Protect wallet and passport while oversea

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nisryus

nisryus

Senior member
Sep 11, 2007
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Air fares and hotels to UK/EU this summer are booked (yay!)

Of course, the wife has been horrified on how easy thieves could steal wallet, phone and anything over in Europe, after reading horror stories on several travel forums.

So now i am looking at Amazon for travel accessories and also looking at how to keep stuffs safe...

1. How do you keep your wallet and passport, of course the phone too, safe while oversea? Do you keep your passport in the hotel room's safe or do you carry it with you, instead of a color copy?

2. I was looking at Rick Steve's site and saw these money belt. But wouldn't it be cumbersome when taking money out at the store?

Money Belts & Security Accessories | Rick Steves Travel Store

Peace of mind doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg. Rick's moneybelts and travel security accessories work wonders to make your dream trip safe and...
store.ricksteves.com store.ricksteves.com

Saw this on Amazon, which you can flip it inside the pant. But again, it might not be easy while shopping. taking it out might ghive the impresion of.. err... taking my pants off!


For phone, people recommend wrist lanyard. How about this crossbody lanyard?


What do you guys use when oversea?

3. We will be taking a lot of trains and bus. I have heard if you take the Eurostar train, don't put your luggage in the rack but keep them close to you, because by the time you get up to stop the thieves, they would be off the train with them.

TIA for any tips.
 
Brainonska511

Brainonska511

Lifer
Dec 10, 2005
27,466
11,775
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In the UK, I never had an issue keeping my wallet in a rear pocket. Taking the tube, walking all over, etc.

When I went to Paris, instead of carrying keys, I moved my wallet to a front pocket in select situations. And in general, I was selective on where I took my phone out. And don't go fumbling with your wallet at a turnstile.

Mainly, be aware of your surroundings. In Paris, don't leave a bag somewhat loose at your legs on the subway (doors shut fast and people have been known to grab and run); watch for the typical scams - petitions, bracelets, etc - where someone may try to distract you while another pick pockets you. And if you have to check your phone, pull over to the side of the sidewalk or a bench. Don't just keep it out for directions at all times. Walk with purpose and enjoy the sites and you'll be fine.
 
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biostud

biostud

Lifer
Feb 27, 2003
19,446
6,498
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Just wear a red cap and a fanny pack, then everything will be OK. :p

Depending on much stuff you need to carry around, I usually have a rucksack where I keep my valuables inside the deepest pockets.

Just be vigilant and don't leave your stuff out of sight and you'll be fine.
 
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KMFJD

KMFJD

Lifer
Aug 11, 2005
31,497
49,312
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I've never understood the wallet in the back pocket thing, easy to lose, easy to get stolen, terrible for sitting, easier to get at is about the only benefit that i see
 
Stopsignhank

Stopsignhank

Platinum Member
Mar 1, 2014
2,671
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KMFJD said:
I've never understood the wallet in the back pocket thing, easy to lose, easy to get stolen, terrible for sitting, easier to get at is about the only benefit that i see
Click to expand...
When I was the safety guy at work I brought in a chiropractor to talk the the people. He said that keeping you wallet in your back pocket was a bad thing to do because it messes with your spine. I keep my wallet in my front pocket for the last 25 years. Works for me.
 
Indus

Indus

Lifer
May 11, 2002
14,475
10,151
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As someone who's travelled extensively.. here are a few tips to keeping your passport and money safe.

1. money belt.

2. divide the money.. most in money belt, some in computer backpack, some in wallet.. even if something bad happens, you don't lose all of it.

3. photo copy of passport in wallet with number/ address of embassy.

4. don't relax and assume you're fine. Always keep hands in your pockets guarding your wallet. Ignore your instincts at your own peril.

You'd be surprised how often sweet looking kids/ sexy looking girls come and grab you looking for a selfie while they try and get your money. That's why you never carry money in backpocket!
 
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dullard

dullard

Elite Member
May 21, 2001
25,761
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Indus said:
As someone who's travelled extensively.. here are a few tips to keeping your passport and money safe.

1. silk money belt or neck wallet.

2. divide the money (and credit cards and any ATM cards).. most in money belt, some in computer backpack, some in wallet.. even if something bad happens, you don't lose all of it.

3. photo copy of passport in wallet and money belt with number/ address of embassy.

4. don't relax and assume you're fine. Always keep hands in your pockets guarding your wallet. Ignore your instincts at your own peril. Any signs that hang on the wall that say to watch for pickpockets are signals that you will quickly cover your wallet, thus they now know where you store your valuables for easy pickpocketing (ie quickly cover up a phony item if you feel the urge to react to those signs).

You'd be surprised how often sweet looking kids/ sexy looking girls come and grab you looking for a selfie while they try and get your money. That's why you never carry money in backpocket!
Click to expand...
As another extensive traveler, I mostly agree. I made some changes in red. For your own comfort, I highly, highly recommend a silk money belt over cotton. You don't want chafing on your vacation.

Also, you move your money from your money belt to your wallet in private (bathroom or your hotel room). That way no one sees it and you always have some cash in your wallet for convenience.
 
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K1052

K1052

Elite Member
Aug 21, 2003
51,154
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Passport, spare cards, and extra cash stay locked in the hotel safe. What I carry around abroad is basically identical to what I carry in the US and how (phone with magnetic wallet attached in front right pocket and modest amount of cash in the left).
 
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nisryus

nisryus

Senior member
Sep 11, 2007
852
183
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Thanks guys. Just ordered that silk money belt from Rick Steve (hmm, should have looked in Amazon too, oh well)

Travlers Check! YEEEESSS! wait, do they still make/issue them at all? :laughing:
 
RossMAN

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
78,866
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nisryus said:
To protect the luggage on the train, which lock do you think is better?


or

Click to expand...

Neither.

IMHO I'd be more worried about cell phone theft than anything else.

My wife bought something similar to this on etsy.com, it's barely wide enough to hold passports but it works. It's also fairly slender in profile and fits underneath shirts, fleece, coats so it's not as visible as your typical fannie bag.
 
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