Storing passports, extra cash, etc.

This question comes up periodically, and you will get differing opinions. But if you do elect to leave your passport in your hotel safe, it would be wise to keep with you an alternative government-issued picture ID, along with your passport copy. Your US drivers license would serve this purpose.

There is no right or wrong answer to this common question. Technically you should have your passport with you, but in reality a copy will do for most anything you would need it for while out and about during the day. Of course, if you have a moneybelt, your passport and cash are just as safe as in the hotel safe.

I always carry my passport and major $$ in my money belt. All the time.

A copy of a passport is only good to prove to the that you once had a passport if you should lose it. It is not a substitute identification. We always carry our passport since it is the only thing that proves you are in the country legally.

Pam, I prefer to always keep my Passport with me, as having to replace it during a holiday would be a considerable annoyance. I also feel it's a good idea to keep the majority of my cash stored in a Money Belt.

Whether or not a country requires you to carry a passport on you at all times depends on the country. For example, in the UK, you are NOT required to carry a passport at all times. You need it to go through immigration, but if you are just walking around you can leave it in the hotel safe. Sometimes you can find this info on the State Department website under the international travel section for the country. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html

I always leave my passport in the hotel safe on sightseeing days, and carry my DL and a copy of passport, UNLESS doing a daytrip out of town( I always figure if I miss last train "home" I might have to get a hotel room and most hotel rooms like to see a passport)
Everyone will answer this one differently, and it is different in different countries. but I have never had an issue in over 40 years of travel and am happy with my choice.

Thanks for all the imput! Guess we will see what we feel comfortable with when we get there.

Does Italy require that a passport be carried? Thanks,
Ruth

I always carry mine in a money belt. Get a good one, like Eagle Creek or REI, and you don't even feel it on you.

Ruth, Yes, I believe authorities in Italy require a Passport to be carried. It's really the only "official" proof of identity, and not the same as a photocopy of the Passport. I always keep my Passport with me, but I've never been asked for it.

Carry your passport, but leave a photocopy in your safe in case your passport is lost or stolen. It is easier to get a replacement if you have this. Carry only the amount of cash that you think you will need for the day and no more than what you can afford to lose if you are unlucky enough to be pick-pocketed. Carry your debit card and/or one credit card. Leave your others behind safely locked up.

Carry the passports with us and go to the ATM each day to only take out what we need; never store extra cash in the room.