay in lodging that has a safe, and if I put something in it I'd probably forget to retrieve it...

I prefer this leg pocket to a money belt:
https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-U.../dp/B0054IHBLY

I can think of only one time when I needed to get into my leg wallet during the day, because as others have said, you don't keep ALL your money and cards in it. It offers peace of mind and isn't uncomfortable. Nobody knows it's there, so not sure why it's such a horrible thing to some people.

marvelousmouse

Some countries, it is illegal to be without your passport. And like elberko, I rarely stay at places with a safe.

You would not be significantly less comfortable with a money belt on anyway. It's sweltering either way!

janisj

>>What is wrong with leaving one's passport and several CC in the hotel safe
(while sightseeing) instead of hiding in the bathrooms to get your CC or sweating with money belt around your middle in 90 degree weather ?<<

I don't always have a safe, I don't have to hide in the loo to get to my money belt to get a credit card because I will have at least one in my (usually) cross body bag, and what I use is not actually a money 'belt' and it isn't hot.

It is sort of like this one but not exactly. Mine is a little smaller -- basically just larger than a passport with a separate zip pocked to hold cards.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....4L._UX385_.jpg

I don't wear it around my neck (neck pouches annoy me) but around my waist. It has a toggle so completely adjustable and it sits very comfortably behind my front pocket if I'm wearing slacks and easily under a skirt.

nochblad

In Europe and certain near countries it is possible to travel using an identity card rather than a passport.

This is very convenient but the UK does not have identity cards so a passport is always required - which is much larger than an ID card which in many countries is the size of a crredit card.

nochblad

>> I have lived in Italy for over 35 years and have never had an issue with travelling on the Italian train system. <<

This is my experienc. What is yours?

danon

People travel in ways that makes them feel comfortable ...

if it works for them ...fine.

PalenQ

You would not be significantly less comfortable with a money belt on anyway. It's sweltering either way!>

Yeh it like becomes part of your body after a while.

Veteran travelers may do well sans money belt, etc but first-time travelers I would highly encourage to have something that goes under clothes and is easily accessible as are money belts.

Muggings and physical violence are rare - it's though pickpockets and teams working in tandem to distract, etc. that can victimize someone so quickly they don't know it until later.

I-phones are a targer - a Korean friend at a McDonalds in Paris laid his on the table and two young gals shoved a petition of some kind in his face and whilst reading it they stole his phone and took off.

Unfortunately beware of any coming up to your for any reason, especially in tourist areas.

NYCFoodSnob

I can't believe anyone on a U.S. travel board would ever consider writing one word against wearing a money belt when visiting specific cities in Europe like Rome and Paris. The pickpocket thieves in Rome and Paris are among the best. If someone on a travel board does discourage you from using a money belt, IGNORE THEM. <b>It's very bad advice.</b>

No traveler is more experienced than Rick Steves, and even Rick Steves had to learn the hard way recently in Paris:

https://blog.ricksteves.com/blog/pickpocketed-paris/

<b>The argument "I've lived for 30 years someplace and it never happened to me" is absolute hogwash.</b>

I've lived in NYC for over thirty years, and I've been mugged. I don't wear a money belt here, but I certainly wear one in Rome and Paris. Mine are custom made. One for under a shirt/blouse, one for under a pair of slacks, and the third for under a dress. There are plenty of variations in the marketplace to choose from if you don't wish to make your own. Find one that can work for you and use it.

The art of a pickpocket expert begins with your appearance. <b>It's not mostly about how you dress or how you wear your hair: it's about your body language.</b>

Residents DO NOT look or behave like tourists. Period. Residents look like they <b>own</b> the street. Tourists look like they're <b>seeing a street for the first time.</b> You can't fake that!

No matter what you're wearing, the body language of a tourist is distinctly different. It is an appearance that has nothing to do with fashion, street smarts, or how many times you've visited. Professional pickpockets train themselves to identify the look. They know how to zero in and pick you as their next victim.

I'm tall and blonde. I can pass for a number of European nationalities, but I don't look Italian or French. I speak both languages fluently. I've been the victim of pickpockets in both Rome and Paris, more than once, and I doubt there's anyone on this board who walks more confidently than I do on the streets of Rome or Paris.

People are poor and hungry. There's plenty of unemployment in the world. There aren't enough police in areas that appeal to mass tourism. If you enjoy being a tourist, protect your money, your credit cards, and your identity. <b>Do not travel without a money belt, and be sure to use it.</b> And ignore bad advice on the internet.

julies

No one has mentioned another good product. In addition to a money belt to be worn under clothing around his waist, my husband has a small zip pouch that hangs from his trousers belt and goes under his trousers. It is great for credit cards and extra cash. There is a brown loop and a black loop, so whichever color the belt is, that is the loop that is used. I think it may be by Eagle Creek.

We have traveled a lot and are typically pretty savvy, but I did get hit by pickpockets mid-morning once in a deserted Paris metro station. They created a distraction by essentially jamming the turnstile. When I walked away I noticed that the main zipper on my purse was unzipped. Luckily it was a purse with tons of inner zip pockets, so they didn't get a thing.

PalenQ

Some kind of security device that goes under the clothes is the most fool-proof thing to have as julies shows pickpockets can hit so quick you don't even know it -something under your clothes in front not a fanny pack in back.

janisj

julies: >> my husband has a small zip pouch that hangs from his trousers belt and goes under his trousers.<<

Is it similar to this one? http://shop.eaglecreek.com/undercove...-pocket/d/1130

That is what I'd use if I wore slacks/a belt every day. Since I don't -- I adapted by wearing the neck pouch similar to the one I linked around my waist. It works just like what your DH uses. MUCH more comfortable (and secure) than a traditional money belt.

Dayle

I use the belt loop pouch, but since I never wear a belt, I just safety pin it to the waist band.

Works great and much more comfy than a money belt or neck pouch.

BritishCaicos

With credit cards offering the best conversion rates and ATMs everywhere, why would anyone carry more than e50 in cash?

Other than the large wodge to tip the pilot.

PalenQ

Well in case your c cards don't work for some reason?

I've had ATM cards that worked here but with a less than pristine strip on card - worked here but not always in Europe - make sure your ATM and c cards are in pristine condition.

<With credit cards offering the best conversion rates and ATMs everywhere, why would anyone carry more than e50 in cash?>

Yes but just to be sure folks do not read this the wrong way - do not use C cards for cash advances at ATMs as then you will have often steep charges and interest rates - use c cards for any purchase possible and ATM cards for cash from ATMs.

girlonthego

I usually pick hotels that have a safe in the room when traveling overseas.
If the hotel does not have room safes, most will offer a safe at the front desk area. We did that in London when we had a soccer team of teenage girls. I collected the passports and put them in a safety deposit box at the front desk.

I think when traveling, we are not in our normal comfort zone. We are unfamiliar with the neighborhoods and languages, at least I am. I grew up near NYC and worked there for over 10 years and never worried about things, but I am from there so to speak and know where to go and not to go.
Overseas, I take moneybelts, bra safes, belt safes, etc.. Anything to make me more comfortable while out there wandering around being the tourist.
I found the bra safe great for caring a credit card and atm and a few bills. DH has a belt that unzips on the inside and we tend to put a few big bills in there.

I always bring some money to wherever I am going and I don't take public transport with all my bags and passports and money. I take a taxi or prearranged car to the hotel, dump it in the safe and then head out to sightsee.
I just returned from Barcelona where everyone I know that has gone there has gotten robbed pretty much. We successfully made it 6 days without any issues! LOL

Do what feels best for you.

xcountry

“Overseas, I take moneybelts, bra safes, belt safes, etc.”

Gotg the thieves in Barcelona may have been giggling too hard to take a run at you.

Where is the NYC poster who would always mention on these threads that she starting taking the subway by herself at the age of 18 months or so. I miss those stories.

kja

Lol, xcountry & girlonthego: gotg did say she does anything to make her more comfortable, and I’ve been in crowds where all that extra padding might have made me more comfortable! ;-)

A true story: I went to Russia in pre-internet, pre-ATM days. My guidebooks told me to take travelers checks and also a lot of US currency in small bills. Of course, that didn’t define “a lot” or “small bills” – so I ended up with some $20s, a LOT of $5s and $10s, and even some $1s. I divided them into 4 stacks that fit into 2 shoulder-holster-style passport pouches -- 2 stacks, each an inch thick, side-by-side in each pouch. My passport, travelers’ checks, tickets (those were the days of actual paper tickets, too), and emergency contact information were in another passport pouch at the small of my back. I ended up with Barbie-doll-like proportions, except that the pouches were so thick that I couldn’t even lower my arms all the way, adding a hulking “quality” to all my movements. Honestly, I looked like an NFL linebacker in drag! How I love my ATM cards.

julies

janisj--

Yes, ours is quite similar to the one you linked. But, ours is probably at least 10 years old and I think is too small for a passport so it may be an older version. It has held up for many, many trips.

PalenQ

Where is the NYC poster who would always mention on these threads that she starting taking the subway by herself at the age of 18 months or so. I miss those stories.>

Probably got mugged on subway and never heard from again?

Holly_uncasdewar

Thanks for the chuckle, xc.