George

I've wondered about this: What if you're going someplace where you'll be undressing--seriously--I'm talking about a sauna or public swimming pool where you leave your stuff in a locker. Wouldn't you think this would be a risky place to have your passport with you?

Kay

When people say copy the ifo pages of your passport, they mean just a black and white photocopy (xerox), not a color photograph copy (probably the store is worried about you creating a counterfeit passport. <BR> <BR>Just do self-service copy at a coin-operated machine at Kinko's, the grocery store, library, wherever. <BR> <BR>You aren't creating an accurate reproduction, just a copy with the info you need to get a real passport replacement.

Joel

Living in France for more than a few years, we found we had a number of opportunities to need our passport. So neither my wife nor I do other than to carry our passport on our person when in France (or Europe) on business. That was true even though we were legally expatriated to France, were/are in their Securite Social system, carried French drivers licenses, and paid French income taxes. <BR>We found our passports useful because they clear up ANY difficulty with our identity. I can tell you that in France your papers mean EVERYTHING. Remember that France's experience with internal terrorism goes back some decades; they take it seriously. A US driver's license?? Don't bet on it. A passport? You bet. <BR>Note that police stops on the highway are routine: you'll be breezing along on a Route Nationale and around the bend is a police officer waving over 100% of the traffic to check papers. Not cursory. <BR>Hope this helps.

Georgianne

My passport says right on it that it is illegal to copy it. Nevertheless, of course I copied it before going abroad. I always carry my passport with me while travelling abroad in a neck pouch with the portion of my money and any credit cards that I don't plan on using that day. Pickpockets frequent tourist areas all over the world, its only prudent. Also, police stops abroad checking "papers" are common events in some places - just underwent one in Slovakia when near the Ukraine, and you will need it to change money as well.

Mónica

In Spain it is compulsory to carry an official identification at all times... and this means your passport. We have an special document (DNI), with the size of a card, so it is easier to carry around, and it serves as a passport in al the European Community. But, anyone not having this, should have their passports on. If the police asks for it (for any reason, whatever innocent, as if you are witness of an accident) and you are not properly identified, you may end up in the police station till someone brings your passport. I think it is a matter of security, in the fight against ETA terrorism. <BR>

paulel

Georgianne, <BR> <BR>What country issued the passport. While you are posting, according to your email address, from Rochester NY maybe you don't have a passport issued by the US. My passport on the top of page 3 says to make two photcopies of the the passport.

anonymous

It's legal to copy a US passport, the US State Dept advises you to do so on their web page as it's a good idea to have them around in case you lose it, it expedites replacement. They tell you to leave one copy at home and keep one with you in a separate place from the passport. Here are their tips: http://travel.state.gov/tips_for_travelers.html

Arnie

You should carry your passport with youand leave a copy of it in the hotel safe. You will need the passport for several occassions including obtaing VAT refund at many stores, obtaining the 10% tourist discount card at the big department stores, and the odd chance that the police ask for id.