michal.don
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino del Norte 2022, Camino Francés - April 2024
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I have a large nylon travel wallet designed to even carry a passport. I keep my passport and all my credit cards and big cash in there. It has grommets on it for a cord and can be worn around the neck, but I loop the cord around a belt loop and put the wallet in my front right pocket. It is with/on me 24/7 on the Camino. Even when I sleep. My daily spending cash, less than $50 I carry in a small, standard wallet. It stays in my back pocket and easily accessible. If it got stolen it would suck but would not ruin my trip.Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
I do the same.I suppose the answer is different for women and men. I carry a cross-body bag (or waist pack slung across my body). I put that on first and then my backpack so the cross-body bag stays with me all the time. Drop the backpack and keep the cross-body bag. It contains passport and wallet and whatever else I need handy, like tissues, reading glasses, etc. I also take that bag with me into the shower (in a dry bag with my clean clothes) and usually stuff it in the bottom of my sleeping bag when I sleep.
Having been at an albergue where a thief or thieves stole money and valuables out of several backpacks I don't recommend leaving money and valuables unattended in an albergue while showering.I have deep pockets with zippers in my trekking pants. In it I keep my camera, my purse and my phone in fixed places. My biggest worry is not that my valuables might be stolen but that I leave them behind in the albergue or cafe or that they fall out of my pockets when I sit down for a lunch break. When I get up to go I do a quick cheque up if everything is in its place. Most of the times I don't take my things with me in the shower.
I decided that I would, after all, embarrass myself. Here's a warning about using one of these pouches. In Barcelona I loosen my trousers, get access to my ATM card and use it to get 300€. I put 50 into my wallet, fold up the remainder in a wad and slide it and the ATM card into the pouch and zip it up. Now Peg and I walk a short way to the beach. After some time there we head back to the hotel but quickly discover ourselves in a somewhat industrial area so we turn around. Peg sees a card on the sidewalk. Orally told the story is better but, in short, it is mine. A quick check shows no money in the pouch either. I had missed getting things into the pouch. We head back to the beach in search of cash but none is found. I figured I learned an expensive lesson but as we get back onto the (correct) street I felt something strange by one of my ankles. Fortunately it was the entire wad of money just ready to escape.I wear a nylon pouch similar to this one stuffed under my pants (but with no RFID protection):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010U13F50/?tag=casaivar02-20
I have the one like you from Amazon, although rarely use it, as I much prefer my waist pack as it holds lots of items.I wear a nylon pouch similar to this one stuffed under my pants (but with no RFID protection):
I suppose that is what people here are calling a money belt but that brings to my mind something like this leather belt:
Travel Leather Money Belts
Browse our travel money belt collection. We carry an assortment of leather money belts, RFID money belt, and leather waist bag or fanny pack style. Free shippingatitlanleather.com
Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
Never in your backpack or fanny pack.I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack?
Money belt under clothes hold majority of my cash, credit card/debit card, passport. A copy of government issued passport, a copy of credit card front and back, emergency phone numbers, etc…I place it in a ziplock bag in the shower. That’s the only time it’s off my body.Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
Great question, I'm wondering the same. I have lots of pockets and am thinking of just stashing them here and there cos I don't want to have to fumble with a fanny pack around the belt, the bag pack feels enough of something to carry around. But we'll seeHi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
I carry a waterproof waist pack (not a "bum bag" or "fanny pack"). It is adjustable around my waist and has zipped compartments for my passport, pilgrim's credential. wallet and loose change. It fits to the front under the waist strap of my back pack so is easily accessible. I wear it all the time, take it into the shower room with me and put it under my pillow at night. To be on the safe side I also put my wallet, passport and credential into zip lock freezer bags for extra protection. Buen Camino, Vince.Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
Same here! At one albergue EVERY item of clothes hanging on lines was missing in the morning. Early risers sometimes "BORROW" ALL of the food and drinks in the common refrigerator. I wear the "pick pocket proof" shorts with both buttons and zippers on each pocket. For shower I put valuables in a plastic bag and take with me.Having been at an albergue where a thief or thieves stole money and valuables out of several backpacks I don't recommend leaving money and valuables unattended in an albergue while showering.
I also go to Peru a lot. In Cusco I always buy some of the big safety pins that local women sell to seal your pockets and for keeping other hands out of your pockets while walking around town. And like you, a money belt.A money belt is the way I go. I go to Peru South America quite often. I always use one under my pants or shorts. If I know I will need cash I just put some in my pocket before I go out.
Hi Michal a word of warning never underestimate anyone with your valuables. Last year on my fourth Camino I had my money, credit card and bank card stolen whilst I was taking a shower, yes a shower with other pilgrims in the room approximately eight and the worst of it was I didn’t find out until I stopped for breakfast the following morning about ten kms leaving Pamplona I felt sick and so angry that someone could do that yo anyone let alone another pilgrim. As it was only day three I still had a lot of euros and sterling about five hundred in total so you can understand what it must have been like. It was only through the help of my friend in England who wired me money through western Union is the only way I could have finished my Camino.Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
I use a 'neck wallet' which I wear under my shirt. It makes for a somewhat unusual bosom profile at times, but 1) that's not really a concern I have on the Camino, and 2) it's pretty slim & light-weight (only contains passports, credit card, & a few euros) and 3) I can easily keep it with me at all times (even when sleeping if for some reason I'm feeling paranoid).Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
Exactly that , passport/ cards/ credential in waist packHi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
I wore an unobtrusive waist pack at all times day and night except in the shower when I hung it in a plastic bag and still kept it with me. In it was cash, credit card health insurance card, credential, national passport and phone. At night I put my hearing aids in there too. I kept bank notes and change in two different little change purses so I didn’t have to fumble for inexpensive items and show my cash. I am notorious for losing things but did not misplace anything with this system.Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
I too wear a bag around my waist (and I’ll definitely call it that from now on). Makes it so much easier to grab passports, phone, coins for a quick cafe con leche…never have to rummage through my pack that way. I just found that easier for me. I also took it with me everywhere - restrooms, cafes, in my bunk as I slept, even the showers where I hung it on a hook that I could see at all times. Somewhat paranoid about looking my IDs.Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
On my body and I never leave it anywhere.Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
Exactly my strategy, too. It's secure and hands-free at all times with concealed zippers inside and at the back. I much prefer them to crossover bags potentially banging on your upper thigh as you walk and with a long strap for thieves to get at to slash and grab in airports and the like.I too wear a bag around my waist (and I’ll definitely call it that from now on). Makes it so much easier to grab passports, phone, coins for a quick cafe con leche…never have to rummage through my pack that way. I just found that easier for me. I also took it with me everywhere - restrooms, cafes, in my bunk as I slept, even the showers where I hung it on a hook that I could see at all times. Somewhat paranoid about looking my IDs.
I usually walk with my son, and we share carrying our valuables. I have stuff stashed in my travel vest -- it has a number of pockets. (I walk when it's cool). I use an inside pocket that is zipped. I have an extra credit card and cash stashed in my pack, in a couple places. My hat also has a little pocket, so i put some emergency cc and cash there too. At night when I sleep, everything is in the sleeping bag, way down at my feet. When it's hot, I carry a small lightweight pack or cross bodybag. When I sit down at a cafe, my valuables are on my lap, or a leg of my chair is through the strap of the pack-- not just sitting next to my chair. Zip ties are a good way to secure a main pack outside a cafe so it's not simply picked up by someone else. I learned all this living in Paris and Rome, not on the camino. I've never had anything stolen on the camino.Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
For me, it is passport, phone and 2 bank/credit cards. With those items, i can travel the world.The PPCT stands for Passports, Phone, Charger and tiny Book that I use for personal info.
I used my Fanny pack. Worked great. I took it everywhere!Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
Yes, we take them everywhere, but it feels so good, it's like they take us...love them!I used my Fanny pack. Worked great. I took it everywhere!
Money belts/ Fanny packs are old school, imo.
I carry valuables in zipped cargo pockets and a small front- facing waist pack with shoulder straps. I also stash a small amount of cash in my day pack just in case.Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
Yeah, sure, they work for keeping physical pieces of wealth near your person. I'd rather have a digital form, that requires my face (or code) to use.Old school, yes, but they work! Put them on with your underwear and you'll never loose either.
Pickpockets *love* fanny packs. Thank you for identifying yourself as dumb American tourist, an easy mark!
Apologies to UK readers who have a different definition of the term "fanny".
-Paul
Agree Damien. Really no need to carry lots of cash these days.So I'll avoid some details, but nowadays nearly ALL transactions for me take place using my iPhone and ApplePay. My phone is kept in my pocket, so I can take pictures, look up places to see, monitor GPS directions, etc. I pay for nearly everything with my phone. Passport/credential kept in special pocket in brain of backpack and pulled once a day and immediately put back where they belong once used each night. Cash, never more than 200 euro carried and usually less, carried discretely.
I have used this type of money belt for years. Mine is pretty heavy duty with a reinforced strap that is knife-proof. I found it too hot and sweaty to wear under my clothes so now it sits outside my clothes right in front in plain sight. It never leaves my side. I prefer it to anything over my shoulder - backpack is enough - although I know that works really well for others. I also bring two types of methods to pay (travel card and credit card) and stash the backup card separately.
I still vividly recall a lot of crying pilgrims the next morning as I was getting ready. I was wondering what had happened and wasn't until I was walking and talking to one of the victims did I find out. It really bothered me that some creep or creeps had done that. I'm sure they examined my pack as well.Same here! At one albergue EVERY item of clothes hanging on lines was missing in the morning. Early risers sometimes "BORROW" ALL of the food and drinks in the common refrigerator. I wear the "pick pocket proof" shorts with both buttons and zippers on each pocket. For shower I put valuables in a plastic bag and take with me.
Valuables are on me or with me 24/7, never in my backpack. My go-to wallet with daily cash and half of my bank cards are clipped (via a grommet) in a deep, pants pocket. The other cash and bank cards and US passport go in a travel pocket that loops through the belt and hangs inside the pants by the pants pocket. Showering, valuables are always within sight. You would be amazed how skilled pickpockets can be.Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
Moreso even than passport and credit cards, my daily medication Is my most crucial valuable. It stays on my person at all times. A fabric Neck pouch with a few different zippered pockets is my jam. Meds are in ziploc to avoid the bulk and rattling noise of a pill bottle.Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
Pickpockets flourish in crowded places. While it IS getting "crowded", even the Camino Frances hasn't reached that point! Pickpockets are not likely to be found very often "on" the Camino.I've not yet heard of problems with pickpockets on any Camino.
I wear a sling bag under my clothing fits all important things in it. Google ‘sling cross body travel bag.Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
Personally, I don't mind sharing my security and safety tips. I mean for it to be any benefit to anyone to steal from me. They would need to know where and when I am.Thanks everybody for your answers! And I completely understand everybody not willing to share their methods. I hope that my autumn camino will not be that crowded, which should probably lower the risk of stuff getting stolen, but better to be safe then sorry
Another way is to recharge a powerbank in public and then use that to recharge the phone when it is with you.Phone re-charge was an exception - I often left it out in the open (along with many others’) at an outlet sometimes far away from my bunk.
In addition to a small powerbank I carry a 10 ft/3 meter charging cable. I have almost always been able to reach an outlet from my bunk with it. On the other occasion I used my powerbank.Another way is to recharge a powerbank in public and then use that to recharge the phone when it is with you.
I carry a powerpack for exactly this reason. With my Internet banking on my phone I do not want to lose it. It is the item that I protect the most.Phone re-charge was an exception - I often left it out in the open (along with many others’) at an outlet sometimes far away from my bunk.
We had a backdoor to another street labeled "emergency only." More than once, someone unlocked it and left it that way. One of those times, a lot of pilgrim's things disappeared during the night. Had to have been staff or pilgrim—quite difficult for anyone else to get in the front door unnoticed. Probably someone who wanted to stay at the bar after the time we posted that we lock the front door.Having been at an albergue where a thief or thieves stole money and valuables out of several backpacks I don't recommend leaving money and valuables unattended in an albergue while showering.
I just faced this question AGAIN last week. Warning: I complicate everything but it works for me. Large denomination bills (100 Euros) go inside the zipper of a belt I bought on Amazon. Using a large safety pin I inconspicuously tie into the back seam of my shirt a 15 cm 4 cm bag (50 Euro bills). When I walk, that bag Jonah’s in the crook of my back between scapulas and is imperceptible. I do the same bag-with-safety bag technique onto each pant leg ( tied to a seam). I walk with pants legs tucked in socks-Yes dorky. I carry a belt bag for passport and credential with miney for the albergue. I carry a dummy wallet in my Fanny pack with fake credit cards and enough cash for restaurants. My other credit cards are tucked Into socks ( from Amazon ) which contain little zip pockets above the ankles. So when I get to an Albergue, I deposit my bag and claim my bed space then head off to the shower where all my money-laden clothes are dumped in a dry bag which I hang inside the shower stall. So you will have to shower with me if you want to access my money. Hope this helps.Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
One is in a fanny pack with my passport and one credit card. My sister carries the duplicate. The small pack is almost always in front of me. The minute someone come within arms reach my both hands go on it. Another small bag has copies of our passports and an additional credit card. Regarding cash, we use less and less cash because almost everywhere we are staying in a private lodging and all of them take credit cards. We also use a CC in supermercados as well…and only used cash for coffee and, etc.Never in your backpack or fanny pack.
I don’t mean to be unkind, but I think you’re utterly mad.I just faced this question AGAIN last week. Warning: I complicate everything but it works for me. Large denomination bills (100 Euros) go inside the zipper of a belt I bought on Amazon. Using a large safety pin I inconspicuously tie into the back seam of my shirt a 15 cm 4 cm bag (50 Euro bills). When I walk, that bag Jonah’s in the crook of my back between scapulas and is imperceptible. I do the same bag-with-safety bag technique onto each pant leg ( tied to a seam). I walk with pants legs tucked in socks-Yes dorky. I carry a belt bag for passport and credential with miney for the albergue. I carry a dummy wallet in my Fanny pack with fake credit cards and enough cash for restaurants. My other credit cards are tucked Into socks ( from Amazon ) which contain little zip pockets above the ankles. So when I get to an Albergue, I deposit my bag and claim my bed space then head off to the shower where all my money-laden clothes are dumped in a dry bag which I hang inside the shower stall. So you will have to shower with me if you want to access my money. Hope this helps.
I came upon this product online some time ago but didn't remember it until now. Hidden zippered pockets within zippered pockets with buttoned tabs keeping the pocket closed and more. Also lots of secured pockets of different types to add to pickpocket confusion. See at least the two and a half minute video on this page.I just faced this question AGAIN last week. Warning: I complicate everything but it works for me.
I’ve ordered a pair just out of interest. They don’t seem to have thought of the scenario where someone shoves a knife up your nose and asks for your phone and wallet. No amount of velcro and intricate tailoring’s going to prevent that. Not all street crime is sophisticated sleight of hand. Thankfully; at least on the Camino routes; it’s rare.I came upon this product online some time ago but didn't remember it until now. Hidden zippered pockets within zippered pockets with buttoned tabs keeping the pocket closed and more. Also lots of secured pockets of different types to add to pickpocket confusion. See at least the two and a half minute video on this page.
Pick-Pocket Proof® Adventure Travel Pants
Secure travel pants with 11 multi-secure pockets proven to prevent theft. Patent pending design offers 2 & 3 levels of protection between a wallet and the world.www.clothingarts.com
Hi!What I’ve always done because I find money-belts uncomfortable and finicky is to create an inside pocket in all the pants I’m wearing when I travel.
Think about what you are trying to protect yourself from — on the Camino the odds that someone will pickpocket you or slice off the strap of your purse or your waist pack are extremely low. The odds are much greater that the opportunity to take your stuff will present itself to someone. For me, that means that the most important thing is to have everything in one place with me at all times. I understand the rationale about having different things in different places, but I would only use that system if you have got it down pat and can gather all your valuables quickly and without hassle. After all these years, I can trust myself to never leave my waist bag anywhere, so the odds that it will get stolen are very low (I do have a list and some pictures of phone numbers and ID numbers like passport on a sheet in my pack and on my phone just in case).
Try to keep them on your person and take them with you when going to the shower in a waterproof bag (money, phone, passport, etc.) unless you are walking with another person that you trust (for me, my husband). I chose clothing with deep zippered pockets on the front of the pants for walking.
Hi all,
I'm wondering what system do you use to carry your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards etc)? Do you reccomend carrying them outside the backpack in some sort of a fanny pack? In your pocket, so they are on you at all times? I'm thinking about situations like going to the bathroom in a café, where I don't suppose I'll be wearing my main backpack
Any insight and tips much appreciated,
Michal.don
You will have great difficulty using those €100 notes. They were almost removed from circulation recently as pretty much the only people who use them are drug dealers and other criminals.100 Euros
And I don't know for sure but I'll bet that you won't be able to walk into a bank and get change either.You will have great difficulty using those €100 notes.
Perhaps the Camino Mozarabe will help me regain my sanity! LolI don’t mean to be unkind, but I think you’re utterly mad.
Buen Camino! The Mozerabe is not heavily trafficked; perhaps the risks will be fewer.Perhaps the Camino Mozarabe will help me regain my sanity! Lol
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