I will be traveling to Italy in a few weeks and want to purchase a money belt off Amazon (since I have Prime). Any suggestions on what to get? Or what features the money belt should include?
I was looking into getting one that goes around my neck, since maybe that would be less likely to fall off.
I wear both the waist and neck wallet. I got both from RS shop. I wear the waist in between my undies and outerwear, but off center so its not directly in front.
I wear the neck wallet long, also tucked in between my undies and outerwear, and that is directly in front. I also wear a high collar or thread a light pretty scarf around the ribbons at the neck to hide them.
I carry my passport and extra credit & ATM cards in a neck wallet/pouch. Its easier to access my passport going through airport security with neck pouch outside of my shirt. I remove it and tuck it into my messenger bag before the xray scan point and retrieve it after the scan. That's harder to do with a money belt.
I've been following these forums since January as we plan for our RS Italy tour in Oct. I had just about decided NOT to use a money belt - we've been to Europe & traveled lots in the States without any issues - I just keep my stuff in my cross body bag . . . BUT, I am slowly reconsidering. The belt seems like a hassle to me, but I am open to the neck wallet option & am curious as to read more on this post. I know they are sending us money belts as part of our tour . . . but I may purchase a neck wallet????
I have been to Europe a few times before and had no problems using a cross-body bag. However, I have read that Rome is notorious for pick-pocketing and am thinking that it may ease my mind to have a neck wallet as well. I would just always making sure you are super aware of your surroundings, and you should be fine.
I use a leg money belt---fits around leg just below calf---easy to get to if needed and hardly notice its there-----my wife uses a neck pouch worn cross body under her shirt---Austin house makes the leg belt
Paul
I use a leg money belt---fits around leg just below calf---easy to get to if needed and hardly notice its there-----my wife uses a neck pouch worn cross body under her shirt---Austin house makes the leg belt
Paul
jenna,
Most of the Money Belts are going to have similar features and construction, so the main decision will be whether you prefer one of the waist models or another type such as neck, leg or whatever. I've always had good luck with Eagle Creek products, and have been using the same Belt for many years.
As you've probably seen, there's a good selection on Amazon at the moment......
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=money+belts
I wouldn't be too concerned about getting an RFID model, but if that comes with the type you choose, not a big deal.
One other point to mention is that Plug Adaptors and travel power bars are currently "on sale" at Amazon, if you're interested in that. The RS travel store on this website also has several different types of Money Belts.
I always wear a money belt around my waist (under clothes).
Mine has 2 zippered compartments & a small pocket (for credit cards) within one of the compartments.
I purchased mine at REI & there are different models & fabrics.
Money belt must be worn under clothes 24/7. After being robbed in rome. ..pickpocketed. ....trust me.
Awesome, thanks all!!
we have noticed that you usually have to take your money belt off when going through screening , so be prepared for that.
we have found the difficult thing to carry is your passport. rather than a money belt that can look obvious we made/ converted thin singlets with pockets ( with the pocket opening at the top) that are positioned, just under your arm pits. to suit a passport. that way a passport sits flat on your ribs and is almost undetectable to an onlooker and is quite 'comfortable' to wear, for weeks. so I carry my passport in one pocket and credit cards in the other. ( and remember to remove them before airport screening) the other advantage is if you are a bit concerned if your items are in place you can quickly feel they are still there, without being obvious.
I have only found some similar singlets available like this online but they have one pocket at the front , which is useless IMO as it is too obvious, as the passport sticks out. ( specially if you have a bit of a stomach !)
Just to remind people, the money belt is not instead of a wallet. It is for "deep storage." You keep things in it that you do not expect to need during the day. If you spontaneously decide to make a big purchase, you can go to a back room or a toilet to take out your credit card or a big wad of cash. If you need to make an ATM withdrawal, do it when you leave your hotel, then find a private place to put the spare cash and the ATM card back in the money belt.
I often wear a money belt through airport security. As long as it is under your clothes and doesn't set off the metal detector (do not put coins in it), you'll be fine.
I find the neck pouch an annoyance on the back of my neck and generally uncomfortable. I sometimes use one only for flying. I wear it over my clothes, undoubtedly look dorky, but I know exactly where my passport, boarding pass, and credit cards are. I know that I'll need the passport at both ends of the flight and again when I check in at the hotel, so it's convenient.
I've used several money belts over the years. My favorite is the Rick Steves one. It's flexible, lightweight, and comfortable. You won't want anything synthetic in Italy's heat. An elastic band makes it easier to slip on and off without using the buckle.
My husband and I are touring Italy. Usually we both wear money belts, but this year my husband is wearing a money belt with our passports and deep money storage. I am using a PacSafe cross body bag with our daily spending money zipped in an inside pocket. Then I latch the exterior pocket with the Pacsafe locking mechanism.
So far so good, but we are are now headed to Rome.
We're big fans of our Pacsafe: it's much more comfortable than moneybelts, and virtually impossible for light fingers to access when the zippers are properly secured.
Unlike Chani, I have NOT been able to wear money belt through security -- the scanner even detects a spare Kleenex in a pants pocket.
I spent some time researching money belts. I ended up buying the Eagle Creek Deluxe for $20. You can buy it at REI, Amazon, and other places. Here are some things I learned along the way:
You probably don't need RFID protection. If your credit cards have a wi-fi looking symbol, then yes you should get RFID protection, but most credit cards don't have that. If you have a chip embedded in your credit card it's an EMV chip, and you don't need RFID blocking for that.
Don't blindly trust the Amazon reviews. If you read the actual review text, you'll see many reviewers received the item for free "in exchange for an honest review". I don't trust the "honest" part one bit. There are some companies that hire marketing firms who in turn pay individuals to write favorable reviews; I know someone who was solicited to do exactly that.
Under-the-clothes variety is the safest option.
