Tour of a Money Belt

European thieves target American tourists. Not because they're mean, but because they're smart. We're the ones with all the good stuff in our bags and wallets. While violent muggings are rare in Europe, you can safely assume you'll be gently, skillfully pickpocketed. The answer isn't fear, but a money belt. Every traveler needs one.

A money belt is a small, nylon-zippered pouch on an elastic belt. Wear it around your waist, completely hidden from sight, tucked into your pants or skirt like a shirttail. At a cost of less than $15, you can protect your travel fortune.

Operate with a day's spending money in your pocket. Consider your money belt as deep storage and dip into it only for select deposits and withdrawals.

Never leave your money belt "hidden" on the beach while you swim. It's safer left in your hotel room.

Packing light applies to your money belt as well as your luggage. Here's what to pack in your money belt:

Passport: You're legally supposed to have it with you at all times.
Plane ticket: Put essential pages in your money belt, nonessential pages (like the receipt) in your luggage.
Railpass: This is as valuable as cash.
Driver's license: This works just about anywhere in Europe and is necessary if you want to rent a car on the spur of the moment.
Credit card: It's required for car rental and handy to have if your cash runs low.
Debit card: A Visa debit card is the most versatile for ATM withdrawals. (I no longer use traveler's checks.)
Cash: Keep only major bills in your money belt.
Plastic sheath: Money belts easily get slimy and sweaty. Damp plane tickets and railpasses can be disgusting and sometimes worthless. Even a plain old baggie helps keep things dry.
Contact list: Print small, and include every phone number or email address of importance in your life.
Trip calendar page: Include your hotel list and all necessary details from your itinerary.

A money belt is your key to peace of mind. If you're pickpocketed, it won't matter. In fact, when you're wearing a moneybelt, having a thief's hand in your pocket becomes just one more interesting cultural experience.

Common Moneybelt Questions:

Are some countries safe?

No. Even in the safest countries, thieves gather where tourists do.

What kind of moneybelt is best?

Anything which ties your essentials to your body under your clothes is fine. We prefer a belt to the around-the-neck pouches.

Will a fanny pack suffice?

No. Fanny packs are popular alternatives to day packs but should never (never, never) be used as a moneybelt. Thieves target fanny packs rightly assuming that many store their valuables inside (and no matter what you may think, you can't feel someone's hand in your fanny pack).

What do you do when you go swimming?

Never hide your moneybelt at the beach. It's safer left out of sight in your hotel room.

What about women?

Many women wear their moneybelt in the back under their skirt or pants. Remember, you keep a day's spending money in your pocket. Your moneybelt is your deep storage for select deposits and withdrawals.