waist vs neck money belt

It's as safe as a money belt. It's what we use because we find it more comfortable and convenient.

I think you revealed your misunderstanding of how a money belt or neck is used. - safe way to carry a days cash, passport, etc. - It should be used only as deep storage that you will not access during the day. You carry in it the things you cannot afford to lose under any circumstances. Too often many try to use the money or a heck belt as a hidden billfold. That works, can add an element of safety but that is not the primary purpose. Carry you daily in a secured pocket and the passport, if needed, in another pocket that way you are not tipping off where your valuables are.

I kept the money belt for passport, driver's license, ATM card, and big bills -- the most valuable things for which I wouldn't have a frequent need. I used the neck type holder for the day's cash; it is much easier to get at. This worked fine and I felt very safe at all times in Italy.

I too use the neck pouch. I find it more comfortable & secure than the waist version (no chance of it slipping off while in the bathroom!) and it's especially more convenient if wearing a dress. One last bonus is that your passports are less likely to get bent against your waist. While the money belt should generally not be accessed during the day, I find that occasionally I do need to access it for some reason. It's much easier, when absolutely necessary, to pull the neck wallet out and drop it back into place. We carry our daily spending money in a small coin pouch that goes in an inside pocket of our coats. Just returned from 2+ weeks in Paris & Sicily and no problems.