Valuables pouch, which one?

[mquiniones27]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a neck pouch or a money belt when hiding valuables from pick pocketers during travel?

[vehelpfulguy]

I often use a neck pouch when on holiday and I put my money and credit and debit cards in there.

One advantage is that it is almost impossible for anyone to steal from it while it is round my neck and underneath my shirt.

The other advantage is that when you are on holiday you are often doing a lot of moving around, maybe climbing on things like old ruins or castles, or perhaps on a boat leaning over the side.

The great thing is that wheras a wallet can easily slip out of your back pocket while doing these things a neck wallet is usually safe under your shirt and round your neck.

While actually traveling to and from the resort I also keep my passport in my neck wallet. Again it is nice to know it is safe and cannot be easily dropped or mislaid.

If I need to show it at check in or airport security I take it out my neck wallet, show it, and then put it straight back in.

It is very easy to get flustered and confused at airports and it is nice to know your passprt is safely in a wallet round your neck.

[vehelpfulguy]

Forgot to add.

The main disadvantage with a neck wallet is that you have a slight bulge under your shirt while on holiday.

But I consider this a small price to pay for the knowledge that my passport, money and cards are safe.

[spudqueen]

I use a money belt and I would say that it has exactly the same advantages and disadvantages as vehelpfulguys neck pouch, except that I can have a slight bulge on my tummy rather than round my chest. Dont' take risks (I did once, in Barcelona, and had my purse pinched out of my handbag), use a neck pouch or money belt, which ever you feel most comfortable with.

[mquiniones27]

Thank you both for your wonderful insight. I bought a neck pouch because my partner got one and thought it would work for me, but upon further use of the neck pouch around the house, I think I might be more of a money belt traveler. I guess it's all about comfort: something digging into your neck skin or squeezing your waist. It's a personal preference, but yes I will definitely use a discreet valuables pouch.

[parkesquay]

I have used both money style belt and neck pouch. Both are far safer than sticking a wallet etc in one's back pocket.
I have lived overseas for many years and am quite shocked at the number of Brits who have no conception of just how skillful pick-pockets can be.
Something else that might be useful is that when I travel I have a fotocopy of the main passport pages with me. After settling into accomodation I leave the real passports secure in the hotel etc. and carry the fotocopies with me - in case of emergencies.