Hello All, It's been quite some time since I traveled to Europe and after reading many of the incidents of theft, I'm curious what the recommendation is for carrying one's valuables. Primarily, passport, credit/debit cards. Should I carry w/me at all times or what is the best practice? I have a money belt and a TravelMate bag (that wears across the body) but am l looking for suggestions on how to carry
everything. Also, anyone have recommendations on obtaining Euros here in the States or obtain them once I get to my destination. Thanks in advance for your advice. Kim Byrd
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23268 posts
Just scan back a few days and most of your question will have extensive discussions. In summary use a money belt for all things of value - passport, ccards, etc. - carry few Euro in a pocket or two for daily usage and avoid carrying any bag with anything valuable in it. Get a hundred euro locally to get you through the airport and to your hotel the first day and use a debit card at a bank owned ATM for the rest of your local cash needs. That will be the cheapest and most convenient way to have local currency.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Europe is a big place, and the risks are different in different places. I just spent three weeks in Spain and never felt at risk anywhere, even walking alone in Madrid. But I was aware of my surroundings all the time, and didn't take risks, like being out late alone.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
"after reading many of the incidents of theft" Remember, theft is rare in most places in Europe. The people who have a problem can't wait to post about it; the vast majority have no problem, and don't go on the Internet to tell everyone that they had no problem. This is not to say it doesn't happen, and I've also read that Spain has particular problems. Of course, wear a money belt and make sure to keep your passport and credit cards in it (except for one, so you can get to it easily). But, with a few exceptions (the Ramblas in Barcelona is a big one), don't be paranoid. For the Ramblas, I remember my hotelier was very worried when he saw me about to leave the hotel with an open bag. He relented when he saw that it had no valuables (just umbrella, map, guide book, water bottle, etc). And this was in 1995. The question of what to do with the passport divides people. Some carry it with them in their money belt at all times (that's me). Others carry a copy, and leave the original in the hotel safe. Of course, there has to be a safe in the hotel to do this (I don't always stay in a fancy enough hotel for this). As for euros, this question is posted every few days, if not hours. Rick's excellent advice is here: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/money-travel-tips.htm. Read it, and do what it says. In summary: if you want to arrive with 100-200 euros for convenience, you can get them in the US. For all other money, use cash obtained with a debit card from ATM's in Europe, or use a credit card (hopefully one with low or no fees for foreign transactions). Call all your credit cards and banks, alerting them of your European travel dates, so your cards are not blocked.
Posted by
Tigard, OR, USA
1068 posts
There is lots of info on this board about security and lots of different opinions. My "main" weapon is distribution. I have a money-belt that hangs on my belt, keep some in a "hidden" pocket in my luggage. Keep some in a zippered and Velcroed pants pocket (I wear pants designed for travel and the kind I like zippers and/or Velcro on the pockets) and some in a buttoned front shirt pocket. Sure, someone could get some of it, but getting it all would be a problem. Use common sense, it is the best weapon again theft here or abroad. Get your euros at your destination. Get some at the airport where you land.