Originally Posted by
AllieKat
Off topic, but there's really people on FlyerTalk who follow the bizarre advice of Rick Steves to use those silly money belt things? I feel just as comfortable, or more comfortable, with my purse in other countries as I do in the US. I wouldn't use one in America, I sure won't use them in another country either, LOL!
Yes, I use a money belt when travelling. I've only had trouble in Beijing and Italy, and both times it was grabbing visible cash rather than more sophisticated pickpocketing or outright mugging. Even so, I think it is good advice as losing your passport is a major PITA, and losing all your cards is almost as bad.
For the record, I use the money belt for my passport, a spare set of cards (credit and debit/ATM), my emergency cash (dollars) and whatever local cash I don't intend to spend that day. My wallet has one days worth of local cash, plus one or two credit cards. It only has a debit card if I am on my way to an ATM or I am returning from one.