Protecting Your Money

On the Road

On You

This is the preferred solution for the vast majority of travellers. However, it's best to have at least two separate places to keep your money (easier, of course, when travelling with others and you can split it up).

In any case, have a neck pouch or money belt to store the bulk of your cash, and for the rest, a small wallet to keep in an inside pocket if possible.

In Your Luggage

Some travellers opt to keep part of their money in their luggage. This could mean a DIY hiding spot in the bag (lining, "secret" pocket, etc.) or, conversely, using something like a toiletry bag or dirty laundry sack as a hiding place.

That said, leaving your money (especially large sums) in your luggage isn't ideal. You'll need to be extra vigilant, knowing that during transport or sightseeing, you may sometimes have to part with your belongings.

At Your Stop

The usual question: should you keep everything on you or leave most of your valuables (and documents) at the hotel?

The answer really depends on your accommodation and the security it offers. If you have a safe in your room or the establishment provides one for guests, don’t hesitate—store as much as possible in it. A little tip to ensure no one snoops through your things: don’t leave your wallet and other documents loose—wrap them in a plastic bag or something similar with a "distinctive mark" at the opening to deter anyone from rummaging through.

On the other hand, if the hotel doesn’t have a safe, avoid leaving your belongings and money in your room if possible. Even hidden in your luggage, there’s still a risk of theft. In that case, you’ll have to take everything with you. This is another reason not to exchange all your travel money at once, but rather in small amounts regularly.

During Transactions or Purchases

Try to have exact change or close to it, and avoid large bills that require giving change. Whether intentional or not, the person you’re dealing with may not have change, forcing you to be more generous than planned...

When making a payment that requires a lot of coins and/or bills, take your time to avoid any disputes—let the other person count with you.

When receiving change, take the time to count it as well, visibly for the person in front of you. This is especially important in highly touristy areas, when you’re under pressure (a queue at a counter, toll, etc.), or when you don’t speak the language. In short, situations where you might not take the time to check or lack the means to contest.