Money Belts

[lissurlalunes]

My friend are planning to go on a 3 month backpacking trip and are looking at what money belts to buy.

Which ones are more comfortable the waist or neck ones? And what ones would you guys suggest?

Thanks

[Eagle]

lissurlalunes, I suppose everyone has their favourites, but I prefer the waist models as I find it annoying to have something hanging on my neck. With my "girth" the waist models are not hard to conceal.

One minor disadvantage with the waist models, is that these often become quite damp due to perspiration, so the contents are best enclosed in a zip-lok bag. It's a darn nuisance to find "soggy" documents after one has been out touring for the day! I've heard that some brands / models of money belts have a plastic liner, but I can't recall which ones offer this?

I'm currently using an Eagle Creek Money Belt, and I'm very pleased with the performance so far. You could also check Rick Steves, as I believe he also offers a product of this type. Finally, check www.magellans.com as they have several different types of money belts listed in their catalogue, including waist models, neck models, leg models and even a sock with a zipper for storing cash!

Good luck and happy travels!!!

[me]

to protect my stuff when on the road, i use a handmade thing that my deceased uncle came up with; it's a nylon pouch w/ a velcro close. it has a leather loop that fit's one's belt. the loop goes over my waistband and hangs inside my pants. so, it's almost invisible.

the pouch is big enough to fit a passport, a small wad of cash, credit & atm cards.

[Jules80]

hey

i bought one of the mones they have at MEC... really don't remember the brand. its a waist one. don't worry about it being concealed.... i wear low rise pants and it was fine.

Jules

[lissurlalunes]

Jules - 'Dont worry about it being concealed' - meaning that it was or wasnt concealed when you wore low rise pants?

I don't like the idea of the neck ones since that would bother me having something like that and I would think it would be more noticeable then the waist ones. My friend wants to go for the neck one, but she wears looser clothing then I do.

[madamtrashheap]

Depending on the time of year you're travelling and how you dress when you travel (shorts, long trousers/pants, skirts), you could also use a leg pouch/belt, although the same thing that Eagle mentioned happens with these as with waist ones - things can get soggy. If it comes down to choosing between neck or waist, go waist. I have a leg pouch as well as something similar to what David describes (great minds, eh?!) depending on what I'm wearing.

Here's a tip - if you want to keep your money belt concealed, take the money (cash) you'll require for the day and keep that small amount in a purse/wallet, with the remaining money, cards, passport, etc hidden safely in your belt. That way you're not struggling to pull things out when exchanging money, etc and leaving yourself too vunerable. The issue of passport for exchanging traveller's cheques poses a problem, but as you probably won't be exchanging every day, you could keep it out for the time you need it, then slip in back in the front of you belt before you walk out of the exchange place.

Travel safe!

[me]

i don't use the money belt for secrecy so much as security. i want it such that my "stash" can't be stolen by a pickpocket. the point: i'd want it so close to me i'd feel it if someone tried to reach under my clothes to steal it.

[madamtrashheap]

David, doesn't secrecy = security?

V good point though, the closer it is to you, the more aware you'll be. Pickpockets (often referred to by Europeans as "gypsies", even though they aren't Roma) all know that tourists wear moneybelts of some description, but they are less likely to harrass if they can't see anything (touchwood!). Having said that, there are many tricks they use, such as walking up to you with a map or piece of card and asking/montioning for help with directions while the other hand is sliding under the map to reach for your money belt. Again, if you're aware, you're safer.

[lissurlalunes]

I have another question..

Sleep sheets. I automatically assumed that I would be buying or making one. But my friend never even thought of them, but was planning to get a sleeping bag (that one that folds up small). She thought the sleep sheets wouldnt keep you warm. I thought hostels would supply blankets..so..can anyone clarify this.

Sleep sheets yes or no, do hostels give us blankets, if not should we buy a sleeping bag?

Thanks.

[me]

yes, hostels provide blankets. no, sleeping bags are out in most hostels - they don't allow them. if you have no s;eep sheet, most hostels will rent one to you. they are required.

amd, this thread is about money belts. sleep sheets should go in a new thread.

lissurlalunes said:

Sleep sheets yes or no, do hostels give us blankets, if not should we buy a sleeping bag?