| If you are planning a vacation, the easiest and safest | | | | Traveler's checks are always a good idea. You have |
| method for carrying your money is simply to leave it | | | | a record of each check in case of problems. |
| in the bank and use your credit or debit card instead. | | | | If you are traveling with your family, a good idea is |
| This way you don't have to worry about losing your | | | | to divide the money up between all of you. I don't |
| money or having it stolen. However, keep in mind | | | | recommend keeping it all in one place just to be on |
| that if you are traveling out of the country without | | | | the safe side. That way if somehow someone |
| cash, there is always the possibility that the ATM | | | | becomes separated from their money, all of it is not |
| machine will "eat" the card and fail to return it to you. | | | | lost. |
| Another problem one international traveler had was | | | | Another fairly safe method is to use a neck pouch. |
| withdrawing several hundred dollars from her account | | | | These are sold in travel stores and online, and as you |
| and not having the money come out of the machine. | | | | would probably imagine, you just hang the money |
| This could be a real problem if you are out of the | | | | pouch around your neck. You could then tuck it inside |
| country and without any ready cash. | | | | your shirt or jacket to keep it out of sight. |
| It is common for thieves to hang out by the ATM | | | | Another idea is to place your cash in a plastic bag |
| machines waiting for a "tourist" to withdraw money. | | | | and keep it inside of your shoe. I read about |
| They then follow the person for a few blocks and | | | | someone using this method successfully and |
| rob them. So if you will be in a foreign country | | | | apparently you do get used to the feel of the plastic |
| making use of the ATM machines be sure to | | | | bag inside your shoe. |
| exercise caution. Remember that some countries | | | | A money belt is another option. Keep the majority of |
| have the art of pickpocketing down to a science | | | | the cash in the belt and leave some in your wallet so |
| with purposeful and timed distractions, using fake falls | | | | that you are not constantly having to go to the belt |
| by elderly people, cutting open purses, and other | | | | and alerting people as to the location of your money. |
| such things so be aware of your surroundings at all | | | | When waiting in line to board your plane, leave your |
| times. | | | | passport, ID, wallet, money, et cetera inside your |
| There are many people who don't carry any plastic, | | | | pocket or purse until you are asked to present your |
| and they prefer to have their money with them. | | | | boarding pass at the end of the line. With all the |
| That's fine, no problem, but you should take some | | | | distractions it would be easy for someone to snatch |
| precautions to be sure you don't find yourself devoid | | | | your stuff if you are just standing and holding |
| of any money in the middle of your trip. | | | | everything in your hand. |