So who really wears a money belt in Italy?
Sep 14th, 2004, 09:19 AM
#42
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I usually just take a nice black leather bag that I can sling across my chest. I think money belts are unecessary, unless you're traveling around with a camcorder, or wearing sneakers, baseball cap and Tshirt with some american logo. But that's just me.
Sep 14th, 2004, 09:23 AM
#43
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I bought a really cute purse over the weekend, it has a round handle that you can slip over your arm and a leather loop on the zipper that you can wrap around your wrist.
I thought it would be good for travel, it is not very big and I'll just stick the essentials in it. I forgot the manufacturer but I can look if anyone is interested.
I thought it would be good for travel, it is not very big and I'll just stick the essentials in it. I forgot the manufacturer but I can look if anyone is interested.
Sep 14th, 2004, 09:23 AM
#44
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I repeat my comment to you as well:
I wasn't exactly wearing a Bart Simpson t-shirt and Reeboks when my coin purse was stolen from my purse. What you wear on the outside has nothing to do with whether a pickpocket will choose you or not. Some folks just prefer to know that their essentials cannot be reached. No one is forcing anyone else to wear the darn things.
I wasn't exactly wearing a Bart Simpson t-shirt and Reeboks when my coin purse was stolen from my purse. What you wear on the outside has nothing to do with whether a pickpocket will choose you or not. Some folks just prefer to know that their essentials cannot be reached. No one is forcing anyone else to wear the darn things.
Sep 14th, 2004, 09:26 AM
#46
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I think it's a huge pain. Did it once on a backpacking trip. hated it.
get a coat with inside zippered pockets. put your valuables (money, cards, etc) in there, and carry your purse as you usually would otherwise. chances are if you DO get rolled, the empty-ish purse will be the thing taken and you will still have your stuff.
get a coat with inside zippered pockets. put your valuables (money, cards, etc) in there, and carry your purse as you usually would otherwise. chances are if you DO get rolled, the empty-ish purse will be the thing taken and you will still have your stuff.
Sep 14th, 2004, 09:37 AM
#48
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Travelnut: I can understand your anger over what happened to you--I'm just saying it's a personal choice--and I chose not to wear a moneybelt. But, that said, I think if you're touring europe looking like Mr and Mrs American Tourist, you are increasing your risk.
Sep 14th, 2004, 09:44 AM
#50
Not only in jackets, but you can buy (or make) clothes with interior zippered pockets. If I was going to try a method other than a normal purse, this is what I'd try first. It's got to be more comfortable than a money belt.
Sep 14th, 2004, 09:48 AM
#51
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I bought a lightweight Goretex hooded rainjacket from LL Bean for my last trip. it has two inside flat pockets with zippers. you rarely get pickpocketed in Switzerland, but it was nice to put a few odds and ends in the pockets so I didn't have to carry a purse around.
like nytraveler though, I've been to Europe more time than I can count on fingers and toes and I've only used a moneybelt once - and once was enough. now, apart from going hiking, I just sling a purse over my shoulder.
actually come to think of it, I even did that in Latin America and was fine. (or lucky, take your pick).
like nytraveler though, I've been to Europe more time than I can count on fingers and toes and I've only used a moneybelt once - and once was enough. now, apart from going hiking, I just sling a purse over my shoulder.
actually come to think of it, I even did that in Latin America and was fine. (or lucky, take your pick).
Sep 14th, 2004, 09:49 AM
#52
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I wore one of those neck pouch type things - we went in April, so it was still cool and I wore thin turtlenecks most of the time and I didn't worry about the cord showing.
On the warmer days, it sure was interesting trying to fasten it across my body so that the cord didn't show when wearing a v-necked shirt.
For my next trip I am looking for the money belt that looks like a holster style and fits under the arm against the body.
I was the target of a pickpocket attempt in Florence - not that they got anywhere near my wallet, though.
I agree that the money pouch is a pain -but it makes me feel more comfortable, so I wear it. Everyone has their own comfort levels - if you feel better using one, then do it.
On the warmer days, it sure was interesting trying to fasten it across my body so that the cord didn't show when wearing a v-necked shirt.
For my next trip I am looking for the money belt that looks like a holster style and fits under the arm against the body.
I was the target of a pickpocket attempt in Florence - not that they got anywhere near my wallet, though.
I agree that the money pouch is a pain -but it makes me feel more comfortable, so I wear it. Everyone has their own comfort levels - if you feel better using one, then do it.
Sep 14th, 2004, 10:35 AM
#53
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I try to blend in when I travel too, or at least not look like an obvious target, but I really don't think I look Italian regardless of what I wear. Blending in does not extend to my camera. I am an avid photographer (I have bought a bag that sort of blends in instead of looking like a camera bag), and I just can't see not using my camera frequently and in lots of places on a trip. Certainly that increases my chances of getting something stolen because I am constantly showing an expensive camera with multiple lenses (sometime discreetly, sometimes not) and because I am taking time looking through the lens instead of watching my back (that's my wife's job when she is along). I am far from a paranoid person. In fact, many travelers would hesitate to take the chances I take when I travel alone. Still, sometimes a money belt adds a bit of security. I would prefer to spend my time out seeing the sights than dealing with the loss of important items. I don't think you have to have one though. Not if you take other precautions - wallet in the front pocket (heck, I do that at crowded events here too - like the State Fair - not just in Europe or NYC), keep your bags in a spot where they can't be grabbed (always in my hands on subways or such places), and watch out for signs of trouble. I don't call it being paranoid but being realistic. I don't expect anything to happen to me but know that it can.
Sep 14th, 2004, 11:27 AM
#54
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I have never worn a money belt or neck pouch during any of my 7 trips to Italy (or anywhere else) and don't plan to when I go back next week. Until now I have been lucky. I usually carry a small backpack - one that's not as big as used by students carrying books). I wear it on my back if I think circumstances permit or if not I put it over one shoulder (convertible straps) and bring it front and hold on to it with both hands.
If I've ever had large amounts of cash I've also left money in my hotel room but I split it up and hide it (some in this sock, some in this pants pocket, etc.) and haven't had anything taken either.
I do think appearances can influence whether a crook will try to rob you or not. In Italy I definitely look like a foreigner and years ago I looked too young to be carrying any "significant" amount of money. That plus being lucky has helped.
If I've ever had large amounts of cash I've also left money in my hotel room but I split it up and hide it (some in this sock, some in this pants pocket, etc.) and haven't had anything taken either.
I do think appearances can influence whether a crook will try to rob you or not. In Italy I definitely look like a foreigner and years ago I looked too young to be carrying any "significant" amount of money. That plus being lucky has helped.
Sep 14th, 2004, 12:26 PM
#55
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I guess I'm stupid and don't want to keep my money.
Actually, I normally wear a jacket and keep my billfold in a button pocket on the inside with a safety pin for good measure. When it's too hot for a jacket, I trust to being a alert, just as I do in Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco, Baltimore, Philly, and the Big Apple.
Actually, I normally wear a jacket and keep my billfold in a button pocket on the inside with a safety pin for good measure. When it's too hot for a jacket, I trust to being a alert, just as I do in Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco, Baltimore, Philly, and the Big Apple.
Sep 14th, 2004, 01:10 PM
#56
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danaeye
I too once thought that I was too careful to have my pocket picked.
That is until I was boarding the Circumsuviana train in the Naples station during rush hour.
I just finished reading the 'beware of pickpockets'sign posted in the station when I placed my wallet containing $80 in my shirt pocket, buttoned it, and zipped part way up my thin rain coat.
Everyone crowded together getting on the train and in moments a thief reached inside my jacket, unbuttoned my shirt pocket and made off with the wallet without my being aware. I didn't miss it until I got off the train in Sorrento.
Fortunately I had my passport, credit cars , plane tickets and $ 100's in cash in my money belt.
I normally keep my daily cash in an around the neck pouch and the important documents in the waist belt but I was in a hurry to catch the train and was careless for a moment and paid for it.
I depart next week for 3 weeks in England and will continue to us both a money belt and a neck pouch. I use the front opening type of belt not the fanny pack design.
In addition I have purchased an over the calf 'sock'. As the above writers note it is dangerous to leave anything in a room safe.
You may also want to the ploy of carrying a few loose dollars in your pocket and replenish it during the day so a casual thief won't know where you real valuables are.
In dealing with pickpockets you are playing their game so be careful.
I too once thought that I was too careful to have my pocket picked.
That is until I was boarding the Circumsuviana train in the Naples station during rush hour.
I just finished reading the 'beware of pickpockets'sign posted in the station when I placed my wallet containing $80 in my shirt pocket, buttoned it, and zipped part way up my thin rain coat.
Everyone crowded together getting on the train and in moments a thief reached inside my jacket, unbuttoned my shirt pocket and made off with the wallet without my being aware. I didn't miss it until I got off the train in Sorrento.
Fortunately I had my passport, credit cars , plane tickets and $ 100's in cash in my money belt.
I normally keep my daily cash in an around the neck pouch and the important documents in the waist belt but I was in a hurry to catch the train and was careless for a moment and paid for it.
I depart next week for 3 weeks in England and will continue to us both a money belt and a neck pouch. I use the front opening type of belt not the fanny pack design.
In addition I have purchased an over the calf 'sock'. As the above writers note it is dangerous to leave anything in a room safe.
You may also want to the ploy of carrying a few loose dollars in your pocket and replenish it during the day so a casual thief won't know where you real valuables are.
In dealing with pickpockets you are playing their game so be careful.
Sep 14th, 2004, 01:29 PM
#58
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tewels--I don't think it's especially dangerous. People have even lost moneybelts and neck pouches, so there's no perfect way to ensure 100% safety of your goods.
Keep in mind that even though there are thieves who do target tourists, the vast majority of tourists never encounter a thief. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't take precautions and be aware of what is going on around you, but as long as you are reasonably careful with a pack, you are doing pretty much all you can--unless you don't carry your camera at all.
Keep in mind that even though there are thieves who do target tourists, the vast majority of tourists never encounter a thief. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't take precautions and be aware of what is going on around you, but as long as you are reasonably careful with a pack, you are doing pretty much all you can--unless you don't carry your camera at all.
Sep 14th, 2004, 02:54 PM
#60
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Question- for those that utilize neck pouches,money belts etc... If you are paying for dinner, buying a gift, going to a museum- where do you go to be inconspicuous to take out your money? If you take out money from your pouch say before dinner how do you keep it safe? Probably a stupid question, but I haven't used one before.
