How to Keep Your Wallet Safe While Traveling
One day we will go on a journey again, and as interesting as it is, it also carries a lot of risk. For example, risk losing your wallet. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to Hudson News or Starbucks, put my wallet down and left – until one fateful trip when I lost my wallet and couldn’t even remember the last time I saw it. …
We carry everything we need in our wallets; they are the last thing we want to lose. Here’s how to keep yours safe.
Concentrate what’s in your wallet
First, you don’t have to carry your life around in your wallet. Your physical passport, credit cards and additional cash should be kept in a safe, especially if you are staying at a hotel. Alternatively, bring your own safe and secure it in your luggage.
All you need to have with you is enough cash (or cards) to eat and shop throughout the day. Also, keep a copy of your passport and place of residence – if you lose your wallet, someone can return it to where you are staying or to your embassy / consulate.
Get a GPS locator
The wallet GPS locator is as thin as a credit card and can be put in your wallet along with credit cards. When paired with your phone via Bluetooth, the locator will beep if you are looking for it. The wallet search range this way can be anywhere from 100 to 500 feet depending on the device (and the noise level you’re looking at).
Another option is to use a wallet with built-in GPS. These smart wallets usually connect to an app that helps you find its last location.
Use a belt bag instead.
If you keep losing your wallet, why not give it up at all? For a safer alternative, use a fanny pack. Fanny bags keep whatever you put in your wallet close to your body.
Likewise, you can think of a passport holder across the neck. Keeping your passport safe, it can also hold cash and essentials.
Cashless (and cashless)
There are so many ways to use currency without actually pulling out cash. Here are ways to avoid cash and never lose your wallet again:
- Use ApplePay (links your bank account and credit card)
- Select Google Pay (best for Android users)
- Download Alipay and WeChat (for Asian countries such as China, Hong Kong and Malaysia)
With all of these apps, you simply link them to your payment method (credit / debit card). After linking them, you will need to verify your identity; Once this is complete, you can use your phone to pay for the items.
Small, undeveloped countries may not accept these forms of payment unless you are in a US chain of stores or restaurants. Always check what is customary in the part of the world you are traveling to. And remember that while you may not need cash to make larger purchases, leave a few dollars for a tip.
Use apps from the store
Many places have their own apps that help loyal customers accumulate points, credits and rewards. With their apps, you can also pay directly without taking out any money. These payment systems provide a QR code that you scan with the appropriate application and pay through it. This includes networks with international offices:
- Dunkin Donuts
- Walmart
- Starbucks
- 7-Eleven
Please be aware that some countries require you to download an app specifically for your region. For example, you cannot use the same Starbucks app in the US as you do in China, and vice versa.