Well, only 12 more hours til I board for Germany. Just wondering if you guys carry your passports with you at all times. I always do, but I see people mentioning carrying copies.

I live in Munich and only carry mine when we leave the country. In the past 2 years, the only time anyone has asked for it was when I made a large purchase at a hardware store. If you don't take it with you, just make sure it's locked up.

If you read the first few pages of the passport itself, they recommend making a photocopy of the entire first page with photo and all info. I always put a copy somewhere in my checked luggage and a copy in my carry on. If my original is lost-at least I have all of my info. Also make a copy and leave it home in a file. I always carry mine in a safe pouch around my neck and have never had a problem. Have a safe trip-I'm heading to London Saturday.

While touring a specific city we never carried the original. We always kept the passport in the safe in the hotel room.

In theory you are supposed to carry it at all times in case the police ask for ID - in some European countries you are expected to have some ID, I think Germany is like that, UK isn't. <BR>However I have never found it a problem, even with the police. <BR>I NEVER carry my passport if I can help it.Be aware that it is a very valuable document - Europe has always had a lot of stateless people, but with the recent influx from the East the is now a huge demand for stolen passports. <BR>You will never realise how important this document is until you are denied one! <BR> Carrying a copy is good practise, not in case you are stopped but in case you lose it - much easier to get a slip from your embassy to get you through the airport if you have the p/copy. <BR>(report it immediately but expect some suspicion-it is not unknown for penniless travellers to sell their passports) <BR>Passports are also used to commit travellers cheque fraud - another reason to report losses right away, otherwise you will find yourself barred from buying cheques because you have already "lost" your cheques & been refunded several times, unknown to yourself. <BR>Some keep a copy on the Net! <BR>Hotel safe is a good place to leave it-(room or reception) just don't forget to collect it before leaving for the airport! <BR>Most hotels will insist on seeing your passport when you arrive, there are laws about registering foreigners (did you see the "Day of the Jackal"?)So you will need you passport when checking in. <BR>Some hotels will keep it overnight, some give it back right away, depends how efficient their bookkeeping is.