Money Belt and Crime

[morgan23]

Okay, I recently visited a website devoted solely to describing the scams and pick pockets in Barcelona...wow.

I'm getting a little worried now. I mean, I frequent San Francisco and LA and I've visited New York City and Chicago a time or two and while there are some things you should be aware of and certain streets you shouldn't go on alone, I've never been attacked or stolen from...is the crime and theft worse or about the same in European big cities? (i.e. Paris, Rome, Barcelona...)

And about the money belt thing...I checked out the money belts availible at R.E.I. and they are like huge! I can wrap them around my waist like twice! Are there any other ways of "wearing" your valuables that are more suitable for smaller women?

Also, I was planning on like wearing my little detachable day pack while I was sight-seeing and stuff around the cities and leave my big pack at the hostel in a locker or something. Is that a good idea? Because I was thinking it might be easier for a thief to get into the daypack since it's on my back and I can't see it.

[Jules80]

generally most people leave they big packs at the hostel. as for the day pack, whenever i was in a close knit crowd i would wear my day pack in front. if there weren't hoards of tourists around i'd keep it on my back. i also had a small combo lock on it to deter theives. obviously if anyone REALLY wants to they'll just slash your pack with a knife. but i really wouldn't worry about it too much. just as long as your concious of what's going on around you, its already a good start. i think its people who look lost and vulnerable who tend to be targetted.

Jules

[Eagle]

morgan23, I think I've read the same website on the scams of Barcelona; it was quite an "eye opener"! Even Rick Steves was victimized there (somewhat intentionally though - he described the experience at at one of his lectures last April).

I've also visited L.A. & San Francisco (as well as large Canadian cities), and in my experience the petty thieves in North America are no where near as clever as the pickpockets in Europe. I think it would be accurate to say that the petty crime in Europe is similar in all large, tourist oriented cities (Rome, Paris, Barcelona, etc.). This seems to be concentrated (not surprisingly) in areas of "people density" such as train stations, on buses, etc. Having lots of people around provides some "cover" for the thieves, especially if they're working in teams.

I would definetely recommend a Money Belt! I believe you've read Rick Steves ETBD so you know how important he believes this is. If you can't find anything at R.E.I., try www.magellans.com as they have a good selection of various styles of Money Belts (ie: around the neck, around the leg or around the waist). With a good selection, you should be able to find one that fits. Most of them are adjustable to a certain exttent. BTW, if the Money Belt doesn't have a plastic liner, it's a good idea to put documents inside in a zip-lok bag (especially with the waist models), as perspiration can make these rather "soggy" after a day's sightseeing!

Yes, absolutely leave your main pack at the Hostel and use your Day pack for touring. I've seen people just leave their Packs in the Dorm Rooms completely open, while others lock the zippers and some stow the Pack in a Locker (if one is provided - remember to take your own good quality Padlock - don't use a cheap 3-digit combo travel lock or similar for the Locker!). If there are no Lockers and you're really concerned about the security of your Pack, you could always ask at the Reception Desk, as they will usually store Packs for guests.

IMO it's not a good idea to carry cash or credit cards in the Daypack; as Jules mentioned this could be "slashed" by a determined thief. It's also a good idea to lock the zippers (although I have to admit I don't always do this). Both Magellans and Rick Steves have small combo Locks listed on their web sites.

Cheers!!!

[LHR02]

I have always used a day pack but often found myself worrying about what was going on behind me. And I dislike wearing it in front, so this time I took WT's advice and got a messenger bag. I love it! And it feels much more secure to me than a pack. I can sling it over myself so no one can easily grab it off me, if it feels a bit shady I cinch it up short and carry it right in front of me, plus it holds more than my day pack does.

As for the money belt...we've discussed this many times and the consensus is 'genrally' that it is a must, although several here don't use one and have never had a problem. My winter coat has two very secure, almost secret pockets in it and if I am wearing that I feel safe to keep my things in there. If it is too warm for that coat, I still go with the belt. I just feel more secure that way and don't have to worry every second if someone is in my pocket. Some cities are much worse for that than others. I'd never consider just keeping my valuables in a pocket though...either in my coat or in the belt.

[dougj]

I wear a slingbag (messenger bag) with a biner that can attach to my beltloop.
I'm one of the ones who don't use a money belt, I keep my wallet in my front pocket and keep my hand in there in crowded places. I haven't had a problem....BUT, if it makes you feel safer by all means get one, they're pretty cheap.
I didn't find petty crime in Europe to be any worse than any other major North American city I've been too.

Always lock your main pack, have photocopied duplicates of your important info (passport, credit card, plane tickets. I had 2 duplicates...one in my main pack and another I left at home) and keep your wits about you. Your common sense will get you far.