Money belts seems to be a one sided issue for most people: either you use them or think they are completely ridiculous.
Ever since I started traveling seriously, I’ve been wearing a moneybelt. I’ve seen too many people who were vicitms of pickpocketing, and the hassle it causes not to wear one.
Yet most don’t wear or use them correctly. Here is a primer on moneybelts:
First, what we are talking about is not the belt with the hidden zippered pocket for a couple of bills.
A moneybelt is always worn UNDERNEATH your clothing. It is not your primary daily source for money, credit cards, etc. Think of a moneybelt as deep storage. You only access it in private when no one is around. In it I keep extra money, credit cards, debit cards, my passport, train/plane tickets (although these are becoming rare), or any other document I want to safeguard.
In my FRONT pants pocket is a wallet with a small amount of cash and perhaps one credit card. This is what I use for purchases. If I should get pickpocketed, the thief won’t get much. Women might want to carry the wallet in their purse but the principle is the same…only enough for the day.
There are four types of moneybelts:
1) The type worn around the waist.
This one is the most popular and can be worn either in front or in the small of your back—whichever you find more comfortable.
2) The Hidden Pocket
This is one for people who wear belts. The pocket has loops that a belt goes through and then the entire thing hangs down inside your pant leg. (This is the one I use and find the most comfortable.) Some women have told me they use this type but instead of a belt, they put a safety pin through the belt loops and pin it to the inside of either their pants.
3) The neck wallet.
This is usually worn a around the neck but some wear it messenger style with the actual wallet underneath one of the arms.
4) The Leg Stash
This one is worn around the lower leg.(I like this the least for as the day wears on, my leg tends to either perspire or my calf muscle would flex and the wallet would drop down around my ankles.)
One other bit of advice. As the day wears on, these moneybelts tend to get wet due to body moisture. I’d suggest that you first put anything you plan to carry in the money belt into a small ziploc bag to keep moisture out.
The photos here show models made by Rick Steves and Eagle Creek. I’ve used both and find them functional and comfortable. Pacsafe is making some with extra security and I’ll have a review shortly.
Whether you use them or not is a personal choice. But if someone asked me, I’d say it’s one of the most important items you can take with you on any trip. It gives me piece of mind knowing the likelihood of having to waste a day either getting my passport replaced or filling out police paperwork is greatly reduced.
(Frank II)