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Money Belt Recommendation for International Travel

[ 0 ] July 16, 2010 | Derek

The big question:

Do I really need to carry a money belt when traveling abroad?

Answer:

Absolutely!

When traveling abroad, you need to keep your passport, money, credit cards and other important documents safe from would be pickpockets.

No doubt, the next question is:

What should I be using? A money belt, neck pouch or just stash everything deep within my pack?

The choice is up to you. The one thing that I would not recommend is just stashing everything deep within your pack.

You want to keep all your important information as close to you as possible and when you get lazy and just stash your items, they become vulnerable.

Here’s the pro’s and con’s to your two other options.

Money Belt:

Pro’s:

Effective way of keeping items close to you and away from sticky fingers McGee.

Durable

Con’s

Large

Bulky

Can be uncomfortable

Chaffing can occur

My recommendations:

Opt for a silk version or Eagle Creek’s MicroFlex version, they’re softer, thinner and dry quicker when wet

Stay away from the dark color versions. Get the tan or other light colors as they stands out less

Place the belt around your waist and buckle it. Take the belt off and then sew the adjustable end of the belt so that the belt can not extend anymore. If you don’t sew the adjustable ends together, as your hiking, dancing and moving around, your belt strap will gradually loosen and in no time you’ll realize that the pouch is half way down your leg.

Put your passport, money and documents in a plastic zip lock bag so they won’t get wet

Neck Pouch:
(This is what I prefer, but not worn in the traditional way. I place the strap around my neck and across my chest, bandolier style. Very stylish!)

Pro’s:

Effective way of keeping items close to you

Comfortable

Durable

Con’s

Worn across the chest like I do, I can’t really think of any, but if I do think of any I’ll be sure to update this post.

My recommendations

Don’t wear it around the neck where it can be annoying as it flaps against your chest and it can be easily seen through the shirt.

Opt for the thinner silk or microfiber type pouches. Here’s the one I have from Eagle Creek. Eagle Creek Microflex Neck Pouch = Awesome

Stay away from the dark color versions (black) and stick with the lighter colors as they stand out less.

Put your passport and other items in a zip lock bag so that the goodies don’t get wet.

Oh!, and one other side note.

Here are a couple tips for you while wearing your money pouches.

Carry enough money for the day in your pocket and put the rest in your pouch.
If you need to get extra cash out of your pouch, make your way over to the nearest restroom where you can privately remove more cash. Don’t do it in public!

Now get out there and play!