Unlike others who have responded, I always use the room safe, or, if not available, the hotel safe. I have never had a problem although I leave my passport, extra cash and credit cards I don't think I need for the day. I only carry a photocopy of my passport which has always worked at stores or any place someone wanted to see a passport.

I bring a couple of copies of my passport in case something were to happen to it. Marguerite's idea about scanning it is good, but that photo would not work for a new passport anyway, if you needed to get one.

In western europe today, ATMs are the way to go for cash!

Lisa in Chicago