Clever Ways to Hide Money While Traveling - Curious Claire (2024)

While most of the time travel is completely safe, it never hurts to be prepared for the worst. Unfortunately, where the tourists go, the picket picketers also go.

Over the years I’ve learned many tips from my fellow travellers, as well as learning a few the hard way! Here are some tips to help hide your money while traveling.

Money Safety Tips for Travellers

Separate Your Money

It’s always a good idea to leave some money behind in your accommodation. It’s never a good idea to walk around with all the money you have on you. You’re best bet is to take only what you need. I once had my purse stolen in Thailand and instead of losing everything, I only lost about £20.

Be Wary of Street Exchange Vendors

Honestly I would avoid them at all cost. Usually the exchange rate they are advertising isn’t what you are getting. You’ll be sold at this amazing rate but quite often they will then underpay you, making it a worse exchange rate.

Don’t Be Afraid to Count the Money First

If you’ve been told you’re getting a certain amount then make sure that’s what you’ve been given. Once you walk away from the counter there’s nothing you can do about being underpaid. Even if you’re being rushed because there’s a queue, always count first. A lot of these vendors can’t be trusted. That’s why I prefer to use ATMs.

Keep Your Pin Covered

If you’re using an ATM or even a card reader in a shop, make sure to keep your pin covered. There are all kind of scams for cloning cards but if they don’t get your pin number, even with a clone they can’t get to your money.

Carry A Few Spare Dollars For Emergencies

When I travel around Asia I always carry some American dollars with me. I’ve been in a situation in a remote area of Vietnam where I couldn’t get to an ATM. A lot of places will accept American dollars and many favouring them because they can get you at a lower exchange rate. But in that situation where you can’t get money out it’s better to pay a little more for dinner than not be able to afford to eat at all!

If Your Card is Stolen Act Quickly

If you are unfortunate to be pick pocketed and lose your card make sure to act quickly. The quicker you can get in contact with you bank, the quicker you can prevent any money from being withdrawn.

Have A Backup Card But Keep it Separate

This one I learnt the hard way! When my purse was stolen in Thailand I had both my debit and credit card in it. Thankfully American Express where able to send me a replacement card to by hotel pretty quickly but it did mean for a couple of days

Consider Taking a Dummy Wallet

While this is a strategy I don’t personally use, I know a lot of people that take a dummy purse or wallet with them. Then if you’re in a situation where someone is trying to mug you then you can simply throw the dummy wallet in one direction and run the other.

Hide Some Extra Cash Somewhere on You

If you do lose your purse while you’re out exploring you’ll want to make sure you have a small amount hidden somewhere else on you so you can at least go back to your hotel and get the rest of the cash you left safely behind.

How To Hide Money While Your Traveling

Wear A Belt With A Hidden Compartment

This is my favourite way to hide money on myself. I pretty much live in jeans and I always wear a belt with them so this is perfect for me. These security belts have a hidden zipped compartment on the inside that’s undetectable. While the hidden compartment isn’t big enough to hold cards, it can hold a few notes folded up and even keys.

Scarf With Hidden Pockets

One for the ladies, travel scarfs with hidden pockets can be a great way to hide not only money. The pockets in the scarfs are large enough to also hold phones and passports. Plus the CADITEX travel scarf comes in a variety of stylish colours and designs.

Tank Top With Hidden Pocket

Perfect for when your in a hotter country or a colder country where you need extra layers. The great thing about these hidden pocket tank tops is that they are usually unisex so can be worn by men and women to help keep their money safe while traveling.

Men’s Running Shorts With Inner Layer

If you’re someone who likes to run or go to the gym while you travel these shorts could be perfect for you on the road and at home. With a deep pocket in the inner layer, these shorts are great for keeping not only your money safe but your phone too. Plus they come in a variety of colours so you’ll be able to find a pair that suits your personality.

Travel Running Belt

Another great item for the gym lovers is this stylish unisex running belt with 4 pockets. These pockets are big enough to hold passports and large phones.

Ladies Anti Theft Underwear

These anti theft underwear are light and comfortable with hidden pockets are the perfect way to hide money without anyone noticing. The pockets are big enough to fit your passport and the zippers are plastic so they won’t set off airport security.

Men’s Stash Spot Boxers

These boxers are perfect for men wanting to keep their money safe. While I obviously haven’t tested them myself, they are supposed to be very comfortable and the open pocket has easy access and with no zipper they definitely won’t set off airport security.

Sports Bra With Back Pocket

It’s common for women to use their bras to hide money but with this sports bra it is a lot easier and a lot more comfortable. While it may have been designed to hold phones while running, this back pocket is also a great hiding spot for your cash that no-one will be able to detect.

Unisex T-Shirt With Hidden Pocket

Perfect for both men and women, this t-shirt has a hidden pocket but is still stylish and comfortable. The pocket is large enough to hide your passport and with the plastic zipper it will remain undetected while going through airport security.

Ladies Garter With Secret Pocket

This discreet garter is perfect for hiding money. While the pocket is large enough to hold a phone, it does drag the garter down so I personally would only use it for money and cards. These garters are also good if you suffer from chaffing.

Secret Bra Pouch

This handy pouch can be added to bras of any size and can be either positioned in the middle or the side, depending what you find more comfortable. While the pouch isn’t large enough for passports or phones, it’s perfect for discreetly hiding money.

Coat Hanger Bag

If you’re staying somewhere with wardrobes these slips on hanger bags are a perfect way to hide some cash in your room. The pocket is 17″ wide and made with flexible material strong enough to hold phones, passports, money and jewellery.

Secret Sunscreen Bottle

These empty sunscreen bottles are a perfect for stashing money and keys while at the beach or by the pool. You can go for a swim without potential thieves knowing where your money is hidden.

Water Bottle With Hidden Compartment

With most people trying to reduce their plastics a lot of people now travel with their own water bottles. This handy travel water bottle has a secret compartment at the bottom that’s perfect for hiding money, keys or jewellery.

Lynx Stash Can

Perfect for the men, this hallow Lynx can with a twist top is perfect for hiding valuables. It can be left in the hotel room or taken in your bag and will be overlooked if anyone goes snooping through your belongings.

Hair Brush With Removable Lid

If you usually travel with a hair brush anyway, this hair brush with a secret compartment is the perfect travel companion for you. The undetectable lid screws off to reveal a hidden compartment that’s perfect for hiding money while traveling.

There you have it, some tips to keep your money safe and some of the amazing products available to hide money while traveling.

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