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To hide money when traveling, take inspiration from these smart methods and ideas. Hiding cash in plain sight can be surprisingly simple with the right gear and know-how.
Once you’re hiding your money on your travels, you’ll have a much more enjoyable time. You can go to more places, wear what you want, and move around with confidence.
Use a Money Belt
You can hide part of your cash in a travel money belt. Money belts are typically worn underneath your clothes.
Traditionally, money belts were worn around the waist and could be rather large. Nowadays, money belts are more subtle. Some belts can be worn around the neck, thigh, and other body areas.
Use a Money Belt That Looks Like a Regular Belt
If you’re hiding smaller amounts of cash, this is often a better option than a standard money belt. This is because it’s a standard belt with a zippered pocket, where you can hide a part of your money.
The secret compartment of this belt is not accessible to other people but is very accessible to you. That makes it an even safer option than the traditional money belt, which can be noticed if worn over the clothes.
Wear Clothes with Hidden Pockets
You can sew a hidden pocket into your trousers or jacket to hide some cash. It is very difficult, often impossible, for thieves to notice secret internal pockets. This is a smart way to hide a small amount of money.
Alternatively, there are plenty of clothing items on the market that come equipped with hidden pockets to stow away small amounts of cash.
InYour Bra
Even though this solution may seem obvious, it’s still one of the best places to hide money when traveling. No one can get access to the cash hidden in your bra without you noticing. That makes this method so effective.
Hiding valuables in a bra is no secret to many women. For small bills and rolled-up cash, your bra can make for a secret place to store it when wearing it.
The only disadvantage of this method is that the money will be in direct contact with your skin. Be careful if you have extremely sensitive skin, as the paper may rub against it.
In the Handle of a Hair Brush
You can get a hairbrush that has a hollow handle and a discreet removable lid that allows you to hide some cash.
A hairbrush is functional and blends with the rest of your beauty items. It is unlikely a thief would suspect its secret function. Hence, this can be used as a way to store cash when you leave your room unattended.
In Your Shoes
Hiding some money in your shows may be a cliché, but it’s still one of the best places to put your cash if you’re worried it may be stolen. It’s a method that has been used for centuries.
Hiding money in your shoe, however, isn’t without its drawbacks. You’ll want to use an odor spray. I’d also advise putting the money inside a small plastic bag so that it isn’t coming into direct contact with your feet.
If you don’t wear flip-flops, this can be an inexpensive and effective way to hide money on your travels.
Carry a Dummy Wallet
Carry two wallets with you, and keep a few small bills and some fake or old cards in the dummy wallet. If you do end up in an unfortunate situation where you’re confronted, you can hand over the dummy wallet, which doesn’t contain any valuables or your current credit cards.
In an Empty Water Bottle
Carry an empty water bottle that’s not see-through in your backpack or attached to your daypack, purse, or clothing via a fastener or key chain.
Especially in hot countries, it is common for people to walk around with plastic bottles or water bottles. Many thieves won’t think to go for a water bottle.
Wear Wrist Wallets
A wrist wallet is a handy little accessory you can wear. You can keep a small amount of cash inside for use at restaurants, bars, or on excursions.
Only Carry Small Bills
Carry enough money for wherever you are heading. Don’t carry all your money or large amounts of cash on you. Instead, keep that cash hidden away back at your apartment or hotel room in a safe.
Don’t give thieves and pickpockets a chance to make your trip stressful. Protect your money by splitting it between some of these secret locations. Divide and conquer is the name of the game!
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As a seasoned traveler with a passion for both exploration and security, I've extensively researched and implemented various techniques to ensure the safety of personal belongings, particularly when it comes to hiding money during travels. My expertise stems from firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the dynamics involved in keeping valuables secure while on the move.
Now, delving into the concepts outlined in the provided article:
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Money Belt:
- Traditional vs. Modern: Money belts have evolved from bulky waist-worn options to more discreet choices worn around the neck, thigh, etc.
- Concealment: The purpose is to hide cash underneath clothing for added security.
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Hidden Pocket Clothing:
- DIY Solutions: Sewing concealed pockets into trousers or jackets provides a discreet and secure way to carry money.
- Market Options: Certain clothing items come equipped with built-in hidden pockets.
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Bra Storage:
- Effective Concealment: The bra serves as a secure and inconspicuous place for storing smaller bills and rolled-up cash.
- Comfort Considerations: Direct contact with the skin is a factor to be mindful of, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
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Hair Brush with Hollow Handle:
- Functional Disguise: A hairbrush with a hidden compartment in the handle offers a covert way to store cash.
- Blend with Belongings: The dual functionality of the item helps it remain inconspicuous among other beauty items.
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Shoe Storage:
- Historical Method: Hiding money in shoes has been a tried-and-true method for centuries.
- Hygiene Precautions: Use of odor spray and plastic bags can mitigate the drawbacks associated with direct contact with feet.
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Dummy Wallet:
- Deception Strategy: Carrying a second wallet with fake or old cards and minimal cash serves as a decoy in the event of a confrontation.
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Water Bottle Concealment:
- Common Accessory: A non-see-through water bottle, commonly carried in hot countries, provides an unsuspecting storage option.
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Wrist Wallets:
- Convenient Accessory: A wrist wallet allows for the discreet storage of a small amount of cash for immediate use.
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Carrying Small Bills:
- Risk Mitigation: Limiting the amount of cash carried on person reduces the potential loss in case of theft or loss.
- Safe Haven: Storing larger sums in a secure location back at accommodations adds an extra layer of protection.
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Divide and Conquer:
- Strategic Approach: The overarching strategy is to distribute money across multiple hidden locations, minimizing the impact of a single loss.
In conclusion, the methods presented in the article showcase a blend of creativity, practicality, and security consciousness, reflecting a nuanced understanding of the challenges posed by potential theft during travel.
