Should I take a money belt to Europe? It’s a simple question that most would give a simple answer to. But, without complicating matters too much…I’m going to complicate things and give you my answer.
Pretty much everyone is going to say, “Yes, you should take a money belt with you to Europe.” Rick Steves swears by them, first time travelers fumble through them in front of ATM machines and anyone who’s tried 
them know the ones that go around your neck feel funny. For me the answer is “Yes, you should take one but no you shouldn’t feel the need to wear it everywhere.” Here are my reasons why.
1. First and foremost; sure it is a good idea to have one with you. As you fall asleep on trains or sleep as soundly as possible in a hostel, having your credit cards, cash and passport securely around your waist is smart. You never know who might go through your bags, or snatch your wallet out of the coat pocket you’re using for a blanket.
2. There’s nothing that screams tourist more than fumbling through your waist band for Euros at the grocery store. It’s annoying and quite frankly if someone is looking to rob you, they now know where you keep your money and that you probably have a decent amount on you.
3. European’s don’t wear them and they get by just fine. Every day, Europeans walk through the same city you’re in or take the metro to the same part of town you’re visiting and they carry a wallet or purse just like you do at home . True, they aren’t carrying huge backpacks and running through train stations yelling at their friends to slow down in English but when you’re not either, try to relax and blend.
4. Putting your wallet (ladies you’ll just have to break down and get a small wallet, big enough to hold you cards and cash) in your front pocket is just as good as a money belt. Frankly if someone can get my wallet out of my front pocket without me noticing…they’ve earned it.
5. You shouldn’t have everything in one place anyways. Separate your cards and cash a bit. You should always have at least one credit card and 40 or so Euros in another secure location. Hotels often have in-room safes, hostels tend to offer lockers (bring your own lock) and your sock and shoe are not places anyone wants to go near after 2 weeks on the road. If the worst happens, you will at least have a back-up to get you by in a pinch. While on the topic of back-ups : In terms of your passport, keep a photocopy of the inside page with your picture somewhere separate also. It will help expedite the replacement process if need be.
When all is said and done, I agree that bringing a money belt to Europe is a good idea. There are times that it’s just better to be safe than sorry. Use one when you feel like a tourist but don’t feel like a tourist because you use one.
Pay attention to your surroundings a bit more than you probably do at home and know where you’re going and how to get there as much as possible then do your best to blend. This may not be your country but for the next few days it is your home and feeling cautiously comfortable will allow you to relax and engage the locals on a common ground that is too often overlooked because of its simplicity; just feeling at home.
