Hello All, based on everything I have read I have been convinced to buy a neck pouch, however I'm not sure I understand how to use it properly. Is it suppose to be completely hidden at all times including the neck strap? And how do you get your money/credit card out of it when making a purchase without people seeing you? I read somewhere that you're suppose to go to the washroom to take out your money in private, but how feasible is that? There won't be a washrrom at every location that I want to purchase something from, plus I would need to know the exact dollar amount of what I am buying. Plus doesn't your passport get crumpled up wearing it tucked under your waistband? I eagerly await your comments and suggestions. Thank you in advance.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
You use a neck pouch or money belt for "deep storage" only, not to get money out of for every purchase. You carry what you expect to need for the day (or part of the day) in your pocket or bag, and keep the bulk of your money and credit cards, etc. in the money belt.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
Rick has complete details here:
http://tinyurl.com/6fqq2r
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Heidi: Re your passport, there's a division of opinion here, some say better to leave it in the in room safe, IF there is one, or if not in the safe maintained by hotel management. Others carry it with them at all times and if they do, they carry it in a money belt or neck pouch worn under clothing, where there is zero possibility of it being taken, because if the pick pockets get your passport you have big problems.
Posted by
OP
Moncton, New Brunsw, Canada
6 posts
So I still need to bring a wallet to carry small amounts of money and coin and use the money belt to store the my visa, passport and larger quantities of money.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Heidi, to your last question: yes.
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
As someone else has already said, your neck pouch, or money belt, should be used to hold things that you will not be using very often, if at all, ie: passport, copies of documents, etc. Daily spending money should be carried elsewhere. I carry that in a zippered pocket on my shirt front.I go to Europe every summer and always keep my passport and other paper documents in a ziplock bag inside my money belt to avoid dampness or damage. I make copies of the front and back of all my plastic cards, as well as my passport, just in case, and carry them separately from the plastic cards and passport. Remember to notify the issuing financial institutions of your plastic cards, where you will be in Europe and the dates. Happy travels
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Heidi,
I don't bring an extra wallet for daily money. I just keep about 50 euros in my front pocket. My wife has about 50 and my kids have about 20 each. In public, I just borrow from them if I need extra, then replenish at the next toilet stop.
I seem to have a pocket full of change often. A coin purse might be good to have rather than a wallet.
Anything very valuable or hard to replace (think ruins your trip if you lose it) goes in my money belt or stays at home.
My passport gets a little "bent" from being in my money belt. Either get a lined money belt or use ziplock bags to keep the contents from also getting sweated on.
My wife and children all prefer the neckpouch. I've used both and prefer the waist one because I can carry more comfortably. Most have double the space of neck pouches. With paperless tickets, the space needed seems to be getting smaller so maybe that won't be an issue.
I carry my small all-in-one digital camera around my neck on a thin strap and tuck it into my shirt. I'm always rethinking how I pack and carry things. I may use a neck pouch next time but I'd have to consider where to securely keep my camera.
Posted by
Des Moines
23 posts
A suggestion from this site years ago that I still use for my day cash is a zippered wallet that clips to my waistband from www.goinginstyle.com. A little safer than a pocket, but still accessible. So comfortable I forget I'm wearing it.
Posted by
London, UK
286 posts
I have a clip on zip wallet I like to use. Impulse airport buy!! It is perfect for large bills and extra credit cards. I am always afraid I will lose it though so when doing major transiting, I usually clip it on my bra strap under my arm.
Posted by
British Columbia, Canada
188 posts
I found that I didn't like the the strap showing or the rectangular outline of the neckpouch when wearing t-shirts or closer fitting tops. I wear the waist moneybelt (with a plastic ziplock inside to keep things dry) and can sometimes access things inconspicuously when sitting down (eg restaurant booth, bus seat) thanks to lower rise pants! You may find the waist moneybelt more comfortable when worn backwards if bending or sitting a lot.
Keeping your credit card inside your money belt also helps with impulse buying!!
Posted by
London, UK
286 posts
Keeping your credit card inside your money belt also helps with impulse buying!!
yes, but this is half the fun ;-)
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
Using the neck pouch is easier than the money belt. I have used one for 15 years. Just place your currency and passport in it and drop it down your shirt. It will stop at your belt. Dont put it inside your belt.
Some travelers pull wallets out in public many times to pay. You can pull your neck pouch up any time you choose without danger; I do. I believe it doesnt matter if anyone sees where I wear my pouch. They cant get to it.