Money Belts

The real Money Belt is a very visible but 'invisible' part of everyday wear. It is not a purse or something that you need to check or open on a daily basis. The Money Belt's main purpose is to to prevent your trousers from falling down. The Money Belt does not appear to be any different to any other belt that you may wear.

The Money Belt serves as your last ditch back up in case of disaster. You may be pick pocketed or mugged or lose your wallet or luggage but it is very unlikely that you would lose your belt. If your belt appears no different to any other then it will not attract attention even if you are swimming or engaged in some amorous adventure.

I have been wearing my Money Belt continuously for four years now. I have only had to open it twice during that time. Once at a border post to placate some awkward immigration officials and once to dry the contents having been subjected to a very long torrential rain deluge..

Novice travellers often think the silk or cloth pouch they have strapped around their waist under their clothing (and sometimes on top...would you believe!) is a money belt. It isn't, it is more of a 'pouch' or pseudo 'fanny pack' and very useful in its own right. These are designed for more regular inspection and is a useful place to protect a passport. These take a bit of getting used to and will often cause chafing or irritation. This means that many wearers give up on them before they are a week into their trip.

The Money Belt offers the best security back up possible.

What you put in your Money Belt is very much a matter of personal choice. You cannot go far wrong with US Dollars. Three notes of different values. Say 100, 50 and 10. Perhaps a travellers cheque and a couple of coins. You certainly don't need more. This is enough for you to pay for a few phone calls, a meal, a bed for the night or a bus to the next town.

I keep a few Euros too but have not found a time I ever needed them. Remember this is for emergencies. You would normally never have to open it. Once you have decided on what you want to put away, unzip the inner (waist) side of the belt and place your carefully folded notes evenly distributed inside. It may be worth covering them with a bit of cling film first just in case you are caught in the rain too. Even with very little inside the belt it will feel a little bit bulky but 48 hours wear will 'iron' the contents down to unnoticeable.

I have been through dozens of airport security checks and have had to remove my belt for most of them. The belt has gone though numerous x-ray machines and I have never once been asked to unzip the belt.

The Money Belts on the market today are as smart and attractive as any other belt on the market. You would not go far wrong to abandon your usual belt and wear a Money Belt all the time. We can all feel just that bit more secure that an emergency could be turned into just a minor problem.

Happy Travels!