Help me convince my husband a money belt is a good idea

Men! I bet he won't ask for directions either. If he won't wear one, just make sure you carry his passport and your credit cards in your money belt and he just carries daily pocket money in his wallet. Since you've travelled and not been pickpocketed, that's great but there always is a first time. I was in Italy in October and was very vigilant and didn't see signs of pickpockets, even riding on notorious bus 64 in Rome.

So, if he does lose his wallet can your trip continue? Can you go on without credit cards, money and passport? If so, then don't worry about it! But I would...

Hi Laurie. My husband & I always wear a money belt when travelling. Hubby wears the kind that attaches to his belt and then goes inside his pant waist and I wear a holster type that goes over my shoulder & under my arm against my body. On our last trip, we met a very nice couple; the husband wore a cargo-type vest with lots of velcro pockets on it and his wallet was in a front pocket against his body. He was on a crowded bus in Rome and unfortunately was pick pocketed. He was shocked that someone got his wallet as it was against his body right in front of him. You are right that pick pocketing is an art form & since you will be in very crowded cities, I would definitely advise your husband to wear a money belt. He will get used to it. While he may not have a problem if he does not wear one, why take a chance? We keep our cash, credit cards & passport in our money belts at all times. The neck wallet is fine as long as you're comfortable with it. Have a great trip!

Honestly this past summer in Italy I did not use one, only used my purse and the wallet inside it, and was fine. However: my purse is a cross-body purse and I was able to tie the tassels around the zipper to a ring on the edge of the purse, securing it. Sure, someone would be able to untie it, but by that point I (hopefully) would notice. This is because whenever I was walking on the streets or was in a crowd in a museum, I would walk with my hand holding that end of the purse. I also kept my wallet at the bottom of it, under many other items. Out of the group I was with last summer, the only person who had trouble was a guy who had one of those drawstring backpacks, and some thieves in the Vatican museums did a scheme where one had my friend take a photo of their group for them, while the other man tried to get into my friend's backpack. One of us saw it, prevented anything from happening. If your husband doesn't want to use one, I would suggest carrying your credit cards and passports in your money belt or neck wallet. Although I personally did not feel the need to do this, it will obviously make you more relaxed on your trip, which is important!

My husband wore and hated the money belt. Now he uses a "belt pocket." A tab goes around his belt and the pouch hangs down inside his pants on the back. And yes, he was pickpocketed once - on a bus in Palermo. Fortunately, because the bulk of his money and passport was in his belt pocket, he only lost 50 euros. I wore and hated the neck wallet. I eventually cut the strap off and just pin the wallet part inside my waistband. Probably more secure and much more comfortable.

Laurie, It's certainly possible that your husband will have no problems while in Italy, however those who treat the risks lightly may soon learn an expensive lesson! The "Artful Dodger" is indeed alive and well in Italy, and other places in Europe, and some have elevated this to an "art form". As an example, one of my former colleagues carried a "substantial amount of Euro cash" in a zippered front pocket while on a visit to Rome. While on the Metro, this was "removed" and he didn't feel a thing! He wouldn't tell me what amount was involved? As the others have suggested, it would be a REALLY good idea if you look after the Passports, as loss of that will be a major annoyance! If your husband insists on travelling without a Money Belt, tell him that you reserve the right to say "I told you so" when he gets victimized. I always wear a Money Belt, and thankfully have never had any problems. I usually "split" my cash and credit cards, so that if I lose one portion, it's not going to be a major problem. Happy travels!

Sara, In my experience, it's necessary to wear a Money Belt in any area of Italy! Here's an example for your husband to ruminate on..... A few years ago on a trip through Italy, I had occasion to speak to a group of American tourists in the Cinque Terre. They apparently made the same assumption as your husband and "relaxed their guard" when they arrived in the idyllic and tranquil Cinque Terre. As a result, several of them were "victimized" while on the local trains and one teenage girl lost her Passport in the process. This resulted in an unexpected and costly trip to the nearest U.S. Embassy to have the Passport replaced. I spoke with some of the "locals" about this experience, as was told this is quite common in that area, as professional thieves from Genova and other large centres routinely operate on the trains as they know people will be admiring the scenery and not paying attention. It's an "easy payday" for them! Regarding the other areas, I've seen "scammers" (I'm sure most will recognize the group I'm referring to) even in small places in Tuscany and Umbria. The "bottom line" - "better safe than sorry"! Laurie, I'd suggest ordering from whichever place has the product you want. In my experience, the silk Money Belts while comfortable, are not quite as robust as the micro fibre models (although recent models have been better). One important caveat to mention - be sure to enclose Passports or other important documents in a small zip-lok bag, otherwise they'll become "damp" from perspiration". Some Belts these days have a plastic liner for this reason. I normally use a waist-style Money Belt (most often an Eagle Creek model), but may try one of the RS belt loop models this year. Cheers!

Wearing the money belt is one of those things that is a bit of a pain BUT it could be alot of pain if he did get pickpocketed. Why chance it? If someone needs to be 100% vigilant 100% of the time I would think that takes away from the purpose of the vacation which is to enjoy.

If he doesn't want to wear a money belt he can get a leg safe. You can look on magellans to see them. I would insist that he wear one simply because of the number of people I've come across who have been pickpocketed. That or make sure to just take enough money and one credit card with you a day and leave the rest in your hotel safe. This way if he's proven wrong you've only lost one days worth of funds and not have the whole trip ruined. Donna

Would all these money belt and leg safe precautions still be necessary if you were not traveling in the major large cities in Italy? My husband and I will be traveling strictly in Tuscany, Umbria and Cinque Terre in the smaller cities/towns. Thanks

Laurie, How about going him a dope slap from me. Traveling in Asia, pick pocketing is rare. In Italy it's an artform.

the places you listed have very little pickpocketing compare to europe. these countries have no gypsy problem, much harsher punishment on thiefs (they can get beat up before police comes and people can get away from beating them sometimes), and in fact in China they have plain cloth police dedicated to catch pick pockets. on the other hand, my wife's backpack was cut open once on metro in madrid, and i caught one kid's hand in my pocket once in rome and he was still smiling at me, so it's different perspective i guess.

Thank you all for your responses and information!! I have forwarded the link to my hubby. I think the comment that may convince him the most is the one that would let me say, "I told you so"!! ;) I am ordering him one in the next couple of days. Hopefully he will wear it. I'm sure we will also be following the advice of several of the posters to split things up, too. Any advice on which website to order from? Magellan, RS, Travelsmith? Thanks again for all your knowledgable advice. It is definitely appreciated :)

I use a money belt, and carry small denominations in my pockets. I also travel with a cheap velcro "decoy" wallet in my back pocket. If the thieves get that wallet, they get nothing (except the cheap wallet). The pickpocket is not going to be bold enough to open your wallet right in front of you. By the time they get to their destination and open the decoy wallet, you are long gone.

Ted, I'd disagree. A lot of pickpockets are skilled enough that they get into your wallet, get the money out, and put the wallet back in. You don't know that anything is missing until you check it later. Laurieas far as Tuscany, Umbria, and CT: I haven't been to CT and haven't spent a lot of time in Umbria, but I know it is similar to Tuscany. I spent a few weeks in Arezzo, 4 days in Florence and traveled to Siena and Cortona and some other small cities. I'm sure there is still some risk, but it is not even close to the risk you will find in the big cities like Rome or Florence. I felt very, very safe when I was in Arezzo and did not worry about pickpockets. (Pickpockets work best in crowded situations anyways, like at museums, busy streets, buses or metros, so when you are not in those situations in small cities/towns, you do not face as much trouble.) I would say that your husband should wear it when you visit Florence (and any other area with a lot of tourists, or simply just a lot of people) but outside of that when you are in the small cities, if you both are comfortable enough, it isn't vital. But then again, he won't want to give you the chance to say "I told you so!" so maybe he will keep it on in the smaller towns too.

thank you so much for all of your advice, especially for Cinque Terre. It was very informative. I will now make sure that our valuables are protected.

I hate to be a money belt party-pooper, but I don't use one because I hate it. In cool months, my windbreak has an inside zip pocket that I sometimes use. Other times, in crowds my hand goes in my front pants pocket on top of my thin wallet which has a few bills and a debit card. If it's a transit day, that's where the passport is as well. Now for the predictable responses.

I will say that the only time my husband almost lost his wallet( and yes he did have most of his money and all his credit cards in a money belt) was on a train in the Cinque Terra area.
There were three young girls who tried to get close to us and direct us to a seat near them. Be wary.

My husband felt the same way until he had his wallet lifted at the beginning of our trip leaving Zurich Airport a few years ago. He lost the money he just got out of the ATM, his ATM Card, credit cards, driver's license, etc. It was a mess to straighten out. Luckily I had our passport and train tickets and a credit card and ATM in my own name, not linked to his cards. We had to cancel all his cards and 2 had already been used before we got to the Zurich train station Police Office. The first thing the police did was to hand us a pamphlet saying "How to beware of and prevent pickpocketing" in four languages. Now my husband wears a money belt that has loops to attach to his belt and is worn inside next to his body. He puts his wallet in it. I just googled and found one similar to what he wears at this website - http://greathostels.blogspot.com/2009/06/wear-you-money-belt-hidden-and-proud.html

Just because a response may be predictable, doesn't mean it's not true. If anything, quite the reverse. :-) You're getting good advice overall, but if your husband is like my dad, it will take getting his wallet stolen on the Paris Metro before he'll see "the error his ways", if then. I use a neck wallet thing and it works really well, but does require a little getting used to.

I have a story about my uncle on a visit to Rome, he was going up an escalator on the Metropolitana when a pick pocket cut the bottom out of his backpack suitcase, well of course he felt it and turned around, when he bent over to pick up his clothing that fell out someone tried to grab his money belt off his waist and ended up shoving him down the escalator. They got his money belt, he got two days in a Italian hospital, and a nice scar on his head. All of that said nothing has kept my uncle form traveling anywhere, not even having a stroke and being partially paralyzed on his left side, but one thing has changed my uncle swears by the a money pouch that attaches to your belt, but don't wear it on your back like the directions say, because there are pick pockets who can cut your pants and the money pocket if they get a chance at your bum, and you will never know it. Instead wear the pouch on your front.
My Aunt who traveled to many sketchy places the world over would attach her pouch with safety pins, or wear a holster pouch. Her advise to me was, never let anyone know you are carrying a money belt, and don't feel safer because you have one; be just has vigilant.

I haven't seen much, if any, about ankle wallets-like joggers wear. Any comments or experience with those?

You'd probably want a pistol in an ankle holster on the other leg just to keep your balance.

I have never been able to adjust to wearing a money belt, though I'm sure I'll try again this year to wear one for a couple of days about a month before our trip. What I keep falling back on is the Pacsafe Stashsafe 100. http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=19 http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Stashsafe-100-Anti-Theft-Pack/dp/B0018BQBV2 I've used this in Italy, Spain, Kenya, Amsterdam, etc. It is pretty obvious that you have a pack, but it has the metal in the belt and you lock it. Generally, I keep the main compartments locked unless I'm getting money or credit cards out, which I do in a bathroom or other place someone isn't looking at me and I keep my point and shoot camera in the unlocked front part because I access it all the time. I find this very comfortable in long pants and shorts, with and without my shirt tucked in, whether I have a jacket, rain jacket, etc. Generally while walking the pack is in front or resting on my hip and I have one hand on it, even though it is locked and has the metal in the belt. Loose cash and change gets put in all sorts of other pockets, but I'm not particularly concerned about losing some euros.

Thank you to everyone for all your replies! I think he may be weakening ;) I'm looking at the Stashsafe right now... Safe travels to all!

Since 2000, I've taken 54 trips outside the US (had to do the math recently!) where I carry high end camera gear. I have never worn a moneybelt, and never had anything stolen. I agree that pickpocketing in Southern Europe is an artform have travelled with family and friends who have had cameras, cash, wallets and passports stolen in Italy and Spain. The threat is real, but I just don't like moneybelts. Uncomfortable and fiddly to use. Maybe that's your husband's objection? I do take precautions: unless I know I will need them, I never carry passports and other valuable docs when out for the day. Just cash and two credit cards that will easily slip into a front pocket and are easier to replace. Everything else stays back at base (e.g. in hotel room safe). My camera gear goes into a specialized bag that can be worn across my chest.

My wife refused any pick pocket precautions no matter how hard I tried to convince her otherwise. She ended up losing some items outside the Colosseum to pick pockets. I was mad at first, but it turned out to be the best "I told you so" moment ever. She actually listens to my advice now. It was worth it!

Laurie - I was in Rome last October on a Rick Steves tour. A man from our group was pick-pocked on the subway. Another member of the tour had money that went missing from her purse. IMHO, money belts aren't comfortable. But they are also a good idea and worth some peace of mind.

I have traveled to europe twice a year since 1998 and do not use a money belt. Generally I carry my wallet in an inside pocket or keep my hand on my wallet in crowded places. Prior to leaving for europe I only take essential items in my wallet and leave most of my valuables in the hotel safe. Only once has someone picked my front pocket taking my Paris metro carnet of tickets. My wife saw him take the tickets and was able to grab them back. I never carry my wallet in my back pants pockets.

Laurie - I am living proof that a man shouldn't carry his wallet in his pocket. I am a Rick Steves disciple and follow his advise pretty much to the letter; it hasn't let me down. But on a trip to Italy a couple years ago, I felt comfortable enough to put my wallet into a zipped pocket in my expensive TravelSmith pants. When boarding a crowded subway in Rome, my wife, daughter and I were shoved and jostled as we entered the train. Once aboard, an Italian business man told me to "mind my wallet". When I checked on it, it was gone. He motioned to what looked like a 12 year-old girl standing behind me. when my wife and I demanded that she give the wallet back, she stepped back and there it was on the floor! She ran off the train at the next stop - so I was extremely lucky. So - please tell your husband that it doesn't matter how careful you are at all. I don't particularly like money belts, so I try to travel with shirts that have big, deep, buttoned front pockets like fishing shirts or the ones sold by TravelSmith, etc. I put one of my credit cards plus cash in there, enough for the day, and leave my spare credit card plus other valuables in the hotel safe.

i used a belt pocket and loved it , will never use a moneybelt again

Convincing your husband? That's easy. If you want to be stuck in a strange country without your passport, money or credit cards, put it in your pocket. The pick-pockets don't care about your camera, but they do want your money, passport and credit cards, especially one that's an ATM. How do I know? I was one of those people who traveled everywhere and never lost a thing. In Rome I lost everything except the international phone card I bought when we arrived and left it in the hotel room. Because of that I was able to call home and get replacements of the cards and have money sent to me within a few days. It is simply not wise to take chances that will absolutely ruin a long-awaited vacation. If that's not convincing enough for him, get one yourself and keep all those things on your person and make him ask you to give him money or touse the credit cards. That's what my wife did after the new ones came. Good luck.

Hi everyone, thank you! Money belt and stashsafe has been ordered. I will let him decide which one to use. I may also purchase one of the belt wallets that posters were discussing, too. He loves having options and I'm sure he will love having his money and passport safe, too. I'm going with a neck wallet. I've used that in Europe before, as well as in Asia, and never had any problems. Once again, thanks for all of your input. He's a stubborn guy but in the face of all of these comments, he knew he didn't stand a chance :) Besides, like I posted previously he really doesn't want me to be able to say I TOLD YOU SO!

Don't forget you can pin any style to your clothing; I've used a 'belt loop' style for years, but never once looped it through my belt. This is much more versatile - you can pin them higher or lower (will you be walking all day, or sitting on a train for several hours), and they can go vertically or horizontally...Many people wear both the regular waist style and the neck pouches draped across their body over one shoulder like a pistol harness - or a beauty queen sash... Not at the same time...Probably ;-) Just read the Graffiti Wall topic called "Tourist Scam Alert". I think it's a good idea to reread this topic anytime one is going on a trip - refreshes your memory. There are some cautionary tales... And Otter said of getting to say 'I told you so!' to his wife, "It was worth it!" But was it 'Otterly' worth it? (ducking thrown objects)

During my last trip to Italy, I rented a car and drove from Rome to the Tuscany area as well as many towns in between. Since I was in the car, I didn't want to be "bothered" with having to wear my money belt, so I kept my wallet in my back buttoned pocket. Sounds safe enough, doesn't it? Well, as we got to Pisa, we decided to get tickets to the Leaning Tower and the Basilica. I was aware of large crowds, but failed to take the time to switch from wallet to money belt. While standing in line behind two girls, a guy came over and tried cutting in line by talking to the girls and pushing his weight against my left arm. Very intrusive, but I wasn't going to let him shove me out of line or cut in front. To make a long story short, while pushing up against me he was unbuttoning my pocket and managed to take my wallet out. Fortunately, it either slipped out of his hand onto the floor, so someone in line saw what he was doing and bumped his arm and he dropped hold of the wallet. I noticed it on the floor, and by the time I bent down to pick it up, he and the girls were gone. I came so close to losing my wallet and everything in it simply because I wasn't thinking straight. Now, I go nowhere in Europe without my money belt. Occasionally, I'll put a "dummy wallet" (with nothing of value) in my back pocket just to see what happens and how observant I am.

I threw away my money belt and neck purse, and bought an "inside the pants wallet" that I wear right under my front pants pocket. I love it! Comfortable, safe , and cheap! "Eagle Creek Hidden Pocket" Laurie, have your husband try some o these on, and pick the one that it most comfortable.

FWIW, an Eagle Creek 'Hidden Pocket' is what some of us are talking about; you're supposed to run your belt through the loops and let it hang inside your pants or skirt; I just pin it (comes with a large 'diaper' pin just for that reason, or at least it used to...). One or both of you may prefer that style.

Why? I think in terms of relative cost. If I wear a money-belt, the cost is a little annoyance. If I don't wear a monty-belt, the potential cost is a ruined trip - since I have $ thousands invested, wearing the money-belt seems to be the better option. I have a collection of neck pouches and money belts in my travel stuff. Last summer I decided to try a leg wallet after seeing a kid on the metro use one under his basketball shorts. The leg wallet didn't work out well. It wasn't designed well. Not big enough to wear above the knee with shorts but too stretchy to stay above the calf. It always slid down to my ankle where it was obvious anytime I sat down. For money belts, I like multiple pockets (to keep things more organized and reduce the chance of losing something when you're getting in and out) and plastic lined. My first one wasn't lined and I ended up with a sweaty passport. If your money belt isn't lined, put the paper in ziplock bags. For neck straps, I'm liking wearing it on the side below an armpit, around neck and shoulder. Tie a knot in the strap at the right length and cut off the extra.

Brad said: "If I don't wear a monty-belt, the potential cost is a ruined trip..." Yes, but do you wear a 'full' monty belt...;-) WE normally advise against the too-full belts, but now I admit I must reconsider...and I understand how your trip might be ruined, Brad... Laurie, you might try to convince your husband to wear one of THOSE LOL! I think you can purchase one at ChippendaleDancers.com/Full-Monty-Belt-Style#1443...

@Eileen, you are too funny. I love your comments and your punny humor. :)

Thank you, Laurie; I have forwarded your comments to my husband...;-) ...who DOES wear a money belt with no prodding.

He'll be fine. Just make sure he wears a sweatshirt with the legend, "Pericolo! Soldato Camorra"

@Charles, I think I'll just let that one be! ;) Don't want to take ANY sides in Italy!

Most Americans just can't imagine that someone is capable of slipping their wallet out of their pants pocket without them noticing. This thread is more than enough proof that 9 out of 10 times, you won't even notice its gone till you reach for it later... And for those that think they'll just put their hand in their pocket over their wallet when it gets crowded, yeah right... At least they'll know it's gone sooner...

"And for those that think they'll just put their hand in their pocket over their wallet when it gets crowded, yeah right... At least they'll know it's gone sooner..." And all those signs in train stations, etc., warning you to keep an eye on your wallet? Want to guess the percentage of signs that are put there by the pickpockets themselves?!? What do YOU do when you see those signs? Yep - grab for your wallet LOL! Might as well stick a big, honkin' bulls-eye over THAT pocket... Laurie, let us know what you two think of the moneybelts. Seriously, unless you've got them way too tight, after 17 1/2 minutes, you're unaware you're wearing them... **and if you purchased a 'full-monty' belt, tell me how you liked IT LOL!