Money belts

For me wearing a money belt is the worse than not having one at all because I will not wear the thing consistently.

Jeans, money and credit cards go into my left front pocket with the keys, camera in right front pocket. My hand is always in my pocket on public transport. I have a shirt with a buttoned pocket I will put the credit cards in there.

I don't carry our passports with us during the day unless I'm driving. I keep them in the hotel or apartment. I carry our CA DL and a photocopy of the passports. In 25 years of European travel I've never been asked for a passport by the Guarda unless I'm making a border crossing.

Maybe I'm just lucky but I've never lost anything playing 'Russian Roulette' yet. Be extra vigilant around the major tourist attractions and on public transport.

Last month I wore a money belt for the first time on our trip to Spain. My wife found the neck safe more comfortable and convenient. After a few days of getting used to it - I didn't feel dressed without it! I also kept a small amount of Euros in a small wallet in my front pocket. We were continually being asked for our passports as ID for credit card purchases or at hotel check ins - we don't carry passports at home and would NOT like to waste vacation time replacing them or the credit cards. My sister and her husband were almost the victims of a pickpocketing on a train in Rome earlier this year - does this happen in your home town?

I had my wallet stolen from my purse on a RER train in Paris. We were on our way to the airport to go home and the train was extremely crowded. My purse had been under my coat, but I got overheated and took it off. Thankfully my passport and some euros were in a more secure location. The pickpocket got my credit and debit cards, drivers license and some U.S. dollars. They immediately went to a shoe store after changing trains twice (I tracked how they got there after I found out where the card was used) and spent $1200. from my debit card at a shoe store. They tried to use my other debit card, but since it was my vacation account and we were at the end of the vacation the charge was declined. Luckily I realized quickly what happened after the train cleared out after the first stop. I used my cell phone to call and cancel the credit card right away. I was unable to contact my credit union where the debit cards were issued because it was midnight at home. I did get my money back, as I was able to prove I was at the airport at the time the card was used. We are going to Italy in a few months and you can be sure we will use money belts or neck wallets when in situations that require us to be extra cautious.

You must remember, money belts are not mandatory.

Do some research on professional pick pockets in Paris, Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary and other countries. Those professional bands of pick pockets work in all major train stations, mesuems and tourist sites in Europe. This is their only job. They teach their children at an early age. It is as easy there going from country to country as it is here going from one state to another. Pick pockets are different than beng mugged or robbed on the street.

I find it necessary safe guarding my documents, ATM card, credit cards, etc., in order not to have my trip or life interrupted.

Again, wearing a money belt is not mandatory.

I've been told I'm playing "Russian roulette" because I rarely wear a moneybelt. But anyway... whether or not this is true, supposedly, whereas in North America, you are more likely to be "mugged", ie, forced to give up your money at the threat of physical violence, in Europe, the old mantra goes that a potential thief is more likely to pick your pocket while you are distracted. Are there any crime statistics to back this up, I don't know, but that's the way the old story goes.

Another "supposed" is that the theives in Europe specifically target tourists because they are more likely to carry large sums of cash, credit cards, passports, other valuables, and tend to be more distracted.

Plus, the potential to loose some of the above items abroad can have more serious repercussions than losing them near your home.

Finally, part of it is probably a "Rick says therefore I must do" sort of thing.

So for many travelers, it probably doesn't hurt to wear one, but it isn't an absolute necessity to wear one at all times everywhere in Europe.

It is not necessary to wear a moneybelt.

As previously mentioned, the most common crime in Europe against tourists is pickpocketing. Violent crime against tourists, or crime involving weapons are rare.

The main reason tourists are singled out is not just because they carry "goodies" but because it's less likely they'll return for a trial if the pickpocket is caught.

Now, if you're willing to give up a day getting your passport replaced, or give up a day trying to phone back to Canada to get your credit cards/debit cards replaced, or try to arrange for emergency funds to get sent to you from Canada, or have to replace and pay for any tickets/railpasses you were carrying, then by all means don't bother with a moneybelt.

As for me, since I don't want to have to lose out any of my travel time with these things, I wear a moneybelt. And you know what, I wear it anywhere I travel--including in my own country.

I worked in the travel industry and had to deal with too many passengers who lost out to pickpockets. (And that included here in the U.S as well ) It's not fun.

What's so about Europe as opposed to NYC or Miami or Detroit or Toronto?

Nothing about Europe is more "frightening" than any other place in the world. Anywhere your travel in the world: wherever tourists congregate, thieves will be at work. Be it Europe, North America, South American, Africa, Asia, Australia....even Disney World.
In the end, it's your money/passport/credit cards/time, if you want to play Russian Roulette with your vacation time go for it.
Something else to consider. Not only do money belts protect against thieves, they also protect against accidentally loosing things. For me that's just as important as thwarting pickpockets as the consequences are the same.

Thanks for all your replies. The closer I get to this holiday the less I want to go. If all the tourist sites are infested with thieves why bother. I can stay home and be a victim for less.

But the point is that you don't have to be a victim, nor do you have to be "on guard", and looking over your should constantly. Simply purchase a $5 dollar money belt/neck pouch or utilize the hotel room safe (if available), and be willing to sacrifice just a days spending money in your wallet, and all is good.

I was unable to contact my credit union where the debit cards were issued because it was midnight at home.

It's possible you didn't know the number, but most small banks/credit unions outsource the customer service for their credit/debit cards to another company. Thus, you should be able to report stolen cards, or other problems 24/7. The number is usually on the back of the card.

You should see what happens on DC public transportation if you want to make a comparison

www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4491

Edwin

It's not that bad Peter, believe me. Thousands of tourists survive Paris, Rome and Barcelona with their possessions intact everyday. Knowing that there is a pickpocket problem goes along way to keeping you from being a victim. I walked around with a couple hundred of euros in my pocket and never had a problem. I've been really drunk in really strange European places and the worst thing that has happened was a nasty hangover.

Just to put things in perspective. The day after we got back home we were walking out of the front door of our house and witnessed a drive-by shooting at the neighbors across the street. Makes me laugh to think we were concerned about the 75 lb kids pretending to be deaf in front of Sacre Coure

Rick on this:

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/theft.htm

I don't wear a money belt in Europe because I'm frightened. I wear it because I want to minimize the risk of an interruption of my vacation. I don't always wear a money belt, but I always do something to minimize having my trip interrupted (like leaving my passport and spare credit card in the hotel safe).

I have had my wallet stolen. It was in London and I was coming out of a crowded tube station. I was being rather careless and had my purse behind me. I lived there at the time. It was not a big inconvenience. I went home to my flat where I had food in my fridge, some cash, and ID (my passport). If I had been on vacation, it would have been much more inconvenient.

@ Michael - You are right about there being a number to call 24 hours per day. Unfortunately it was not on the back of the debit card (I looked on the back of my husband's card for the #). I did have a number to call for fraud purposes. Too bad it was in my wallet. I now have numbers in my cell phone that no one else would know what they mean, but I do.

"if you want to play Russian Roulette"

Again with the Russian Roulette analogy! Well, let's see, you have a one in six chance of losing at Russian Roulette. I hardly think that one in six tourists who don't wear a money belt get robbed. If that were the case, I should go right down to the local Indian casino and bet the farm, because I must be on a role!

"n., pl., figure of speech.
An expression that uses language in a nonliteral way, such as a metaphor or synecdoche, or in a structured or unusual way, such as anaphora or chiasmus, or that employs sounds, such as alliteration or assonance, to achieve a rhetorical effect."

http://www.answers.com/topic/figure-of-speech

I just got back from two weeks in Ireland and I wore a money belt all day, every day. Not because I was frightened but because my vacation time is precious and I didn't want to spend it at the Embassy or on the international calls necessary to cancel cards. If I took the total cost of the trip and divided by the number of waking hours, the time to cancel or replace is too high but to each his own. Each person is different and there isn't a right or wrong way to travel. However you choose to do it, have fun.

I gave the old college try to consistently wearing a money belt while traveling in Europe, and for me, personally, it wasn't something I liked and so I abandoned it. I've traveled all over the world without a moneybelt - including a number of the places considered "high risk pickpocket zones" and I have not had a problem. Maybe it's because I make a concerted effort to always be aware of my surroundings (even more so in crowds) and I take a few steps to minimize potential losses by ensuring I'm not toting the farm around with me 24/7. Perhaps having lived in a number of North American cities where crime rates are higher than all EU nations combined gives me better practice at not looking so wide-eyed, innocent and trusting compared to say someone from Podunk, Iowa. On my last visit to Paris scammers & thieves working around Sacre Couer, the Eiffel Tower & Arc du Triomphe approach each and every person they peg as a tourist with the question "Do you speak English?" and act as though they need help, I saw many North Americans actually stop and engage these people in conversation as though they thought they were going to be of some service. These are the people who should never go anywhere without a money belt!

I believe travelers should take whatever precautions fit their personal risk and comfort level - that may or may not include using a money belt. However, I have said it before that the "Russian Roulette" comparison I routinely see posted on this board always give me a good chuckle. It reminds me of how the media often sensationalizes a story trying to grab the viewer's/reader's attention. It further reinforces my theory it's sensational comparisons such as this which strike fear into many newbie travelers to the point where some no longer want to go to Europe because they think they must be safer at home.

Wow who knew this would get such well thought out replies . I've been to the UK, Ireland,US and just last week east side of Detroit with no problems. Its less than five weeks till our holiday in France, so I think I'm just getting the pre-trip jitters. Once I start driving to the airport(about 4 hour drive) I'll chill out and all will go well. The fear of falling off the roof is often worse then the fall.

Commonly read phrase:

I've traveled all over the world and I've never had a problem.

Yet.

So, no, a moneybelt is not needed. Neither is underwear, toothpaste or shoes. In fact, the only thing you have to take is a passport. It's all personal choice.

Just like some people travel in Europe and want to experience the local culture and cuisine, while others strictly follow what's written in a travel writing guru's guide and make a beeline for McDonalds.

To each his own.

You can travel any way you want.

Russian Roulette" comparison I routinely see posted on this board always give me a good chuckle

What always gives me a good chuckle is when people say they've got street smarts, and they are always aware of their surroundings therefore can't be robbed. The whole money belt "system" works under the premise that one can't protect themselves from a pickpocket (no matter how many times they've traveled); if they target you they will rob you...you will never see it coming and won't know what happened until the thief is long gone.
But if one thinks they have "super human" powers (that not even RS has) to detect who is a pickpocket and who's not, then a money belt certainly isn't for you; and good luck!

This discussion rolls around about every two weeks. And the responses are always about the same. For some reason there are posters who take pride is going contrary to convention wisdom. As Michael said street smarts can be over rate. What the old posters should do is to collect the half dozen or so prior postings describing the losses from front pocket. Especially enjoyed the one where he had his hand in the front pocket and still lost his billfold. Or the one who wore tight jeans and still could not believe that someone got it. Or my friend who swore by the rubber band around everything in his pocket and had never had a problem in four trips to Europe. Got everything on the fifth trip.

So the conclusion?? Regardless of what you do you probably will have no problems. A few years ago an Interpol report indicated that about 1 in 4 Americans had reported theft problems. Assuming some under reporting, you still have pretty good odds of nothing happening to you. Take a few simple precautions and the odds of nothing happen increase substantially.

And truthfully I like having tourist like Peter and others who take no precautions. It makes my travel safer. When the pickpocket surveys the crowd looking for an easy mark he quickly passes over me because I do not look easy. It really makes no difference to me if you choice not to follow common wisdom. Experiment to see what works best for you.

In a previous thread on the same subject, one of the reasons I gave why I rarely wear a moneybelt: I usually visit in colder months of the year, and I have found an internal coat pocket just as secure, but easier for me to access. Second, every corner of Europe is not occupied by roving bands of pick-pockets. I'm pretty sure they haven't set up shop in the small towns where I visit my family.

Does it make sense to wear a money belt in the warmer months in high-traffic tourist areas? Yes, of course it does. But does this means you're playing Russian Roulette (thereby implying a relatively high probability of a disastrous outcome) everytime you decide not to wear one? Of course not.

Situational awareness DOES help in any situation in life, although there are no guarantees.

"The whole money belt "system" works under the premise one can't protect themselves from a pickpocket (no matter how many times they've traveled); if they target you they will rob you...you will never see it coming and won't know what happened until the thief is long gone. But if one thinks they have "super human" powers (that not even RS has) to detect who is a pickpocket and who's not, then a money belt certainly isn't for you; and good luck!"

Yep, I understand how the whole money belt "system" works...it's not rocket science. I also stated that it's up to each person to decide what precautions he/she is willing to take in response to Peter's question: "Do all of you wear money belts?" - no, not everyone does...but woe is you if you actually admit you don't and the RS Moneybelt Police get wind of it.

I don't wear one, but I can respect someone else's choice to always wear one. Never once did I say I have "super human" powers to detect all thieves all the time. And I believe I pointed out (as did Steve, who has been in Paris now for 3 weeks with no moneybelt and a theft in his past) that I minimize my personal risk by not carrying everything I own with me. Losing a days cash will not ruin my trip.

I bring up awareness of one's surroundings because I see tourists in my own city at home who are quite careless with their property and it makes them a target. I see the same thing when I travel to Europe. Nope, it is not a 100% guarantee you won't have something happen to you at some point during your lifetime of travels, but it doesn't exactly hurt to make an effort to be aware.

What I don't do is make a prospective traveler to Europe scared by dramatically quoting random statistics or a figure of speech/comparison/analogy (whatever you want to call it) until some get to the point where they start posting how they dread their upcoming trip, and they may as well stay at home because they are concerned they will be a victim of theft.

I think a money belt is no more necessary In Europe than in the U.S. Sure, pickpockets work in Europe. They work in the U.S., too. Anyone who congregates in crowds and can be distracted is a good target. Tourists are great targets because they congregate in crowds specifically intending to be distracted.

If I'm at all concerned I'll put my wallet and passport in a front pocket of the jeans or slacks I'm wearing. If I'm really concerned, e.g., find myself in a crowd and likely to be bumped, I'll put my hand in that pocket. If the weather is cool enough for a windbreaker or a light jacket, I'll wear one with a zippered inner pocket.

Something I didn't see mentioned is that fact that when we are on vacation, it's a much bigger pain in the ass to lose something or have something stolen. Yeah, I live in a city that is infinitely more dangerous than 95% of Europe, but when I am out and about here:

1: I don't walk around nearly as much and I don't take public transportation. That's a product of where I live more so than anything, but I am not at risk for petty theft like I am in Europe.

2: I don't walk around with my passport, which, abroad, is my only way home

3: I am at HOME, where I speak the language, have friends and family, know my way around, have multiple sets of keys, etc.

4: I'm not spending that much money (especially using cash) day in and day out. On vacation I might have 200-400 euros in cash at any one time to minimize ATM trips. At home, I rarely have $100 in my wallet.

5: even if passport and credit cards are replaceable abroad, I don't want to risk having to spend my vacation dealing with that. A day in the US Embassy isn't my idea of a vacation. I want to take these precautions so that I can be on vacation when I'm on vacation.

I have a friend who was stupid enough to put EVERYTHING in her purse, then she left her purse to her side in an internet cafe in London. in one stupid move, she lost ALL her cash, ALL her cards, her passport, her camera, her ipod, and pretty much everything else. That's the extreme example of not taking precautions, but then she didn't have a copy of her passport and (luckily) a friend in London actually lied to the embassy to help her get an expedited replacement so that she could go home and lent her money. I just don't want to ever have to deal with that and that kind of theft just wouldn't have quite the same impact at home as it would on vacation.

It doesn't have to be a money belt, per se, but the idea of splitting up important cards, cash, and documents in multiple places is a MUST, in my opinion.

I remember a young British women on one of my tours came to me and insisted she had left her passport at Immigration when we entered the country earlier that day. (Not the UK)

We all know that when you go through passport control, they return your passport. I suggested it may have been stolen. She said no, it was impossible to steal her passport as she was "so careful with it." She begged me to call the border and ask if they had it. Even though I knew this was fruitless, I called to make her happy. The border people had a good laugh.

She searched her stuff again with no avail. I called the British consulate for her, explained the situation, and they said to send her down and they would take care of her. I put her in a cab and by the next day she had a new passport. (She did have to miss some of the planned sightseeing.)

To this day, I doubt she would admit that she was a victim of pickpocketing. It just couldn't happen to her.

Another friend was in Mumbai the day the terrorists attacked the Taj Hotel. He was staying there. Luckily, at the time of the attack, he was out of the hotel. He didn't use a moneybelt and swore by hotel/in room safes. And that's where he placed his passport, credit cards, ATM cards and extra cash.

When the attack occurred, he wanted out of Mumbai fearing it might last for days. Only he couldn't get near the hotel to get his "stuff." (He didnt' care about his clothes, just the stuff in the safe.)

IF he had those things in a moneybelt, he could have gone straight to the airport and gotten on a plane. All he would lose were some clothes and toiletries--easily replaced. INstead, it took him three days.

I wear a moneybelt. It takes no extra effort to wear it. I use the hidden pocket type so I don't really feel it. I don't have to worry about keeping my hands in my pocket to keep things safe nor do I have to be concerned about leaving anything behind.

But, everyone should do what makes them happy.

I have a feeling if the pickpockets were as good as people seem to be giving them credit for a moneybelt would be no hindrance to them.

They could also make a lot more money by having a magic act in Vegas :)

PS I'm sure I have jinxed myself and will be pick pocketed on my next journey

"I have a feeling if the pickpockets were as good as people seem to be giving them credit for a moneybelt would be no hindrance to them."

Travelers wearing a money-belt or similar device under their clothing have reported zero thefts from their money-belt in Europe--that's reports on this site in the last several years and is based on my memory, which is far from flawless. At least, I can't recall even one report.

On the other hand, I haven't counted but am going to guess that we get roughly twenty or so reports every year, on this site, from people (who weren't wearing money-belts) reporting they've been pick-pocketed in Europe.

Let's take, say, a 4-year period: that's roughly 80 (those not wearing money-belts) to zero (those wearing money-belts). 80 to zero, gee, what if it's even 80 to 1 or 80 to 2.

Yep, I know: Don't confuse me with the facts. And of course it's a matter of personal preference. But to me, those are interesting figures to ponder for a few seconds, in a discussion of money-belts in Europe.

This is a small website in terms of total people reporting in here versus total American and Canadians visited Europe. If you extrapolate the numbers/evidence, reported on this site, to total North Americans visiting Europe--well, the pickpockets are probably happy to read posts from those saying they're not gonna wear a dang money-belt. Pick-pockets gotta make a living, too.

Actually, Kent, there was one person who came here claiming that at the Naples cruise port, the crooks could spot who was wearing a moneybelt and then in a matter of seconds get it off of them.

Of course, he may have been in a cafe in Amsterdam while making that statement.

Yep, Frank (II), I think I remember who made that claim.

From this thread, and others, I have learned two things:
1. ALways keep your passport in your moneybelt or neck safe:
2. Never access contents of said moneybelt or neck safe, or even display moneybelt or neck safe in public places.
But on thread, someone alludes to being asked at most stores etc for a passport for ID when using a credit card. Is that common? I've only been in Europe once and I don't remember ever showing my passport except at immigration ( but I'm the first admit my memory ain't what it used to be). How do you get aound that without breaking rules 1 and 2? Is a US/Can DL accepted as ID over there?

The only place I've been asked for ID with a credit card is in Paris. In all cases my NYS drivers license was sufficient.

On the rare occasion I have had to show my ID in Europe (besides airports and hotels) I just show them my drivers license. That has always been enough.

Poll- how many people have ever needed to show their passport anywhere in Europe, with the exception of the following circumstances- immigration control points, car rental and checking in to a hotel? For me, I have not.

Tom: "Poll- how many people have ever needed to show their passport anywhere in Europe, with the exception of the following circumstances- immigration control points, car rental and checking in to a hotel? For me, I have not."

Does getting fleeced by a corrupt Polish cop count? I was on a train from Wroclaw to Dresden when he asked for my passport. I thought he was border patrol (this was 2005, no open borders between Poland/Germany yet). Turns out he wasn't, and once he had my passport I found myself in the unfortunate position of having to buy it back with any leftover zloty I had. It was my first trip to Europe and a very valuable $27 lesson.

Outside that little incident, I can't think of any other time I've been asked to produce it outside the reasons Tom mentioned above. Well, except for a VAT refund and/or to buy Duty Free at the airport.

'But anyone traveling through Arizona should be warned that papers may be necessary if stopped by the local police starting later this year.'

Apparently the Charlotte immigration officers have also taken a page from AZ as the friendly agent asked me if I live in the US, how exactly my wife and I met, our exact itinerary while we were abroad and how else can I prove US citizenship aside from a US passport.

Maybe it was the cruddy US Airways flight from CDG-Charlotte but she got a cheeky response to all questions. I will not fly through Charlotte again

To change the topic back, and to address Emmi's post, just because you don't dress flashy doesn't mean you won't get pickpocket. When my husband was pickpocketed, he wasn't wearing flashy clothes (I don't think we even own any) and wasn't distracted. He swore that no one could get his wallet easily without him knowing it because he put a rubber band around it and had it in a velcro pocket. He knew exactly when it was taken, but it was a group, so he didn't know who had it.

The only thing that could have made us a target was our suitcase. Luckily, all he had in there was a little cash and his debit card (I wouldn't let him carry anything more than that -- the rest was in MY money belt). But, since he didn't copy the front and back of his debit card (grrr....), we spent half the day chasing down the number to call and putting a hold on his account.

I see wearing a money belt as insurance -- you'll probably never need it, but in case you do, you'll be glad you have it.