I'd like some suggestions on how to carry my money in France. I have a substantial sum of euros and about $40 with me. Should I carry it all on me in my money belt or should I divide it up and carry the currency some other way. I don't intend to take a purse on the plane...rather, I'll have a tote bag with outside and inside pockets. I am not sure what to do with my little collection of euro coins. Right now they're in a plastic bag waiting to weigh down my tote.
I know this is last minute; I'm leaving for France tomorrow around 4:30pm eastern time.
thanks for thoughts
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
What I did (and generally what I see advised on this helpline) is to put the bulk of my money in the money belt and keep a day's spending cash in something more easily accessible like a wallet or a pouch. I got frustrated with the loose change and bought a little coin pouch in Rome, then threw all the change in there, along with a couple of bills (usually a 20 and a 10 or 5).
Between the bills and the coins, I had about 40-50 euro for the day that was easily accessible. Plenty to cover the immediate expenses for me and my travel partner (who carried additional money in his money belt but did not carry any loose money unless we knew we planned to part ways), but not so much that I'd be in trouble if I lost it or was pickpocketed. Then, in the safety of my hotel room, I could "replenish" the coin pouch each day from the money belt. I always had extra money on me, but where no one could get to it.
As for the U.S. dollars--again, I kept $10 or $20 or so easily accessible while stateside, to buy drinks or a magazine at the airport. Once in Europe, I tucked my dollars away securely in the money belt.
Posted by
OP
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ
19 posts
Thanks! Although I've been overseas many times, this is my first time doing it alone. I just want to make sure I understand what you are saying: you keep most of your money in your money belt and some in a wallet or pouch for walking around. Are you actually wearing your money belt as well as wearing the pouch? Or do you leave the money belt locked up in either your suitcase or in-room safe? I'm thinking of putting my money belt in my carry-on with my laptop once I clear security. I'll keep it in my tote until then.
Also...re credit card. My thought is to keep it and my debit card with me when walking around. I'll be at a school in Roanne for most of my time in France and then Paris for about 48 hours, so there won't be a LOT of walking around, but there will be some. I'm probably worried for nothing, but like you I usually have a companion to split the money up.
I appreciate your comments thoughts very much.