New to traveling with a money belt

I can't imagine you lifting your shirt either! Some people use money belts, some use other means of hiding their stuff. I use a neck wallet and a hidden pocket, and a Rogue wallet inside my front indside zippered pocket. My passport is by my wallet inside the zippered pocket. The neck wallet and hidden pocket don't require you to show any skin when you access them. I carry substantial amounts of cash in the neck wallet or hidden pocket. The day's money, or several days money is in the Rogue wallet inside the zippered pocket along with the passport. My wife uses a neck wallet sometimes, but mostly she depends on keeping her passport and money inside an opera wallet inside her slashproof purse that never leaves her side.

In general, one should not have to access the money belt anywhere in public. You are correct to carry your daily money " allowance " and a single credit card in a secure ,but readily accessible, purse or pocket.

There are various answers depending on the moneybelt you are using, your own comfort level with risk and your own idea of modesty. Some moneybelts (and I use this as a catchall for any secure form of wallet) are almost impossible to access without either stripping in public or showing more skin than you do for a TSA patdown... Other moneybelts can be easily accessed by YOU - but not by others. Neckpouches are a common example. Some people aren't comfortable accessing their moneybelt in public at all for fear someone will grab their documents in it and run. Sure that CAN happen but it's pretty far fetched. Of course if you do this, always be aware of your surroundings and be sure to immediately put the moneybelt back where it belongs. Others will excuse themselves to a restroom or semi-private area to access it. That works fine unless you need it while standing in line to buy tickets or some such thing... Or how many restrooms are near the ATM machine? I do recommend carrying a day's worth of cash in a wallet or other easily accessible manner. If it did get stolen you wouldn't lose much and ruin your vacation. I DO NOT recommend carrying a credit or ATM card that way. Losing those might not ruin the vacation, but it certainly would make it difficult. Imagine calling the bank to cancel, racking up interational cell phone charges while you wait for the next available operator. Then having to update all your automatic payments and such... So that's why many of us recommend using cash for most small purchases and reservaing the credit card for big items.

I used to use a neck wallet many years ago when I first travelled to Europe and I found it to be so annoying. After many trips I realized it was unecessary. I keep some cash in my front pocket and the rest in a small purse/bag that I wear across my body and I have never been ripped off. I keep the opening side of my bag against the front of my body and I am always aware of my surroundings. I also travel with a high end camera and don't have a problem. I've seen people pickpocketed in Rome and I've seen attempted pickpocketing, you just need to be aware.

you can also split up cash, credit cards with your travel partner so that if one of you is robbed or loses their bag/belt/neck wallet it's not a total loss

I'm not a big shopper on trips so I don't carry a credit card outside of my moneybelt. I usually keep a supply of cash (maybe 50 to 100 Euros) in my front pocket (no wallet, just some cash) and all of my credit/debit cards, passport, etc. in my moneybelt. If I need to access anything in my moneybelt, I visit a bathroom (or similar private place) and access it there. When I'm done I check carefully to ensure nothing fell out accidentally. If I need a card for a purchase or ATM withdrawel (usually a less than once a day occurance for me). I'll make one stop to get my card out (or do it first thing) and another stop to put it away.

Hi Elaine, I use a neck wallet rather than a money belt for the same access reasons (well, I don't usually wear a skirt -- maybe a kilt). If you are on a Rick Steves tour, they will substitute a neck wallet for a money belt, no charge. Just ask. I'll visit ATMS every three days or so, to minimize fees. I don't even bring a wallet with me to Europe anymore. And if I'm out for a day trip, I leave the passport back at the hotel. I also make several copies of the passport photo/info page and stick in my luggage or in a 'secret compartment' in my backback. I also keep a 'spare' credit and debit card there, just in case. Never had any problems though, and always have peace of mind when travelling. In fact, I look for pickpockets now, just to add some local colour to my trip! :-) Great travels, Ross in Denver

I used a neck pouch instead of a money belt but instead of wearing it around my neck and just letting it hang in front of my tummy, I looped the neck pouch strap thru my bra strap and tucked the pouch into my waistbandl In my pocket or inside my purse, I would tuck in E20 or so. If I needed to access my neck pouch it was pretty easy to do it discreetly and easily. I don't tuck my shirt into my jeans so it wasn't too much hassle to do so.

My girlfriend and I use money belts for passports, debit and credit cards, rail passes, and large amounts of cash. We try to never access them in public. For the rest of the things you carry on your person, please keep in mind that most typical purses are quite easy to steal from, and while a money belt will keep certain items very secure, you probably don't want to lose your camera, medications, cell phone and so on. I have a Pacsafe wallet and she has a Pacsafe hand bag. It's this model:
http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=105