What's the best type of hidden travel wallet you should travel with?
We have been traveling for 9 years now and, if there is something we use from the very first day, it is our hidden travel wallet.
When you travel, you know there’s a risk you might loose your stuff but one thing you cannot afford to loose is your passport.
To reduce the chance of getting our passport stolen, we simply don’t carry it in our luggage, in our daypacks, and not even in our pockets, but we carry it in our hidden wallet.
Together with our passport, we also carry a backup credit card and some US dollars in cash for emergency.
There are many options on the market for a hidden travel wallet, depending on your activity level, personal preference or even gender.
In this article, you can find what’s the best type of wallet for any preference.
Based on our personal experience, our recommendation goes to the hidden waist wallet from Peak that also includes the amazing ReturnMe service, have a look:
Our Top Pick
Pros
- Soft, breathable and waterproof materials
- Easy to use
- RFID block + Insurance
Cons
- Requires some clothing to cover, not great for swim shorts
Peak Gear Travel Money Belt with RFID Block
This is the perfect hidden wallet that we have been using for years, and Peak Gear offers two tags of the amazing ReturnMe service that you should check out.
We just finished a review to optimise your packing on a carry on, so that you can travel really light. Should you use cubes or compression sacks?
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What alternatives do you have? Money belts, bra wallet, etc.
Travel waist pouch
This is our main recommendation because it’s the type of model we have been using all these years with success. You place it around your waist and under the clothes and, after some time, you won’t even notice you are wearing it. Most of the models come with RFID protection and some extra features as you can see above in our recommendation.
Flipped money belt
This type of wallet may be used in two different ways, one less hidden than the other. The main difference from the waist pouch is that it holds itself on your belt and not around your waist. This means you need to wear a belt to use this hidden wallet. To use it on the hidden mode, flip it inside to keep it under your clothes. It’s not as easy to use as the waist pouch but you may want to use it outside, too. The model we recommend below can also be used around your neck.
Sports money belt
This is what we call a sports belt but in reality it can be used all the time. It is indeed very convenient for practicing sports, which is not the case for all the other options. It looks like the top of some fitness trunks and it’s normally sweat-resistant.
Classic money belt
This is exactly as it sounds, a belt that has the capability of storing stuff inside it. In this type of model, it’s more about money and cards; passports don’t fit, so for us this belt is not adequate. But it could definitely work in combination with one of the other options.
Bra pouch
This is a gender-specific alternative but a great one, judging by the demand and reviews. Depending on the model, you may or may not be able to place your passport inside it, so have that in mind when choosing. It seats neatly under your bra, and even uses the same type of fabric to make it more comfortable (at least the model we recommend).
Travel Safety Tips
- The most important rule of all is to protect your passport at all costs. If you loose it, you will not be able to travel anywhere nor do any kind of official action. Imagine your card does not work on ATMs, going to a foreign bank without a passport to get some money is almost impossible.
- When traveling, leave your passport and some extra cash in a safe place. Either carry your own Travel safe or check in with the reception of your lodging.
- Carry passport photocopies, you may be able to use if someone asks for your passport as a deposit. Or if you loose your passport it am seed things at the embassy
- Consider using travel insurance, and don’t forget to keep your receipts and police reports
How to choose the best wallet to travel safe
Some tips to help you decide which model to use based on its features:
RFID
Because you will probably carry some cards in your wallet, it is very important to protect them against RFID-theft technology. Today, thieves can read your personal information from the chip in your card. So, no matter what wallet you buy, make sure it is RFID protected.
Activities
Depending on your lifestyle, you can always find a different solution that suits your needs. The clothes you wear also have influence in your choice, as some hidden wallets are easier to conceal than others.
Items to carry
If you want to carry a bulkier item, such as a passport, this already excludes a lot of options. In our case, we carry our passports, extra cash and credit cards so we need the bigger pouches, or we carry a combination of money belt and waist pouch.
Water resistance
If you use it under your clothes and for long periods of time, then this may be an important feature, especially if you are in a tropical country. The sweat or unforeseen rain can be problematic for your documents, so choose an option that has this covered.
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The 5 best hidden wallet options
Our top recommendation for all types.
Our Top Pick
Pros
- Soft, breathable and waterproof materials
- Easy to use
- RFID block + Insurance
Cons
- Requires some clothing to cover, not great for swim shorts
Peak Gear Travel Money Belt with RFID Block
This is the perfect hidden wallet that we have been using for years, and Peak Gear offers two tags of the amazing ReturnMe service that you should check out.
#2 Best belt holder
Pros
- Carries almost everything
- RFID block
Cons
- Can get too big and uncomfortable
Shacke Hidden Travel Belt Wallet w/RFID Blocker
This wallet hangs on your belt or your neck if you feel more confident and comfortable to use it that way.
#3 Best for sport
Pros
- Great for women
- Supports iPhone size devices
Cons
- Can be too warm in hot climates
Stashbandz Unisex Travel Money Belt
The trendiest of them all, you can choose different color combinations that look great on you and allow you to do outdoor activities carrying your stuff.
#4 Best for everyday
Pros
- The best hidden solution
- You can use it daily
Cons
- Not great for X-ray control
- Only money and cards
Jasgood Travel Security Money Belt
What is something you use everyday (some do) and where you can hide your money and cards? Yes, a belt!
#5 Best for women
Pros
- Perfect for women travelers
- RFID protection technology
Cons
- Can't carry much as it gets too bulky
Bra Pouch with RFID Protection, by Travel Fashion Girl
This simple pouch hangs from your bra and provides you the ultimate hidden wallet. Made of a comfortable fabric and includes RFID protection too, a must have for female travelers.
Conclusion
For us, the question is not if you should carry a hidden wallet, but rather which one to choose from.
When one isn’t enough, you can use combinations, like a money belt and a bra pouch, for example.
Safety is never too much when you spend so much time on the road, it’s just a matter of habit.
Last reminder, use a normal wallet too, the hidden wallet should not be your main one but your backup only, or it defeats the purpose.
Safe travels!
Another safety consideration is about your laptop, starting with resistance to water. Check our review of the best waterproof laptop cases
