Travel Money Strategies: Carrying Cash Safely And Wisely

Travelling with money can be daunting, especially when visiting countries in the developing world or facing debt crises. The best way to travel with money is to carry a variety of it, including cash, credit cards, and debit cards. It is also important to inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans. Here are some tips to help you travel with money safely and securely:

- Carry a minimal and smart wallet. Only bring one credit card with you when out and about, and leave the rest in a safe place back at your accommodation.

- Separate your money and keep it in different places, such as your room, vehicle, and hotel safe.

- Use a money belt or a cross-body bag, which makes it harder for thieves to snatch them from you.

- Keep a small amount of cash on your person, such as in your shoe, in case of emergencies.

- Use a credit card for purchases instead of a debit card, as it is not linked directly to your bank accounts and offers more protection against fraud.

- Have a variety of denominations on hand to avoid issues with change.

- Keep someone informed about your travel plans, and ensure they can provide financial assistance if needed.

Divvy up your travel cash and credit cards into multiple safe spots

Divvying up your travel cash and credit cards into multiple safe spots is a crucial safety measure when travelling. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Multiple Stashes

Firstly, it is important to never keep all your cash and cards in one place. This is a simple yet effective strategy. Keep a set amount of cash and a credit card in your bag, and store a backup daily stash in a money belt or a hidden pocket. Utilise the hotel safe if you have access to one, and consider stashing some cash in various other places, such as a Ziploc bag in your suitcase lining. This way, if one of your hiding spots is compromised, you don't lose all your funds.

On-Body Storage

On-body storage is a secure way to keep your money and cards. Money belts, hidden pockets, and travel clothes with multiple pockets are all good options. You can also get creative and sew pockets into your clothes if you're handy with a needle and thread. These methods ensure that your valuables are always on your person and not left unattended.

Secret Stashes

Consider hiding cash in less obvious places, such as in the toe of your shoe, in a laminated photo album, or even inside a water bottle. These unconventional hiding spots can be useful in case of theft or emergency.

Dummy Wallet

A dummy wallet is a useful decoy to distract potential thieves. Keep a small amount of cash and some old or fake cards in a wallet that is easily accessible, while your actual cash and cards are securely hidden elsewhere. This way, if you are confronted by a thief, you can hand over the dummy wallet without losing all your money.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively divide your cash and cards into multiple safe spots, reducing the risk of losing everything at once and ensuring you always have access to emergency funds.

Use on-body storage

On-body storage is a great way to keep your money safe while travelling. Here are some tips for storing your money on your person:

Money belts

Money belts are a popular way to store money while travelling. They are pouches that wrap around your torso underneath your shirt, keeping your belongings safe and out of reach of thieves. There are also travel security belts, which are a step up from traditional money belts. These belts are not obvious to the trained eye and are a great way to conceal your money.

Socks with hidden zipper wallets

If you want to keep your cash on your person but don't want to use a money belt, you could try socks with hidden zipper wallets. These are also handy if you're going hiking or biking and want to carry some cash without taking a bag.

Undercover leg wallet

An undercover leg wallet is a good way to conceal large amounts of cash. However, there is a chance it will be noticed if you are patted down, and it can get uncomfortable, especially in hot weather.

Bra pouch

There are also bra pouches available, which can be attached to a bra or belt. These can hold up to six cards, ID, cash, and keys, but not a passport or phone.

Sew pockets into your clothes

If you want to have a set amount of money accessible at all times, consider buying travel clothes with lots of pockets that are easy for you to access but hard for thieves. If you're handy with a needle and thread, you could also sew your own pockets.

Scarf with a hidden pocket

A scarf with a hidden pocket could be a good option for women who want to hide a small amount of money on a night out. However, scarves are easy to lose, so this may not be the best option for storing large amounts of cash.

Laminated photo album

Another creative way to hide your money is to place it between two photographs and laminate the photos back-to-back. This is a great way to hide money in plain sight, and you could even ask for the photo album back if you were mugged.

Boots with zippered stash pockets

If you don't want to use a money belt or pouch, you could try storing your cash in boots with zippered stash pockets.

Keep small bills handy

Keeping small bills handy is a great way to stay safe and be prepared when travelling. It is always a good idea to have some emergency cash on you, no matter where you are in the world.

Firstly, it is important to be discreet and avoid flashing your cash. Having small bills allows you to be ready to pay without drawing attention to the fact that you are carrying cash. This is especially important in areas where you may be targeted by thieves. It is also good to be prepared with small bills when buying low-cost items, such as souvenirs, so that you don't have to pull out a large amount of money.

Secondly, having small bills can help you stay on budget. Dividing your money into set amounts, such as $100 or $200, and using paper clips to separate them, can help you keep track of your spending. This way, you can plan how much you expect to spend each day and stick to it.

Thirdly, having a variety of denominations ensures that you have the right amount to pay without having to worry about change. This is particularly useful when purchasing items from street vendors, attractions, or souvenir stalls, where change may not be available. Using smaller denominations will also reduce the number of coins you have left over at the end of your trip, which may not be eligible for conversion.

Finally, keeping small bills on your person can be a safety net if you find yourself in a dangerous situation. For example, if you are ever involved in a mugging, having a decoy wallet with a few small bills and fake cards can help you get out of the situation safely without losing all your money.

In conclusion, keeping small bills handy when travelling is a practical and sensible approach that can help you stay safe, prepared, and within your budget.

Carry an anti-theft bag

Carrying an anti-theft bag is a great way to ensure your gear stays with you and your trips run smoothly. Anti-theft bags are available in various styles, including backpacks, slings, and crossbody bags. They are designed with security features that offer peace of mind, especially when travelling through busy cities, unfamiliar public transit systems, or unfamiliar terrain.

When choosing an anti-theft bag, look for locking zippers, slash-proof materials, and other security features such as RFID-blocking technology. Here are some recommendations for anti-theft bags to consider:

Pacsafe

Pacsafe is a well-known brand in the anti-theft bag space, known for its innovative security features. They offer a range of products, including:

• Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 Anti-Theft Backpack: This 25-liter daypack has locking zippers, a locking clip on the shoulder strap, and RFID-protected pockets. It also features durable and water-resistant materials.
• Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 Travel Backpack: This sleek travel backpack has locking zippers, slash-proof materials, and straps with added protection. It also has a spacious main compartment and water bottle pockets.
• Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag: A smaller option with a locking zipper system, recycled polyester fabric with slash-guard technology, and a reinforced strap.
• Pacsafe Metrosafe X Anti-Theft Urban Sling: This sling bag has locking zippers, a locking strap closure, and internal organisation features.
• Pacsafe Vibe 100 Anti-Theft Hip Pack: This hip pack can hold a 7-inch tablet and other essentials. It features lockable zips and cut-resistant materials made from recycled PET for sustainability.
• Pacsafe Eco 12L Anti-Theft Sling Backpack: A reversible sling backpack with locking zippers, slash-proof materials, and RFID-safe pockets. It also has excellent internal organisation and a secondary pocket for quick-access items.

Travelon

Travelon is another brand that offers a range of anti-theft bags, including:

• Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Backpack: This backpack has a heritage style with a 5-point anti-theft security system, including clip zipper pulls, splash-proof materials, and RFID protection. It also has a spacious main compartment and a 15.6-inch laptop compartment.
• Travelon Anti-theft Classic Travel Bag: This crossbody bag features Travelon's 5-point anti-theft security system with slash-resistant materials, zipper clips, and RFID-blocking internal organisers. It also has a dedicated spot for your phone and a water bottle pocket.
• Travelon Anti-Theft Greenlander Compact Sling: A compact sling bag with slash-resistant materials, locking zippers, and RFID protection. It's perfect for carrying your daily essentials, including your phone and wallet.
• Travelon Anti-Theft Urban Convertible Tote: A versatile bag that can be used as a tote or a backpack. It features a 5-point anti-theft security system, slash-resistant materials, zipper clips, and RFID protection. It has a spacious main compartment and can hold a 15.6-inch laptop.
• Travelon Urban Anti-Theft Messenger Bag: This messenger bag has a sleek design and a 5-point anti-theft security system, including a lockdown strap. It can be worn as a crossbody or over the shoulder and has a main compartment that can hold a 14-inch laptop and an iPad or tablet.

Other Brands

There are also other brands offering unique anti-theft bag options:

• Arden Cove: Arden Cove offers stylish and professional-looking anti-theft bags, such as the Grande Marina Convertible Wallet and Belt Bag, and the Victoria Tote. These bags feature lockable zippers, slash-resistant materials, and RFID protection.
• Lewis N. Clark: The Lewis N. Clark Money Belt is an ultra-slim waist belt that fits discreetly underneath your clothing. It is constructed with RFID-blocking technology, durable rip-stop nylon, and self-repairing zippers.
• Peak Design: Peak Design offers the Everyday Tote and the Everyday Backpack, which combine sleek aesthetics with functional security features, including locking zippers and hidden pockets.
• Baggallini: The Baggallini Modern Pocket Crossbody bag has RFID-blocking technology, a detachable strap, and impressive storage capacity for its modest size.
• MATEIN: The MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack is a budget-friendly option with locking zippers and slash-proof fabric. It also has a padded compartment for laptops up to 16.3 inches.

Use a money belt

Money belts are a great way to keep your valuables safe when travelling. They are small, zippered fabric pouches that fasten around the waist under your trousers or skirt. They are worn completely hidden from sight, tucked in like a shirttail. You can wear the pouch over your stomach for easy access or slide it around to the small of your back.

Money belts are more secure than travel wallets. They are your key to peace of mind. It is recommended to wear them properly and not to use a fanny pack as a money belt, as thieves assume this is where you keep your valuables.

You can also use a neck pouch, which is worn like a necklace but under a shirt, or a hidden pocket, which loops onto your belt and then tucks in behind it. There is also a growing range of specialty travel clothes, from blazers to yoga pants to scarves, with hidden pockets.

• Keep your money belt contents dry and sweat-free by slipping them into a plastic sheath or baggie before zipping them into the belt.
• Don't get your money belt out every time you need money. Carry a small amount of spending money in your pocket.
• Don't leave your money belt "hidden" on the beach while you swim. Ideally, leave it locked up in your room, or bring a small waterproof pouch or dry bag so your valuables can swim with you.
• In hostels or on overnight trains, wear your valuables when you sleep or store them safely in a locker. You can even shower with your valuables in a hostel by hanging them in a waterproof bag from the nozzle or curtain rod.
• Passport
• Driver's license
• Cards (debit and credit)
• Cash (backup stash and larger bills)

Frequently asked questions