Money belts in the US

Its probably just a matter of perception, but in the US, you think about "mugging" as the preferred method of theft, versus "pickpocketing" in Europe. A moneybelt would probably not deter a mugger.

I always where a money belt no matter where I travel; including the US. Anywhere in the world you travel, where there are tourists carrying lots of cash and expensive toys; there will be people around to steal it. Remember, money belts not only protect you from thieves, they protect you from simply losing and misplacing things as well. That can happen anywhere :)

In the States, I wear a moneybelt and carry a wallet. In the wallet, I carry an old driver's license, one good credit card and some expired ones. Also some cash. And a few other old, useless cards/items to make the thief think he got my valuables. If he sees cash and cards, he'll take it and leave, only to sort it out once he's done with you. He won't know he got very little until he's gone and you've had time to get out of there. My main cash, credit cards, drivers license, insurance card, etc,. is in my moneybelt. Pickpockets are not just in Europe.

Having lived in numerous large cities, I can honestly say that not all muggers shoot or physically attack you and then search your "crumbled body." Most will just flash a weapon and demand your money or wallet or jewelry. If at first glance what you give them has something, they'll be gone in no time. If you carry everything in a money belt and give them nothing, they'll get nasty. But if they see a wallet with some cash, a few credit cards (expired ones as they dont' check until later), and a few other nick nacks, they will leave you alone. Most just want the cash or things they can pawn to get cash.

Use common sense. Don't walk down a dark street in any major city by yourself. If you're not familiar with an area, ask at your hotel if there are any areas you should stay away from. Muggars like seclusion with no one around. Pickpockets love large crowds. What are you more likely to find at major tourist sites anywhere in the world? BTw, there are plenty of pickpockets in the US.

No...I don't. I live in the loop in Chicago and I wear my purse in the typical, responsible way...strap over my chest, with the purse area in front of me, rather than hanging to my side or backside...

If I happen to be carrying a smaller purse, I make sure it's secure on my shoulder and held close to my side under my arm...

which is how I do it everywhere...

My husband carries a money clip that can hold credit cards, etc. as well and always puts his wallet in his front pockets.

I don't usually, but last time I was on the subway in NYC I was wondering why I didn't. I have also recently considered it in Chicago when in the loop area and on the el.

Anytime you are in a crowded area it is a good idea. When I am using just my wallet/purse, I carry only the cards I'm going to use at that time. Less to lose, and less to have to remember if it is stolen or lost.

I have found a neck pouch far easier to use that a money belt. It slides in and out of my shirt much faster than trying to get a belt from inside my pants.

I have tried both in 20 years of travel and my experience convinces me.

John,

Some US cities are worse then European cities when it comes to rubberies. In the US they come up to you with a gun. At least in Europe they do it in a "sleath" way, most of the time without harmming you.

The only time I have had my wallet taken was in San Francisco, my home town, at Fisherman's Wharf (where I rarely go). I was walking carrying a box of left over crab louis, and had a straw purse with an open top. I might have just as well had a neon sign with an arrow pointing to me as a perfect target. It was the classic scenario, a young woman stopped in front of me and pretended to be confused, in the few seconds while I was trying to figure her out, her friend behind me took my wallet. I found the wallet discarded in a nearby alley and only lost $10, and credit cards. But the upshot is, not all US theives have guns -- some do it the "old fashioned" way --particularly in the touristy areas.