Poll of the Week: Money Safety

[SarahS]

No matter where you're headed in the world, a little common sense goes a long way toward keeping your credit cards, passports, cash and other valuables safe. Vote in our poll and tell us what you do to protect your valuables from crime when you travel -- and don't forget to post your best money safety tips below!

Related Link
Money Safety

[soliteyah]

I'm all about the money belt! Usually I will wear one around my waist and carry our passports, credit cards and most cash, while SO will carry just enough cash for the day in a wallet in his front pocket.

I don't really trust hotel safes -- I'd rather have everything on me under my clothes so I have access to it.

[Host Ciao]

I have a soft clip on wallet-type carrier that I can clip inside the belt of my slacks/skirt. I have worn out two of these over the years. My third one is still fine, I think, but who knows for how long.

Sadly the travel store here has closed, and as much as I have searched travel sites and catalogues, I have not found another wallet like this. I find those that can be pinned inside waiste bands, but what a pain to take out to get money or cards!

I have a neck wallet too, but this is not as convenient. If anyone knows of a place to find such a wallet, I would really be grateful.

Sincerely,
Host Ciao
Italy Board Moderator

[handymanron]

Rather than signing the back of the credit card, thereby giving a thief my signature to practice forging, I use a 'Sharpie' felt pen and write in the signature box 'Check My ID', or use a check mark instead of the word check. I also use an engraver or Dremel rotary tool to engrave the check mark and the letters ID on the front of the card.

If a clerk doesn't ask for my ID when I use the card, I know they didn't check to verify the signature and I point out to them what I have written and engraved. I explain that this is for their protection and mine.

[MexicoGuy]

Simply don't get tooooo excited! (I know it's hard. lol)

[francisco]

I don't trust too many hotel safes,sometimes use them.Have amoney belt which functions as a belt.have an under arm unit much like a shoulder holster.always .use decoy wallets.sometimes decoy shoulder bags.manufacteur my freinds and own belts,etc carry copies of documentation. use colons at the eating &drinking est.costa rica fairly safe

[jocap]

Be very aware, if you're in a big city, and especially a large port such as Barcelona, that there will be people from all over the world who need a European or American passport. These can be sold for $1000s, and there are specialist pickpockets trained to look for the unwary tourist.
I have a clumsy neck pouch, which an ex-marine friend made me from the inside pocket of a woman's handbag. I put my passport in, as soon as I've had it checked at the airport, along with one cc and a small amount of money. I've been pickpocketted in central Mallorca, in Inca market, but all they got was a small amount of cash and my library card, which looked like a cc.
Jo.

[francisco]

Ciao,If you give me an idea what your money clip resembles,I can probable' make one for you