Although there’s never a good time for your wallet to get stolen, getting pickpocketed while you’re traveling is probably one of the worst times. It’s also an easy way ruin a fun vacation. Prevention is key. Here are 7 safety tips about storing your cash and valuables while you travel.
1. NEVER keep your wallet in your back pocket
Your back pocket is one of the worst places to keep anything valuable, whether you’re at home or in another city. The back pocket is out of your line of site. It’s also difficult to feel your wallet being removed from your back pocket. Some people don’t realize they’ve lost their wallet until hours later.
2. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
Most travelers should not need to carry around large sums of cash at any given time. Many countries accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. Many countries also have ATMs where you can withdraw money from your American bank account as the local currency. Conversion fees and other transactions fees vary from bank to bank and card to card.
3. Keep most of your money in a money belt rather than your wallet
A money belt is a pocket that tucks into your pants or shirt. If you plan to wear long pants, you could strap a pouch to your leg as well. A money belt should not be visible or easily accessible to anyone, not even you. If you can’t easily reach your money belt, then a potential thief can’t either and many thieves are looking for easy money.
Keep a smaller amount of cash in your front pocket or in a jacket pocket for what you expect to spending that day on meals, excursions, etc. Keep any extra money, cards, documents, etc that you don’t expect to need (or expect to need infrequently) tucked into your money belt.
If you need to access additional money or anything else from your money belt during the day, find a bathroom or private area to retrieve the item. If you access your money belt in public, then you’re broadcasting to everyone around you where you’re keeping your valuables.
4. Avoid Wearing Passport Pouches Over Your Clothes
Wearing a passport pouch over your shirt may attract thieves to you by 1) drawing attention to you as tourist that may not know where you’re going and what you’re doing 2) broadcasting that your passport, important documents, and possibly some cash, are hanging around your neck.
5. Keep spare cash in a few different places on your person
Keeping a spare $20 or its equivalent in a few different places on your person could help you if your wallet gets stolen. Some possible places to stash some extra money include: different pockets in your pants, shirt or jacket, in your sock, in your shoe (under the sole), in your bra, etc. Just don’t forget you’ve stashed the money there.
6. Try using a travel belt with a pocket sewn into it
Several travel gear companies sell travel belts that weave through your belt loops, just like a normal belt. These travel belts are different from normal belts, though, because they have a long, often zippered, pocket sewn into the back of the belt. This long pocket can be a great place to store some extra cash and keep copies of documents, like your passport or hotel reservations, in you case you might need them.
7. Watch out for ‘Beware of Pickpockets’ signs
You may find ‘beware of pickpockets’ signs in some major cities. If you see one of these signs, DO NOT check to make sure your wallet or money belt is still there. Sadly, thieves like to watch people near these signs and you may inadvertently signal to them where you’re keeping all of your valuables. If you would like to check to make sure you’ve still got your wallet, find a bathroom stall or other private place.