Whether you are traveling in a developing country or Western Europe, chances are you have hidden money somewhere on your person. Presumably, this will keep it safe from criminals and act as a backup supply if everything else is lost. I guess this might be a tad paranoid… but it doesn’t hurt so it can’t be a bad idea.
The other day I heard a hilarious suggestion (see #5.) That got me pondering, what is the best place to hide your money? Here are five common places (okay, besides #5.)
Places to keep your money safe.
1. In a money belt
Pros: You can keep a lot of stuff here and it will remain organized. Plus this will prevent pickpockets.
Cons: Criminals know about these. So while it will stop a pickpocket, a mugger is likely to check for a money belt. Other drawbacks: it can get uncomfortably sweaty, and it’s difficult to use if you are wearing a dress.
2. Inside your bra
Pros: This will deter pickpockets, and a mugger might be less likely to check here. It’s easily accessible no matter what you are wearing. If there’s not much money there it can’t be seen from the outside.
Cons: Not for (most) dudes. An unexpected make out session might lead to accidentally losing your money. And you can’t keep very much here.
3. In a secret pocket sewn on the inside of your pants
Pros: Very unlikely that any criminal will steal this, unless they also steal your clothes. Depending on placement, less sweaty and smelly than other places.
Cons: It will take effort to sew this secret pocket. Depending on the placement, it wouldn’t be easily accessible. And if you wear more than one pair of pants, you will have to sew even more pockets.
4. Inside a belt with a secret compartment.
Pros: All the benefits of a money belt, without feeling all awkward and lumpy. Easily accessible and not obvious.
Cons: Are you seriously going to wear the same belt all the time? Do you really need to spend $18 for such a contraption? Plus, if the belt is ugly you will look like a tool, but if the belt looks totally cool a thief might want to steal it anyway.
5. In a sanitary pad.
Pros: Who would possibly think to look here?
Cons: This is totally gross.
None of these ideas would work particularly well in a country like Ghana (before the revaluation of the cedi)… Here I am in 2006 showing off my loaded wallet… which contains a wad of cash that is worth at most $10.
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