Traveling is a favorite pastime of many. Getting to explore faraway destinations, taking a break from the stress of everyday life, and making memories are just some of the reasons people go on vacation whenever possible.
And while a holiday is meant to be a positive experience, savvy travelers know that you also have to be smart and cautious. Losing your money or falling victim to a pickpocket can throw your entire vacation into a tailspin and put a damper on the entire trip.
Regardless of where you plan on traveling, there are some simple steps you can take to help protect your money. Let’s take a closer look!
1. Book Accommodations with an In-Room Safe
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Before even departing on your holiday, you want to be mindful of the accommodations you book. Ensuring you have access to a secure in-room safe should be a top priority. The good news is that this is a very common amenity, so you shouldn’t have difficulty finding it.
Digital safes are the most commonly used in the hospitality industry and are secure because you get to set the code on the safe. You don’t have to rely on a key, which can be lost or stolen; your code will be unique.
Wondering what to put in the safe besides cash? This is the perfect place for credit cards, personal documents that you may be traveling with, jewelry, a wallet when not in use, and your passport.
2. Only Carry the Cash You Need
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If you’ve brought enough cash to last your entire holiday, only carry the cash you need at any given time. Carrying everything you brought at once means you put that entire amount at risk.
Even better than carrying cash is sticking to a credit card, especially one that doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees. It doesn’t mean your credit card is safe from being lost or stolen, but if that happens, you can quickly call and report it so the account is frozen.
Should it fall into the hands of someone intending to use it, they won’t be able to put any charges through. Credit cards have what’s called zero-liability protection. This means if someone steals your card and uses it, you’ll be able to dispute the charges.
Be sure to contact your credit card company or bank in advance of international travel. This ensures they don’t put a hold on your account due to ‘suspicious activity’ the first time you use it.
What about people who don’t have credit cards? Debit cards don’t have as many protections and may not work depending on where you travel, but they are still safer than cash. There are also prepaid debit cards, which can be a wise option.
4. Traveler’s Checks Are Still a Safe Option
Traveler’s checks have long since been a popular option for those vacationing in another country. These can be used instead of cash and don’t carry risks. These are typically issued by a bank, and they have security against theft or loss. While these aren’t as popular today as they used to be, they are still a safer option than cash.
5. Wear a Money Belt
Travelers often put their money in a wallet, which they carry in a purse, backpack, or fanny pack that becomes a highly visible target for pickpockets.
A better solution is to use a money belt. These are much smaller and under your clothes directly against your body. They are meant for cash only, so they are very discreet.
You can find all different types of money belts in different colors, sizes, and fabrics. Some even look and function like a typical belt but have a hidden zippered pocket on the inside.
Make sure you give whatever you pick a trial run at home first. You want to ensure it’s safe, secure, and comfortable to wear.
6. E-Wallets Are Becoming More Common
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In today’s digital world, e-wallets are quickly becoming more popular.
They eliminate the need to carry cash, providing a safe and secure method of payment. Many places, both offline and online, allow you to pay or make fast deposits using PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Revolut, and several other e-wallets.
7. Be Cautious About the ATMs You Use
Many travelers find themselves needing an ATM at some point while on holiday. If that applies to you, it is recommended that you look for ATMs located inside a bank and that you use them during regular banking hours so there are people around.
Standalone ATMs are usually more expensive to use anyway, so there is also that bonus.
If you encounter any problems using the ATM, at least you can speak to a teller at the bank and get immediate assistance.
8. Purchase a Wallet with RFID-Blocking Capabilities
Finally, it’s worth purchasing a wallet that has RFID-blocking capabilities.
This works to block portable card readers, which means criminals won’t be able to gain access to your bank account. There are even RFID-blocking passport holders that will protect your identity.
It’s not just wallets either; there are now fanny packs, purses, backpacks, and even carry-on luggage that have RFID blocking built in.
Conclusion
As you can see by these tips, keeping your money safe while traveling doesn’t have to be complicated. And knowing that your cash and cards are safe and secure means you can better relax while on vacation.
Disclaimer:
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