Tag Archives: Money and Credit Cards

The Best Money Belts to Hide Money, Credit Cards, and Passports

Travel Smart and Keep Valuables Close and Secure

The best travel money belt is a security money belt or pouch and it can be your most important travel accessory, especially when visiting busy and popular tourist attractions. It is in these locations where pickpockets and thieves target tourists. Shield and protect your valuables from pickpockets, distraction thieves, and snatch and run crooks with a hidden money belt, security neck, or body pouch. A money belt depending on its size and design is used to hide money, cash, passports, identification, and other valuables that you don’t want to lose.

What is a Money Belt?

A money belt is a personal item and is not a “one size fits all” by any means. The best money belt designs have anti-theft technology and offer various designs and sizes, so you’re sure to find one just right for you. Now you have a choice of traditional belts with a zipper to hold just bills, wallets you wear on your leg, and wallets you hide under pants. There are even more styles which you wear around your neck or waist and tucked under clothing. Enjoying water sport or the beach? No problem, you can choose from a variety of completely waterproof styles of money belts so you can swim and play in the water while keeping your passport and other valuables close and dry!

Read on to learn about the various types of best money belts and secret wallets available with anti-theft features. The latest styles of neck and body pouches have RFID blocking material lined pockets to stop identity theft by tech-savvy thieves.

Why Use a Money Belt?

You want to select a money belt for a sense of security and peace of mind, and to protect your money and other smaller valuables from thieves. Money belts also keep your hands free so you can do more, as you don’t need to hold or worry about a bag. Bottom line – A money belt is the best investment you’ll make costing you only $10- $35.

What are the Pros and Cons of Travel Money Belts and Pouches, Neck Pouches, or Waist Wallets?

Waist Style or Under-Clothing Money Belt

Best money belt Breathable and flat money belt

Breathable and flat money belt to wear under clothes

This style of money belt can be worn either tightly against the stomach with your shirt or blouse covering it or dropped loosely into your pants below your waistband. If you are going to purchase one of these – give strong consideration to a money belt that has a steel cable embedded within the rear strap so it cannot be cut by a sneak thief from behind and pulled off. There are several popular styles of waist wallets with built-in anti-theft features such as RFID blocking to guard your passport, credit cards, and identity. Consider what you’ll be securing in your money and select a style with the appropriate number of pockets to keep your valuables handy and organized.

Tips for Wearing a Money Belt

The safest way to wear a waist wallet or money belt is tucked inside your pants. The strap should fit loose enough to tuck below your pant waistband so that is not visible. The pouch should also be tucked into your pants. If you choose to wear the waist wallet outside of your pants make sure your shirt is long enough to cover the money belt from view. Try this at home before you pack.
If you wear your shirt un-tucked, be aware that a professional pickpocket could bump into you in a crowd, lift your shirt, cut the rear strap, and flee with the belt in a matter of seconds. An embedded steel cable in the waistband makes this type of theft impossible. Alternately keeping the money belt strap tucked below the waistband of your pants protects you from this type of theft too.

Best Money Belt for Runners

The best money belt for a runner is slim and fitted to the body to prevent bouncing. The beauty of this belt is that it can be worn when not exercising too while walking around town and sight-seeing during travel.

Best Full-Sized Money Belt

This money belt fits 3 passports easily, has RFID protection, and is water-resistant. What’s more, the money belt strap is elastic for comfort and to fit a variety of waists. See more colors by clicking on the image.

Best High-Tech Money Belt with Theft Insurance

This money belt is made by Peak Gear of 210D ripstop nylon so it is lightweight and durable. Besides having built-in RFID blocking technology this money belt also includes 2 global recovery tags that you attach to valuables like your phone or passport. Attach the tags to your phone, passport, camera, etc. If the protected items are ever lost and found, ReturnMe’s 24/7 call center will help get the items back to your door, from anywhere in the world. There is NO additional cost. This comfortable and slim belt is the perfect travel accessory with adjustable straps that fit both women and men. The moisture-wick backing will keep the pouch cool against your skin, especially useful for all day use or in warm climates.

Best Hidden Wallet – Belt Loop Wallet

Slide your belt through the loop and wear it tucked inside your pants. Easy to pull out while it remains on your belt.

We think a belt loop wallet is a great style of travel wallet if your wear a belt. This style of money belt is a single pouch that hangs inside your pants from your belt or belt loop. It is usually made out of nylon or cotton and has one or two zippered compartments. It is very easy to slide out and tuck back in. This is an extremely secure way to carry cash and cards since it is attached to your belt. Some designs are large enough to hold your passport, money, and a credit card. Many designs offer two different colored belt loops (black and brown) to blend in with your belt, so it is not so obvious that you have a belt-secured wallet. A popular design is this belt loop wallet because it is completely hidden with zippered compartments to secure contents.

All About Neck Wallets – Money Belt Alternative

Travelers have relied on neck wallets, often referred to as a security neck pouch or neck safe for years. They are one of the most common and secure types of money pouches and are highly recommended by experienced travelers. Quality neck pouches are made with soft moisture-wicking fabric for comfort.

However, neck wallets do have some drawbacks. A neck pouch hangs under your clothes, and the biggest complaint is that depending on the type of shirt or blouse worn, it may take a while to get to it when needed.

Best money belt Underclothing security neck wallet pouch

Underclothing security neck pouch.

Whenever possible you do not want people to see that you are wearing a money pouch around your neck. Neck pouches are designed to be flat and not bulky, even though a tight-fitting top will reveal that you’re wearing a neck pouch so look for one with a long strap so that you can lengthen it and wear it lower towards the stomach. Lowering it also makes it easier to access because you just need to lift up the bottom of your shirt. The bottom line is even if noticeable, a neck wallet is a great security wallet because no pickpocket or thief can reach through your shirt and get at the contents.

Considerations for a Neck Wallet or Body Pouch

When worn for long periods of time, you may be aware of it more than other money belts.
When considering the purchase of a neck pouch, think about one in a tan or beige color. A black one may be easily seen if you are wearing light-colored clothing and thereby calling attention to it.
Always purchase a quality neck pouch that has some type of inner liner. The inner liner works as a moisture barrier to protect contents.
Consider how you will retrieve items from the neck pouch. If you are wearing it when you go to dinner at a nice restaurant, will you have to excuse yourself to the restroom in order to unbutton your shirt to retrieve your money or credit cards? This may not be a problem if you are a student and backpacking your way across Europe, but for others, you may want to consider another style or plan ahead and tuck what you need in a secure pocket.
A thief may recognize the pouch strap around your neck (they are not that hard to recognize) and a non-reinforced strap can be easily cut from behind by a skilled pickpocket and then pulled off your body. Therefore, the best type of neck pouch to wear is one that has a wire woven throughout the length of the strap. That way your property is better protected from snatch and run thieves. This is one of our favorite styles of neck wallet or neck pouch to recommend.

Leg Pouch Money Belt

Best money belts Leg Safe, won't fall off, fits most leg sizes.

Slides on like a sock, won’t fall off, fits most leg sizes.

This device straps around your calf, or like the photo here slides on like a sock to stay secure. Leg safes have pockets in the sock sleeve where you place your money and passport, so it’s a money belt too. Leg safes or leg wallets are adjustable to fit most leg sizes and, of course, need to be worn only when you’re wearing long pants. These are ideal “second wallets” when you want to split up where you carry your valuables.

Classic Money Belt

Always popular when looking for a dressy option this is a real hold-up-your-pants leather money belt with a zippered compartment on the inside that stores a dozen currency notes. It’s a proven favorite for the holidays! Classic money belts only conceal cash, they do not conceal passports or credit cards.

Best Leather Money Belt

On the inside of the belt is a slim zippered compartment that remains hidden from view. The hidden money belt was made to keep your cash hidden and safe from sly pickpockets. Designed to look like a regular belt, these types of money belts come in a more finished look. They can be worn with a dress or casual pants, as well as shorts, and not look out of place.

Airport Friendly TSA Money Belts Won’t Set Off Metal Detectors

Designed to help save time and hassle from going through security checkpoints and metal detectors at airport screening stations. TSA beep free belts are made of nylon webbing, non-metal buckles, and non-metal zippers. The buckle (the part that sets off most metal detectors) is made out of a rigid, and security-friendly composite material that will not set off the screening station alarm. Hidden in the back of the belt is a zipper compartment to hide bills. It is completely made of nylon and high-impact plastic, including the zipper track and pull so it is completely TSA friendly. With no metal in the belt, you won’t have to worry about having your belt buckle set off TSA airport metal detectors. Learn more about TSA Screening Money belts.

Waterproof Fanny Packs, Neck Pouches, and Body Pouches

When going to the beach, parasailing, or simply swimming in a hotel pool where do you store your valuables? Now you can play, lounge, or snorkel and not worry about who’s watching your valuables! Take them swimming with you for peace of mind. See the latest designs of water-proof gear that protects your valuables, including your phone and take them with you into the water.

Advice and tips for keeping valuables secure in a money belt

Keep your money belt completely out of sight. The most secure way to wear it is over your underwear but beneath your pants.
Conceal the belt even more with a longer untucked shirt, or better yet wear your shirt tucked in.
If you’re wearing a neck pouch style money belt, wear it bandolier style with it tucked under one arm and over the shoulder of the opposite arm.
Minimize what you carry for the day leaving the balance of valuables in your hotel room safe. Carry the cash, credit card, and ID you need just for that day.

Before you leave on your trip, spend some time understanding how pickpockets operate so you can “see them coming” before they get your wallet, camera, or phone. Get a quick tutorial by watching videos of “pickpockets in action.” Before You Go – Watch Real Pickpocket Videos and Read Up on Pickpocket Scams

Additional Advice You May Like

Electonic pickpocketing RFID pickpockets, digital thieves, rfid blocking wallets

You may think of a pickpocket as a person that bumps into you to steal your wallet, but now there’s a different kind of pickpocketing and it’s called electronic pickpocketing. How do RFID pickpockets work, and why can they be so devastating? Tech-savvy RFID pickpockets, which are also known as “digital thieves,” can silently download your personal credit card information and ID data with handheld “skimming” devices, including some newer cell phones, that are simply held close to your wallet or purse.

Yes, your information on the RFID chip transmits through a wallet or purse. Why is this possible? It’s possible because many of the newly issued credit cards, driver’s licenses and all passports now have embedded RFID chips.

Do RFID Wallets Stop Electronic Pickpocketing

RFID chips send out electromagnetic signals with all the information stored on the card for electronic readers to capture. In the case of your passport, they can even broadcast your photo. RFID technology is a good thing, but in the hands of RFID pickpockets, it can be devastating. So how do you protect yourself from electronic RFID pickpockets who use electronic readers? You need to use RFID blocking wallets, purses, or other RFID blocking gear. These items have metal fibers woven inside of them to block the RFID transmissions. You could also wrap your cards in foil to stop transmission. So yes, RFID blocking wallets can protect your identity from falling into the hands of thieves, crooks, and scam artists.

Protect Your Identity & Personal Information with RFID Blocking Gear

The latest travel wallets, purses, backpacks and other gear, have RFID shielding built into the material of the product for your security and peace of mind. Wallets, bags, and backpacks that contain this RFID blocking material look like ordinary wallets and purses, except depending on their design, the product may entirely have RFID shielding, or may just have dedicated pockets to RFID shielding. It is in these RFID blocking pockets where you would place your wallet or other digital ID. You are most vulnerable to pickpockets, both regular and electronic, in crowded situations or in places where you place your things down like hanging your bag on the back of a chair in a restaurant. The results of being electronically pickpocketed can be devastating, so consider outsmarting the bad guys with RFID blocking gear. For your peace of mind, see an extensive collection of RFID blocking travel gear.

RFID blocking money belt, stop electronic pickpocketing

RFID blocking money belt. Hidden under your shirt it’s easy for you to access, but not thieves.

Anti-theft crossbody day bag has built-in RFID protected pockets

Classic Men's Leather Wallet with embedded RFID blocking technology stops electronic pickpocketing

Classic Men’s Leather Wallet Embedded with RFID Blocking Technology

What is RFID and Why Do I Need to Block it?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Devices. Today they are found in passports and credit cards to help speed up transactions. They transmit your account information plus personal details. Handheld scanners can read these chips through wallets and clothing up to several feet away. It is a form of electronically pickpocketing or identity theft. Newly issued credit cards, passports, and other IDs have embedded RFID chips.

Do RFID Wallets and other RFID blocking bags stop pickpockets? Yes, You can protect your personal data with the use of RFID blocking wallets and RFID blocking passport covers. These items contain a metal fiber mesh that makes a “cage” around the chip that radio waves cannot penetrate. All US Passports issued since October 2006 have RFID chips in them. The chip contains all the data that is on the first page including your photo. A growing number of states (New York, Michigan, Washington, Vermont) are now issuing special driver’s licenses “enhanced” with long-range RFID chips.

How Does RFID Work?

RFID, Radio Frequency Identification, is the technology that lets you simply wave your credit or identification card, passport or license in front of a nearby scanner instead of having to slide the magnetic stripe through it. The electronic scanner sends a signal which is received by an antenna embedded into the card, which is connected to the card’s RFID chip, thus activating it. Unfortunately, criminals with minimal technical skills can construct their own clandestine RFID readers with a few simple supplies. These devices can steal your private financial information quickly and silently—all the perpetrator needs to do is come near your wallet with the hidden card reader.

Credit cards have RFID chips

Does my Card Have an RFID Chip?

This is the important part if your card is equipped with PayWave or blink, indicated by a logo on the front or back of the card, then it has an RFID chip embedded in it. The absence of a PayPass logo, however, does not mean that your card does not have an RFID chip—call the customer service number on the back of your card. If you cannot get an answer from your bank you should protect your cards anyway to ensure that you do not fall victim to identity theft. Imagine how the theft of your identity while traveling could negatively impact your trip! You should be concerned if you carry an American Express Card, Visa, Discover, MasterCard or a passport.

Here’s the best and latest selection of RFID blocking wallets and gear to stop electronic pickpocketing.

Video Demonstration of RFID Pickpockets

How Much Should You Tip? Guidelines for Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars

One question most travelers ask is how much should you tip? Typically the one place you end up tipping most frequently is in your hotel. There is the bellstaff, housekeeping, the concierge and dining room personnel. If they provide a service, they typically should get a tip. How much you should tip for those services does vary by country. Read on to see the suggested tipping amount by country and then how much you should tip in the United States.

Tipping Guidelines by Country

Tipping around the world is different than it is in the United States. Tipping guidelines now show that tipping has become expected and standardized even outside of the United States. In some countries, everyone from the waiter to the porter to the proprietor figure-in gratuities as part of their wages. In other countries, tipping is a different story. Before you go you should know what is the customary tip amount at your destination for various services. Here are some tipping guidelines to know what tip amounts are customary by country. Remember, the more assistance you need, or the more economically deprived the location it behooves you to err on the side of generosity. And if you’re still not sure what is proper to tip, ask someone in management of the establishment for a guideline, they will gladly help you understand how much you should tip.

Country	Tip	Comment
United States	15%-20%	Expected, but usually not included in the bill.
France	12%-15%	Usually included in hotel and restaurant bills.
U.K.	10%-12%	Service charge usually in restaurant bill.
Japan	10%-20%	Tip usually included in hotel, restaurant bill; otherwise, tipping not common.
Germany	10%-15%	Service charge usually included in restaurant bill; but small round up tip is the norm.
Hong Kong	10%-15%	Tipping common for all services.
Indonesia	10%	Usually included in the bill; additional tip can sometimes added.
Italy	10%	Tips expected for most services.
Malaysia	10%	Tipping usual for porters and room service.
Mexico	10%	Tipping common for most services.
Philippines	10%	Tipping common for most services.
Saudi Arabia	10%	Tips usually included in restaurant or hotel bill; extra 10% sometimes given for special service.

Related: How to Hide Money on Your Body

How Much Should You Tip at US Hotels

Two things influence the tip amount, the amount of service provided and the type of hotel. For example, a bellman who brings 5 large bags to your room at a luxury resort should get a larger tip than one who just takes and holds your bag for a few hours in a locked room after you check out.

Shuttle Bus Drivers for the hotel or parking structure: $1-2 per person, or $4-5 per party

Valet or Parking Attendant who brings your car to you, $1-$5 per trip

Bell Staff Typically $1-3 per bag when you are escorted to your room. If you call for bell service upon departure the same tip amount applies

Housekeeping $2-5 per night, leave the tip daily on the pillow or in an envelope marked tip as staff can change daily. A family of 4 should leave $5 per night whereas $2 may be reasonable for a single room occupant

Room Delivery of requested items: $2 for one item, and $1 for each additional item

Room Service and Waiters 15-20% of the total bill

Door Staff $1-2 for hailing a cab, and if they help with baggage, even to your Uber, tip accordingly

Concierge $5-10 depending on how involved the service

These suggested amounts are from The AHLA, which is the association representing all segments of the lodging industry, provided the above guidelines. You should rely on your own judgment as well.

How Much to Tip While Dining

Typically you should tip 15% to 20% of the BEFORE TAX amount. If the service was extremely great (or awful) tell management in addition to leaving the appropriate gratuity. They will be pleased to know which waiter is keeping guests happy and which they to train a bit more.

If you’re at a dining establishment where you go to the counter and place your order and take a number you place at your table and wait for the food to be brought to you, you should leave $1 to $2 dollars on the table upon leaving.

The counter help at fast food places do not need to be tipped.

How Much to Tip for Delivery and Take Out

Take-out No tip is required for counter service. Think picking up your food at a sandwich counter or doughnut shop.
Delivery Driver Usually $2-5 is adequate for the delivery person.

Tipping Guidelines for Casinos Within the United States

Bartenders: $1 per round for parties of two to four, up-scale bars the tip is $1 per drink.

Bellmen: $2-$5, depending on whether you will need services or advice during your stay.

Bingo and keno runners, keno writers: If playing for an extended period of time, $1 occasionally, even if not winning, is appreciated.

Cocktail waitresses: $2 a round for small parties; more for larger groups.

Dealers: Tips, or “tokes” as they are called in Las Vegas, can be given directly to the dealer between hands, throws of the dice or spins of the wheel, or small “side bets” are permitted. These can range from $1 to up to, half of your bet.

House keepers: About $1-$2 per day per person in the room, leave daily since the house-keeping staff can change daily.

Restaurant waiters: Standard 15-20 percent rule applies.

Room service waiters: Standard 15-20 percent rule applies.

Skycaps: $1-$2 per bag, depending on size and weight.

Showroom servers: $5-$10 for a party of two to four at a cocktails-only show; for a dinner show, $10-$20 for the same size group, depending upon service.

Taxicab/shuttle drivers: Standard 10 to 15 percent of the fare.

Valet parking attendants: $2-$5

How Much to Tip at a Salon or Spa

A 20 % tip is standard for your hairstylist or barber. Some salons have assistants who typically wash your hair and may offer a relaxing massage. They should get $5 to $10 depending on the service provided.

Tipping Your Dog Groomer

You entrust your dog’s safety and comfort to your groomer. You want them to do a good job and look forward to you and your pup coming back. Typically the %15-20% rule applies here too. If you have an easy to groom dog you can go with 15%. If your pooch is larger, very furry or requires additional attention, go with 20%.

Tipping Exceptions Around the World

Sometimes there are situations where tipping is not expected or the tip is built-in to the price. You need to look for these situations. Some restaurants include an automatic tip in the bill for larger parties. Less often restaurants include a mandatory tip on all bills, regardless of the number of people at the table. Always read the bill carefully so you know what you’re paying.

Another situation where tips are often included is on cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts. You will see a separate line on your bill reflecting the

tip amount you are being charged. The establishments are not to touch that money. It is supposed to go directly to the personnel and people that have served you the money is typically and divided up. Even in tip included establishments, you can give additional tips to people who have gone out of their way to do something well for you.

Tipping Guideline Apps for Your Phone

Never be unprepared. Download a tipping app onto your phone. Most apps work that you select a country for which you need advice on tipping amount such as meal service or taxi. Some even have a built-in calculator and other information such as local customs so you know how much to tip.

US News Recommends a few apps to help with tipping.

In closing, here’s a fun fact: the word “tip” is an acronym for “to insure promptness.” And our final recommendation is that if you “over” tip know you’ve made someone’s day and that kindness may just come back to you in another way. And lastly, plan ahead a get small bills in your destination currency to have handy for tips.

More Tips on Tipping

Check if the gratuity has been added to your bill. If it is you do not need to leave any additional money.
If you are using a coupon or a Groupon check on the original price and tip on that amount.
Leave your cash tip on the tray or in the holder of the bill, not out in the open. Including the tip on your credit card payment is also fine.
If you frequent a bar or coffee shop regularly be friendly, maybe address a barista by their name, and put $5 into the tip jar so that they see you doing it. Future visits should be pleasant and if you have a special request they will most likely take care of you with a smile.
If some can’t accept a tip, look them straight in their eyes, say thank you and if appropriate shake their hand.
Another appreciated action is making the effort to tell someone’s supervisor about their extraordinary service.

Tips to Save You Money on Exchanging Money

Physically protect your money, ATM card, and credit cards with an anti-theft wallet designed for travel.
Before you leave; contact the bank that your ATM cards and credit cards are with to inform them you will be traveling out of the country.
Confirm with the bank that your pin number will work in foreign countries. In Europe, the safest length for a pin number is 4 characters. Some ATMs accept longer ones but change yours to a 4 digit one if you don’t already use a 4 digit pin just to be safe.
Some European ATMs try to get you to use DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion). That means they “convert” the amount into your home currency, seemingly as a convenience to you. Doing this allows them to set the exchange rate, and they use it to make a profit. Many merchants and restaurants in Europe offer this. You should always deny the request or insist on transactions in euro. The same goes for countries outside of Europe too.
Never change foreign currency at a bank or a change bureau. The exchange rate is much higher and they could also apply added fees, use the ATM.
Check the currency exchange rate before you leave on your trip. This way you’ll know the approximate exchange rate and can have some idea of what to expect.
Sign up at a local credit union for an ATM and credit card. They offer the best rates hands down. If you use a participating ATM location to withdraw cash you will not be charged a fee for using the machine. They will convert to the current exchange rate and only tack on a 1% Foreign Transaction Fee.
Do not withdraw large amounts of cash and walk around with a wad of cash to last the whole trip. Instead, withdraw the cash you’ll need for a few days and return every few days to withdraw more. This way, if your cash is stolen you still have some money in the bank for an emergency.
Wait until you arrive at the airport in your foreign destination to withdraw some cash with your ATM card. But to make getting cash just one less thing to worry about do visit your bank in the US and change out a small amount of foreign currency to cover your first subway ticket or taxi fare (assuming they don’t take credit cards), as you’ll pay a bit more at your bank to exchange your money. Whatever you do, don’t exchange money at the airport those exchange booths charge exorbitant fees!
BONUS TIP: Make copies of all of your credit cards, front, and back. Either keep them in a secure location. Phone screenshot or keep copies of them back home with a loved one. This way if your card is lost or stolen, you will have access to the important phone and card numbers to report your card(s) stolen.

It rarely happens but when an emergency occurs on a cruise ship it is a huge logistical undertaking to keep everyone safe and in extreme cases get them evacuated off the ship. Well, it just happened. The cruise ship the Viking Sky was sailing in waters along the Norwegian coast when the engine failed in rough seas stranding the ship. They airlifted half of the 900 passengers with helicopters to safety before the disabled ship was finally able to get to a port. Even if you don’t have to be airlifted off the cruise ship you should think about how to be prepared for getting caught in rough seas which may impact on-board service and your comfort.

Cruise Ship Emergency Advice

A couple of smart tips for peace of mind while sailing on a cruise ship for those rare, just-in-case emergencies.

Pack and change into sturdy closed-toe rubber-soled shoes. They are the best for preventing slips and falls on wet surfaces, a rocking ship, and protecting you from broken glass.
Pack a water-proof pouch or waist pack. Besides using it on water play cruise excursions to keep your phone or camera dry, you could wear it to keep those plus your jewelry, medications, and other small valuables on your person and your hands-free. Pack two per person if necessary.
Make sure your ID, any medical information, travel medical insurance, and phone number of next kin are easy to find in your waterproof bag.
Bring a small flashlight waterproof LED is ideal, with a clip-on attachment. It may come in handy if the electricity, back-up generators, and lights go out for navigating dark hallways.
Bring backup power for your phone (external battery pack) or any other device you may need.
Keep hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes handy. During a recent cruise disaster, the toilets stopped working and because of the relative chance of a norovirus outbreak, they can help keep you healthy.
Keep a supply of bottled water in your cabin at all times. Replenish it as you use it.
Keep packaged snacks handy in your stateroom.

Cruise ship personnel and staff are trained to keep passengers safe in case of an emergency. Follow their advice and guidance should a cruise ship emergency arise during your sailing. However, preparing by bringing the above items can go along a long way should your cruise run afoul. Bon voyage.

Water poof neck pouches cruise ship emergencies

Waterproof neck pouch for phone

Emergency Files for Home and Travel-

Emergencies happen, and usually at a moment when you or your family least expect it. Imagine if something were to happen which would prevent you from accessing your home, your office, your bank, your cell phone. Your normal life would come to an abrupt “stop.”

Hard to imagine? It happens all the time particularly when natural emergencies such as an earthquake, fire, hurricane, tornado, flood, or storm strike. Travel is another scenario where you should have a contingency plan to access personal and financial information should you lose your wallet or valuables.

While there are many sources of information that focus on physical preparedness, many do not include what is commonly called a “Red File.” The Red File is designed to include copies of or locations where everything that is necessary for you or your family to rebuild your financial and operational life in the aftermath of an event.

Many potential emergencies will require you to evacuate your home. Some may be short evacuations, others longer, and still others may prevent you from returning at all. Despite your displacement, many facets of normal life continue. Bills need to be paid, purchases need to be made, bank accounts need to be accessed and memories and important records need to be preserved. If forced to evacuate your home quickly, you won’t have time to gather all of your important files, pictures, and other items. Be prepared with an emergency red file you can grab and go that has all your key documents in one spot. If disaster strikes when you are away from home, a digital red file could be a “life saver.”

Have a Digital Emergency File in Addition to Your Physical Red File

Everyone should complete a digital “Red File” and make sure that a few people in your life know where it is. Having a digital “Red File” is a must if you need to access it while away from home, like when traveling or if disaster strikes while you are away from home. The original or copies of the documents should be held in a secure place such as a fire safe, or even better yet inside a bank safety deposit box.

When traveling you should have a “Travel Red File” of all travel documents, financial records like credit card numbers you are carrying, and possibly needed medical files including eyeglass prescriptions available to you via a thumb drive or internet access (password protected). Keeping photos of key documents, prescriptions, health insurance, and emergency phone numbers on your phone (again password protected) is also a plan.

Emergency Home Files

There are a couple of ways to have home emergency files and important papers ready for your access. These files, unlike the files you’ll need to access during a travel emergency, are more extensive. You may elect to use a fire safe file box or a locked cabinet for storage. I use a fire safe box because I can grab it and run with it in case I need to evacuate my home. This box along with my computer, some personal photos and items is the basis to rebuild should everything else be lost like in a fire or similar disaster.

If you use home accounting software it may a place for you to enter all your account information as a summary or overview tool.

Placing Important Digital Information On Your Computer

If you place important information on your computer and it is stolen or hacked you have a higher chance of giving a thief complete access to all of your critical, sensitive, as well as confidential information. That’s why you need to make sure any digital file is kept on your computer in a password-protected file. Consult with someone in your company’s IT department to fully understand the best and most cost-effective way to do this. Here are a few more thoughts about having a password protected file, as well as who should know where it is, as well as how to access it in case you and your spouse/partner are unable:

Put all “sensitive” files in a password-protected folder.
Give a close, trusted confidante (spouse, best friend, attorney) the password to the folder. Use a strong, non-obvious password.

How to Create an In-Case-of-Emergency Everything Document to Keep Your Loved Ones Informed if Worst Comes to Worst

If you were hit by a bus today or were otherwise incapacitated, would your loved ones be able to quickly locate your important information or know how to handle your affairs? Many of us have a great handle on our finances, but our record keeping systems might not be obvious to family members or friends who might need immediate access to them in times of emergency. Here’s a step-by-step guide to organizing your vital information so it can be conveniently and safely accessed when needed.

The Wall Street Journal’s List of 25 Things You Need Before You Die

This is a link to an article published by the Wall Street Journal that provides a good read when you are putting together your emergency file.

Emergencies: Are You Prepared? Your Personal Checklist of Important Documents

This is a link to a page put together by the University of Virginia Tech on the subject. It is a one-page document that you can easily copy and page in Word or Excel and fill in the blanks.

Don’t Procrastinate — Create an “In case of …” File Today

Another article on the subject put together by Unclutter.com. It also deals with your online identity if you pass away.

The Big Book of Everything

This is a website put together by Erik Dewey. In a nutshell, he has created a web page which has both a nice downloadable PDF book as well as an Excel spreadsheet that together will allow you to create a notebook filled with all of the information anyone could need to know about you. The idea is that in our lives we have countless things that we are involved in. On rare occasions, other people need this information and no one knows how to get it. That’s where the Big Book comes in. By filling this out and keeping it current, you can simplify the effort others have to take on your behalf. Uses for the Big Book are:

After you pass away. People will know what accounts to cancel, have access to your email, know where important papers are kept, and otherwise streamline what is already a painful process.
Filling out applications. The information in the book is often found in various applications, by having the book you can look that stuff up at a moments notice.
Making sure you know what your assets are. By going through and inventory all of your assets, you have a better idea of where you are financially.
Forcing you to prepare for emergencies. By filling out the forms, it will force you to be better prepared when an emergency strikes.

Steps to Take Now

Organizing your financial information is a first step towards being prepared for an emergency.
Sales receipts for expensive purchases and contracts should be filed for easy access if an insurance claim is necessary.
Photocopy the front and back of each credit and debit card for easy access to important information if they are lost or stolen.
Keep an inventory of personal and household property current with copies in two different locations. Create a video with your phone narrating as you walk through the house, garage, and yard.
Organizing your tax records makes tax preparation much easier and is essential in preparing for an audit.
Keep all insurance documents for car home, health etc together.
Financial information such as accounts should be carefully secured and protected against unauthorized access.
List of passwords to online accounts

Life’s emergency situations require advanced preparation and planning. The first step is organizing your financial information. Do you have an appropriate place for filing each document? Have you told anyone else where you keep your vital information? Have you shared your wishes in the event of your death? Are your documents available to ‘grab and go’ in case of evacuation? Many situations require that you take action now to avoid financial problems later.

List It or Lose It – The Case for Household and Property Inventory

A household inventory is an itemized list of your personal belongings. It provides a method of knowing exactly what personal property you own. An accurate household inventory is a necessity whether you are a homeowner or a renter.

Tips for Avoiding Identity Theft While Traveling

When on vacation you are soaking in the scenery and new experiences and your guard may be completely down, even just temporarily. Criminals typically take advantage of tourist’s relaxed guard and tend to specifically target them. Stay ahead of thieves by taking a few precautions and don’t fall victim to identity theft when on vacation.

Identity thieves specifically target certain types of personal information including; name, credit and debit account numbers, Social Security number, date of birth, and driver’s license number, addresses, passport numbers etc. Fortunately, there are several things you can do during your travels to safeguard your personal information and ensure you aren’t amongst the next group of victims. Here is a list of a few tips to consider.

Before You Leave on Your Trip

Tell Your Bank and Credit Card Issuer Where and When You are Traveling

Before you leave on your trip, call and inform your bank and credit card companies you are going to be traveling. If possible, give them dates and destinations. Most institutions are happy to monitor your accounts, as they do not want to be liable for any stolen sums.

Use Pin Based ATM Cards Only

Use a pin-based ATM card only, rather than a check or debit card. Check and debit cards can be used without a pin to make purchases. This way if your card is compromised, it is worthless to the criminal and they won’t have direct access to all of your funds in your checking account. Protect your account even further by placing your cards in an RFID blocking card case.

Make Sure You Pack a Credit, not Debit Card

If you aren’t using cash while traveling, use a credit card instead of your debit card. If someone gets your debit card number you’ll likely lose all the money in your account, and the process of reversing the fraudulent charges can take a lot longer. If someone steals your credit card you’ll have an easier time recouping your losses, especially if you have an identity theft protection plan from your card holder.

Stop Your Mail

You may think it’s a great idea to simply have a neighbor pick up your mail while you’re out of town but if a thief is casing your neighborhood he’ll eventually figure out you aren’t home and beat your neighbors to the mailbox anyway. Go to the post office or on-line and stop your mail while you’re away. Your mail, which could include Social Security statements, pay stubs, and tons of other personal information, will be safe until you return. An alternative is to install a security mailbox where letters are dropped inside the steel box via a slot and the bulky junk mail is placed on a non-secure shelf. We have one and it is great for short trips.

Leave it at Home

Will you really need your checkbook and extra credit cards? Sanitize your wallet and remove anything and everything you will not be using on your trip.

Limit Bag Tag Information

Do you really need to put your full name and address on the luggage tags with steel loops you attach to your bags? Probably not. If someone gets a hold of your bag he’ll have your name and address AND he’ll know you’re not home. Put your name and phone number and leave it at that. An honest person will call you if he finds your bag. A thief won’t care either way but at least he won’t know where you live.

Bills, Bills, and More Bills

Pay your bills prior to departure for vacation. Do not take bills along with you; hotels are dangerous places to leave bills because the account information printed on them is readily available to anyone. This is a serious threat to your identity. Another tip that everyone should be doing with bills is to make sure old ones are shredded, rather than being tossed into the garbage – Always make sure you minimize your exposure to account information that you throw in the trash. Know that another breed of ID thieves sift through trash in search of these materials.

Do You Really Need to Be Connected While on Vacation?

Do you really need your laptop on a pleasure trip? If not, leave it at home. The world won’t end if you don’t check your email while lounging on the beach in Hawaii. If your laptop is the computer you use primarily it likely has a lot of personal information, including financial and passwords, and if it is lost or stolen you could easily become the victim of identity theft.

Forget Facebook

Never, under any circumstances, post a status on Facebook to let your friends know you’re on vacation. You wouldn’t put a sign on your front door announcing you’re away and, as such, you shouldn’t announce it to the Internet world. Someone who breaks into your house will have access to tons of identifying information. The same applies to MySpace, Twitter, and any other social networking service you use.

Keeping your Identity Secure While Traveling

Keep Track of Boarding Passes

Once you’re on a plane you might think your boarding pass is no longer important and, as such, inadvertently lose track of it. Put your used boarding pass right back in your purse, wallet, or carry-on. It has a lot of identifying information on it and if it falls into the wrong hands it will announce your absence from home.

Leave it in Your Hotel Room

When you are out an about, do you really need to carry certain documents with you or can they be left in your hotel room safe. Carry the money and credit card you need for the day. Leave your passport, extra traveler’s checks, and additional credit cards in your room safe to lower your risk of ID theft – carry only what you think you’ll need. If you do become a victim you’ll lose less and your attacker will have access to less information than if you were carrying all of your identifying information.

Is Your Laptop Up to Date?

If you take your computer with you, update your anti-spyware and anti-virus programs before you leave, as you will be connecting to possibly unsecured Internet connections, a haven for ID thieves. If you are using your computer on vacation, do not access your personal accounts from your hotel room or Internet café; publicly available Internet connections are a common source of identity theft. This is because they are generally unprotected signals with a high volume of usage.

Avoid ATM Machines

If you need money you are better off visiting a local bank than you are using an ATM machine in your destination country. Thieves constantly monitor ATM machines in an attempt to skim PIN numbers or blatantly take your cash after you’ve made a withdrawal. Check your surroundings, make sure the ATM doesn’t have any strange attachments above or below the card slot, make sure no one is nearby with a cell phone camera, and make sure you cover up the keypad as you type your code.

Use RFID Blocking Gear to Protect Your Identity

Most credit card companies now issue credit cards which contain Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology that lets you simply wave your credit card, passport or license in front of a nearby scanner instead of having to slide the magnetic stripe through it. It’s a fairly simple concept. The electronic scanner sends a signal which is received by an antenna embedded into the card, which is connected to the card’s RF chip, thus activating it. The information transmitted is personal identity and financial information.

This technology allows an RF-enabled card to be “hi-jacked” by tech-savvy identity thieves who use hand-held scanner devices. By standing close to you in a crowd the device can read and capture your data.

To protect your RFID enabled credit cards and passport cards, you should travel with RFID blocking wallet or RFID blocking sleeves to protect your identity Click here, to see RFID blocking wallets and document organizers.

Never Let Your Card Out of Sight

Another great way to avoid identity theft is to never let your credit card go out of your line of eyesight. If the waiter, or gas station attendant, or concierge (or anyone else), has to leave your line of vision the odds of him running your card twice and only giving you one receipt are significantly increased. They might even simply make a photocopy or take a cell phone picture of your card for later use. It can and does happen.

Your vacation should be a dream come true – not a nightmare. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that your identity will not be stolen while traveling. Even the most diligent and conscious people become victimized by ID theft. Know that most thieves are lazy, and will take what is easy to access over what they must work harder for- use that to your advantage by staying ahead of the game.

Stay Informed Before You Go with Our Information-Rich Newsletter

Many travelers prefer to pay for rental cars with credit cards. In fact, if you don’t have a major credit card, you may find that some car rental companies will not rent you a car, or will require a large cash deposit to cover any potential damage.

Are you covered? You may even save money when you rent a car using a credit card, since some credit card issuers offer free protection in case of accident, loss or damage to the car. This protection, often referred to as collision damage waiver (CDW), is not usually insurance, but is an agreement under which you won’t be liable for the loss or damage as long as you comply with certain conditions. Some credit cards offer primary protection, which pays for damage or loss without requiring you to first file a claim with your personal auto insurance coverage. Others may provide secondary protection, which covers any damage or loss left unpaid after you have made a claim to your auto insurance company.

Many auto rental companies sell CDW protection for fees at daily rates which can add up depending on the duration of your rental. If you have adequate protection through your credit card issuer and/or under your own auto insurance policy, you may not need to purchase the rental company’s CDW unless the country you are driving in requires you to do so. If you do not purchase the rental company’s CDW, be sure you clearly decline it when you sign the rental contract.

Ask your credit card issuer before you travel if it provides CDW, if it applies in the countries where you will be driving, exactly what is covered (for instance, personal injury or personal property may not be included), what restrictions and limitations may apply, and how the claims procedure works.

Check with your travel agent or the rental company before you travel to make sure you can use your credit card CDW. Not all rental companies accept credit card CDW, and in some countries, such as New Zealand and Italy, as of this writing, customers are required to purchase the rental company’s CDW, even if their credit card offers coverage.

If you violate the car rental agreement, the CDW may not cover you. For example, if you have an accident in a country in which your car rental agreement prohibits you from driving.

Some additional tips for renting cars overseas: Ask your travel agent before you leave if you will need and international driver’s permit to drive in the countries you’re visiting.

When you rent a car, the rental company may place a “hold” on your credit card for anticipated charges, plus incidentals. The amount of the hold is “frozen,” which means you’ll have less credit available for other purchases. Ask the clerk how much the hold will be and when it will be removed. To avoid tying up your credit line, you may want to use one credit card for car rentals and hotels, and another for daily purchases. This may be less of a problem with cards that do not have credit limits.

If you purchase pre-paid vouchers for car rentals, keep copies of them for your records, ask for confirmation from the travel agency that the rental company was paid for the voucher, and ask for a receipt from the clerk when you present the voucher. Keep in mind that these vouchers may not cover all charges (taxes, re-fueling, or CDW, for example), or may not cover additional fees if you change your reservations (such as the location or date of pick-up).

Report any problems with the car to the rental agency immediately and keep a record of who you spoke with. It’s best to try to resolve any problems on-site before you leave. If you wait until you return to the U.S., you may find it difficult or impossible to resolve the problem to your satisfaction.

Try to report any accidents or damages to the car rental company and your credit card issuer (if you’re using the credit card CDW) within 24 hours. Take pictures of the damage, if possible.

If your plans change and you want to keep the car for a shorter or longer period of time than you had agreed, get details in writing about extra charges such as mileage, daily charges, or drop-off fees

Avoid dropping off your car at the last minute. Return it early enough to allow time for inspection and to resolve any billing problems or questions. If you drop off the car and fail to get an inspection, it may be difficult to prove what damage is yours, and what occurred after you dropped off the car.