Waist or neck safety pouch for women?

The best one is the one that you are willing to wear all of the time when traveling. : )

Personally, I prefer the waist one; I don't like any weight pulling on my neck.

I don't wear a moneybelt when sightseeing etc.. ( I use hotel safes and have for decades) but I do wear one while in transit .. trains etc.. and I prefer the waist one by far.. I wear it quite low.. and I only put the MOST important items in it so its not bulky.

For me that is exactly 2 cards,, my ATM card and my Visa card, my passport, and the bulk of my money .

That's it.
No tickets or other crap that make it bulky.

Some people like to wear the moneybelt with the pouch in the small of their back.
I tend to visit in summer and since its hot I wear sun dresses and lightweight tops.. a neck pouch would just look way too obvious bunching up under my shirt or dress top.. so that kind of defeats the purpose being obvious one would think.. Also deep down it I think if someone wanted to grab the obvious string around the back of you neck, snip it and run.. it would be easier then getting under my dress or pants.. lol

Although neck pouches are handy when you are wearing a dress, they can be irritating when it's hot, as they rub on the neck. Also, as pointed out earlier, they add weight to the back of your neck, which is annoying. Because the straps for neck pouches are much thinner than waist pouches. i do not like them. I wear a waist pouch and carry only essentials. I leave everything else locked in my suitcase in my hotel room.

Has anyone used the hidden pocket type money belts? I will be biking for some of my trip (therefore spandex which is not great with a waist type belt - and the neck ones drive me crazy). I contemplated clipping it to my sports bra for higher risk situations, or just safety pinning my wallet to my clothes pocket. I usually stash my money belt items in the safe/at the front desk of the hotel unless I am switching hotels. There is also the money belt bra option but it doesn't look supportive (not sure how it would work with formal wear). I wish that I could go back to my old passport that was flexible before they put the RFID chip in.
Sorry for hijacking your post, have a great trip

I use a neck pouch but instead of wearing it around my neck, I loop it onto my bra strap and then tuck it into my pants, or undies if I'm wearing a dress. Neck pouches tend to be smaller and less bulkier than the money belts which is why I use one. And what I put in mine is exactly the same as what Pat said. I carry a day's worth of spending cash in a zippered pocket in my purse but if I need to access my neck pouch I can discreetly pull it out, take what I need and easily stash it back in my pants.

Claudette, I was at a travel store last weekend checking out the neck and waist ones. I also like the size of the neck pouch, as I will just carry my passport and Visa card. I want an RFID one. I really don't want to wear it around my neck, but didn't want the Bulk of a waistband on my stomach.

I was planning on safety pinning the neck pouch on the inside of my skirts on the waist towards the side., but I really like your suggestion, too. I have also read where you can pin or loop it around your bra strap, then wear it cross body so it's not hanging on your neck, and slip it under your waistband on the side. I might try that too. For the price, I'll probably but both, and considering what I'm wearing, can interchange.

If you wear belts, the hidden pocket works great. They come with both a black and a kaki color loop so depending on the color of your pants or belt, it blends right in. Very easy to pull out and tuck back in. I sometimes even wear one on each side but only keep items I might need for the day on my right side. The other is for passport and extra cash. Works well for me. Doubt you could use it with anything other than slacks..

With a hidden pocket, be careful taking off your belt when going through security. I wear my cell phone in a belt holster and I've almost lost it when it fell off when I took of my belt.

Before my first trip to Europe in the RS era (2000), I bought a money belt. I tried it before I left, and it was so uncomfortable I went out an got a neck wallet as a back up. I started my trip with the money belt; it didn't make it to Europe. I changed on the plane. Not only was it uncomfortable sitting, but everything in it was soaked. I've worn the neck wallet ever since. I don't worry about someone cutting the string, because then it would just fall farther into my shirt. And the weight on my neck is not noticeable. There is not that much in it, just my passport, a few bank cards, and some paper money, no coins.

I know this doesn't address "women only" problems, but I think these are issues for everyone.

In cities and airports, I almost always use the neck pouch worn cross body and tucked into my waistband kind of left front. I keep the weight minimal and usually have other things around my neck like jewelry and watch. At the beach, I have used a handy wrist cuff I got from REI to hold coins and my room key. I suppose I would have to weigh the situation should I need to wear really formal attire. A velvet scarf around the neck to conceal any straps?

Debbie

Thanks to all of you. This makes my decision easier. I will look at the necks...then plan to attach to bra if lightweight. I see RS has one in silk..strong but light?Again, thanks.

I have a neck wallet type money belt that I never wore. I was intrigued by the suggestion to loop it around the bra strap so I got mine out to try. Instead of looping around the bra strap I looped the cord around the middle of the bra in the front and I could then tuck it in the front of my pants or over to the side (still in the front) of my pants whichever was more comfortable.
If you are wearing a dress it could hang loose under the dress or tucked into the top of underwear pants. I will need to shorten the cord so that the money belt aligns with the pants without excess cord.

Dee...another good thing to try! Never thought of that one. Now I'm looking forward to going back out this weekend and buying them.

To the OP....I don't think the silk ones have RFID, as protection for your CC. I wiould want to do silk, too, as it would be more comfy..but DH is worried about that.

I've been using a belt-loop pouch since I started travelling and it works the best for my deep-storage needs: passport, debit card, extra credit card and any cash beyond what I need for that day. Driver's license & other credit card go in small travel wallet (I don't bring any of my regular wallet stuff besides health insurance card)in my messenger bag. I don't use the pouch until I've cleared security, can easily put it on in restroom. I wear jeans and the one I have from Eagle Creek feels best worn off to the side near my hip, never feels bulky or in the way. Neck pouches just look too obvious for my taste.

I don't think the silk ones have RFID, as protection for your CC.

Just an FYI - RFID blocking wallets do nothing to protect your regular credit or bank cards. They only protect cards with tap&pay or pass&pay type technologies. My CTA transit card has it, but none of my other cards. And even if you do have such a card, the risk of someone stealing your card info remotely is, well, remote...

I have used the neck pouch on one trip & the money belt on another. Both are safe for women. Like Jean said, it depends on which one you one you will be comfortable wearing all day.

For this trip I purchased a Travelon AntiTheft crossover bag that will be worn at all times unless I am in my hotel room. If it is inclement weather on one of the days, I will switch to my ScotteVest jacket that has pockets inside the jacket. Scott Jordan has a $ warranty against pickpockets.

Just be yourself & do what you would do If you were in a busy mall at Christmas. Be aware of your surroundings.

Douglas...I went to read the chip and pin cards, which I have. I guess I have an EMV chip and pin card. I do have to swipe it, it's not readable through my purse. So you are right and that's good. Howver, I also read all passports issued after 2006 are RFID. Not sure what someone could read or swipe from that.

Tisa,

Here is some info I found regarding the passport RFID on the official US Dept of State website :

The RFID technology embedded in documents will not include any personally identifying information; only a unique number that can be associated with a record stored in a secure government database will be transmitted.

Edit: I use the waist money belt & I feel it's safer than the neck pouch.

You can also consider some of the alternatives that are being developed in terms of clothing. There are underwear, t-shirts, tank tops, and outer shirts with hidden zip pockets that may be more comfortable for you.

Thanks all..I'm getting good ideas!

I have the RS waist money belt which I find very comfortable. I especially appreciate the waist version while traveling on planes and trains. The only problem I have noticed is when I wear a dress. This means either ducking into a bathroom to access my waist wallet or having my husband pay the bill!

That's good info to know, Priscilla. Looks like it will be the silk ones for me! Thanks.

Oh no Christine.. you are using the moneybelt the WRONG way.. you should never had to access your moneybelt to pay for your days outings.. its DEEP STORAGE.. you keep your days spending money like a normal local person would in your purse or wallet!!!

Of course if for some reason you see something expensive you want to buy and you want to get more money then you have in your purse then you would duck into a private place as you should never access your money belt or pouch in public anyways.

Locals do not walk around digging into their underwear for money to buy lunch ,, why would you?

Read RS take on it.. its DEEP STORAGE.. not for everyday use.

Honestly do people really think Europe is so terribly dangerous they won't walk around with 40 euros in their purses?

As for the card scanner thing.. wow.. that is something I have never worried about.. thank goodness. Travel must seem very scary for some folks.

A friend uses a neck pouch worn cross-body and puts it on so that the cord is under her bra, so there's an extra protection if someone pulls on the cord or tries to snip it. I wear it cross-body under clothing, but my friend's system might also keep it from shifting.

I don't use either. I just have a wallet with me filled with nothing I am scared to lose and leave my passport at the hotel. Never had a problem.

Went to our local luggage and travel store today. Bought the Eagle something silk neckpouch and regular waist pouch...they were out of silk, but the guy said men won't wear the silk because it had a pink tone,.

Got home and played around with the neck pouch first, looping it around bra strap and wearing crossbody tucked in underwear ar the side. Not too bad and I put a sleeveless ribbed tank and skirt on to look. You could not see it at all. Tried wearing it down the side under the arm and tucking it in that way. I found the cross body mor comfortable. I haven't trued tucking it under my bra under the arm.

Then I tried the waist wallet turned around. That might actually be the winner, believe it or not. It was really comfy on my back and laid flat, and this wasn't even the silk one. The band is very thin and it didn't add any bulk to my tummy at all,I'm couldn't even feel it. I found this extremely comfortable, and I was dead set on making sure that whatever I used did not add an ounce of additional looking fat! LOL. I will be going in September and tried this on with a form fitting skirt and tighter ribbed tank.

So fashionista ladies, these actually work and I think the waist wallet is the winner. I might still keep the neck pouch if I think I need to access stuff like on a train or airport...or if for some reason I just want to use it some day.

Emily, European citizens do not have to carry their passports with them...U.S. Citizens have to have them at all times in Italy at least. It's the law.

Lulu - I am a U.S. citizen. Do you think I carry my passport with me every day in Austria? No way. It is a myth that you must have a passport on you at all times in Europe. I challenge you to point me to a law which requires it. A copy of your passport or valid ID is fine. If, for some reason, a police officer wants to see your actual passport (exceptionally unlikely), you would be allowed time to present it.

I am only talking about Italy and U.S. Citizens. You have Austria by your name, I'm assuming you live there and if you are in Italy, probably have some other legal form of identification that allows you to be in Europe other than a traveler.

For concerts, presuming you're using a music folder, easiest thing is a zippered pencil pouch. The three-holed ones clip into a binder or tuck into a folder's pocket.

But in umpteen years/trips/concert tours, Europe, Asia, South Amer., I've never used a waist or neck pouch. Found a cross-body-able fabric purse in a thrift store - basic black, adjustable strap, works everywhere from cathedrals to camels to hikes, holds a lot, & can look more-or-less city-ish.

Like people say, what do you wear/use at home? With your safety awareness maybe ratcheted up a notch, that's what you'll be most comfortable with.

Happy singing!
Vicki (Stewart's alto)

Thanks, Vicky. We wear two piece garments..skirt or pants..so this sounds good. 50 people from our Northern Ca area are scheduled for three countries to sing in cathedrals and palaces. Again thanks to all.

Oops....Vicki..