being discreet with a money belt

Ya, you don't lift your shirt in public. Do it in a private area such as a restroom. A money belt is not a hidden billfold. We don't find Rome and Amsterdam much different than any other major city in Europe.

You don't access the money belt in public. It's not your purse, it's deep storage for your passport and other important things Like credit cards that you can't afford to lose. Keep your spending money for the day in a more accessible place, like your secure purse. I use a crossbody bag that stayed on me at all times unless I am in my hotel. In Amsterdam you will see signs warning you of the pickpockets.

Pickpockets can be (and are) anywhere. My wife was pickpocketed on the number 9 tram in Amsterdam, and there are all sorts of low lifes in any city. Good result for us - I noticed the commotion, the driver kept the doors locked until the thief dropped the wallet and we lost nothing. Money belt - hidden, not to be opened in public. Its your mobile Brinks van. Credit cards, passports, addresses of hotels, major money all stay in the moneybelt all day. If you need to replenish pocket money you go somewhere private. If you need a card you go somewhere private, use it, and go to somewhere private to replace it.

Can the pick pockets reach a credit card in the front pocket of your pants?

Yes. Pickpockets usually work in teams. One will distract you, the other empty a pocket without you realizing it until much later.

I'm sorry but there are two lines of thought here, I am solidly in the camp that as long as you use discretion and caution, there is no real reason not to access a money belt in public. It doesn't matter if a thief knows where your valuables are if they can't get to them. A few caveats: Some systems are nearly impossible for even the user to access, at least without stripping. In that case, you do need somewhere private. Also, while rare, grab and go thefts do occur. So be alert to your surroundings when accessing your money/documents. If traveling in pairs, it is wise for one to be alert while the other digs around. Finally, keep daily cash in a pocket/wallet/purse. If that's stolen, no biggie. There are MANY ways of securing your money and documents. These include neck pouches, belt loop wallets, and Pacsafe purses as well as moneybelts tucked inside pants. Pick the system and how you access it that YOU feel most comfortable with.

Yes, if you use a money belt, use it for deep storage of your passport, excess cash and credit cards, etc. You shouldn't need to go into it during the day, unless something major comes up. Then carry a wallet or purse with approx 1 days worth of cash in it for general purchases. I keep a credit card there, too, because it's easier to use it in lots of places, I just make sure I have the info for that card in my money belt so I can call and cancel it if needed.

I wear a true money belt, the webbed kind from Eagle Creek with the hidden zipper. However I also use a neck or hidden waist pouch for passport and other money. I believe in the divide and conqueor method. Plus I always have the days needed cash in front pocket or cross body bag.

When we use an ATM, we then duck into a WC (rest room) put the money in the money belt we anticipate using that day....which is usually 100 euros each...kept by each. If for some reason we need more ...we duck into a WC for retrieve more. Never allow the general public see where you keep your stash.

Liz. There was a report on this from someone who lost a credit card from her bra. A front pocket is not much safer than a back pocket.