Do you need to wear a money belt in Italy?

Wrong. You'll hear from people who traveled in Italy without using a money belt and who never had anything stolen, and you'll think that's normal. That is, in fact, lucky. You'll also hear from plenty of people who had things go missing, from back pockets, from purses, from open backpacks.



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-Bring some type of fanny pack or satchel (for men and for women). Everyone has heard of petty theft and pickpocketing in the big Italian cities. It is important to protect your valuables while walking amongst large crowds. Many Italians wear fanny packs/ satchels everyday.

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Getting pickpocketed while you're traveling is one sure way to ruin your trip. Even experienced travelers like Rick Steves have been pickpocketed in Europe (read about that here) and a takeaway that anyone who's experienced this will share is to always use a money belt to conceal your valuables.

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In Italy, cash is still preferred in most restaurants, cafes and other establishments, although credit and debit cards are becoming more widely used throughout Italy and are an increasingly convenient way to pay for things. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although American Express is not.

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Many Italian restaurants and shops prefer cash, making it essential that you have a little on hand as you travel. While it can be better value to buy the currency before you go (see our section on that below), you can also get currency once you arrive in the country.

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If you ask locals “Do you tip in Italy?”, they'll explain that while they sometimes leave a small tip, it's generally not necessary. In Italy, gratuity (or una mancia, pronounced oo-nah MAN-chah) is considered a bonus for exceptional service. And it's not often that you'll find a tip jar at a register.

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How To Avoid Sticking Out Like a Tourist in Italy
  1. No Cappuccino After 11:00AM. By far, this goes down as the number one rule in the Italian handbook. ...
  2. Cheese And Seafood Do Not Mix. ...
  3. Don't Out Think The Room. ...
  4. Embrace the Culture and Customs. ...
  5. Choose Your Words Wisely. ...
  6. Speak Italian!


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Avoid wearing shirts with collar buttons or breast pockets at night. You can also never go wrong with a dress or skirt. If you're a man, wear a long-sleeve shirt at night or when attending nicer venues. Jeans are okay, but dress them up with a nice blazer and dress shirt.

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Pick-pocket proof clothing is another great alternative for both men and women. Oh, and a fanny pack is not, we repeat, not safe. Unless perhaps you lock the zipper and turn it around so the opening faces your body.

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I would think you would want a money belt for security and it is not bulky. A fanny pack is meant to be worn around the waist and therefore cannot be hidden under clothes, unless you are wearing it underneath layers that would cover it. Whereas a money belt is very thin and lightweight.

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Ultimately, TSA uses the money to maintain and improve security operations. Travel Tip: To keep from leaving your money behind at the checkpoint, place it in a zip top plastic bag, pouch or favorite fanny-pack and store in your carry-on bag for X-ray screening.

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Money belts and neck wallets — those flat, cloth pouches that fit under your clothes — are the traditional ways to carry money safely while you're traveling. They're meant to escape the notice of pickpockets and muggers, and some even have RFID blocking to keep your credit card and passport information safe.

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All those who enter the Italian territory and bring with them cash over the limit of 10,000.00 Euros must declare it to the Customs and Monopoly Agency (ADM). The law also considers easily convertible instruments such as traveller's cheques, shares or bearer bonds as cash.

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