Where to Hide Money When Traveling: Money Belts, Secret Pockets, Decoy Wallets, Hotel Safes and Prepaid Cards

Introduction

When traveling, it is important to keep your money safe and secure. Unfortunately, criminals are always looking for easy targets, and tourists often make the most attractive targets. To protect your funds and ensure that you have enough cash to cover your travel expenses, it is essential to know where to hide your money while you are on the go.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the various options available to travelers looking to securely store their money while they are away from home. We will discuss the pros and cons of different solutions such as money belts, secret pockets, decoy wallets, hotel safes, and prepaid cards or traveler’s checks.

Hide Money in a Money Belt

A money belt is a discreet pouch worn around the waist or chest that is designed to hold cash, credit cards, and other valuables. It is one of the most popular methods of keeping money safe while traveling because it is lightweight, comfortable to wear, and hidden beneath clothing. Most money belts also come with RFID blocking technology, which helps protect against electronic pickpocketing.

Advantages of Money Belts:

• Lightweight and comfortable to wear
• Hidden beneath clothing
• RFID blocking technology to protect against electronic pickpocketing

Disadvantages of Money Belts:

• Can be bulky under clothing
• May be uncomfortable if worn for long periods of time
• Can be difficult to access quickly in an emergency situation

Use a Secret Pocket Sewn into Clothing

Another option for hiding money while traveling is to use a secret pocket sewn into clothing. These pockets are typically hidden within the seams of shirts, pants, and jackets and can be used to store cash, credit cards, and other small items. The advantage of these pockets is that they are completely hidden and can be accessed quickly and discreetly.

Advantages of Secret Pockets:

• Completely hidden
• Can be accessed quickly and discreetly
• Easy to use

Disadvantages of Secret Pockets:

• Can be difficult to find unless you know where to look
• Not suitable for large items
• Can be uncomfortable if worn for long periods of time

Keep Cash in a Decoy Wallet

A decoy wallet is a dummy wallet filled with a few small bills and some other miscellaneous items such as bus tickets. It is designed to draw the attention of potential thieves away from your real wallet, which should be kept in a separate, more secure location. This method is particularly effective in crowded tourist areas, where pickpockets may be more active.

Advantages of Decoy Wallets:

• Effective in crowded tourist areas
• Draws attention away from your real wallet
• Can be inexpensive to purchase

Disadvantages of Decoy Wallets:

• May not be as effective in less crowded areas
• Can be difficult to replace if lost or stolen
• Can be uncomfortable to carry

Store Money in a Hotel Safe

Many hotels offer safes for their guests to store their valuables. These safes are typically located in the guest room or at the front desk and can be used to store cash, credit cards, passports, and other important documents. While hotel safes are generally secure, it is important to remember that they can be broken into, so it is best to only store items of minimal value in them.

Advantages of Hotel Safes:

• Convenient and secure
• Will not be taken if you leave your room
• Can be used to store other important items such as passports

Disadvantages of Hotel Safes:

• May require a fee to use
• Can be broken into
• Should only be used to store items of minimal value

Use Prepaid Cards or Travelers Checks

Prepaid cards and traveler’s checks can be used to store money while traveling. Prepaid cards are similar to debit cards but are not linked to a bank account. They can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs or make purchases without having to carry large amounts of cash. Traveler’s checks are like checks but are accepted by merchants worldwide. They can be replaced if lost or stolen and are generally safer than carrying cash.

Advantages of Prepaid Cards and Travelers Checks:

• Can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs or make purchases
• Can be replaced if lost or stolen
• Generally safer than carrying cash

Disadvantages of Prepaid Cards and Travelers Checks:

• May require a fee to use
• Can be difficult to obtain in some countries
• May not be accepted by all merchants

Conclusion

Keeping your money safe while traveling is essential, and there are several options available to help you do so. Money belts, secret pockets, decoy wallets, hotel safes, and prepaid cards or traveler’s checks are all viable options depending on your particular needs. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which solution is best suited for your travels.

Summary of Solutions:

• Money belts
• Secret pockets
• Decoy wallets
• Hotel safes
• Prepaid cards or traveler’s checks

Final Recommendations:

• Invest in a quality money belt or secret pocket to keep your money safe and secure.
• Consider using a decoy wallet in crowded tourist areas.
• Take advantage of hotel safes to store important documents.
• Consider using prepaid cards or traveler’s checks instead of carrying large amounts of cash.

By following these recommendations, you can ensure that your money is safe and secure while you are traveling.