Money Belt Alternative

I'm sorry, is there a question here you need help with, or is this a mini-Trip Report?

We had to replace our stolen passports in Chile. It was relatively easy. Started the process around 9am and picked up our new passports at 3pm.

Thanks, Pat!
I posted it on the "scams" thread? There was a much older post about carrying passports I considered adding to?

Thanks, Suki!
I'm glad your experience was easy!
I think the guide's concern was that we were constantly on the move within Morocco. In 15 days, there were only a couple of 2 night stays and also half the time we were in remote areas. Maybe folks would forget it in the safe?
If on your own it's likely easier to resolve? Or maybe country - dependent?
Anyway, I'm a big fan of this style of moneybelt, for those who opt to use them

Anymore, the process of replacing a passport, or at least getting a temporary one, is much easier than in the past, hassle is getting to an embassy or consulate, and of course losing a day of your trip. Thieves though do not target passports, they usually get them as a byproduct of trying for money or valuables.

Replacing a credit card also used to be a chore, usually international mail from the states, but these days it can be done in minutes. If you do not yet use Apple Pay or Google Wallet, I would urge you to set up the appropriate app on your phone and load a few cards. That way, if you lose a physical card, your bank or card issuer can push, or provide, the information to load a new card on your phone, and you are back in business. I also bring several credit cards and two ATM cards, split up in different spots in my luggage and on me. Not keeping all eggs in one basket so to speak.

I think the guide's concern was that we were constantly on the move
within Morocco.

Or it might be the law?

Buried in the middle of the blank pages was the critical entry stamp. This needed to be shown again before leaving the airport.
The guide also had to record it. ?
And it was needed twice at the departure airport. I'm not sure even a speedy replacement would address that?
It's not ( from my research) required by the government?
The credit card reminder is also helpful. Which leads to how dependent we are on our phones and how surprised I was at the folks leaving them on the restaurant table, sticking out of rear pockets, etc ..

I've also had an experience where a money belt unclipped and nearly went down the loo in Rome on one trip
Since then, I'm back to my old waistband money belt with just elastic and no fasteners.
Too much hassle to replace things, especially as a solo traveler.

I also tether my phone and my wallet to the inside of my little crossbody bag.

Good to know that the guide was vigilant about passports.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I had to laugh at your statement at one of the motivations possibly being the guide having to deal with issues afterward. Oh yes, I am sure that was part of it!

I agree with Paul's comment about ApplePay and credit cards. I had my CC compromised here at home a few months ago. I called American Express and they reissued it and before I was off the phone with the representative the new card was available to use in my AppleWallet. I was shocked and kinda thrilled, lol!!

Yikes to your experience with an actual fire in a hotel. I've had a fire alarm go off but no real fire. I do try to have my clothing for the next day plus shoes and purse ready to don quickly in case of emergency.

I continue to be shocked by people‘s insistence on tying their equipment to them, so it can’t be stolen.

My possessions are replaceable. My life is not. I’m not tethering things to me.

And I base this on having watched a snatch in Naples and realizing what would have happened had that woman had it tethered to her body

O P, I was on a trip to greece and turkey in October. One Person on our group had her cell phone in a wallet that folded open to reveal three credit cards. She walked around all the time, even in istanbul and Athens with it open in her hands to take photos. I can't believe no one ever bounced it out of her hands.

I also experienced the hotel evacuation in the middle of the night because something in the laundry room was smoldering. In 30 minutes they let us back into the lobby (winter in Boston) and 2 hours later let us go back up to room. It is good to be prepared for that

Thanks for sharing!
So scary about the hotel evacuation experience, especially in winter! (At least our hour outside the hotel was a balmy Italian summer night!)
I think these experiences as we travel inform the decisions we make for future trips- or maybe not! As well as just our tolerance for risk in day-day life.
Someone who's never lost a suitcase or a wallet or phone might just feel their luck will continue.
I'm grateful for learning about the money belt concept, regardless of style or fabric, years ago from Rick! It was surprising to me on this company's tour that some of the group had never even considered using one and many were very well- traveled.

Would be very wise to tether your phone also. Phones are an easy target to snatch from hands or off at bel while eating. So many times we all do both walk or dine with cell phones. Think of how awful it would be to lose that phone.

easy target to snatch from hands or off at bel (table) while eating

Don't mean this as critical, or mean, but I am reminded of a conversation I had with a European friend last year in a general discussion about tourists, he observed that it is distinctly American to have your phone out while eating and even laying on the table. I would also add the habit of "following your phone" having it out in front of you, while walking, using maps, or even browsing.

Personally, I see no reason for me to tether it to me, others have that preference, fine, but trying to break the habit of always having it out, on it, or laying next to you is a good goal. For something like maps, I get my bearing, put the phone away, I wander, if I think I am getting lost, I get out of traffic, pull it out and realign.

I think also, the people who lose the least in an incident, are the people with the least to lose. I used to head out for the day with pockets full of needed things, a day bag crammed with guides, maps, a rain jacket (just in case, even on sunny days), water bottle, snacks, a real bag full. I finally kicked the "stuff" habit, forced myself to go with just an ultrathin wallet with my credit card, a few euro, and my phone. It wasn't easy, but the freedom is great.

I agree, Paul! That was my intent with the initial post is the freedom from worry with just the bare necessities secured inside my waistband. The phone tether isn't as much for fear of theft as dropping it off a cliff while taking a photo. Or- a camel. True story, but it wasn't me (or my camel!) ...
I do usually take a synthetic fabric zips into a tiny square black museum tote I've had for years. It's where I keep a water bottle, small first aid kit, some snacks and my jacket.

Using the hidden pocket and the neck pouch made by Eagle Creek has served me well enough without needing to change my habits.

It is very American to place the phone on the table when eating or having it out on the bar , you see that here all the time. Obviously, it is habitual.

I never do that even though having that phone in my front pocket while sitting at an restaurant table is a tedious nuisance. So, there are days I just prefer not to taking it with me when out and about, leaving it on the hotel bed. Never any problems doing that .

I would be more circumspect in Morocco, maybe paranoid. My experiences are merely limited to big cities in the US and Europe.