How do I protect valuables?

Use local currency and ATM machines linked to a debit card. Everyone has a cell phone now, so as long as you don't leave yours lying around anywhere, you should be fine. You really meant 13 days right? If 3, you are overly worried.

Just carry a day's spending money in your wallet/purse, and everything else (passport/cards)in a hotel room safe or money belt underneath your clothes not to be accessed in public. This way if you are robbed it's just limited to a day's worth of cash and it won't ruin your trip. It's also smart to have some sort of emergency cash in case the ATMs aren't working for some reason; I bring along about $200USD. The theft of smartphones is an increasing problem. Thieves will literally snatch them out of your hand while you using them.

You always use the currency of the country you are in unless you like being ripped off with poor exchange rates. Bank owned ATMs for cash have been the recommended method for local currency for the past 15 years or so. And cell phones are targeted in Chicago, New York, Rome, Barcelona, etc. What do you plan to use the cell phone for? Be smart, learn how to properly wear and use a money belt, then pickpockets are never a problem. My 10,000th posting, I need another life.

You sound worried. Wear a money belt (under your clothing please) Use Euros, not US dollars..you can't get anything with US currency. I take a credit card, not a debit card, make sure you notify your card company where and when you will be traveling. (before you leave the US). Use the ATM, find one inside a bank if you can, not on the street. One of you use the ATM while the other person keeps their back to you and keeps watch (that might make you feel safer) Do not ever let anyone "help" you use the ATM! If you are thinking of bringing US currency and going to a bank to exchange for Euro - forget that right now. It's better to use the ATM for the exchange rate. Make sure you know how much your bank is going to charge you per use and if there is any percentage charge for the money you take out. I do not recommend using a credit card for a cash advance --too costly. I never have my cell phone out (i.e. in my hand, or attached to a belt, etc) on the street, I'm not calling anyone. It's safely tucked in an inside pocket/zipped closed inside my day bag.

David, As the others have said, it's a good idea to use a Money Belt to store the majority of your cash, credit cards and Passport. However keep in mind that you'll probably need your Passport during hotel check-in, so keep it accessible for that. Use debit / ATM cards to obtain cash from European ATM's. Note that your travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four number PIN. As mentioned, be sure to notify ALL of your card issuers that you'll be travelling so they don't freeze your cards. I've found that it's a good idea to have a "backup" ATM card, in case of problems with the primary card (I've had that happen). I tend to use mostly ATM's associated with larger Banks, and try to avoid "white label" machines in Bars, convenience stores, etc. Could you provide more information on your cell phones - are you using Smartphones (ie: iPhone, Android models)? If you use them in Europe, pickpockets could be the least of your problems, as data roaming can be EXTREMELY expensive (ie: five figures). Are you sure your phones will work in Europe? Don't forget to check the Chargers to ensure they can be used on 220 VAC electrical systems. You will of course need Plug Adaptors. Happy travels!

For getting euros from ATMs (called Bancomats), use a debit card. Using a credit card for this transaction is considered a cash advance, and not only reduces your available credit but also begins charging interest (at the highest rate) the minute the transaction is completed. Very important to let your bank and credit card companies know that you will be using the cards in Europe (give dates and places). Call a couple of days ahead to make sure they have input the information (once my bank "forgot" and my card was frozen over a weekend in Poland).

What the others said, and in summary: Do you recommend we carry US dollars or Euro's? Debit cards ok? Do you recommend against using ATM machines? What about cell phonesare they targeted by pickpockets? 1. B 2. Yes 3. No
4. Not unless very recent smartphones - but why would you have it where it could be seen?