Protecting valuables

Unfortunately, it's trial and error to find what works best for you. I used a neck wallet on my trip to Russia. I felt safe with it and it was easy to access, but it rubbed my neck and irritated me. Plus I found I looked deformed in pictures with it jutting out underneath my shirt. I used the RS money belt for Europe in 2015, which was more comfortable to wear, but a pain to access if you're shopping and need to access it frequently. I'd also bought a pacsafe sling for that trip. It was a bit larger than a purse and it held my money safely in a front pocket, plus a small jacket/water-bottle inside. It was comfortable and kept my hands free for picture taking, which I liked. I'll probably use that again when I go back to Europe in the fall.
Lisa

we much prefer to wear singlets with pockets in them, preferably with the pockets under your arm pit. they don't stand out, much more comfortable than money belts, for 'deep' storage of credit cards/passport etc.
then just carry the daily money etc in a more accessible spot.

I shorten the cord of a neck wallet and then I loop the cord through itself around the middle of my bra where it is narrowest and the wallet can then be tucked into my pants. Just lift you shirt to pull the wallet out.

I don't find a money belt cumbersome at all, so as someone suggested, you kind of have to see what works for you. I wear my money belt to the front, side, and forget it is even there. It is intended for your passport, extra cash or cards that you won't need during the day, not to be frequently accessed. I put my daily money and any cards I will be using that day in an inside pocket in a cross body purse that I keep a hand on in crowds.

I have gone to Europe for 14 of the last 15 years for a month each year. During my stay there I have taken 14 RS tours.
Before I went on my first trip to Europe and my first RS tour, I did lots of reach and went up to the RS headquarters in Edmonds, WA, which is fortunately for me only about a 35 minute drive from where I stay in Seattle. I was encouraged to wear a money belt which is intended to be worn under your clothing and containing valuable items such as passport, credit cards, large cash amounts, etc, and is not intended to be accessed on a regular basis. I carry my daily spending cash in a zippered upper shirt pocket. I use to wear a money belt that went around my waist but have switched to one that hangs around my neck and whose strap can be adjusted to whatever height you prefer. I visit this web site daily and I have read numerous reports of visitors being pickpocketed which in Europe who were not wearing a money belt. I have yet to read a report of someone who was using a money belt correctly being pick pocketed. On our RS Portugal tour in June, one member who said he chose not to wear a money belt, was pick pocketed the first day of the tour.

We're taken 3 RS tours and have traveled numerous times since on our own in Europe. A couple of good practices we've continued for all of our trips is to pack light - carry-on, only and to wear moneybelts. My husband didn't like the regular moneybelt design, so he switched to one that links into a belt loop and sits vertically down the inside of his pants leg.

I wouldn't trust a cross-body purse as a safe spot for a passport, credit cards, etc. I do wear a small cross-body and keep no more than 20 Euro in it. If I stop for a snack, I can pay with that money. The rest of our money, our credit cards & passports are stored in our money belts. I just access the money belt when I go to the toilet to replenish what's needed in the purse.

By the way, we took the RS Best of Italy tour years ago. You will absolutely love it!

My wife and I both wore money belts on our RS Best of Italy Tour. She did not take a purse of any kind and was perfectly confortable with the money belt.

You will love that tour! If you have any questions specifically related to the tour, you can send me a personal message and I will try and answer it. We went in September as well.

Neither my husband nor myself can tolerate moneybelts so for our European trips we use a combination of a Pacsafe daybag with locking zippers (he carries) and I pin a small zippered pouch under my waistband for my daily cash and 1 card. Other than changing cities/countries, we leave the bulk of our cash and some of our cards in the hotel safe. I buy my little pouches at World Market or other import shops, and they're very comfortable, invisible, and easy for my fingers to get to but no one else.

I do carry a lightweight shoulder bag for my camera, Wet Wipes and some other things I like to have along.

As stated above, a money belt or other safe storage is NOT for frequent access. It is for carrying things which you want protected and likely won't have to access: passport, train tickets, emergency money, credit cards etc. I like the so called "hidden pocket" which loops onto your belt and slides under your pants. My spending money is carried in various buttoned, zipped pockets so someone would have to pick about 3 pockets to get all of my day's spending money.

bnd it seems to be a point of confusion for some people. The money belt is not supposed to be used as a wallet, that you access every time you need some cash or your cards. Its supposed to be deep safe storage only accessed in private, when you need your passport or your big stash of cash. Like a hotel safe on your person. I keep whatever small amount of cash I anticipate needing for the day in a zippered or hidden pocket. The money belt never gets accessed during a normal day. Since you're on the tour, you won't need that much anyway.

First off.. you are NOT supposed to be accessing your money belt ( neck or waist type) while out and about shopping !!!!
A money belt is for DEEP STORAGE.. not for your lunch money or souvenir money !

I have been travelling to Europe for many decades now and I only wear one while in transit, or at a hotel with no safe. Some folks wear them everyday.. personal choice.

When I wear one it only has my passport, extra credit card, and ATM card and excess cash, I always carry my daily spending in a normal purse ( that has a GOOD closure system) that I wear cross body. When I need an ice cream I am not going into my money belt. .how does one do that discreetly in public??

If your pickpocketed the max they get is one days spending money. Not your CC cards or passport etc.

I find them comfortable if worn properly. I wear it under my clothes, in front, but LOW down.. not at waist level, just below waist , we tend to thin out down there, lol

Some folks swear by wearing it on their lower back,, its worth a try if the front doesn't work for you.

I think neck pouches would be uncomfortable and I would think it would be noticeable.. but perhaps not so bad in cooler months.. in summer it would show under my light tops for sure.

As you can see, there is no consistent opinion on money belts. Also no agreement on carry passport versus leave in hotel.
I have used a money belt for all of my trips, find it comfortable (use a snack-size Ziploc bag to keep cash from getting limp and sweaty in the money belt, sandwich size for the passport) My husband was skeptical at first, now doesn't even notice that he's wearing it. Daily (under €50) cash and one credit card in a coin purse in a small zippered bag or inside pocket, everything else strapped to my body. That's what makes me feel secure.

I have been on multiple trips to Europe and would never consider not wearing a money belt. I don't love the feel but it's tolerable. My brother in law, who knows nearly everything, carried his wallet in a security zipper pants pocket to Greece. He said nobody could possibly get it without him feeling it. Yup, one hour walking in Athens and it's gone- all his cards, all his cash. For pocket change I carry 20-50 Euros, but never a credit card. I can afford to lose the cash, but would hate the hassle of reporting a stolen card. I keep credit cards and additional cash in the money belt. If we have a meal, when the time comes to pay, I go to the restroom, extricate the card or cash needed (usually cash, we don't use cards much except for hotels). Lot's of debate on room safe security, but that is where I leave my passport, ATM card, excess cash.

In my 14 or so trips to Europe I have always used a money belt, originally across my abdomen but later against the small of my back under slacks and at least one longer top.
For my last trip I bought a silk neck pouch from Eagle Creek at REI (but I think Rick has something similar) which I wore under my armpit and pinned securely to the bra strap. Depending on what I was wearing, I wore in up higher or longer and tucked into my side waist pants or skirt.
It was completely comfortable, totally out of sight, and I really did forget I was wearing it.
Now I won't leave "home" without it!

I know I'm in the extreme minority, but I use a leg belt:
http://www.backcountry.com/eagle-creek-undercover-leg-wallet?CMP_SKU=EAG0425&MER=0406&skid=EAG0425-KH-ONESIZ&CMP_ID=PLA_BNG001&utm_source=Bing&utm_medium=PLA&mr:trackingCode=41575080-8F66-E311-9C6B-BC305BF82376&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pa&mr:ad=8823334207&mr:filter=1100200195437&gclid=CJGvkYaXk9ECFRVjNwod3eMPLQ&gclsrc=ds
This attaches just below my knee. I don't wear skirts, obviously, but then I never do. My slacks are straight leg or boot cut (my preference) and I don't even feel the belt after about 5 minutes and forget it is on. I forgot it before security one day during mid transit, was wanded at Heathrow (as I always am), etc. and the woman thought it was the best solution she'd seen...she said no one would ever look there. And if they did, I'd trip over them and know what they were doing. However, it seems most people don't try or don't like this system. I have tried both neck and waist belts, and don't like them. I've been using the leg belt for at least 15 years with no problems, although I do buy a new one every few years so the velcro is fairly new, although I've never had an issue. Think about it. On the other hand, many people travel for years without a money belt with no issue. I use mine as much for organization as anything ... so I know what is where, than for fear of pick pockets.

I also don't like the feel of something on my neck; sometimes I wear a neck wallet cross-body so it doesn't bulge in the front, but lately I've been pinning it to the bottom interior of my messenger bag, clasp the strap to an inside zipper pocket, and keep the bag closed securely. Daily money is in a small change purse, no cards, just €20-50 in cash. I usually know how much I will spend in a day before I leave my hotel, but if I am overcome by an object of desire, I can find a way to get the card out.

Funny Pacsafe story: I bought a crossbody bag, which unraveled at the strap on the fifth day, so it looked ragged. I hated the bag anyway, but I used it that trip because I thought the fraying looked like an unsuccessful pick pocketing attempt.

Not the most, shall we say, elegant or attractive of solutions, but it got the job done. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K0WZ97C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I go back and forth on the money belt. I don't think they're especially uncomfortable, but they definitely can be bulky and after a long day in a hot climate, sweaty (absolutely use a ziploc bag for your passport!). It depends, too, on what you're wearing. With some outfits they just "sit" better than with others. I'm most likely to use one on transit days when I'm carrying several things or am otherwise more likely to be distracted. The rest of the time, I mainly rely on a cross-body purse and keep my hand on it at all times. Depending on your daily habits, that might come easily or might be really annoying. I grew up in New York and imitated my mother's purse-guarding skills from toddler-hood, so for me it's second nature.

Caroline

I have tried every type of money belt there is. But for the past 25 years I have used a "Hidden Pocket." It's the only one I will now use. I hardly know it is there.

For my daily needs, I have a slim, front pocket wallet that has an ID card, one credit card and some cash. It is super thin. I used to have a wallet similar to the one that RS sells and put a key ring through the zipper so I could attach it to my belt with a key loop. It wasn't an easy wallet to use.

On days I fly and need my passport, I use a Tom Bihn Passport Pouch. In it are my passport, some cash, and a credit card. On these days, my wallet and money belt are in my bag since I can't wear them through security. The pouch does stand out under my shirt but it is better than having to reach in to get it in public if it were in my "hidden pocket."

Unfortunately, When RS talks about moneybelts he describes the one he wears around the waist because that is what he uses. But the category includes the ones worn hanging from a belt, around the ankle and around the neck. Most only try the waist one and then give up if it is not comfortable.

One last thing....you will hear people say they have gone to Europe for the last 200 years and have never used a moneybelt nor had a problem. Lucky them. I know people who have gone to Europe once and got pickpocketed. Just because it didn't happen to one doesn't mean it won't happen to anyone. With a moneybelt, you minimize the loss should it happen to you.

I wear a money belt. I'm very careful with my cross-body bag, but I would never carry my passport, credit/debit cards, driver license, and big money in it. In fact I never take the cross-body off even at dinner. I slide it down to my waist and make sure it's not accessible from any direction.

I've tried a neck wallet, but I found mine very uncomfortable, even though I tested it all the many ways people describe to wear them.

I recently saw a totally different kind of money/running belt. It looks more comfortable and more secure than other designs, but looks can be deceiving. These are some examples, which obviously do not show the belts being worn the correct way for security.

Eazymate Fashion Running Belt

StashBandz Unisex Travel Money Belt

Has anyone tried anything like them? If so, pros and cons, please for all of us. It would be great to have another good option for protecting the stuff we absolutely can't afford to lose.

Hi,

I use the Eagle Creek neck pouch, it's all right. The cord/ pocket is set at chest level, just above the stomach. The rest of the cord is over the shoulder hanging down my back. If I need to access the pouch, it can be done easily when I unbutton a shirt button since I don't wear polo shirts, golf shirts, T-shirts in Europe in the summer. It's for deep storage, not to be accessed in public.

The other piece I like and use is the Eagle Creek "hidden pocket" to carry reserve cash in bills. No coins, they go somewhere else. As for comfort I am so used to both now that I don't find either one cumbersome. Before my 2001 trip (the 11th trip), I didn't use any of this stuff, no money belt, hidden pocket, neck pouch, on my trips in the '70s, '80s, and '90s. I've been picked only once in 22 trips, in 1995 on foot in eastern Berlin, still I went back in '97 and '99 without using these products until I saw the Eagle Creek products in 2000 and started using them on the next trip the following year. All in all, it is added security, I know "they" won't get me, unless I'm jumped American style in the streets.

I have heard firsthand horror stories of brazen pickpockets who must have made a fortune with their tactics. Normally I'd discount stories I heard from others, but these were all firsthand accounts of people I trust who either saw it or experienced it. I usually split my money between several locations on my person with small cash in the most easily accessible location, but I put my passport in the hotel safe if one is available.

I LIKE the idea of going to the restroom to retrieve larger bills or a credit card before paying at a restaurant. That's a good one!

I used a Fossil crossbody bag on an Italy trip last year. It worked fine, BUT I kept such a tight hold on it that I was more focused on the bag than on what I was trying to see at the museum.

I have used the money belt traveling between cities, for the passport and a credit card. I have used this wristband wallet for some cash and a debit card on daily outings. It fits on my wrist and even on my ankle. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003KT52AG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482854442&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=gogo+wristband+zipper&dpPl=1&dpID=51h6P0QBnTL&ref=plSrch

For us (a couple) we only use the money belt when traveling between destinations, like on trains or planes and keep only cash in it. Our passports are always accessible on us when traveling. For daily, I use my Fossil Cross body with a small wallet with around 20-100 Euros depending on what we are doing that day, an ATM card if I need to withdraw cash due to emergency and a credit card which I use for most of my daily purchases. Husband just puts his money in his wallet kept in his front pocket. Any extra money we have stays in our lodgings. I will say that I never carried my passport on me on a daily basis, but I always had my drivers license on me for ID in case I was knocked out or something. Last time we were in Paris I had the feeling that I needed it so I carried it around, a few days after we left the November 2015 attacks took place. I follow my gut and now my gut tells me to carry my passport at all times while traveling, even when I am out and about during the day.

I will also say that the Fossil bag I use is the same one I use at home on a daily basis, I know it well. I know the weight and how it sits on my body. I can reach in blind and pull out what I need. The only thing I change is my wallet to a smaller one so I can fit more travel related items in it (map, umbrella, water, camera).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N51DGHA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I took my first RS tour last July. I bought a money belt and the hobotraveler pockets (which I made smaller) and pinned the pocket to the waist band of my skirts or pants. Once on the tour I soon realized I could not stand the belt around my waist but by pinning the pocket I would forget that it was there plus it felt secure. My husband's money belt fell off once during the trip and he also had to remove it when he set off the alarms at the security check at two different Italian museums. Nothing like showing everyone in line that he was wearing a money belt. The reason the alarms were set off had nothing to do with what was on him but his knee replacement.

Thank you for all of your helpful suggestions. I've decided to try the neck wallet and see how it works. I can always get something else if it's not comfortable.

I found the strap of the neck wallet showed because I wear tops with open necklines during the summer. I ended up getting a moneybelt instead, but I'm sure you could modify the neck wallet if the strap is bothersome and you aren't the type to wear scarves.

Wray , some time ago there was a post on tripadvisor about a man who had his leg wallet picked on the metro.
It was crowded, he was seated. The thieves ( as obviously this was a group effort) made a big distraction on the train where one lady fell down on the floor by this victims feet and acted as if she was having a seizure.. many people of course reacted.. including the accomplishes.
I think they must have seen the man "tell" where his wallet was and they planned this all.

PS Many pickpockets watch for tells.. you tend to subconsciously touch or pat where your money or wallet is hidden to reassure yourself .

bndmcgee, Good idea to try things at home before you get to Europe and find something isn't for you. You have plenty of time, so do a number of "dry runs" with the neck pouch for several days and see how things go. If you are not happy, get a waist belt and give that a try. You may wind up with a few you don't use, but you'll be happy with the one you do use.

Great idea, TC. I intend to do just that.

Frank II:

"For my daily needs, I have a slim, front pocket wallet that has an ID card, one credit card and some cash. It is super thin. I used to have a wallet similar to the one that RS sells and put a key ring through the zipper so I could attach it to my belt with a key loop. It wasn't an easy wallet to use."

What brand of wallet do you use? Thanks.

Ed

It's the Allett Ultra Slim Sport

I can't stand wearing any of these sorts of things, so instead, I always bring at least 2 credit cards and 2 bank cards, and an expired ID for whatever ID related purposes I might need, and my PP buried in my locked bag in my room. Edit: I keep 1 cc and 1 bank card in my locked bag as well.

The thing that makes me the most comfortable is my purse. I use a crossbody bag that has a zipper on the back (the flat part closest to my body) which zips forward - meaning, if I am wearing it resting on my hip, it zips open from in front of me backwards. That is where my wallet goes. I keep a casual hand resting on the front end of it where all the zips are. I feel you on babysitting your bag - but the nice thing about the inside-side zip is that you can't get into it without getting between me and the bag. I don't keep anything valuable in the main compartment.

My particular bag isn't made anymore but I think any purse with a "body-side" zip that zips forward would work well. It always baffles me when manufacturers make bags that zip closed behind you. My particular bag is not slashproof, but I am still pretty comfortable with it.

Norma, I can only think that man must have had the leg wallet on his ankle? I put mine just under the knee. It can't be slipped down without undoing two velcro pieces...and for a hand to fit up my pant leg without me noticing...I'm not going to worry about it. If someone is lying down in front of me, I'll pay attention! LOL

My method is almost exactly like sporkynoodles. I have a purse that I am comfortable carrying and is as secure as can be without being a specified travel purse. It has the zipper pocket that sits next to my body for valuables and the main area is closed with a latch that takes some fiddling to open if you are not familiar with it. When I'm in a crowded area I keep my hand on top of the latch just as an extra measure. I have tried 4-5 different variations of money belts and neck wallets and so on. I have found all of them to be uncomfortable or cumbersome in some way, and yes I know they are not for frequent access during the day. The only time I carry my passport is on travel days and I always keep extra cards and cash back at the hotel in case the worst happens. I am sure you will find something that is a good mix of comfort and security.

I traveled to Europe several years ago with a woman who claimed the money belt was not as safe as her cross body "safe" that she carried and that I was an idiot.

Hmm... somewhere between Heathrow and London she lost all her credit cards etc.... And she swears it was on her body the entire time. I am sure it was, but... those "safes" are only so safe LOL! (However, I do admire the company. Their ability to create fear has made them a fortune! As if it's much riskier to go to Europe without a safe than to your local downtown where the thug robbing you has a GUN!)

And then there was the woman I met in the airport who also believed the "safe' would protect her. Until she left it sitting on the café table in Paris.

I use a moneybelt and... so far so good.

I use a very comfortable money belt (albeit, really only when we are "in transit" -- otherwise the hotel safe). Most of the belts I've seen (and purchased) are, indeed, big, bukly, warm and sometimes unsightly. I use one that looks like this...
http://www.goinginstyle.com/Soft-Womens-Money-Belt-for-Travel-P2300.aspx
It's made of much finer fabric, is smaller all round, and still holds my passport, cash and cards. I wear it to the back, in the small of my back.

I do fly with it on, too. I've never required closer inspection going through security.

Vivian
Canada

I used money belts for years then 3 years ago I switched to pants by Clothing Arts that have built in anti-pick pocket security. The pants are made from a nylon that feels like cotton and dries very quickly, I will be going to Greece for 2 weeks in May and will take 2 pairs of the convertible pants plus 5 shirts and will have plenty of room in my bag for bringing back souvenirs.

Wear a money belt or MacGuyver yourself a solution that works because you will lose your hard-earned travel money if you don't. Here's why:

Years ago, I had just slipped some change into my pocket at Victoria Station and a scummy little Eastern European pickpocket team nailed me. There were three of them, 2 of whom were deliberately threatening-via-body-language and I even felt their common trollop's fingers in my pocket. It was either let go of my bag or purse to stop her (thus giving the manslime an alternate opportunity) or let her get the £10 I had just stuck in my pocket.

I bought a travelon anti-theft purse shortly thereafter. I like theirs more than pacsafe and use it as a daybag/camera bag. I lent it to my stepmother for Barcelona and she and my dad - who also wore their money belts because who cares about looking pudgy when your money and identity are at risk? - were the only couple out of their travel-group
to not get pickpocketed or in her case, come home with a slashed bag.

I use that crossbody purse in conjunction with my money belts when I travel. That's right: belts. I finally put those mandatory yet basically useless school sewing classes to proper use and have 3 wireless bras I sewed money belt pockets onto. I also created a custom zippered pocket on the inside yoke of a sports bra for my passport. These are comfortable, effective, invisible and safe. Should I feel hands inside my shirt and near that area, somebody's getting an ass-kicking. Ahem.

I also have an athletic-wicking-fabric waistband pull-on thing I made out of an old wrecked pair of yoga pants with hidden zippered pockets. I use this for my easy-access change so I don't have to open my day bag to buy a bus ticket or whatnot. It slides up under my tees and sits around my natural waist and is again super-comfortable.

I also have a clever travel companion tank top with a zippered pocket on the front. I wear that tank top when going to places like museums with bag rules so I have somewhere to stash my mobile and day wallet until I get my bag back.

Brava, Snoopmary!
I have a question... I'm curious about how/where you sewed the money belt onto your bras. I keep thinking my clothing would reveal all.

I, too, have a (very small) Travalon purse that is comfortable enough to stay on my body, even in restaurants, and I use a lingerie-grade money belt that is much lighter than the ones I see sold on sites such as this.

Thanks!
Vivian
Thanks

Brava, Snoopmary!
I have a question... I'm curious about how/where you sewed the money belt onto your bras. I keep thinking my clothing would reveal all.

I, too, have a (very small) Travalon purse that is comfortable enough to stay on my body, even in restaurants, and I use a lingerie-grade money belt that is much lighter than the ones I see sold on sites such as this.

Thanks!
Vivian
Thanks

Hey Diane,

I don't find it does, but I wear vintage cut tees because anything else is too clingy in the heat.

I took a stitch ripper to the money belt and unpicked the belt from the pouch

I found a thin athletic tank that was too disgracefully worn out to live any longer and cut the hem off and to size, then split the hem in half to slot the top of the pouch into and sewed the pouch to it.

I got a few wire free bras with the inch-thick bands that come in boxes from the world's oldest department store, not the one named after the frumpy queen. (I dony know want to namedrop brands and stores in case rules but these also wash well and dry fast, fyi, so great for packing!)

I then slit the top of the hem attached to the pouch, slotted the band into the hem and sewed it together.

Does that help?

Wow. I'm trying to picture it, but it sounds ingenious! Thanks for responding.

Cheers!
Vivian

I am trying to picture it, too. I have read it 3 times and still can't figure it out. My labour free neck wallet will do the job.

I am trying to picture it, too. I have read it 3 times and still can't figure it out. My labour free neck wallet will do the job.

I have used a moneybelt on a trip to England and had no problems at all. I hate to admit that I did use it more like a fanny pack which I know better now not to do. I had carried a backpack with front pockets, too. My question may be misplaced in this blog, but Im wondering where to put all the other stuff I need to carry for the day (sweater, items I purchase, snacks, rain poncho, water bottle, camera, phone, day's spending money and a credit card, oyster card, keys, etc. ) Most cross body bags are small and Im wondering if my lightweight, foldable backpack is secure enough.

My question may be misplaced in this blog, but Im wondering where to
put all the other stuff I need to carry for the day (sweater, items I
purchase, snacks, rain poncho, water bottle, camera, phone, day's
spending money and a credit card, oyster card, keys, etc. )

A shoulder bag or small backpack...except for large amounts of money, passport and credit cards. No one cares about your sweater and water bottle; it's credit cards and cash they're after. We can't tolerate money belts but a small pouch pinned underneath our waistbands does the trick for sightseeing cards and cash, and valuables go into our Pacsafe bag if we're changing cities/countries.

We'll tuck a small amounts of $ into the pockets of our jeans but never an amount we can't afford to lose.