neck pouch pros and cons
 

I just purchased a neck pouch for carrying documents and money. It seems bulky under the light summer type clothing. Since it may be more noticeable, pickpockets can easily cut the cords and snatch your valuables.<BR>What are your pros and cons or should I use my backpack with a security lock attached to the zipper!!!!!!

carry valuables up your snatch, end of debate

LOL!

To "Linda", that was crude but very funny!<BR>However to give Happytraveler a reply:<BR>I bought a neck pouch and ended up not using it. Oh vanity! I had a back pack and hoped I would be aware of a pickpocket before they found my wallet as they dug past my camera, guidebook, map, umbrella (used it only twice-but sure glad I had it), etc etc. In crowded areas and especially the metro I slung it around and tucked it under one arm. In some metro stations there are announcements in French and English warning people about pickpockets! <BR>I did make photocopies of my tickets, passport, credit cards, etc and leave them at home with someone I trusted not to go beserk shopping while I was away!<BR>

Last year in March we were in Rome and in one place we saw a woman wearing, what you descibed, around her neck and it was very noticebale. She was also holding her hand on it because it was so bulky. It was a great way to let any thieves know that you have all valuables with you. Is there any way you can keep your stuff in the hotel safe? Or can you keep it in the money belt? Although during the sommer this seems like too sweaty option. Anyway, IMHO, I don't think that a neck pouch is anything you want to consider.

When I travel I use a neckpouch like a wallet. It fits my passport, credit card, atm and a slip of paper with emergency contact info. Its a lot more practical and lightweight than my regular leather wallet from home. I keep cash in my front pants pocket for easy access when paying for things. I have worn my neckpouch on occcasion - when on a train (sleeping OR just dozing off) and in the winter under heavy clothing.

I do use a neck pouch -- but not around my neck. Even empty that is uncomfortable. Mine is adjustable with a toggle-type thingie so I put is around my waist and draw up the cord to fit - not tight but snuggish.<BR><BR>I find this is much more comfortable than either a neck pouch or a money belt. But do not overfill it - just 1 or 2 credit or ATM cards, passport, some cash. I don't carry much cash on me since ATMs ar so convenient so I will usually have about $100+ worth (in the local currency) in my wallet and about the same amount in the pouch. When I have a lot of cash I put most of it in the pouch.<BR><BR>I do not find it too bulky nor does it show under most types of clothing. If it does show under something I don't use it that day.

I have used both a neck pouch and a money belt and prefer the neck pouch for ease of access. I feel a bit odd taking my pants off to get my credit card. The key is to get the thinnest one you can and put the minimum amount of stuff in it. It is kind of sweaty in hot weather. I don't think there's a perfect solution. I also don't think it would be particularly easy to cut the cords and get away with it. Anybody ever had this happen to them? So much easier to look for people with waist belts, backpacks, and wallets which can be emptied or slipped out without notice. I do agree with carrying petty cash in a cheap wallet (although somebody got mine in Rome this year, glad my credit card was in the neck pouch.)

I've also used a neck pouch by putting it around my neck and then inserting one arm through the cord, placing the pouch part under one arm. If you're wearing a shirt with a high neck, it doesn't show; and it feels safe having it under one arm. But it's not possible to get anything out of it in public, and it might not work too well in really hot weather!

Hi Happy<BR>I bought a neck pouch and hated it! You never get used to things that you do not wear every day. I was lucky in that it also came with a belt loop holder which was more comfortable. Just be alert, do not show off money in public..plan ahead with smaller amounts on hand and the major impotant stuf in the hotel safe or in the bottom of your backpack!<BR>JOHN

I got a neck pouch for Christmas and hated. I used only once and then gave to my sister who feels just like I do about it

Get a money belt that you wear under your pants. Works great. No one sees it.

This is silly -- all these questions about neck pouches vs money belts. If we accept that some sort of security might be reasonable, then why don't people who are spending valuable time and blowing out gray cells over this just get the potential security items and wear them around as they would abroad for awhile -- take it for a test drive. save your tags and reciept, don't spill chocolate milkshake on it and you should be able to determine what you do/don't tolerate in a painless fashion -- nobody can really tell you whether something will be convenient for you anyway, as witness the numerous posts pro and con -- i'll put in my 2cents: I always carry a neck pouch, across my chest with the pouch sorta under my arm, just like i carry a purse in a big city. i don't stuff it full of stuff, just valuables, usually it ends up under my purse, but it's still accessible.

I think it depends on the person, the city and the climate. I use a neck pouch in every large city when traveling and keep only my big bills, credit cards and passport in it. I wear it across my chest under my clothes and it works out perfect in the winter months when I have bulky clothing on. It doesn't work so well in warmer months, though, when I have on lighter clothes.<BR><BR>Regarding the money belt, it works great, but when my husband used one in Paris, our traveler's checks were always damp from him sweating. That was a bit of a "soggy" issue. That's one reason I stick with the neck pouch. Luckily I don't travel much in summer.<BR><BR>Try both and see which you prefer.<BR><BR>

You count me silly, but I don't see why Americans are so foolish as to think that special gimmicks like "neck pouches" are going to keep them safe in Europe. You look really obvious and stupid pulling those things out of your shirts and shorts, you know. <BR>If you want to be safe in Europe, try to blend in with our culture. Don't wear huge backpacks that you have to wrestle with to get your money out of, don't wear those ridiculous fanny packs, don't wear t-shirts and stupid low-riding shorts, and don't talk realy loud in English because you think we will understand if you talk louder. Our society is a lot safer than your, by the way, so don't be so obnoxious, either. If you get robbed in Europe it is probably because you are really naive and not aware of what goes on around you, not because it is unsafe in Europe. If you wear the nec pouch, do you not have to fumble around for it when you need themoney? That is really stupid. If you pretend you are a local person with a purse or whatever, you will be much safer. You Americans think you can solve every problem in the world, but you are stupid when you are dealing with small questions like traveling safely.

I think any europeans can single out americans in their city. I live in NYC, I can point out american tourist and european tourist in a heartbeat. Evan if you try to look or act european, most europeans can tell that you are an american.

Make it with a long cord and stick it in your trousers or belt, it will give you a good and safe feeling on you body

when you look like a tourist, you must be extra alert on pickpockets, so always use a neck-pouch

About stupid Americans who don't blend in - that post above was so rude that it doesn't even deserve a response, but here goes anyway: Regardless of the level of chicness and European-ness we stupid Americans can attain while in Europe, we are TOURISTS. We carry maps, guidebooks and cameras. We are travelling and want to know where we're heading, know when the train will arrive, know something about the sights, and take photographs. We are usually out for the entire day and thus have to carry lots of stuff. It is not always possible to carry a slim purse and wear high heels the way you chic Europeans do when you are headed to the office for 8 hours, as we will be pounding the cobblestone for that timeframe. Being a tourist tips off the pickpocketers, and yes there are lots of them, that you probably have more cash than most people walking around the streets. Therefore there is nothing wrong with a money belt or neck pouch. The people who have a problem with tourists are probably the people who don't get around much themselves. Go on your own vacation and enjoy life instead of complaining about us.

you go "x!" perfectly stated.