wearing a moneybelt

Joe, I wear mine around my true waist (on top of my hips just above my belly button). That way no part of it is below my pants belt, it's secure and hidden, and easily accessible when I need it (but only when I need it). Then I always wear button-up shirts. I only go into the money belt when it's unavoidable and do so in a secluded place where people can't see what I'm doing.

I had my sister make me 2 wallets out of duct tape. I keep a day's spending money in my duct tape wallet in my back pocket, and any coinage in another zipper pocket on my coat. I attach a small zippered pouch to my zipper with a key ring so it can't be stolen from my pocket. Feel free to try any variation.

It should be difficult to get to that way it'll be difficult for a thief too! We carry only what we don't "mind" losing in an accessible pocket (for my husband his shirt pocket with concealed zipper pocket, for me a small shoulder bag)usually 100 euro a day. Our cc and atm cards are safely in our money belts unless we're going directly to an atm. At the atm we block each other so the newly acquired money can be stashed in the money belt. We've never had a problem.

There is a tendency by inexperience travelers to use a money belt as a billfold under the shirt. In one of Steves' videos he refers to a money belt like a safety deposit box. YOU DO NOT ACCESS IT IN PUBLIC OR HOURLY. We have found the most comfortable place for the money belt is in the small of the back and well above the waist line.

When taking money from an ATM we do not attempt to put the excess money in the belt until well away from the ATM. Once we determine that the distribution is correct, we split the money, and discretely palm the money into a pocket and move from the area quickly while trying to determine if anyone is watching us. Somewhere in the next five minutes find a restroom or some other out of the way place to transfer the money to the belt.

I have seen too many tourists who wear the belt in front, at the waist line, under a shirt and are constantly unbuttoning the shirt and accessing the belt in public. That is better than a billfold or purse but......

I get a tailor to modify my moneybelts. I remove the strap and have a removable zipper sewn onto the moneybelt and into the skirt or jacket or whatever I'm wearing. It works well, especially if you have to wear a uniform.

I use both a money belt and a neck pouch. I keep emergency cash (US dollars) and plane and train tickets in the money belt. My passport and ATM and credit cards go in the neck pouch. A day's spending money goes in my pants pocket.

Women can also have a tailor "adjust" their undergarments. The inner "cookie" piece can be removed and a pocket zipper put in. You're not supposed to access it in public anyway, so it seems to work out not too bad.

Also, the inner belt/waistband of most pants can be slit open and an emergency 20 euro bill can be tucked in. That way if all other methods fail, you'll have at least a little cash to make a call or catch a ride home.

With this Eagle Creek product, you can easily access this pocket and return it hidden in your pants without the hassle of a belt around your waist.

This is the ONLY money "belt" we use now. My husband has sworn off the traditional money belts due to discomfort, and the huge hassle of actually getting to what you need.

I use this pocket too! It simply attaches to your belt, then flips into your pants and Voila! your valuables are hidden and safe from pickpockets hands!

http://eaglecreek.com/accessories/security_id/UnderCover-Hidden-Pocket-40024/

Thanks for all of the feedback! You have all been very helpful. I really hate to think that Europe is really big on robbing tourists. I'm sure if I don't blatantly make it look like I'm a tourist, I will have no problems. I think I'll try out the money belt for the big, important stuff: railpass, passport, plane tickets, big bills, etc..., and only use it for emercency (and try to be discreet about it), unless I trust the hotel room safe, in which case, I'll probably use that. The rest... small bills, ATM card, cigarretes, misc..., I'll keep in front pockets, and stay alert.

Thanks again!

Joe,
You'll get conflicting opinions on this board, so take mine with a grain of salt, but every trip I have made to Europe there has been at least one time on the trip where I actively caught someone about to pickpocket me. And that's just the ones that were clumsy enough to get caught. I have no idea how many actually did pickpocket me and found nothing of interest. As Americans, we stand out regardless of how much we try to blend in. All the black clothes in the world can't hide that you're visiting. I would only carry in your pockets what you have no problem losing. You can buy another pack of smokes, but the ATM card would be hard to replace while overseas. As far as accessing the moneybelt, just go to the restroom.

What I always find interesting about these discussions -- money belt, pickpockets, blending in, etc. -- is that some people report constant problems and other do not. I have posted this concern before and would really like to know. What is Nancy doing different so that she attracts a pickpocket attempt or two on every trip? Is it dress, mannerisms, age, body language or just pure luck ???? Something has to be different. We have traveled about 300 days in Europe and know other people with many days of travel who had absolutely no problems. I never seen anyone else being pickpocketed. Had only two times that I was nearly jumped by a Gypsies but both times was caused by stupid behavior on my part that I reacted to before any damage was done. Elminated that behavior and have never a problem since. Everyone needs to be aware that it is the total package -- mannerisms, clothing, behavior, etc. -- If you have problems, try to determine what you did. Ppockets are not random!

edited by me thanks

Nancy, there must be something that attracts them to you, I have been to Europe many times, and had only one pickpocket attempt, and that was in 1985,, when I was a very young and obvious tourist, LOL.

I have had many trips since, and I to agree that some people scream "target me" louder then others.

I'd imagine "educated" thieves would know that smart travellers carry moneybelts. Has anyone ever been confronted and made show/release their monebelt? Not to be dramatic, but I'm thinking worst case senario...
Do you keep an emergency hidden stash somewhere else on your person? Any suggestions?

I have never heard or known anyone who has had a money belt forcibly removed. That would really raise to the level of a mugging. Late at night, lonely location, isoluated area -- maybe. But for the normal tourist situation in public, daylight, I don't see that as a high probability. And --- while many tourist use a money belt I think there is a high percentage that do not. So unless the pickpocket has seen it, he has no assurances that you have one. It is very close to the last thing I would worry about.

I edited my earlier reply because it sounded a little snarky. I forgot I have friends and relatives who occasionally read the boards, and I would hate to hurt feelings of people I know due to an internet discussion with people I don't. :) BTW, I'm off to Germany, with my 11 year old son and my money belt, in two weeks and looking forward to having a grand time!