Tourists and other travelers often find themselves the targets of thieves. When we travel, we are usually carrying more liquid funds in the forms of cash or traveler’s checks and more credit cards than we do in everyday life. Travelers are often unfamiliar with their environments, also, and may not be paying as much attention to their personal belongings as they would if at home. For these reasons, being especially conscientious of one’s valuables is important when on a trip.
The most valuable piece of advice for travelers who want to avoid thieves is to use a money belt or something similar. A money belt is a cloth pouch with an attached waistband, which is worn under the waist of the pants or skirt. The pouch tucks inside the outer garment, outside of the wearer’s underwear, much the way a shirt tail is tucked in. This provides convenient access for the wearer, but is nearly impossible for purse snatchers and pickpockets to take advantage of.
For those who may find a money belt inconvenient due to their preferred type of pants or skirt, or who might have difficulty accessing it, a similar advantage can be gained by keeping money in a pouch suspended from a lanyard around the neck. This should also be kept inside of one’s outer garment, whether it is a jacket or a loose fitting top.