Actual passport vs photocopy

[paint]

Obviously only the original document works at border crossings, but what about for identification purposes while sightseeing/exploring/going out-on-the-town, etc? I often read "just carry a photocopy and lock the original in the lockers at the hostel." Have any of you encountered a situation (customs excluded) where you needed your passport and didn't have it?

[MuvverRussia]

Customs shouldn't ask for your passport. Immigration officers (a completely different thing) will though - you'll need your original for this purpose. Failing that, I can't think of any other long term use for your passport (other than maybe hiring a car, where you show them it).

Personally, I don't even carry a photocopy with me. If I ever get stopped I've got other photo ID (Current EU driving licence), although that's never happened to me and I doubt it will.

If you're ever stopped, comply but don't show your documents. Instead, ask to be accompanied to the nearest main police station where you should show them. If it's a real police officer then they should be ok with that.

[LHR02]

Like Muvver, I always take a second ID with me, a drivers license. Have yet to find an occasion when it did not work just fine. I am rather paranoid about brandishing my passport about if I can avoid it. A photocopy? Can't imagine a copy of anything being sufficient, especially a passport if that is needed, but maybe.


>>>>>just carry a photocopy and lock the original in the lockers at the hostel<<<<<

YIKES!!!!! I never willingly leave my passport anywhere but on my person! If I have to leave it at a hotel desk for checkin I always ask precisely when I may reclaim it and am there on the dot to get it back. Maybe coz I lived overseas for so long.....I am paranoid about it and even here in the US, I guarantee, if you see me out of my house, it's on me. Leave it in a locker?? >shudders<

[paint]

>>>>>just carry a photocopy and lock the original in the lockers at the hostel<<<<<

Yeah I had wondered about that piece of advice... which came from the study-abroad people at my university... I had planned to keep mine in a money belt.

[Ynox]

when I was away this summer i'd keep mine locked up in a locker in the hostel.

Felt comfortable enough doing it and I realised it would be safer there than on my person- especially if I went out for a few drinks etc.

[Nicstar]

My passport never left my person, I feel better that way.

I also took my photo drivers license so when at a hostel they asked for id to be left at the desk I used that instead. I figured if I lost my drivers id while away overseas, it wasn't as such a big an issue as my passport. I figured if they needed to they could still photocopy my passport if it was important and take my drivers id as well. As it turned out, my drivers id was fine on its own, since it had my photo, address, date of birth etc etc.

[paint]

They actually required you to leave ID at the desk?

[Nicstar]

yeah, just at the one I stayed at, they asked me for photo id that they left in a cupboard in a little pigeon hole with my room and bed number on it, and I picked it up when I checked out. Its a security measure I guess...

[LHR02]

It's not at all unusual to have to leave your passport at the desk when checking in to a hotel. Many countries still require any place of accomodations to report your info to the local police. This is especially true in Eastern Europe. So don't freak if they say they have to keep it. I always just ask when I may retrieve it....normally in a few hours, sometimes the next morning. Whever they say, I am standing there waiting.

[WillTravel]

It's the law in Italy because guests have to be reported to the police. The places I stayed at took my passport as I checked in and then they were ready to give it back to me as I headed out the door.

[Kamilla]

paint said:

I often read "just carry a photocopy and lock the original in the lockers at the hostel."

Well, i doubt about the effectiveness of this advice. In your hotel room, hiding documents along with money requires some thought. There are all sorts of places, of course, and you can ask any thief- he'll know where the best places are.
The best way is to sew a hidden pocket with a zipper inside your clothes. Hidden pockets (for example in the attached inside your travel pants) are not noticeable and it would be very difficult for a thief to get at without taking off your pants. But better choose some other place to attach such a hidden pocket because it is not that convenient to reach into your pants every time you are asked for your passport.

Kamilla
The Savvy Traveler Quiz Master

[Eagle]

The best way is to sew a hidden pocket with a zipper inside your clothes. Hidden pockets (for example in the attached inside your travel pants) are not noticeable and it would be very difficult for a thief to get at without taking off your pants. But better choose some other place to attach such a hidden pocket because it is not that convenient to reach into your pants every time you are asked for your passport.

That's another reason why I like to use Tilley clothing for travel, as many of their garments are designed with a hidden "secret pocket", usually secured with Velcro™. This is often large enough to accomodate a Passport and some spare cash. One point to make - I'm not trying to "push" these products, but simply trying to share information on good products I've found for travel.

Cheers!!!

[EJTakesEurope]

I can't strongly enough recommend taking a photocopy of your passport! I got mugged in Barcelona but had a photocopy of my passport in my bag at the hostel-- with that photocopy, I was able to get money through Western Union and had a MUCH easier time getting through the red tape at the US Consulate. It's minimal effort to get it copied and can save you MUCH time. While you're at it, photocopying any credit cards you have is a good idea-- I put them all on one page. Good luck!

[dougj]

I had a copy of all my documents with me and another left at home with my parents.

I never go anywhere when I'm travelling without my passport.

I was asked to leave it at reception once and I refused and found another place to stay...another time I was given the option of paying a deposit or leaving the passport...I paid the deposit.