How to wear a money belt

Today we are covering how to wear a money belt and other tips for staying safe and secure while you are on your travels. Some will say that money belts are now too well-known by thieves so they aren’t useful anymore. But they still have their place as a safety precaution.

How to wear a money belt and other tips

Our money belt has a low profile and is decided to not be noticeable under your clothes. This does depend on how you pack and organise your belt. A few minutes spent making sure that everything is lying flat and that there isn’t anything too bulky in the belt will help conceal it.

Money belts are designed for cash, cheques, bank cards, papers, documents, and small valuables. If you start carrying loose change, your spare camera battery, and other odds and ends, it is going to stand out and be more noticeable.

A successful trip out with a money belt is one where you don’t use it at all. If you have to go dipping in there regularly then it could be spotted by thieves. The best things to put in your belt are items you are unlikely to need but want to keep close and safe, or that you might need in an emergency.

It’s not a replacement for a wallet – you should keep the bank card you are using, tickets, whatever paperwork you might need for the day, some cash and change, out of the money belt. The less you have to use it the better.

Managing your security risks

Split your valuables across your body and among different people in the group. Some can be in your money belt but you should also have your normal wallet, as well as elsewhere on your person. Then if the worse happens there’s still a good chance thieves won’t have found all your stashes. Even enough for the taxi or bus fare back to your hotel will help get you out of a sticky situation.

Spreading the risk also applies to out of the country. You should leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home. But you could also leave them a copy of your passport, your travel insurance details, emergency phone numbers, or even instructions for your bank if you need a new card or money sending. Obviously, this person must be trustworthy but having someone on your side back at home can make all the difference should you run into trouble.

Pre-paid bank cards are getting popular back home for managing money but they work great abroad too. You can load up the money you need, even across different cards, without putting your bank account at risk. If you were to lose those cards or have them stolen you don’t then have the hassle of changing your actual bank details. It spreads the risk.

All this obviously needs to be balanced with actually relaxing and enjoying yourself. You don’t want to miss out on all the sights, the amazing photographs, and chats with friendly locals. Paying a little attention to your security gives you more confidence. How to wear a money belt properly is just one of a range of ways you can mitigate the risk so you can make the most of your epic travels.

Photo by Hao Zhang on Unsplash