Travelers: How do you hold your monies/passport/etc?

[Ns1]

To secure against pickpockets...

I'm thinking this:
http://www.amazon.com/Lewis-N-Clark-...ref=pd_sim_a_5

or this:
http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Tr...=travel+wallet

 

[Triumph]

Wallet and passport in front pocket, can still be pick pocketed but much more difficult.

 

[KeithTalent]

I have something like that first one. It straps around my waist and tucks under my pants/shorts so nobody even knows I am wearing it.

I still carry my wallet for easy access to smaller amounts, but I keep my passport, a hotel key, a back-up credit card, a business card from my hotel in case I get lost (used this in Japan, just handed the cab driver the business card so I could get back to my hotel since none of them spoke English), and any larger bills I am carrying.

KT

 

[Ns1]

a business card from my hotel in case I get lost (used this in Japan, just handed the cab driver the business card so I could get back to my hotel since none of them spoke English),

BRILLIANT. Couldn't tell the autorickshaw dude where fuck my hotel was last time. Probably the only indian in Hyderabad that couldn't speak english.

 

[preslove]

Yeah, keep a small amount of cash in your front pocket and keep all the things KT lists in that first one.

 

[nickbits]

Let wife hold in purse. By myself, I use interior or zippered coat pockets. Plus I keep my wallet in my front pocket and no one is getting that out without me noticing. I have enough trouble.

 

[KeithTalent]

BRILLIANT. Couldn't tell the autorickshaw dude where fuck my hotel was last time. Probably the only indian in Hyderabad that couldn't speak english.

Heh, yep, I know the feeling. It also works well if you happen to imbibe a bit too generously and can't remember the name/address of your hotel. Not that I've ever had that problem!

KT

 

[Drako]

Travel vests are a good option as well.

I have a Scottevest which is nice, but it's a bit pricey.

http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/Travel_Vest.shtml

Megellan's makes a relatively cheap one, and there are others.

 

[jagec]

Wallet and passport in front pocket, can still be pick pocketed but much more difficult.

Where else would you keep your wallet?

 

[Drako]

Where else would you keep your wallet?

Lots of men carry their wallets in a back pants pocket. Crazy but true

 

[Farang]

Front pockets, chest pocket if I have one. I've traveled for maybe 15 month total, mostly in poorer countries, and never had a problem. I have a habit of keeping my hand hovering over the wallet pocket in more crowded areas.. just always conscious that the wallet is there.. i.e. hang a thumb in there if on a crowded bus

 

[colonelciller]

passport in hotel safe... carrying it around is just silly and evidence of typical american paranoia. carry a little cash and an ATM card in your front pocket.

let go of the fear

 

[ViviTheMage]

yeah, waste strap is what I have generally used, or front pocket.

 

[ViviTheMage]

passport in hotel safe... carrying it around is just silly and evidence of typical american paranoia. carry a little cash and an ATM card in your front pocket.

let go of the fear

I would rather carry it around then trust one of those horrible hotel safes.

 

[rasczak]

I have something like that first one. It straps around my waist and tucks under my pants/shorts so nobody even knows I am wearing it.

I still carry my wallet for easy access to smaller amounts, but I keep my passport, a hotel key, a back-up credit card, a business card from my hotel in case I get lost (used this in Japan, just handed the cab driver the business card so I could get back to my hotel since none of them spoke English), and any larger bills I am carrying.

KT

Yup same here. I remember back in Italy, I was on the train, and some idiot girl tried to find my wallet in my front pocket. She found something else.

 

[JBT]

For the really important stuff, grab a rubber band and place it around your business, then place the important documents there.

 

[zinfamous]

Lots of men carry their wallets in a back pants pocket. Crazy but true

who doesn't do that?

 

[BurnItDwn]

I just keep my wallet in my front pocket and my passport on my fiance's purse. She is not careless with it, and I defend it if she goes to bathroom or whatever and doesn't take it with her.

Also, When I travel, I generally dress like a hobo.

who doesn't do that?

I have never ever carried my wallet in my back pocket. It would be uncomfortable for sitting. Back pockets are useless!

 

[Drako]

who doesn't do that?

I stopped doing it about 20 years ago - hip and back issues.

 

[Ns1]

I just keep my wallet in my front pocket and my passport on my fiance's purse. She is not careless with it, and I defend it if she goes to bathroom or whatever and doesn't take it with her.

FYI my parents got robbed by pros 2 decades ago in NY. We were standing in line @ Sbarro, mob of people came in and mobbed around us. Someone took a knife, cut the back of the purse, and emptied it. My mom didn't realize it until she went to the restroom.

So based on that experience, I will never leave valuable items in purses while traveling.

 

[Farang]

passport in hotel safe... carrying it around is just silly and evidence of typical american paranoia. carry a little cash and an ATM card in your front pocket.

let go of the fear

It's the law everywhere that foreigners are required to have their passport on them at all times. On top of that it is always a bad idea to leave your passport with someone else. This is bad advice all around.

 

[Farang]

FYI my parents got robbed by pros 2 decades ago in NY. We were standing in line @ Sbarro, mob of people came in and mobbed around us. Someone took a knife, cut the back of the purse, and emptied it. My mom didn't realize it until she went to the restroom.

So based on that experience, I will never leave valuable items in purses while traveling.

Also snatch and grab is common. Especially by motorcycle traffic. Don't put anything in a bag you couldn't afford to lose.

 

[GoSharks]

It's the law everywhere that foreigners are required to have their passport on them at all times.

Source?

 

[KeithTalent]

Source?

Not sure about everywhere, but in most places I've been, it is. Japan is one I know for sure.

KT

 

[Farang]

Source?

I think it's better to ask if there is one country where this is not the law. It is the law every place I've been aware of. Probably exceptions if you have some sort of residency card, but for tourists, you always have to carry a passport