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 money belts and hidden pouches at the at the following websites:

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