By Rick Steves
More secure than a travel wallet, money belts are your key to peace of mind. I never travel without one. A money belt is a small, zippered fabric pouch that fastens around the waist under your pants or skirt. You wear it completely hidden from sight, tucked in like a shirttail — over your undies, under your pants or skirt. You can wear the pouch over your stomach for ease of access or slide it around to the small of your back.
Some people prefer to use a neck pouch, worn like a necklace but under a shirt; or a hidden pocket, which loops onto your belt, then tucks in behind it. Others use a growing range of specialty travel clothes — from blazers to yoga pants to scarves — with hidden pockets.
With a money belt or similar hidden, fastened storage, all your essentials are on you as securely and thoughtlessly as your underwear. Have you ever thought about that? Every morning you put on your underpants. You don't even think about them all day long. And every night, when you undress, sure enough, there they are, exactly where you put them. When I travel, my valuables are just as securely out of sight and out of mind, around my waist in a money belt. It's luxurious peace of mind. I'm uncomfortable only when I'm not wearing it.
But money belts don't work if you don't wear them properly. I once met an American woman whose purse was stolen, and in her purse was her money belt (that juicy little anecdote was featured in every street-thief newsletter). If you pull out your money belt to retrieve something, remember to tuck it back in. And don't use a fanny pack as a money belt — thieves assume this is where you keep your goodies.
Never leave your phone or money belt "hidden" on the beach while you swim. Ideally, leave them locked up in your room; if that's not an option, 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 (hang them in a waterproof bag from the nozzle or curtain rod). Keep your money-belt contents dry and sweat-free by slipping them into a plastic sheath or baggie before zipping them into the belt.
You don't need to get at your money belt for every euro. Your money belt is your deep storage — for select deposits and withdrawals. For convenience, carry a day's spending money in your pocket (a zipper, button-down flap, or Velcro strip sewn into your front or back pocket slows down fast fingers). Make sure it's an amount you're prepared to lose. I usually don't even carry a wallet. A few bills in my shirt pocket — no keys, no wallet — I'm on vacation!
FAQs
You can use money belts to store your money, passport, and document copies while traveling. Although thieves know all about these belts, it's extremely unlikely that they're going to try to undress you to get at your stashed cash if you've got it zipped into a physical belt. The cloth pouches are a different story.
Can I wear a money belt through TSA security? ›
Can you wear your travel money belt through airport security screening? No, you must remove the travel belt when you go through security. It will be treated like a hip pack, which cannot be worn into the body scanners. If the belt is small, you may get away with holding it as you walk through.
Should you travel with a money belt? ›
More secure than a travel wallet, money belts are your key to peace of mind. I never travel without one. A money belt is a small, zippered fabric pouch that fastens around the waist under your pants or skirt.
How many bills will a money belt hold? ›
Some bargain money belts have very short zippered pockets - sometimes 10 inches or shorter than a better designed one, which greatly reduces the amount of money that can conceal. A longer zippered security pocket should measure 18 or more inches in length to hold up to 10 - 15 folded bills.
What do pickpockets steal the most? ›
Pickpockets often work in teams, with one or more distracting you while another steals. Distractions may include physical bumping, sandwiching, or attracting your attention. Pickpockets consider student backpacks a primary target for electronics, money, valuables, and credit cards.
What is the safest way to carry money when Travelling? ›
Money belts and neck wallets — those flat, cloth pouches that fit under your clothes — are the traditional ways to carry money safely while you're traveling.
Where is the safest place to keep cash when traveling? ›
Keep cash safe when travelling
The safest place to keep your money secure will most likely be in your hotel room safe. If you don't have one (or if you really need to carry cash with you) try keeping your money in a: Money belt. Neck pouch.
Should I wear a money belt in Paris? ›
My experience just goes to show that, sooner or later, if you're not on guard, wearing a money belt — or at least keeping everything properly zipped and buttoned — you'll likely be a victim. Thieves target tourists — not because the thieves are mean, but because they're smart.
How much money can you put in a money belt? ›
You will be able to fit four stacks in a 25" zipper. The amount of bills will vary with how much effort you want to put in to folding and loading your money belt. We do not recommend loading more than 24 bills.
Are travel wallets a good idea? ›
There are a lot of articles online that nicely explain why a travel wallet is necessary since it can keep your passport, travel documents like boarding passes, travel insurance, ID cards, credit and debit cards, and other required items in one place.
When your shirt is tucked in. Regardless of the bottoms that you are wearing, you should always wear a belt when your shirt or top is tucked in. Wearing jackets and blazers. As you'll probably have your shirt tucked in, you're going to want to wear a belt when wearing jackets.
How do I protect my money from pick pockets? ›
Always keep your money, credit cards, papers and other valuables close to your person. Make use of sealed inner pockets. Never put your purse, valuables or mobile phone in outer pockets. Wear your handbag or shoulder bag with the fastening facing you and in front of you.
Can pickpockets steal from fanny packs? ›
Fanny Pack This style of bag can be just as easy to pick as your pocket.
Do pickpockets steal from front pockets? ›
The best protection is to eliminate the opportunity of becoming a victim in the first place. pickpocket generally avoids front trouser pockets, and especially buttoned or zippered pockets. knowledge. The best place for keys is on a chain attached to your clothing.
