money belts

Judith ,, . Moneybelts are deep storage. I keep passport, extra cc cards and bulk of cash in there.. in purse , only one days cash. I personally only use mine when travelling from place to place, I leave my stuff in hotel safes, always have and always will,, not wearing a moneybelt for everyday sightseeing. You never need to go into a moneybelt in public, you just use the money in your purse.. Like you I have a nylon bag I wear cross body, it zips closed and has a flap that goes over the zipper and clicks shut, its pretty safe, used it for last 5-6 trips and love it . I travel alone sometimes so of course I am extra cautious , cause if i lose my stuff I have no back up partner. I feel perfectly safe doing it the way I do.

You don't get it. A money belt is like your safety deposit box. You put the things in there that you want to be absolutely secure. You carry some cash for the day, a credit card if you are using it in a separate secured pocket on your body. That way if someone gets to a pocket, your lost is min. Carrying a bag as you suggests work well the vast majority of the time BUT it possible for you to be distracted long enough for someone to get to it. Generally the biggest risk to separate bags is when you put them down. Has been more than one posting on this site from people who put a bag down, was distracted, and the bag was gone in a second or so. Probability of that happening is low but still a risk. I would never carry anything in a bag that would cause a great problem is lost.

Pat sums up the money belt issue well. My wife and I go to Europe every summer and keep our valuables in our money belts on us all the time. She refuses to carry a purse as she feels that it could disappear but her money belt never will. We keep our daily needs in zippered upper chest pockets and only get into our money belts in the hotel or other VERY private places. Also, we do not use credit cards to pay for meals or souvenirs, we prefer to pay cash. We do use a credit card if we end up in a hotel rather than a B&B. Happy travels.

The moneybelts that go under the waist are difficult to access personally and so therefore are not intended for daily access. Other systems, like a neck wallet or pacsafe type purse are easy for the user, but not a thief, to access for credit cards or ATM cards. Pretty much all of use recommend having a daily supply of cash handy in a regular wallet or pocket. If that's stolen it won't ruin your trip. Depending on the specs of your satchel, that can be very effective IF you are careful with it. A purse or statchel that has a secure flap and zippers inside is pretty secure as a thief cannot sneak a hand into it. You can also add safety pins or travel locks to zippers to prevent sneaky access. But anything not attached to your body can be set down, looped over a chair, or otherwise intentionally removed from you body. That's when something bad can happen, from a thief to just plain forgettting it.

I'm always amazed at how many different ways people wear and use their money belts. They are all good ideas and am surprised I haven't tried any. I wear a waist money belt. Mine is by Pac-Safe. There is a heavy wire in the belt itself and the clips go into and wallet part (hard to explain). I don't pass the belt through loops in my pants and I don't wear it inside of my pants or underwear. I wear it like I would a fanny pack but under my shirt. Yes, it looks like I have a bit of a tummy but I'm not trying to impress anyone. And, yes, I do access it in public. I don't carry my ATM or credit cards in a wallet in my purse and often, when in the towns/cities I want to draw money from the ATM. I simply pull it out and use it. My husband is around me and I am aware of my surroundings. Of course, that doesn't mean someone can't come up quickly and grab it out of my hands. So far, knock on wood, I haven't had a problem. I have also worn a neck pouch but that gets hot and uncomfortable. Have a great trip!

Denise, what you are describing is not a typical money belt. It sounds more like a variation of a fanny pack. A small one but still an external pack of some nature. At one time there was such a thing as a true money belt. It was a belt with a zipper on the inside which allowed for small amounts of money to be rolled and place in the belt which was then used as a standard belt. That term migrated to a cloth pouch on a fabric belt which is the common money belt of today. Unfortunately the term "belt" leads people to believe that the proper place to wear it is at the belt line. Personally for a male and even a female I think the best place for a money belt is just under the rib cage with the pouch in the small of the lower back. Unless you are wearing skin tight clothing the pouch is invisible in that location and is comfortable. Anything is better than a purse or a billfold in a pocket - front or back. And, of course, a well hidden pouch under a couple layers of clothing is even better.

What Denise describes is very similar to what I have used for over 20 years. It's a wallet that loops through my belt. I wear it on the outside but it could be worn inside or turned up under a shirt. Even though the whole world can see it, no one but me can actually get inside it because of various flaps and zippers. So I have no problem using it in public to access a credit or ATM card or larger bills if I need them. Small bills I keep in a regular wallet. I almost wish we could change the name "moneybelt" to something more inclusive of the variety of options. Lot's of people come here thinking only the waist belt type that many find uncomfortable or impossible to access (without undressing) when they need something.

I was pretty happy with my neck wallet this time. Normally I carry a supply of cash in my front pocket and keep valuable things (passport, credit cards, extra cash) in a money belt, leg wallet, or neck wallet (I've tried all three). Keeping the neck wallet under my armpit (inside my button up shirt) with the zippers facing forward made it easier for those rare times when I did want to get into it (but keep it rare). Are there thieves out there? Yes. We were in Madrid on Friday, walking from Plaza del Sol to our hotel a couple of blocks away (with a grocery store bag containing a 1 1/2 liter bottle of water, another of cola light, plus a bottle of wine). We stopped to look in a jewelry store window and I noticed a 30ish blond guy walk past and stop at the next window, then get behind us again when we started walking (he may have followed us from the grocery store). We picked up the pace and so did he. Finally I stopped, turned and stared straight at him. Without making eye contact he quickly crossed the street and disappeared down another street. I think it's safe to assume he was a thief who was figuring out how and where to steal from us.

I know that I am a rarity on this site for saying this. I can't stand money belts and I don't wear them or the neck pouch. I have traveled throughout Europe, Africa and Asia and i have pants and shorts that have small zippered hidden pockets on the side of the leg or down at my calf. I put my credit card/debit card and cash there. I also keep my cash in two different spots, sometimes more if I have the pockets. I have two Mountain Hardwear Canyon short sleeve shirts that have a great deep pocket in front that I keep my passport. It is a really deep pocket so the passport falls below your bra, so you don't have that "boxy boob" look! lol
Otherwise I keep my passport locked away back at my hotel/hostel.

Judith, My concern with your satchel is that someone could cut the strap behind your back and then jerk it out of your grasp. It could be done and all over with in under a minute. If you are on the tube (a likely place for this to happen) the thief will then exit out a door just before the door closes and the train pulls out of the station. Also, when you use the restroom and have the satchel hanging on the hook on the stall door, we all know to watch out for the hand that comes over the top of the door and grabs your bag. Definitely wear a money belt for your valuables.

I've read all of the above posts, and have to admit that I still don't get it. I live in the US but have traveled to London and Paris several times on business. I have vacationed in Quebec, Athens, and a couple of Greek islands. I've never used a money belt, passport holder, or any other unusual contraption, and those places have never struck me as any more perilous than the Grand Canyon, Times Square, or lots of other places here in the USA where I often travel for business and vacation. The only real difference that I can see about foreign v. domestic travel is that it would be a real drag to lose your passport. And I can see that a money belt would be smart for my teenagers, who lose everything. But I've spent my 47 years learning how to keep ahold of my wallet, cash, driver's license, cell phone, etc. So, really, what is the difference?

Perhaps you have been lucky. Not everyone is pickpocketed. I will bet you have not had a car accident in years but still buy insurance. Or you house burned down. It is question of risk. What are you willing to assume? I know that if I have stuff in a properly worn money belt the probability of theft is very, very low. A bill folder in front is a big higher, a rear pocket much higher. There are postings all the time on this site and others - I have a collection of them - from males who cannot believe they lost something from a tight, front jean pocket, from females who have had bags disappear from next to the chair, from back of their chair, from the table in front of them. My approach to security is to answer a simple question. If it is easy for me to get to, then it will be easier for someone else. It is easy to take our own experiences and decide that is how the whole world is or should be. I can boast that we have traveled nearly a year in Europe or the past 18 years or so and never had problem or even been close to a problem. Never seen a pickpocket or felt one close. Should I conclude then that pickpocketing is non-existing and over hyped on travel boards? This is where these "money belt", "pickpocket" questions get silly with responses. Just because you never had the problem does not mean the problem doesn't exist and you may be unlucky on your next trip.

When I travel around the US I also wear a money belt. Anywhere tourists congregate there will be thieves, be it North America, Europe, or any other continent. I've been driving a car for the past 30 years, I've never gotten into a car accident....should I stop fastening my seat belt;)

This is one of my favorites ........... Both of us pickpocketed in the Metro in Rome. Husband lost wallet - front pocket. They got my VISA from my bra!!! I never felt a thing!! Marilyn ............... ........., ID USA 11/18/2011

Well, if you don't get moneybelts and don't want to use one, then don't. To each his/her own. There are differences between going to NYC and Madrid, (for an American) and a moneybelt makes sense to me when in a foreign country. But it is pretty clearly a personal decision. I wish you continued luck with your choice.

I don't think pickpocketing is as prevelent in North America as it is in Europe, so I wouldn't compare visits to Quebec or Grand Canyon to travel to cities that are well known to have a large group of people who do pickpocket for a living. There is likely some pickpockets in NA, but no comparsion to the organized gangs in some places in Europe. No comparison. I don't wear or use a moneybelt to LA or Hawaii either, lol,, but Rome, Paris, Barcelona,, hey, you pay your money you take your chances.
I like and use hotel safes too, but while travelling a money belt really is the smartest way to ensure you and your passport and credit cards arrive all together!

'With my one eyes' Michael S Cyclops???

The spellchecker is your best friend and you worst enema...I mean enemy:)

It really is about managing risk. I usually think of the potential loss and how much I'm willing to do to counter it. If you lose your passport, you can't even check into a hotel - let alone catch your flight home. Your trip is on hold until you can replace it. I'm willing to take some protective measures to prevent that, even if they're a little inconvenient or uncomfortable. Losing a credit card or debit card isn't as bad if you know how to cancel it quickly and have a backup plan to work around it. I'm not a fan of any satchel, travel vest, or other external storage of valuables. Thieves know how to get into them without you noticing, usually by distracting you. I carry a daypack regularly, but I don't put anything worth more than $20 in it or anything I'd be sorry to lose.

I wanted to thank everyone for all of your insight and suggestions!

But Judith, the bigger question, what have you decided?

Agree...exactly. One way you risk bodily injury or death, the other removal of your financial assets without your knowledge.

In regards to pickpockets v muggers, all I can say is this:
With my own eyes I have witnessed four muggings in Europe:Bern, Dublin, and Lisbon (twice in one day), all in broad daylight in busy areas. Not all the victims appeared to be tourists, and the robbers looked like junkies, desperate for some cash to feed their habit. If I'm not mistaken in one of Rick's old shows about Madrid, he happened to film a purse snatching and including it. I have never witnessed a mugging in my travels of the US/Canada. I have been with friends in DC who have been pickpocketed, met someone in Orlando who had money lifted from her purse at Disneyworld, and know a relative who had a wallet lifted in Vegas. Completely unscientific survey on my part but, I don't believe muggings in Europe are as "rare" as some make it out to be. Also, let's not loose site of the other function of money belts: not only do they protect against robberies, they also protect against simply dropping and loosing ones valuables: the consequences are the same. I also think one has a greater risk of loosing items vs. getting robbed....which is why I always wear a money belt no matter what continent I'm on.

Of course there are pickpocketers in North America. Sadly, I speak from experience. My pocket was picked in Chicago in the 80's walking from the O'Hare Line to the Howard Line in downtown Chicago. I was with my niece who had just arrived at O'Hare. We were on our way to the pizza joint for dinner and then off to my apartment for a weekend. I went to pay for the pizza and no wallet. Pizzeria Uno on Rush accepted my check though and someone gave us tokens so we were able to get back to my apartment where I did all the due diligence. Her visit was not wrecked at all because we were in my home town and I was able to trot down to the bank and get money the next morning. If this had happened in Europe, hours and days would have been spent on the problem. Yes, it would eventually have been resolved, but how much have you spent on your trip to Europe? What is your per day expenditure? Do you really want to spend one or two of those days having to address a stolen passport and stolen credit cards? And, how many days out of the year are you granted for vacation? Do you really want to spend one to two of them getting a new passport and new credit cards? As someone mentioned some of us are more risk averse than others. I think it's the roll of the dice. I was in Amsterdam two years ago this summer and my local hosts were inches away from having their pockets picked. No one is immune. Pam

Frank,, did someone post that on here, or on another forum,, hard to believe a woman didn't feel a hand in her bra,, lol.. and perhaps a bit sad? lol

I just posted this reply on another thread on here, so I've copied the reply onto this thread, as I think it's pertinent and might save someone some heartache. 1. Much as it would be lovely to think that you're safe from pickpockets in certain cities- you're not. Pickpockets exist everywhere. It only takes one to ruin your entire trip. 2. Moneybelts don't have to be uncomfortable. I have a RS one and I barely know I'm wearing it. 3. Cross body bags- yes they feel secure. I have one. I was wearing it in Lisbon two weeks ago. Guess what? I was jostled on the tram ( a gang of 3 were working the tram) and my wallet was taken from that bag. It only had 30 euros in it and no cards 9everything else was in my moneybelt). But the point is, they got it from that bag. So, not so secure after all. Don't underestimate skilled pickpockets- your naivete is how they make their living.

Just to add to what Maggie says about cross-body bags......My 72 year-old mother was wearing one May of last year in front the Antwerp Train station. As she was removing her sunglasses from it, a gentleman "bumped" into her and removed a small purse thingy that had 50 euros in it. These bags may handy, comfortable, and lightweight, they do nothing to prevent pickpockets.

What kind of closures do these pickpocketed cross body bags have? I wear my purse cross body, and it has a zipper close with a flap that has a locking clasp. I carry it so that the zipper pull is covered by my hand. So far all these pickpocketed stories involve what seem to carelessness or lack of awareness.

Removing items from a cross-over bag isn't "carelessness". It's designed to hold stuff that you will need throughout the course of the day, so it will be opened and closed multiple times a day. If a pickpocket spots this he can take advantage of it. I'm not saying people shouldn't use these bags, just don't put all your "eggs" in it;)

Mine has a zip top. I was not unaware of what was happening around me and I wasn't being careless. I only had 30 euros in it. the important stuff was in my money belt. In the crush to exit the tram I was being jostled and jolted and in order to stay on my feet I had to let go of my bag and grab a hanging strap. I knew immediately it had been done and I knew who took the walllet. The man had been standing next to me and when he saw me look at my bag he went and sat down. So I stood in front of him and demanded its return. And after a bit of faffing, he dropped it on the floor for me to pick up.
Not sure who was most surprised by that, him or me.

In using careless, I was referring to the posters who stated that people had left purses open on tables and hanging on chairs. Unaware referred to being less than alert with regards to your surroundings. Unaware almost got me hit by a bus on my very first day in London years ago, so I never claim to be aware of my surroundings all the time.

Maybe some cross-body bags are easily pickpocketed, but the kind my husband uses is not. It's a messenger bag, thus it has a flap that completely covers the front of the bag. It also has magnetic snaps that fasten the large front flap to the bottom of the bag. Every bag I've seen that's called a "messenger bag" has a similar sort of secure design. The large flap that covers the bag is what makes it a messenger bag. They rarely have outside pockets, and if they do it would be silly to use one. I still do not see how one could pickpocket somebody wearing a cross-shoulder messenger bag provided they had their hand resting over it, which is the most comfortable way to travel with such a bag in the first place, particularly while sitting or standing on public transit. If you're messing with the bag during the transit, well that's another story. But that's a bad time to be doing so.

The messanger bags are only secure if it takes several means to get inside. The outside flap, then an inside zipper and maybe even then the important documents are in another zippered sleeve. Just a bag across the body that can be unzipped or unflapped, that is not any more secure than a standard purse. The other downfall of any bag, no matter how secure, is that it can be removed by you and then it's vunerable. Some people are very good about always keeping on them, others not so much. If you are the latter, it's a risk. And it only takes a moment of lost concetration...

I think the beauty of a cross-body bag, like the messenger, (and what made me a cross-body bag-wearer) is that you really never, ever have to take it off in public. You can eat with it on, you can get things out of it without taking it off, and you can use the facilities and leave it on. You're not tempted to tuck it under your seat or on the back of a chair. I've probably used 200 purses or handbags bags over my lifetime, and for me, this has the greatest functionality.

Sarah, the gang (and nobody knew they were a gang at that point) caused a block at the tram's exit and then jostled everyone. I had to let go of the bag and grab a hanging strap in order to remain standing. It all happens very fast and these people are very good. It was only because I recognised the jostling strategy for what it was that I immediately checked my bag when the jostling ceased.

I use the Pacsafe messenger bag which has clips for the zippers. I keep all my day spending in there. I highly recommend this bag. All the rest of my cards and cash are zipped up on my shirt or pants (usually my shirt)....or at the hostel/hotel safe. I also think that "walking with purpose" helps a lot.

My cross body bag is VERY secure,, used it for years, it has an inside zippered compartment, then a full zipper top, then a full size flap that covers entire top and sides of bag, and clicks closed, the type of click that you need two hands to open. I also subscribe to the "walk with purpose " theory,, but more importantly,, the "Keep the hell out of my bubble". I absolutely refuse to be physically crowded,, no one gets in my bubble, if they try |I definately move and glare,, my bubble is any space within an arms reach of me( hey they can't steal what they can"t reach). I have never not been able to maintain this space , on metros in Paris , Rome or London. I am hyper aware. The two pick pocketing attempts I have experienced( one 30 years ago, and once 3 years ago) were in both cases averted by my realizing someone was way too close to me! BE AWARE

Rick Steves tour guides begin every opening session with their groups by confirming that everyone is wearing a money belt (so important that one is included in the cost of every Rick Steves tour). The philosophy here is "better safe than sorry". The beige silk money belt included in the tour package is also available on line from Rick's travel store or in retail stores. Initially, I hated wearing a money belt, but agree that it is a good idea. Although I consider myself a savvy traveler, I did not notice until it was too late that my travel purse had been stolen on a Berlin metro platform...How disappointed the group of school aged thieves must have been when they found only a small amount of cash & odds in ends in my purse. The purse was worth more than its contents, as my valuables were in my money belt, tucked securely underneath my clothing.

Leigh,, how did your entire purse get stolen,, and you didn't notice right away ,, WHERE was purse,, did you actually put it down???? Sounds like there might have been a moment of being just a tad to casual with it did you put it down.. how did they get it off your body? BTW I have only done one RS tour, and we were not grilled about wearing our money belts. Our guide by the way, a male, wore a purse or man bag himself,, worn cross body,,

Hi, My daughter is going to Europe this fall for a year. I got her a few security things..money belt, leg belt, zipper socks...she thinks I'm crazy. She planned on using her neck/passport holder and wearing her cross-body bag in front, flap turned in. I know many students don't get hassled, but I have heard of many that have. I really don't see anything that is stylish perse, but I wondered if anyone had ideas for women that wear more close to body shirts or slimmer pants. Men seem to have it easier that way.
Thanks

Gabrielle-I assume your Daughter is doing a study abroad-as a college student? The money belt is overkill for someone who is living there. She won't be carrying her passport with her all the time-it will be back in student housing. Same for lots of cash, etc. I don't think my daughter took one at all, even for when she traveled about. If she is doing a year long tour, moving from one place to another all the time that may be different. Though I don't use a money belt myself for any of our trips. I can understand how men might want to use one as it seems that carrying a wallet in your pants is more risky for pick pocketing. I would highly encourage my son to use one if he ever went on his own, but my daughter and I are fine with our purses.

Gabrielle,,tend to agree wityour daughter a LEG SAFE, goodness, that is over kill. She should use just a money belt while travelling there to her accomadation. After that she is living there like a local,do you think they all walk around wearing safes and moneybelts every day!?? She will only carry one days spending money on her in her day to day life. She will learn from the other students how to be careful..
Being aware of your situation is much much more important then wearing Fort Knox.. PS as a student she will likely carry a back pack for her books,, like all the other kids will, a "security purse" on a student screams "I'm a tourist loaded with goodies". As I said, yes, moneybelt until she arrives ,, after that she needs to be careful and self aware, and yes a decent fully closing purse or bag,,but she doesn't need to be paranoid.

Is a money belt just as secure as a wallet necklace?
Robin

If you're referring to the type one may wear around the neck, my answer is that they're both secure. I tried the traditional money belt worn around the waist and tucked down into the pants a couple of times but found it hot, difficult to access, and generally uncomfortable. It always seemed like I was suddenly wearing jeans about a size or two too small because of the room it took up. Plus, it's just awkward when it constantly looks like you're goin' to town when all you're really doing is trying to get to some cash, a credit card, or your passport. It is very secure, though. I now use a neck pouch over one shoulder and under the opposite arm, worn like a messenger bag under my shirt. Still secure but much more comfortable for me. Everyone has their own preference...this is what I use...I tossed the old traditional money belt. You can still keep small amounts of cash in a place more handy than your neck pouch or money belt.

Judith, in my opinion, "just do it". I put my money belt on when I leave for the airport and wear it every day on my trip. By the time I get back home and take it off for the last time, I'm so used to it that I feel like I'm missing something. I was almost pick pocketed in May 2009 in Paris. I was waiting in line for the Eiffel Tower for almost 2 hours. A large woman and her male companion were behind me in line the entire time. We finally got on the elevator and everyone was crammed it. The elevator doors opened on the second floor and the woman put her hands on my shoulders and shook me, enthusiastically, like "we're finally here!" At the same time her friend bumped me with his big stomach. I turned around, gave them a dirty look, and said "no!" After my visit, I stopped at a café and went to the restroom to wash my hands. I noticed that the back pockets of my Dockers were both unbuttoned. I never put anything in my pockets and they're always buttoned so I know that the guy was searching my pockets. Luckily, I had everything important in my money belt and everything else in a cross body purse which I wore under my jacket. Lesson learned. Thank you Rick and the Helpline!

I guess I didn't explain myself well...it wasn't for the school, more for traveling on the weekends, when she leaves her area (re Italy/Scotland etc) I worry because like when your pregnant, EVERYONE seemed to have a horror story to tell me or her either about themselves or their children abroad. One student got robbed on the train when a woman bumped into her and knocked her down, another took her purse..another student had a piece of luggage stolen while a cute guy said hello, in seconds her bag was taken by another. (she laughed about being leery of cute guys when that was told to her) One was in church and said hello to a woman and her daughter..when the woman left before her, she realized she took her purse off the seat. Another was walking and had her backpack pulled off her...it goes on, but you get the point. I just worry about her traveling, not around her school, but in other countries. Winter is easy, sweatshirts, sweaters, but warmer weather is harder to hide things.
The leg strap a friend used who where's khaki's a lot in Spain and she loved it, forgot about it and it wasn't obvious..Rick makes them too I think.

I did a trip a few years ago where one of the other chaperones lost her bag with travelers checks, credit card etc..... Ome whole day of her trip was spent dealing with this. And the credit card never did catch up with us I have lost stuff at home, and while I spent a lot of time dealing with the mess, it was not my vacation time:). When you think how much it costs to go to Europe why would you want to waste a day when for $20 you could have prevented or at least limited the loss.

That should say "one whole day". Not sure how Apple auto correct came up with that. :)