10 Ways to Protect Your Money While on Vacation
1. Clear your wallet or purse before you go – Remove your library card, Social Security card, extra credit cards and anything that isn't essential for your trip. Then if something happens to your wallet, you won't have to worry about replacing or canceling those items.
2. Make a list – Write down your credit card numbers and the 800 numbers listed on the back of the cards or photocopy the front and back. Give the information to a friend or relative you can contact in the event your wallet disappears.
3. Consider traveler's check cards – This new version of the classic traveler's check is easy to carry and still offers the safety benefits of traditional traveler's checks.
4. Stash your cash in multiple places – This way, if you lose some, you'll still have some left. Who knows? Hiding $20 in your shoe just might save the day.
5. Wear a money belt – They come in a variety of styles. Buy a money belt, zippered leg or arm wrap, socks with hidden pockets or a plastic money-holder necklace for swimming.
6. Use it wisely – Keep larger sums of money and credit cards in your money belt, and put enough cash for the day (lunch, cab fares and attraction fees) in your front pocket. If you need more money throughout the day, be discreet about it – slip into a restroom to retrieve it from your money belt.
7. Take advantage of the hotel safe – Before you leave your room, put your extra money, credit cards and valuables in your hotel room's safe.
8. Be extra alert in a crowd – If you are distracted by street performers, window shopping or a commotion, you become an easy target for pickpockets. Keep your wallet or purse close in these situations.
9. Count your change – If you're buying something in a high-traffic tourist spot, make sure you get the correct change or you get your credit card back. It's easy to become sidetracked and forget.
10. Announce your money – When you are paying a taxi driver or store cashier, make eye contact and proclaim the bill you're using to pay. ("Here's a twenty.") By doing so, you may be less likely to be scammed out of the proper change.
