Money Belts - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

KaseyCaye · 07-15-2006, 10:57 PM

Ok, I'm not sure if this is going in the right section but to hell with it, I'm takin the risk. I'm going to Europe for and unknown amount of time and I was wondering how essentail are money belts? I bought a day pack, I think they're called "over the shoulder day pack's" (the ones that cross the chest) and I think it's secure and all, there's a flap that it tight against the rest of the bag and hard to get into (at least for me) without having to unhook the whole thing and attract attention.
OK so that was long, basically, are money belts an absolute nessesity? Or can you get along without them? They just seem to me that they're uncomfortable and would be bulky.

Thanks,

You guys are awsome!

KC

**Joker** · 07-16-2006, 01:01 AM

I wouldn't not suggest one... because a slash/grab could still get your stuff. Hanging onto your passport/emergency cash/credit card under your shirt isn't a bad idea. For the small amount they cost, it isn't a bad idea... I also travel with some cash in a zipper-style belt that holds my pants up... just in case....

jeza · 07-16-2006, 01:19 AM

if its your first time traveling, take one i guess...in the first two or 3 days u will figure out if u like it or not...

i took a day pack, which i never used apart from on long bus/train rides and also a money belt which i didnt use either..now i dont bother with it just be abit careful about things and i find im right. eg, deep pockets, take limited stuff out when on the drink, hands in pockets on metro's etc

its really a personal thing, for me they were a pain and i felt fine without, but for others might prefer it....

DJ_VeeeNoM · 07-16-2006, 01:27 AM

Dude I find them totally un stylish but mad useful for undressy situations so yeah it's how you =feel with them dude, I tend to like them when I have my stuff secured (as in not with me and safe in a safe) so I don't chill with 'em but they do come mad in handy and besides you really can't notice 'em so chill it's all good. I would say it's better be secure than crying cause you got your i=dentity stolen! yey I'll be drunk for atleast 27 morte hours!

thekid · 07-16-2006, 06:18 AM

i didnt mind mine and it felt safe until it was cut off of me on the metro. didnt even feel it until i was fully of the metro.

laddie · 07-16-2006, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KaseyCaye@Jul 16 2006, 05:57 AM
Ok, I'm not sure if this is going in the right section but to hell with it, I'm takin the risk. I'm going to Europe for and unknown amount of time and I was wondering how essentail are money belts? I bought a day pack, I think they're called "over the shoulder day pack's" (the ones that cross the chest) and I think it's secure and all, there's a flap that it tight against the rest of the bag and hard to get into (at least for me) without having to unhook the whole thing and attract attention.
OK so that was long, basically, are money belts an absolute nessesity? Or can you get along without them? They just seem to me that they're uncomfortable and would be bulky.

Thanks,

You guys are awsome!

KC

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I would recommend having one when you travel, especially when travelling in bigger cities in Europe. Keep some of your money and one credit card in your wallet and another portion of your money plus your other credit card in your money belt. This would safe guard against pickpocketing or mugging.

**florencia9699** · 07-16-2006, 11:47 AM

The money belts I found are too weird looking for me (I'm not a fashion-crazed person... but still) so I'm going to ask a friend of mine to make me a belt, perhaps one that's big enough to fit a credit/debit card. Being a girl you have more possibilities of making a broad cool looking belt that will go with whatever clothes you bring but that no one would imagine you're taking money in it.

PS: when I said money belt, I meant the kind of belt that also holds your pants on with the zipper on the inside... not the kind that go under ur clothes.

foofiter · 07-16-2006, 01:41 PM

They also make "normal" belts that have a zipper compartment on the inside but that still doesnt help with the passport. I got my moneybelt from ricksteves.com. It is made of silk and resonably comfortable. I always stay in hostels with lockers so I can lock up the belt and carry only money for the day...

Foo

**Jen05** · 07-16-2006, 05:57 PM

My first trip abroad was a school one - we were forced to wear them and would have random "passport pouch" checks, and teachers trying to lift maps or whatever were in our hoodie pockets to show how easy theft was. Pretty much we were secure even though we were clearly tourists, but I found mine extremely annoying!

My last trip I had a bag similar to the one you're describing, and my passport was always in a discret zippered pocket. That's definitely the way I'll go for now on...hope this helps!

KaseyCaye · 07-16-2006, 06:32 PM

Thanks guys you really helped!