Protect Your Cash and Valuables with a Money Belt When You Travel – make the most of your hidden belt by applying several common sense tips below.

A money belt is designed to protect money and other valuables from thieves and pickpockets. There are two types:

• A traditional leather belt with a hidden pocket

• A zippered pouch hidden under your clothing


The leather belt conveniently holds tightly rolled paper money but that is all.

On the other hand, pouches are usually hold:

• Cash

• Credit cards

• ATM cards

• Travelers checks

• Airline ticket

• Rail pass

• Hotel reservations

• Passport

• Driver’s license

• Contact list (have the information written on a small piece of paper)

The pouches are designed for different parts of your body:

• Waist stash worn between the pants and the underwear.

• Clip safe attached to the belt and worn between the pants and the underwear.

• Undercover hidden pocket hangs inside your pants from the belt.

• Neck pouch under the shirt or blouse.

• Leg safe (calf pouch) worn under long pants.





Advantages of Pouches

• Your money is split between multiple locations.

• Your most valuable items are on your body where you can feel them.


Disadvantages of Pouches

• Thieves are aware that you might have a money belt.

• Storage space is limited.

• Pouches can be uncomfortable especially when you bend over and get stabbed by the contents.

• If you wardrobe varies during your vacation, several different pouch styles may be required.


When Using a Pouch

• Only keep enough cash in your wallet for the day’s activities.

• When you require an item that is stashed away in the pouch, remove it in private (such as in a toilet stall) and then place it back as soon as possible after use.

• To prevent pouch contents from becoming damp with perspiration, store them inside a Ziploc plastic bag first.


How to Protect Your Cash and Valuables

• Wear the pouch at all times when you travel. Wearing baggy clothing makes the pouch more discrete.

• Don’t ever remove the pouch because it is uncomfortable and then store it in your backpack.

• Do not bring the pouch with you to the beach.

• If you will share a room with strangers (hostel, dorm etc.) wear the pouch at all times (even when sleeping).

• Keep the pouch in sight when you shower. Prevent it from getting wet by storing it in a plastic bag.

• Don’t keep photocopies of important information in your pouch (store these in your luggage).


Check out the different belts and hidden pouches at the Budget Travel Store.

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