What is a Money Belt?
A travel money belt is a portable safe used as precaution against theft while travelling. It offers peace of mind and is a safer option than a travel wallet because it’s hidden under your clothes. Think of it in the same sense as your underwear. You put it on in the beginning of the day and throughout the day it’s out of sight and out of mind.
Remember, a money belt is only worth its value if worn properly – under your clothes. Keeping cash, a passport and a debit card in your money belt in your bag defeats its purpose. If the bag is stolen, then too will be your money belt. Yes, thieves are aware of money belts, but it very unlikely that they will undress you to steal something – they are looking for items that are quick and easy to grab.
There are a variety of different money belt designs. They can be worn on different parts of your body depending on different comfort preferences. Here are a few of the most common money belt designs:
- Waist Money Belts – the most common design in money belts, worn around the waist under clothes
- Neck Money Belts – typically a pouch that is worn under clothes around the neck or across a shoulder
- Arm Money Belts – small secret pouch worn on arm under clothes
- Leg Money Belts – secret pouch worn under clothes on bottom half of leg, usually above the ankle
- Hidden Money Pouches – a pouch that can be strapped to a belt and then tucked inside pants, shorts or a skirt
- Belt Money Belts – an actual belt that looks like a regular belt with a hidden zipper pocket to slip in small items
Money Belt Reminder: you don’t want to keep all of the items you need for the day in your money belt. It will defeat the purpose if you are reaching in and re-hiding the money belt on a regular basis. Keep cash, one credit card and one form of identification deep in your front pockets for daily use. The money belt should be used for small personal belongings that are of most importance and value during travels. Some conventional items include:
- Passport
- Emergency Cash
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Driver’s License
- Travel Tickets and Documents
- Room key
- Emergency Contact Information
Read more on our MONEY BELT 101 page.
Travel Safety Tips:
- In case of an emergency it’s a good ideas to leave copies of your itinerary, passport and visas with family or friends.
- Leave expensive jewelry at home – this also includes expensive-looking jewelry – you don’t want to make yourself a target.
- Don’t forget to fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
- For extra security carry your valuables in a hidden money belt – most travelers find the waist version most comfortable.
- Get health insurance and make sure it will cover you at your destination.
- Use traveler’s checks or a credit card for large purchases. Both of these are traceable and replaceable if you lose them and are a better option than large amounts of cash.
- To avoid pickpockets carry your money in different places on your body, rather than together in a highly visible waist pack – money belts are your best bet.
- Keep a copy of your credit card numbers and credit card companies in the hotel safe. If your credit card is stolen you’ll still have access to report it and freeze the card.
- Be wary if someone bumps into you, the person might be a pickpocket.
- Know where the nearest U.S. embassy, a police station or hotel is in case of an emergency.
- Don’t share personal information with anyone you don’t know.
- Travel in numbers to ensure safety.
You can purchase travel moneybelts, wrist wallets, travel wallets and travel money holders locally at our flagship travel store at Stanford Shopping Mall in Palo Alto, California. We carry a large selection of money belts from your favorite brands Eagle Creek moneybelts, Pacsafe moneybelts, RFID blocking moneybelts, Design Go moneybelts at Going In Style Travel Accessories, 609 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304 - Visit the Stanford Travel Store website www.stanfordtravelstore.com for directions to Going In Style.