6 Ways To Protect Your Money While Traveling

Rule #1 – Be aware of your personal space. In the U.S. we take for granted that we won’t be pushed, pulled or jostled on a regular basis and that items hanging about our body are safe. In the rest of the world, the rules are different! If it’s hanging free, it’s up for grabs. If someone (man, woman, or cute little child) is inside your personal space, they are likely there to steal from you.

When traveling abroad, money and documents should ALWAYS be kept INSIDE your clothing – not in a fanny pack, pants pocket, back pack or shoulder bag. Put some spending cash in your pocket and put the serious stash in a pouch concealed INSIDE your clothes – pockets don’t count. Luckily shops such as Magellan and Travel Smith have all types of imaginative devises you can use to hide your money and passport.

Rule #2 - Take the time to put your important documents (money, credit cards, passport) away securely each time you use them.

We tend to hurry while traveling (trying to be polite and not hold up the line), so we don’t take the time to put all our belongings away properly and securely. STOP THAT – it’s just what thieves are watching for – someone in a hurry, disheveled, fumbling while they’re walking (and probably talking to someone at the same time) – you make a perfect target.

Rule #3 – When traveling as a couple, split the credit cards between you – each carrying a different type of card. If one person’s card is compromised, the other still has an active card to use.

Rule #4 – When your credit card is returned to you after paying a bill, give a quick look at the name before putting it away. I’ll never forget looking at my Citibank AAdvantage card and seeing someone else’s name on it. Turns out, two of us had paid the same waiter with the same type of credit card and they were switched on the return. We each used the wrong card for ONE WEEK before anyone noticed – What a mess – lesson learned!

Rule #5- When using an ATM terminal, be aware of your surroundings and notice if anyone is close by. When possible, use a machine inside of an establishment. Put your money away in a secure place BEFORE you turn around to leave. If you are traveling with someone else, have them face out as you face the machine, so they can spot anything suspicious.

Rule #6- Get Loopy – (This is for women in particular) When ever you sit down in a public place loop the handles of your pocketbook and shopping bags around your ankle and put your foot down. If you have bundles, put the chair leg through the handles. This will prevent someone from walking by and snatching away your valuables.

Category: Money & Technology