In room safe vs. Reception safety boxes - what's your preference?

[mentalsaws]

I'll be staying at the Areca Lodge soon, and I’m curious about everyone's take on security.

Do you guys generally trust the in-room electronic safes, or do you prefer using the safety deposit boxes at the reception? I’ve heard some people say the reception boxes are safer because they require two keys, but the in-room safe is obviously way more convenient for daily use.

Also, do you carry your passport with you or just a photocopy/digital version while out at the bars? I'm a bit paranoid about losing the original or having it 'misplaced' during a big night out. Would love to hear your routines for keeping cash and documents secure!

[Joeleg]

• in-room safe as they have done away with reception room safe in most hotels
• digital copy of PP 

[SlowlyMan]

The reception boxes are not more secure then the room safe, unless they are the type you can use your own lock.

You tube will show you just how easy it is to open an in room safe. Many of use use the belt and suspenders approach. I use a pelican case with a padlock. Other like pacsafe.

At the end of the day inced3nce of theft is rare. Most likely, you won't have a problem with either option. 

As to the passport, you are required to have your passport, and entry stamp on you. Many choose to carry a paper copy, and, or a photo on the phone. A checkpoint may, or may not except that. Me, personally, in central Pattaya, I carry a copy. If I'm traveling up county, I carry the original. 

Edited February 27 by SlowlyMan

[Creamhorn]

In-room safe is fine. Obviously don't then open it while you have a guest you don't fully trust.

I've never carryied my passport, or a copy thereof, with me unless I am changing hotels. I guess one day that might catch me out, but as a pedestrian who isn't committing (many) crimes it's unlikely the police will be hitting me up for ID any time soon.

[Dalef65]

In room safe.

Don't carry your passport around with you as you go around the bars. A photocopy or a photo on your phone is sufficient.

[mentalsaws]

Thanks for all the different perspectives, guys!

It’s really interesting to see how everyone has their own system for peace of mind. It seems like the common thread is just being sensible and not being too flashy with cash or leaving things out in the open.

I’ve definitely taken all your points on board regarding the room safe and the passport copies... it makes me feel much more confident about the logistics for this trip. This forum really is a goldmine of information for stuff you just don't find in the standard travel guides.

Cheers

[J1066]

I have a credit card laminated copy of my passport details page. Obviously doesn’t have Thai entry stamp, but fits into wallet easily and I have never been declined at money exchanged booths. 
I got it done on photo/ copy shop on Soi Buakhow near junction with Soi Lenkee

[mentalsaws]

The laminated credit-card sized copy is a fantastic idea! I’ll definitely head to that shop on Soi Buakhow to get one done. It sounds much more practical than carrying a folded A4 sheet or relying just on the phone.

[J1066]

5 minutes ago, mentalsaws said:

The laminated credit-card sized copy is a fantastic idea! I’ll definitely head to that shop on Soi Buakhow to get one done. It sounds much more practical than carrying a folded A4 sheet or relying just on the phone.

I got it done last year ,cost was 100 baht 

[mentalsaws]

100 Baht is a total bargain for something so useful. I’ll definitely make that my first 'mission' once I drop my bags at the hotel and head over to Soi Buakhao. It’s exactly the kind of small detail that makes life easier when you're out and about.

[davetherave3311]

If you are really concerned, or paranoid (and remember, a paranoid person almost knows the truth) then the room safe should be used as a diversionary safe. 

And that's all I will say on the matter. 

But the truth is, the hotel should have adequate security to stop unauthorised ppl past the foyer, and the staff should be trustworthy, especially the maids entering into rooms. If there is any doubt there, why are you staying at that hotel in the first place? 

And obviously, any guest you bring to your room should be supervised at all times. 

[mentalsaws]

That’s a very interesting take, @davetherave3311. The 'diversionary safe' concept is something I’ve heard about before keeping a bit of 'decoy' cash and some old cards in there while the real valuables are hidden elsewhere. It’s a clever layer of psychological security.

You’re absolutely right about the hotel choice, too. I picked the Areca Lodge specifically because it has a generally solid reputation for security and professional staff, which is half the battle won.

And your point about supervising guests is the most practical advice of all. Most 'disappearances' seem to happen when someone is distracted or in the shower. Constant vigilance seems to be the golden rule.

Thanks for the food for thought!

[Greg_B]

11 hours ago, mentalsaws said:

I'll be staying at the Areca Lodge soon, and I’m curious about everyone's take on security.

Do you guys generally trust the in-room electronic safes, or do you prefer using the safety deposit boxes at the reception? I’ve heard some people say the reception boxes are safer because they require two keys, but the in-room safe is obviously way more convenient for daily use.

Also, do you carry your passport with you or just a photocopy/digital version while out at the bars? I'm a bit paranoid about losing the original or having it 'misplaced' during a big night out. Would love to hear your routines for keeping cash and documents secure!

There is NO need to carry your passport with you. Secure it in the room safe.

I use the in-room safe with no issues at all

[phlampson]

5 hours ago, J1066 said:

I have a credit card laminated copy of my passport details page. Obviously doesn’t have Thai entry stamp, but fits into wallet easily and I have never been declined at money exchanged booths. 
I got it done on photo/ copy shop on Soi Buakhow near junction with Soi Lenkee

Don't know about other countries, but I have a US Passport Card in addition to my actual passport. Oddly, the numbers are different, but it should be good to establish identity. A laminated copy of the passport page is a great idea, though. 

[momo5]

33 minutes ago, Greg_B said:

There is NO need to carry your passport with you. Secure it in the room safe.

I use the in-room safe with no issues at all

Well, aside from a legal requirement that foreigners have their passports with them whilst they are in the Kingdom, I would agree that the consequences of not having one when you’re out and about are quite low, if they existing at all.  I keep a photo of my passport on my phone, but as a backup in the event I lose my passport.  Running around getting laminated copies, carrying photocopies, etc is a waste of time … I’ve been asked before during club raids, etc, and I saying that it’s at the hotel has been sufficient.  If one is in trouble enough that they actually need their passport, the BiB will make sure you get back to the hotel to retrieve it.  

As far as securing one’s personal belongings … hotel safe and common sense are quite adequate.  The effort some people go through you’d think they were traveling with their life savings … though, after seeing some of the punters wandering about, it wouldn’t surprise me if they were.  

Edited February 27 by momo5

[davetherave3311]

I carried my passport with me on my first trip, because of the advice I found on this forum.

Subsequent trips, it was advice I chose to discard. Ive never done this anywhere else ive travelled in the world, besides Russia. I really dont see the point in doing it in Pattaya. Its a non issue unless you are the type of person who worries about micro metiorites hitting your head or think u have a chance at winning the lottery jackpot. Ppl struck by lightning might disagree with me. How far are ppl venturing from their hotel anyway? 

[Greg_B]

1 hour ago, momo5 said:

Well, aside from a legal requirement that foreigners have their passports with them whilst they are in the Kingdom, I would agree that the consequences of not having one when you’re out and about are quite low, if they existing at all.  I keep a photo of my passport on my phone, but as a backup in the event I lose my passport.  Running around getting laminated copies, carrying photocopies, etc is a waste of time … I’ve been asked before during club raids, etc, and I saying that it’s at the hotel has been sufficient.  If one is in trouble enough that they actually need their passport, the BiB will make sure you get back to the hotel to retrieve it.  

As far as securing one’s personal belongings … hotel safe and common sense are quite adequate.  The effort some people go through you’d think they were traveling with their life savings … though, after seeing some of the punters wandering about, it wouldn’t surprise me if they were.  

It's the one law that people insist must be followed.

While breaking other laws is acceptable in Thailand...

[momo5]

27 minutes ago, Greg_B said:

It's the one law that people insist must be followed.

While breaking other laws is acceptable in Thailand...

No insistence from me 🤣

[mentalsaws]

It seems the consensus for the 'sane' traveler is: original in the safe, photo on the phone for 99% of situations, and a photocopy only if you’re feeling extra cautious. I'll probably stick to the phone photo and spend my 'lamination time' at the bar instead! 😂

Thanks for keeping it real, guys. Definitely feel more relaxed about the whole thing now.

[Bonkabit]

7 hours ago, mentalsaws said:

100 Baht is a total bargain for something so useful. I’ll definitely make that my first 'mission' once I drop my bags at the hotel and head over to Soi Buakhao. 

Get two, just in case you lose one copy.

Keep one with your passport in the room safe, the other in your wallet.

In many trips to Thailand and other countries  I've never had any problem. Exchange booths are always OK; some hotels may ask for your passport on booking in, as they photocopy it as part of their registration procedure and check your visa if you need one. 

Plus, photo passport details page with your mobile phone.

[mentalsaws]

Well said, @Bonkabit

I think 'common sense' is the ultimate takeaway here. After reading everyone's experiences from the super-cautious to the more relaxed veterans, it’s clear that as long as you aren't being reckless and you treat the staff/guests with respect, the risks are minimal.

I've definitely got a much clearer picture of how to handle my security and documents now. I’ll stick to the room safe, keep a digital backup, and just focus on enjoying the trip.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread, you've really helped a 'newbie' feel a lot more at home here.

 

[gmingot]

If you room does have an in-room safe it is always worth checking it is securely attached to the wall or floor. There has been multiple times I have found that not to be the case. The last time while staying at The Link, a supposed 4 star hotel in Singapore who didnt appear to take security very seriously

 

[maveric182]

If a reception has safety deposit boxes that always sends a red flag to me that the safes in the room can get compromised.  I always check the locking of an in room safe three times before I ever put anything in it.  Never had anything stolen from one though so I probably over stress about it.  Like you said keep a copy of the documents on you and backup credit card.

[mentalsaws]

That is a brilliant tip, @gmingot, and honestly something I never would have thought to check.

It's crazy to think that even a 4-star place like The Link in Singapore would have loose safes, you’d expect much better for that kind of rating! I’ll definitely be giving the safe at the Areca a good 'tug test' as soon as I check in to make sure it’s actually bolted down properly.

It just goes to show that you can't rely on the hotel's stars alone when it comes to security. Really appreciate you sharing that experience, it’s definitely going on my pre-flight checklist.

@maveric182, That’s a really interesting perspective on the 'red flag'. I never thought about it that way that the presence of reception boxes could actually be an admission that the in-room safes aren't up to scratch. It definitely makes sense to be a bit skeptical in those cases.

I’m with you on the 'over-stressing' part, though! I'll probably end up doing the triple-check on the locking mechanism too, just for my own peace of mind. Even if it's never happened to you, that routine is probably why your stuff has stayed safe all these years.

Sticking to the 'digital backup + paper copy' plan for sure. Thanks for the heads-up on the reception boxes, it's a detail I'll definitely be looking out for from now on

[Fungi8-----3]

In room safe is fine for me.

but never out all your valuables in one place.

Edited March 10 by Fungi8-----3