Passports, credit cards, debit cards, and cash – these are some of the things that we worry most about when travelling – yet they’re also a crucial part of any journey, large or small. When you need to go somewhere – either to a different state for a business trip, or out of the country on a vacation with your loved ones, it’s important to think about the different methods you can use to keep your valuables safe.
The default is usually a choice between a money belt or neck wallet, but if you’re new to buying travel security accessories, the chances are that you don’t know which one offers the most advantages to your specific situation. Following, we’ll give you an insight into durable money belts and RFID-protected neck wallets, so you can make the most informed decision.
The Money Belt
To make the decision between money belt or neck wallet, we need to start by looking at each option in greater detail. Similar to a fanny pack, a money belt is a secure material pouch where you can store your valuables, cash, and other documents. However, unlikely a fanny back, money belts allow you to avoid the image problem that tourists wearing bulky pouches over the back of their jeans can cause.
Money belts are hidden underneath your clothing so that you can effectively hide your stash from pickpockets, and keep your dignity in tact if you don’t want to be immediately identified as a clueless tourist. Unfortunately, the biggest issue with money belts is that it’s a little awkward to remove money and other documents when you’re trying to keep your accessory hidden. Because of this, it’s generally a good idea to keep some extra cash in your pockets too.
The Neck Wallet
Similarly, to a money belt, a neck wallet can be hidden beneath the clothing, and you wear it either over your shoulder or around your neck depending on the adjustable length of the strap. These small fabric pouches can be RFID-protected to help keep your chipped cards and passports safe from digital scanners, and also have plenty of room for all of your documents while still fitting seamlessly under even the thinnest of shirts.
Generally, the best way to wear a neck wallet is like a gun holster, under your shirt and around your neck, with one strap under one arm. If you only wear it around your neck, there’s a chance it’ll push against the fabric of your shirt when you move or bend to pick something up. Similarly, to the money belt, you’ll need to keep some extra cash in your pockets if you don’t want to have to find a secret place to rifle through your wallet every time you want to make a purchase.
Money Belt or Neck Wallet
At the end of the day, whether you’d prefer a money belt or neck wallet will be a decision that comes down to your own personal comfort and preferences. If you’re unsure, you might consider trying both out, or getting recommendations from well-travelled friends. Whatever you do, just make sure that your valuables stay protected.
