10 Tips for Keeping Your Money and Passports Safe When Traveling 2
Reminder: Losing your passport can cause your dream vacation
to become an expensive nightmare! You can’t get on a plane back home
without it, so if you are stuck waiting overseas for a replacement,
the hotel costs, change of flight fees and so on can add up to a small
fortune.

6. In your room, do not leave any valuables lying around. If you are
going to leave a gratuity for housekeeping, leave it in one lump sum
at the end with a thank you note.

7. In case your passport is stolen or misplaced, inform your country’s
embassy or consulate without delay. Lodging a report with the local
police station is also advised, especially during non-business hours.
Make sure you bring a photocopy of your passport with you, in a
separate place like the inner zipped area of one of your suitcases, to
help expedite matters.

8. When you are walking along any street in a foreign country, ensure
that you do not walk close to the curb and keep your fanny pack close
to your body, at the front, not back. If you are a woman, you’re your
handbag close to your chest, or cross the strap over your shoulder and
carry it close to your hip. Avoid the ones with big open compartments.
There are very savvy pickpockets who may steal your wallet without you
ever knowing it. Also be careful of organized thieves who will
distract you at the front while they get hold of something out of your
bag or backpack from the back.

Some of these professional thieves may even wait around and watch
until you notice your purse is gone. Then they will approach you to
say they found your wallet, and ask for a reward (usually the young
kids afraid of a criminal record).

9. When you spend a day shopping in any given city around the world,
never leave your purse on the counter for any reason. When you are
leaving each store or shop, be sure to check your handbag and wallet
to ensure everything is where it is supposed to be.

10. When dining at restaurants, or shopping for that matter, use
traveler’s checks to pay for food and other items. You can carry a
credit card for ATMS for cash, and for emergencies only. In this way,
when you arrive home you won’t be hit with a staggering bill! Make
sure you follow all the instructions on filling out the traveler’s
checks correctly.

Stay safe, and watch your spending too!

10 Tips for Keeping Your Money and Passports Safe When Traveling 1

Many people spend so much time planning their trip that they sometimes
forget about the most important things – how to safeguard your
money and passports and other valuables when you are away from
home. Running out of money or losing a passport can be a disaster, and
can end up ruining an entire trip.

Luckily, thanks to a global network of ATMs, it is easy to get local
currency, but that is not to say that you should be careless, or give
up on traveler’s checks altogether. In fact, in some cases, the bank
fees on the exchange rate when you take the money out of the ATM can
be quite high.

But the main thing is to be sensible and cautious with you most
valuable possessions while you are on vacation. If it would be
difficult if not impossible to replace it, then don’t bring it.
Here are ten great tips on how to keep your money and passports safe
when traveling.

1. Before booking hotel accommodations, research as to whether or not
they have a safe in the hotel, or individual ones in the room. If you
use the hotel safe, put all your belongings in an envelope which is
then sealed, and sign across the seal to prevent tampering. Ask for a
detailed receipt and have it signed by the person who manages the
safe. For a room safe, make sure that you follow the instructions
carefully.

2. Purchase a small amount of foreign currency before you leave the
States. This can be used for tips, taxis, and breakfast upon arrival
at the airport. Keep it in a separate wallet or bag from your usual
money, and make sure you bring 2 different ATM/credit cards with you,
to always have a back up.

3. Instead of carrying large amounts of cash, it is preferable to
carry a combination of traveler’s checks, cash, foreign currency, and
credit/debit cards. You might consider getting a separate account and
using a debit card for that account just in case the card is lost or
stolen, to limit the amount of damage that can be caused. It will also
help you budget for your vacation.
4. Purchase special belt pouches to carry money and passports. Some of
these hang around the neck, and others can be worn around the waist.
Make sure they are under your clothing wherever possible, and keep
track of it whenever you are in a crowd.

5. Never put cash, checks or credit cards in your luggage. Valuable
items should be kept in your on-board carry on luggage. Insure all
valuable items in case of theft. Check to see what insurance coverage
you have through purchasing your travel using a credit card, or
through travel insurance you might have purchased