Spain

The term "pickpocket" refers to the act of picking things out of pockets. Therefore, anything in the pockets can possibly (and apparently easily) be removed by clever thieves. Experienced travelers don't advocate wearing moneybelts because it's a cool thing to do or they're really comfortable to wear. People wear them so there is almost no possibility to have your crucial credit cards, passports and cash stolen. It's your choice whether you become a victim or not.

It is safe in the suitcase as long as you make some effort to secure it. Second, a copy of the passport is not that useful to a thief BUT very useful to you if have to prove that you once had a passport.

If you wear a money belt or equivalent accessory (neck wallets, sewn in pockets, etc) under your clothing, you never have to worry about losing the vital stuff (ATM card, credit card, deep cash stash that--if the pick pockets get it--can ruin or seriously disrupt your trip. You mentioned just keeping things in your pocket. The pick pockets of Europe love to hear that--that's how they keep making a living, and they're good at what they do. Most travelers keep the day's spending money in a more accessible place, not in the money belt.Rick's 1 minute video clip (kindly posted by Michael) explains all this.

If you are concerned about whether a money belt will be inconvenient you could always keep a small amount of change in your pocket incase you want to buy a coffee etc. You definitely should use a money belt for everything else though.

Thanks for the advice.. i am new to the traveling thing ;)

Thanks for the thanks. Always nice to hear that from a "Newbie." If you scroll down on this General Europe page you'll see Moneybelt. Read that post as well.
It will help understand why we all use one or something else to deter pick pockets. Please come back with other questions as you continue to plan for your trip.

Yes, Mily, you can keep the money in your pocket. Until someone relieves you of it.

I was always complacent with my money in a neck pouch. Then one day I grabbed a hand in my pocket while standing on a crowded bus in Rome.

A pickpocket was trying to relieve me of my money. I am not complacent any longer.

is a clip wallet that goes inside your pants safe?

i dont really wear belts but want to be safe. thanks again

Mily, a money belt isn't really a belt. It's more like an envelope that you wear around your waist under your clothes. The pouch part is wide enough for your passport, and there are various configurations of sections for money and credit cards.

thanks for the advice ;).. but do u think a clip wallet would work? its like a money clip just a lil bigger and you wear it inside your pants with the clip on the outside

No, I am not a big fan of the clips. Obviously better than nothing. But if it is easy for your to get to, then it can be easy for someone else. Rick Steves likes to use the phrase, a money belt is like safety deposit box --- or something close to that. Put the important stuff in the money pouch, wear it under you clothing where it is even hard for you to get to. Put a few Euro in a zippered pocket and maybe a credit card in the other zippered pocket.

Besides, with part of the clip visible you're practically advertising where your money is.