money belts, passport safety, etc.

[callinectes]

Hello, I am in my final stages of getting ready for a trip to spain (from the US). I have some mundane, but possibly important questions.

I currently have a money belt (belt buckle style) that will hold reserve cash. Do i really need one of those under the pants things that will hold a passport, cash, documents, etc.? They seem a bit much and hot, who needs all that chafing?

This leads into my next question, what is proper passport procedure? Should i technically have it on my person when traveling around town? If not, i could leave it locked up back at the hostel. I don't plan on having any police interaction; thus, i shouldn't need it for any other practical purpose. However, if i should carry it with me (don’t want to be mistaken for an evil-doer doing evil) I was just going to put in the cargo pocket of the cargo shorts. If would take quite an accomplished pickpocket to nap it from a snapped cargo pocket and in that case i figured he/she's earned it.

Also, since i have the passport as legal federally issued ID, do i need my driver's license? I should be able to board the plane with just the passport, correct? What does being able to drive have to do with getting on an airplane? Moreover, I am not planning on renting a car in europe, nor i doubt i will be carded. To lessen the chance of losing it or having it stolen i was thinking of leaving it home. any thoughts?

Thanks...

[d_fresh]

Originally posted by callinectes@Aug 11 2005, 08:33 AM
Hello, I am in my final stages of getting ready for a trip to spain (from the US). I have some mundane, but possibly important questions.

I currently have a money belt (belt buckle style) that will hold reserve cash. Do i really need one of those under the pants things that will hold a passport, cash, documents, etc.? They seem a bit much and hot, who needs all that chafing?

This leads into my next question, what is proper passport procedure? Should i technically have it on my person when traveling around town? If not, i could leave it locked up back at the hostel. I don't plan on having any police interaction; thus, i shouldn't need it for any other practical purpose. However, if i should carry it with me (don’t want to be mistaken for an evil-doer doing evil) I was just going to put in the cargo pocket of the cargo shorts.* If would take quite an accomplished pickpocket to nap it from a snapped cargo pocket and in that case i figured he/she's earned it.

Also, since i have the passport as legal federally issued ID, do i need my driver's license? I should be able to board the plane with just the passport, correct? What does being able to drive have to do with getting on an airplane? Moreover, I am not planning on renting a car in europe, nor i doubt i will be carded.* To lessen the chance of losing it or having it stolen i was thinking of leaving it home. any thoughts?

Thanks...

the money belt answer is going to vary from person to person. for me I don't feel the need to carry one at all. I've never felt unsafe or in danger during my travels. some people feel safer with them on which I can understand. to each their own.

passport: I keep mine on me at all times.

it's a good idea to have another picture idea with you. something might happen to your passport.

[Arthur]

I advise turning it around backwards and instead of haveing it over your front side, it will be over your ass, you can hardly notice its there.

i defenitly say have one

[TERI]

Hi.

I haven't been on my trip yet, so I can't speak from experance. I'm not sure if i'm going to take a money belt, cause all the ones i've seen are huge and too bulky to where under my clothes without being obvious. Two of my friends each baught me one for a gift. and both suck to me.
I would however keep my passport on me at all times. What if you're bag is stolen from the hostel? (I know, I hate what ifs too). but then how are you going to go anywhere, like on planes and checking into hostels, etc., without a passport? I'm even taking a photocopy of my important documents, ie passport info, drivers licence, etc. I might be alittle over reacting with the "saftey precautions". If you wanted to take an extra id (drivers lisence), why not do to the DMV and pay the like 10 dollars (depending where you're from) and say you lost it and need a replacement card. Then take the old one with you. if you lose it, so what. The good one will be safe at home. Hope this helped alittle.

[space virgin]

What everyone else said: Keep your passport on you. Do not leave it "locked up" in the hostel. Also bring another form of picture ID (like your driver's license) just in case your passport is lost or stolen-- you will need a photo ID to get a new one.

Moneybelts are very much a personal preference. I don't particularly care for them but I have used one for one trip. I did the same thing as Arthur, I turned it around so it was against my lower back and it was much more comfortable that way.

[omisan]

The only time I leave my passport/moneybelt at the hostel is if I'm going to the beach - and then if i plan on getting into the water at that. Otherwise, the stuff *always* comes with me.