Protect Your Money From Pickpockets When Traveling

Aditya Putri Ismarini

When you travel your money is one of your most valuable yet vulnerable assets. Thieves range from pickpockets in crowds to high-tech skimmers at ATMs and even airport cybercriminals. Here’s how to protect your cash and cards before you go, during your trip, and how Eskimo eSIM ensures your financial access stays intact.

Before You Travel Divide and Prepare

Split up your funds across multiple secure places.

Never carry all your cash in one spot. Spread it across a money belt, concealed pouch, or hidden compartments in clothing or luggage.
Carry both a primary and backup credit or debit card and keep them separate from your cash.
Consider using a prepaid travel card loaded with a fixed amount. It’s not linked directly to your bank account and can be canceled if stolen.

How to Carry Cash and Cards Safely While Out

Smart habits and gear can thwart theft attempts.

Use a money belt or belt with secret zipped compartments. Wear discreetly under clothes and out of reach from pickpockets.
Keep a decoy wallet with small bills and expired cards at the top of your bag or in an easy-access compartment. If confronted, thief takes the fake wallet, not your real money.
Use RFID-blocking wallets or pouches to protect tap-and-go cards from contactless skimming.

At ATMs and Airports Stay Alert

Physical and digital theft risks are elevated in these zones.

Only use well-lit, busy ATMs, ideally those inside banks. Avoid machines where someone lingers too close or to help. Beware of skimming devices like the Lebanese loop.
Notify your bank or card issuer before travel so they can monitor for suspicious transactions. Familiarize yourself with emergency freeze/block features in their app or hotline.
At airports thieves pose in plain sight. Some even use public USB chargers to steal data or use NFC scanners to skim card details. Use your own charger and keep cards secure.

In Crowds and On Transport Keep Valuables Under Close Watch

Pickpockets thrive in motion and distraction.

Carry cross-body bags or money belts in front of your body, never in back pockets or loose side pockets.
Avoid opening your wallet to break large bills in crowded areas. Use small denominations to minimize exposure and attention.
In-flight or during transit, keep your valuables on your person or locked under a seat. Cable clip zip locks and cross-body access reduce risk.

If Your Cash or Card Is Stolen

Quick action limits financial loss and locks down access.

Contact your card issuer immediately to block or freeze cards. Many providers offer 24/7 international support and mobile-app instant freeze features.
Cancel or track compromised prepaid cards and report lost cards to your bank.
Keep a digital note of card numbers and emergency phone contacts in a secure cloud or encrypted note, separate from your physical wallet.

Stay Online in Emergencies to Report An Incident

Even if you lose your physical SIM or phone, you must stay connected for urgent help, emergencies, and reporting.

With Eskimo eSIM you remain online without a physical SIM or device:

• Your data plan stays active for up to 2 years and rolls over unused data with each new plan, no risk of expiry if your phone goes missing.
• You can reinstall the same plan on a new device or install it up to five times. That means if you lose your phone, you can still connect online immediately on another eSIM-compatible device.
• Staying connected means you can report robberies, call embassies or insurance companies, block cards, arrange emergency funds or data all without waiting for a physical SIM.

FAQs

Should I travel with cash at all nowadays?

Yes, but only carry small amounts for daily use. Use cards or prepaid cards where possible. Split your funds across hidden compartments to minimize loss if targeted.

Is a money belt really worth using?

Yes. Money belts worn under clothing hide cash, cards, and documents from pickpockets. They’re simple, discreet and effective.

How do I protect against NFC card skimmers?

Keep cards in RFID-blocking wallets and avoid holding them in outer pockets. That foils contactless theft attempts.

What if someone steals my prepaid travel card?

Unlike a cash debit card, the loss is limited to the loaded amount. You can report it and often get a replacement card, leaving your bank account untouched.

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Written by a real person 💙

Aditya Putri Ismarini

I love to travel and share my story through writing to help other travelers. My lifetime goal? To visit as many countries as possible and experience the world!