Travelers keep cash with them, especially those that have already been exchanged at the local currency of the place they are going to but at the same time they are also protecting their cash from theft of from getting lost from their hands. You may have your own ways to protect your cash while traveling abroad but below are just another set of ways to protect your cash, including your credit and debit cards.
- Most hotel rooms already have a safe included so if you are staying at a hotel, make sure you keep all your cash, credit and debit cards inside the safe. Only bring ample of cash with you when you go out of your hotel.
- The safest way to keep your cash protected is carrying with you traveler's checks. If they get lost or stolen, they can still be replaced with another one. Exchange a few amount of your cash with traveler's checks and write down all the serial numbers and keep it in the safe or someplace where you will remember where you put it.
- Some travelers consider carrying with them debit and credit cards over cash because once they are lost or stolen, they can be canceled and if any erroneous purchases are redeemed, they can be disputed. Once your cards get stolen or lost, report it immediately to the issuing bank by contacting their emergency hotline. Keep a copy of the international customer service hotline of your issuing bank so that you can contact them immediately.
- Most travelers carry with them money belt because they are always strapped around the waist but money belts are not substitute for wallets. Consider the place and time to use money belts.
- If money belts are not any good, you may opt for undergarment storage accessory such as hidden pockets or neck pouches. This will make it difficult for thieves to steal your money. Better make sure not to carry these accessories at the back pocket. Generally, do not carry your cash, debit or credit cards at your back pocket because this will be easier for pickpockets to get them with you unnoticed.
- Be aware of the countries you are going to if they accept your debit or credit card.
Consider the secondary currencies accepted in foreign countries. For example if you are traveling to Europe, they may accept US dollars but this depends on which place you are doing your purchase.