What do you do with all of the cash you exchanged for your trip? Do you just walk around with a big wad of money hoping that nothing happens? It’s no secret that tourists are carrying around a lot more cash than locals. Anyone living out of a suitcase or traveling for a long period of time is going to have valuable items, but how do you hide it safely?
I’ve a list of accessories that travelers can use to safely hide their converted currency and important documents while on a trip. Use a combination of these tips and accessories to make the most out of your next trip without losing a dime! Never worry about carrying too much money on you or losing some of the money you stored away with these 10 simple tricks:
10 Ways to Hide Your Money While on the Road:
Diversion Safe Hair Brushes
Diversion Safe Hair Brushes are actually an amazing accessory when properly equipped. This obviously doesn’t work well for someone who has no reason to use a hairbrush, (it’s okay, I don’t use it either!) but anywhere it’s in a natural setting it will fit right in. If this hairbrush were with other hair accessories or even mixed with women’s clothing, I see no reason why anyone would pick it up – this makes your contents inside really safe.
Infinity Loop Solid Color Scarf With Hidden Zipper Pocket
Infinity scarf is another great way to stash paper money as well as a paper copy of your passport if needed. I wouldn’t recommend anything bulky (like the phone in the photo) so anything that fits inside should be small and lightweight. Of course the scarf only works if weather allows, but anytime you can wear more layers it allows you to hide more things.
Stash Scrunchies
Stash Scrunchies are a new discovery for me. Although this accessory wouldn’t fit most things, I think it’s a great item to have on hand. There have been times where I wanted to go for a run walk without carrying so many items on me and being able to store a single key or a few dollars on me is all I need. When using a scrunchy as a stash accessory, I would pack a more secure hair tie to use for your hair, then loosely tie the scrunchy on top of that.
Hardbound Diversion Book Safe
Another great way to hide your extra money while traveling is by purchasing one of these hardbound diversion book safes. My favorite thing about this item is you don’t get to see the cover until you purchase it and take the paper cover off revealing the inconspicuous cover of an actual book. The first few pages are legible reading material and then you’re able to access the safe.
Secret Stash Sharpie
If you’re interested in the secret stash sharpie you have the option to purchase it through Amazon or DIY at home. This accessory is just a regular sharpie marker with the ink removed and cleaned off so other items can fill it. This is great for a few rolled bucks or even a paper copy of your passport, but nothing more.
Travel Security Money Belt
If you’d like to keep your extra money and a copy of your passport on your body, a travel security money belt is a great option. If you look closely there are zippers on the inside of the belt that allow you to slide folded currency. No part of this belt is made of metal so there’s no need for it to be removed while walking through metal detectors; I just don’t recommend putting any change inside or it defeats the purpose of it’s slim profile.
One Amazon reviewer claims to have securely held over $4000 inside of his belt by folding each dollar in a trifold pattern. (The only time I’ve ever had $4000 in cash, I was buying a car.) Although I think fitting that much money inside of a belt is a bit much, it’s good to know that any emergency funds that you want to put inside will be safe and sound.
Closet Hanger Hidden Diversion Safe
Even though most hotels have a safe in each room, if you’re sharing a space with multiple people accessing the safe might not be as easy. This is something to consider if you are staying in a Airbnb, shared hostel, motel or anywhere where you don’t feel like your items are secure. I prefer this closet hanger safe over others because you can attach it to any hanger available making it the most hidden. Unless the thief also plans to go through everyone of your clothing items, your cash should be safe subtly tucked away between layers of clothing.
Men’s Speed Stick Diversion Can Safe Stash
This is another stash option that you could DIY at home. Hiding the items and a deodorant stick is something I never considered until I started searching for these type of accessories. I consider this to be a bit riskier because depending on the contents it won’t be as similarly weighted as a regular deodorant stick and of course you don’t want it to rattle.
Waterproof Fanny Pack Pouch
Planning a beach day, but you don’t want to leave all of your things in a bag on the sand? Take it with you! They’re actually waterproof fanny packs available on Amazon as well. You can clip this on your body and you won’t have to worry about your IDs floating away or being stolen while you’re swimming.
Carrying a Decoy Wallet
Last but certainly not least, the biggest tip I’ve seen shared in travel groups is carrying around a cheap, decoy wallet. If you are in/going to a location that is notorious for pickpocketing (most dense tourist locations) all of your important items should be completely put away & tucked as close to you as possible. Most pickpockets don’t take a wallet and something else, they quickly take your wallet and then move along; the point of the decoy wallet is to waste the pickpockets time when the inevitable happens.
