How to Hide Money When You Travel

Maybe I'm a little over-precautionery, but when I am in larger cities or traveling, I am not content keeping my identification, atm/debit/credit cards, or cash in my purse. Not at all. I like to hide them... where they are accessible to me in inconspicuous places. I "wear" them.

Although there are many forms of hiding money on your person, my favorite place is in my bra. [Ok, gents, I know that doesn't necessarily help you, but in application, you could translate this idea to your undergarment.]

No, I do not simply stuff it in my cleavage like a saloon gal, that could slip too easily. I select padded bras with removable "cup enhancements", you know, the "miracle bra"? However, my concern is for monetary safety rather than bustline enhancement. I remove the "enhancement" pads and place money, even plasticware and id, into the pocket.

I use a bra with a double enclosure seam that I have to actually open to access contents, rather than a bra offering only a single slit void of a fold-over. And ladies, balance is key here. Do not stuff twenty bills on one side, and none in the other...

When I need to access my hidden stash, I simply go to a restroom, remove the desired item(s) and place in a zippered interior jacket pocket or other secure place. This has worked well shopping and touring. For swimwear, simply place items in a double-zipped snack size plastic storage bag prior to "stuffing your bra".

This is so simple, and does not require any sewing -- which I love... not having to sew, I mean. As a mother of five and a business owner, I have a lot of demands on my schedule, and sewing seldom acquires any time alotment from me. Another thing I don't like to forfeit my time to is recovery of lost or stolen items (which is a good reason to have travel insurance), and stuffing my bra is an effective preventative measure! Happy stuffing, travelistas!

For more tips on how to conceal money on your person, please visit the following links.

 On August 12, 2010 the Department of State has issued this Worldwide Caution to update information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world.  U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. (source:www.travel.state.gov)

Concealing your money helps keep you safer.  With current travel warnings escalating daily, deterring incidents is increasingly important.  Please visit the link below for current travel warnings.

Some of this blog's readers have shared their secrets to hiding money safely when traveling.

Anna L., a guest commentator, writes, "

I use clothes with built in pockets. I either wear underwear with pockets or a tank top with a pocket on the stomach. My husband wears a t-shirt with a pocket. I wear the tank under a regular shirt so no one sees the pocket and no way anyone can steal from me. They are so much better than money belts or neck bags. I buy them from the Clever travel companion.

I wore these products on my last trip driving through mexico and it really made it easier to relax knowing my stuff was hidden."