I have had one for 13 years living in Belgium but no-one has ever asked to see it (except in Estonia to check I was really the one signing a Visa chitty!). I have never objected to carrying one or felt it was invading my civil liberties, it doesn't seem to be used in "Big Brother" fashion in surreal Belgium and, as the local bobby said, it does allow them to immediately contact your nearest and dearest if you unfortunately have an accident or collapse in the street.

But I can understand the worries and concerns in some countries given the way things are going politically...

Peace

moo

P.S. I think jOhn from Hull9's suggestion is a rather elegant one!