Photo of pickpocket in action, Eiffel Tower

Chalk this up for a first- personal anecdote of someone using a moneybelt and still getting pinched. Sorry you had to be the one to report it.

for a first- personal anecdote of someone using a moneybelt and still getting pinched. Sorry, Tom... disagree. "for a first- personal anecdote of someone Mis-using a moneybelt and still getting pinched." Sorry to the OP...

I'm sorry you got robbed. And I can't believe you have a picture!
I don't mean to add salt to your wound, but exposing your moneybelt was pretty risky. Most folks (including myself), do not take out moneybelts in public. I usually take out enough cash in a secure spot (i.e., restroom, hotel room, etc.) and one credit card and leave it in a purse in my messanger bag. That way, the rest of your stuff in the moneybelt is safe and hidden.

Regarding money belts; The best way to avoid being targeted is to look as inconspicuous as possible. Digging onto a money belt makes you look conspicuous. It also makes you look like you are carrying a lot of cash. If you do use a money belt, don't access it in public during the day. Keep you day's cash easily at hand and only use the belt for long-term storage.

Dennis, Sorry to hear that you were "victimized" on your holiday. The pickpockets are extremely proficient at their "craft", so it doesn't take them long to relieve travellers of their money. I'm sure this was a valuable learning experience for both you and your companion, and hopefully on future travels you'll only access your Money Belt in more "private" locations. If you use a photo sharing website, you could post the photo there and then provide the link. Cheers!

My wife uses her money belt the same way. She keeps it only underneath her outer layer of clothing and will simply roll up the bottom of her jacket or sweater to access cash throughout the day. I cringe every time she does it, but she won't listen to me. She thinks it's "safe enough" but really it's no safer than clutching a purse under her arm. My "belt" is actually a pouch that loops through the belt and hangs down my leg beneath my pants. The only time I get things out of it is in my hotel room or in a toilet. Even if I wanted to get at it more frequently, the act of reaching down my pants and fishing for the zippered opening would make me look like such a creep in public that it keeps me from trying. (A good way to avoid the temptation of spending too much!) I am sorry you got "taken." I'll share the story with my wife in the hopes that she can learn from your misfortune.
Best wishes

"for a first- personal anecdote of someone using a moneybelt and still getting pinched. Sorry, Tom... disagree. "for a first- personal anecdote of someone Mis-using a moneybelt and still getting pinched." Sorry to the OP..." +1 Matt - if it takes some of the heat off of you, tell your wife The Texan Big Mouth said that's a stooopid thing to do. And however it happens, it happens QUICKLY and UNDETECTED. Dennis and his companion have been added to the Sad Rabble of Victims who can vouch for that. **shush - Hey, Dennis, did you vacation with Matt's wife?!? ;-)

....Chalk this up for a first- personal anecdote of someone using a moneybelt and still getting pinched......... Just the opposite. Got pinched because he used his money belt inappropriately. If it had been used properly, as constantly recommended on this site, he would still have his 100E. NEVER, EVER, expose the money belt in public. Remember, if it is easy for you to get to, it is easy for someone else. And that is what Dennis proved. Thanks for posting.

I never use a money belt. Thats pretty much the only think Rick says to do, that I disregard. Too cumbersome, too hot. I carry my wallet in my front pocket and my cash in another. I wear jeans mostly, so its pretty hard to get to me. Most everything I do is on cards, so I only carry a few hundred on me at any given time...

I know there are people who honestly believe that a front pocket is very safe. Good friend of ours constantly made fun of our approach - money belts, multi pockets for daily cash, credit card he carry everything in a deep front pocket with a big rubber band around it (increases friction). After all he had been to Europe four time with no problems and there was no way anyone could get anything out of his pocket without him knowing it. He was correct. On the fifth trip, in the Paris train station, they got it all and he know it. Just could not do anything about it. There was a posting sometime this past year, which I wish now I had copied, of someone who lost a billfold from a tight, front, jean pocket and could not believe that it had happened. Not even sure when it happened. Coming down the stairs into a subway station, took out the billfold to replace the subway ticket, and when he got off the subway realized the billfold was gone. Probably taken when he was in a jam packed subway car. I believe someone on the platform saw when he had the billfold and set him up. There are good when they have to be.

Be aware that in some subway stations in Europe, there are signs that say, "Check your valuables", which leads many tourists to put their hand on their wallet in their front pocket to feel that their wallet is still there, or to put their hand up to their jacket to feel a pocket. You have just told the pickpockets just where your valuables are located. They stand there and watch people read that sign, then they wait to see where you put your hand, then they follow you onto the train. They know exactly which pocket to go for.

I've said it before, I'll say it again. These kinds of pickpockets are professionals. They know more ways of getting your wallet than you know of keeping them from it. Best bet is to cut your losses by using a moneybelt. It's not worth losing a day of vacation over.

I'll add one more approach to carrying your valuables to this discussion. I carry my money and any credit cards in a pouch around my neck that I tuck down under my shirt. When I pull it out to use it, it is literally under my nose and would be impossible (I'm pretty certain) to pinch money from. It produces a bulge on my chest and may look a little dorky, but it works.

Bob when folks here are referring to money belts we are talking about all it's variations; including neck pouches. The neck pouch should never be accessed in a public area, only in private.
In Antwerp last May, my 74 year-old mother was removing her sunglasses from her small cross-over bag (right under her nose), a gentleman "bumped" into her, and stole 100 Euros. Took two seconds.

Didn't know that about the lingo here. And I agree that it would certainly be preferable never to pull any money-containing object out in public. But I can't conceive of how a pickpocket is going to nab money out of a neck pouch (strap securely around my neck) that is never more than 7 inches from directly in front of my face. Snatch, grab, and run, perhaps, but not what I would call a true picking of my pocket. Any anecdotes to the contrary would be of interest.

@Bob, I was wondering the same thing...can't envision it. So, did these pickpockets manage to take just one bill out of the moneybelt and leave the rest and leave the credit cards? I wear a neckwallet on occasion and other than the scenario you detailed, the grab, it just does not seem feasible.

For Bob and Terry -- Sure, if you have a good hold on it, stuff your bills in carefully, keep it under your nose, secure it, put it away, no way in the world is anyone going to get anything. But that is not how it happens. It is has been a long hot day, maybe you are a little tired, you have taken it in and out a dozen times this week, your are buying tickets in a crowded ticket line with people all around and maybe being bumped a little bit, you pay with a large bill and you get a wad of small bills in return, trying to count, and maybe you do not get the change neatly in to the pouch, there is a noise to your left, someone drops something with a loud bang or speaks direct to you, or pushes extra hard, and being human - you look in that direction, maybe a little irritated, but in the second or two that you look away another hand swiftly flies in to grab your bills. You may or may not notice the slight tug but when you look back his hands will be empty, maybe handed to a third party. And you are standing there - irritated and looking stupid. Since we often teach some travel courses at the local library, I collect anecdote evidence of pickpockets especially off of this site because everyone is convinced that it will not happen to them. With rare exceptions most pickpockets/thefts occur with some type of a distraction and generally it is a team of two or three people that set you up. They are professional in their own way and good at. And it is so quick that you are just not trained to react properly. So that is one of the reasons we constantly say, Never show your stash !! But people who do, help keep the rest of us safer.

It is interesting to read the Graffiti wall titled "Losing Everything And Bouncing Back" here on the Rick Steves site: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/graffiti157.html Many travelers tell their story of having their pockets picked, purses stolen, scams, etc. Read that wall and you will be that much wiser when traveling.

I use a "hidden pocket" type of moneybelt and wondered about the straps being cut. Pacsafe has just come out with one that has metal wires going through the belt loops. Very difficult to cut. I got one but I have yet to try it out. I'm also thinking of wearing a day wallet with a chain that's attached to my belt. I wear one at home and would find it difficult for a thief to get it without some difficulty. (This is just for daily stuff. The majority is in the moneybelt.)

Regarding Frank II's idea of a day wallet with a chain connected to the belt: a friend tried this and discovered that the chain showed the thief exactly where his wallet was. The thief took the money out and left the wallet dangling by the chain. Fortunately, not much was taken since it was only a day wallet, but in my opinion any amount of money is too much to lose to a thief if you can avoid it.

Would it not be safer to leave valuables in the hotel safe and just have enough money on you for the day ahead? Most restaurants take debit cards so that you don't really need so much cash. I bank in Britain but live in Germany and I take cash out of the cash machine when I need it. I rarely have more than 50 Euros on me.
Is the charge for withdrawals perhaps prohibitive from the States?

What about duct-taping all of your valuables to your midsection? Since we now have confirmation that money belts, neck wallets, and the like are totally worthless, we need a new solution. Need your iPad? Just rip off a piece of tape (and some hair...ouch).

Only took 23 postings to get the truly silly postings. No one has concluded that money belts are worthless. Only that there are appropriate ways to use them and inappropriate usage may led to unfortunate consequences. Take you pick.

Lighten up, Frank. Life's too short to be cranky, and I don't really think they're worthless. Depending on my mood, I use either a money belt or a neck wallet when traveling in big city Europe, but I don't use them anywhere else. But there are safe alternatives that work just as well IMO. It would be difficult, for example, for a thief to somehow access a chest-level, interior pocket (with a zipper) of a slim-fitting jacket that's zipped up without you knowing about the attempt. At that point, it would be an assault and not a pick-pocket scenario. Still, you wouldn't access the jacket pocket in public, just like you shouldn't access a money belt in public. Not a summer thing but works just fine in fall/winter.

I've used the neck pouch from to time in Paris but no moneybelt, usually neither one. I don't put my Metro tickets or small change for the WC in the wallet which goes into a front pocket. The passport is in the light jacket inside lining zipped pocket The thief would have jump me to get at these two items. In Germany I never wear the moneybelt, regardless if I am in big cities, (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, or Dresden, or smaller cities like Münster/Westf. Lübeck, Meißen, or towns like Butzbach, Wesel, Potsdam, Sigmaringen or Hamm....totally unnecessary, if you haven't developed a feel for the places there. In London it depends on my mood whether to wear the neckpouch or not. I rather doubt a pickpocket will get me as I'm walking through Covent Garden, Lambeth North, Victoria, or Chinatown, or the theater district.

"But I can't conceive of how a pickpocket is going to nab money out of a neck pouch (strap securely around my neck) that is never more than 7 inches from directly in front of my face. Snatch, grab, and run, perhaps, but not what I would call a true picking of my pocket." Now does it really matter how you were robbed once your stuff is gone?!? And since they can easily get stuff out of your chest pocket, a neck pouch isn't too different.

Just keep your wallet in your front pocket like rick states...

Back to my original posting. I use a Rick Steves money belt that fastens to my belt and goes into my pants. You'd have to grope me to get it out. I take it out only in private. Some writers say to only carry what you expect to need for the day in your pocket. I assume they are willing to lose their credit card(s), or carry them in their hand all day. Now, there are situations where you can't have privacy. The Eiffel Tower is one of those rare situations: it's jammed and even in the bathroom there is no privacy. So, I pulled my money belt out, removed my credit card, zipped up the case, handed the card to the lady, received it back - all within twenty seconds - and the pickpocket had already unzipped both pockets and taken 100 Euros. You don't even notice their presence. It is amazing how good they are. I follow all of the rules different viewers have posted, and have done so for 36 years of traveling in Europe 5-8 weeks every summer.The money loss didn't bother me, actually; I thought the posting would be helpful to others on how amazingly fast a momentary lapse can happen. Incidentally, the photo is quite interesting if you want to see it.

I've posted about this before, but the issue of money belts and pickpockets never seems to go out of style here, so: I was a 50-year-old woman traveling alone when I arrived exhausted at the Gare du Nord in Paris. I was at the vending machines trying to buy a Metro ticket and in the 20 seconds it took me (in my stuporous, exhausted state) to pull my wallet out of my purse (I was stupidly NOT wearing my money belt that day) the entire wallet was lifted from my hands (or possibly, from my purse just as I was replacing it there) and I never saw it happen. It is amazing how silent and professional pickpockets can be. I lost a lot of money and all my credit cards and this seriously affected the whole rest of my trip. Never again will I refuse to wear a money belt.

The point often missed in this thread is that the theives are good and experienced at what they do. And they target off-guard tourists in busy, crowded places. Many of the above victims were people getting money or credit cards out and they were swiped in a grab and run type scam. There is little defense against that other than being 100% vigilant all the time. Whether you use a money belt or not, everyone is a potential victim of that type of crime (versus the pickpocket thief). This was the message of Dennis's OP and that got lost on debates over "proper" use of moneybelts. Despite some claims to the contrary, most people I know and have seen access their moneybelts in public when needing to (ATM, restaurants, shops). The risk of doing so over walking around with a bundle of cash in your hand back from the bathroom is miniscule.

Dennis - I for one would love to see the photo but I'm not a Facebook fan - this has been a fascinating and helpful post. Don't pay too much attention to those who are scolding you or reprimanding you as if you asked to be pickpocketed. Clearly you thought you were taking appropriate actions to protect your property with a money belt and had a momentary slip given to you by two resourceful pickpockets who would make Fagin proud - this time you were the bug, not the windshield. I am thankful that you posted this information. It is a good reminder that where there is a will, there is a way - and to always remain alert and make necessary adjustments as the time and place merit. Thank you for the public service announcement! :-)

So, 2 European trips later and one on the horizon (in 2 weeks - YAY!!), I am still learning new things everday. I honestly (like, honestly) didn't realize that the money belt was not to be used like a wallet, where you access it everytime you need cash right there on the spot. I personally am not a fan of it, but I use it for large bills, credit cards and passport. I have a small wallet that I shove in my feminine purse (read: "bra") and the loose euro coins and random 5/10 cent pieces I throw in the bottom of my purse. Everything stays safe so really this was never an issue. I am guessing that the majority of you probably do something similar: keeping small bills handy for gelato or something inexpensive, and then excusing yourself when you need to get out the bigger bills for more expensive purchases....? But I'm just flabbergasted at myself for really never really understanding how to properly use the money belt. I think what may have helped me not get ripped of prior to this is that fact that I have travelled with 3 other persons each time, and know the high rate of theivery, 3 persons would always be on the lookout while the 4th gets the cash out. But point taken and now I feel better prepared. Thanks for posting this Dennis. Sorry you have to be the sacrificial lamb to remind us (read: "me") how to properly use the belt.

Monique - you missed several points a number of us have been trying to make: 1. There is no "wrong" way to use a money belt. It is up to each person to use it the way they feel most comfortable. The point of a moneybelt is to keep important documents and money secure on one's person away from sneaky hands when you are out and about. Sneaking off the a bathroom to get a credit card or for large cash purchases or to use an ATM is rarely possible, conveinent or any safer than exposing your moneybelt and removing what you need. 2. What happened to Dennis could happen to anyone (he was with a friend too). He was robbed while distracted paying for something. If he'd kept his moneybelt secure and used a wallet for the purchase, they still could have lifted his wallet and he would have lost whatever money he had in it. 3. Being robbed in Europe, despite the anecdotes, is rare. But it can happen to anyone at anytime. As tourists, we are constantly distracted and that is what pickpockets and thieves prey on. Dennis's point is that people should be extra cautious and alert when making purchases, no matter whether using their moneybelt or a day-wallet.

Thanks Douglas - that is what had me somewhat confused because I was reading some posts that say NEVER access it in public or they go to some place private to get what they need and I was just thinking that sometimes that is not practical. But I understand what you and others are saying and it makes more sense. And as you stated, the bottom line is to be cautious regardless.

I just try to be as stealthy as possible - comes from years and years of, ahem, 'adjusting' clothing with as little fanfare as possible. Of course, some people stand in the middle of the aisle at Wal Mart and scratch this, or pull up that bra strap, like they were in their own living room. I try to be a bit more subtle...(although everything is on camera...)... When I know I'm heading for the Eiffel Tower, for instance, I would already have my credit card or cash out of my moneybelt; the cashier's window is a dangerous place for that maneuver, as Dennis knows all too well. That simply involves sitting on a park bench under the Tower with my daybag on my lap, blocking what I'm doing. Also, I am looking around at the scenery for as long as possible to divert attention from what I'm really doing. Same thing goes for a ticket machine, or the cashier counter at Kathe Wohlfahrt's Merry Land O' Christmas and Cuckoos (ummm, been known to leave a few Euro behind in THAT store). Because those guys are that good.