Bridget
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 54
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Post by Bridget on Feb 17, 2005 8:57:42 GMT -5
I went to a travel store and tried on a variety of security pouches. I am going to be traveling in the summer, so the idea of having anything else touching my skin, in addition to clothes and a daypack, is really not enticing. The versions that go around the neck or connect to a belt aren't so enticing either. Has anyone decided not to use a security pouch....and been okay? I'll probably still bring one to use when it's not as hot outside. I would appreciate any advice.
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Post by Libby on Feb 17, 2005 9:09:56 GMT -5
There is no way I'd consider a trip overseas without a money belt.
To not bring one never entered my mind. You don't know what will happen and I've heard too many stories of pickpockets, lost luggage and theft to consider it.
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Post by MuvverRussia on Feb 17, 2005 9:16:17 GMT -5
I've never bothered with one and so far I haven't had a problem despite travelling through some notorious pickpocket hotspots. Then again, I'm normally extremely aware of my surroundings (it's something you learn to do when you live in a big city) and do take other preventative measures against pickpockets, muggers etc.
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Post by Kim on Feb 17, 2005 9:39:56 GMT -5
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Bridget
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 54
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Post by Bridget on Feb 17, 2005 9:51:36 GMT -5
I guess this brings me to a related question. Do I REALLY need to carry around my passport all the time. I've studied abroad before, and none of us walked around with our passports.
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Post by Kim on Feb 17, 2005 10:26:44 GMT -5
Where else would you leave it - the hostel? Bad, bad idea. You will be sharing a room with a bunch of strangers and trust me, not all of them will be honest.
You need to carry your valuables with you at ALL TIMES. A girl I know got her money belt stolen when she went to shower at the hostel. Anywhere you go, your money belt goes. Never leave it behind, no matter how nice and trusting your roommates seem.
Kim
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Bridget
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 54
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Post by Bridget on Feb 17, 2005 10:35:32 GMT -5
Taking it with me when I'm staying in the dorm is understandable...but what about if I have a private, locked room? Do you recommend I carry everything with me, even if I have my stuff in a locked locker?
Sorry if my questions seem silly, I would rather know this stuff now versus being really sorry when I run into dishonest people in europe. Thanks for all the help.
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Post by Kim on Feb 17, 2005 11:03:22 GMT -5
It's really up to you if you leave it in a locked locker but the safest place will always be on you.
People will have access to your private room too - hostel staff to clean etc. I would never leave it in any sort of room, dorm or private.
Everytime it's not with you, you run the risk of having it stolen. Personally, I would rather not run that risk. People can break into your room, cut locks on lockers and while it's probably not common, anything can happen.
Kim
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dougj
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 205
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Post by dougj on Feb 17, 2005 13:10:12 GMT -5
i'm of the thought that a money belt is more of a nusence and attention getter.
i've been to whats supposed to be really bad for crime and had no problems.
common sense and awareness are more important, imo.
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Post by Kim on Feb 17, 2005 14:08:41 GMT -5
How can a money belt be an attention getter if you never go in and out of it? It's strictly for carrying your important things, not for using a wallet.
Kim
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dougj
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 205
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Post by dougj on Feb 17, 2005 18:16:37 GMT -5
hah i saw people digging into their pants trying to get stuff out of them when I was away.
I just don't see the need for it personally. but everyone is different.
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Post by Libby on Feb 17, 2005 20:51:35 GMT -5
If you ever need to get into the belt, go to the bathroom.  |
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Post by Tracie on Feb 18, 2005 1:06:01 GMT -5
I brought one but only used it about half of the time. Travelling with one in the hot hot summer is kind of a pain if you are wearing a tank top or light shirt. I saw a lot of people with the strap of their pouch hanging out of their shirt just begging for attention. Most of the time I kept mine in my daypack which always had one strap around part of me and sometimes I had a small lock to keep the zippers shut. I also was very aware of my pack at all times (like on subways, etc) and didn't let anyone distract me from it. I mostly think that I was lucky though and would suggest a money belt for most people as it is the safest way to keep your valuables secure.
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Post by Libby on Feb 18, 2005 8:21:50 GMT -5
I think what you wearing should be taken into account. money belts weren't designed to be work with hipsters. Fortunatly, I wasn't either.  I've seen the straps of moneybelts hanging out, but pants are so low lately you can also buy decorative thongs now. I have one pair of pants I'm thinking of taking with me that might pose a problem but my shirts will be long enough to cover. |
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Post by Eagle on Feb 18, 2005 15:21:05 GMT -5
Bridget, IMHO a Security Pouch / Money Belt is absolutely necessary! Should you happen to lose important documents such as your Passport or items such as your ATM cards, airline tickets or whatever, this is going to cause a lot of grief to your holiday plans. I always wear a Money Belt while travelling, and would never leave it in the Hostel (locked or not) or especially in my Daypack. The only exception to this is those occasions when I'm wearing my Tilley Vest, as the Passport fits nicely in some of the inside "security" pockets. I do agree that they're not the most comfortable thing to wear, and items inside often have to be enclosed in zip-lok bags to keep them from getting damp from perspiration. Also, the documents can be deformed if the money belt is worn "low" - when you sit down, the belt (and contents) bend. I'm somewhat "portly" so have some latitude on where I place the Money Belt - with loose clothing it's just about impossible to tell where the belt is located. If you don't like the neck pouches or waist pouches, check www.magellans.com as they have some that fit around either the arm or the lower leg that might be easier for some people to wear. Also, some clothing (Tilley) is equipped with inside security pouches, and this might be a good replacement for a money belt in some cases. I agree with previous posts, that if you're going to retrieve something from the belt, go to a washroom or whatever. Doing this in the middle of the street, in a mall or whatever just advertises the fact that you're wearing a money belt and shows anyone watching where this is located. Bad idea!!! One more opinion on the subject...... Happy Travels!!!
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