Carrying Money Safely
 

Hello Foderites, we are nearing our takeoff time for South America. We are now sorting through our options for bringing dollars. What do you use for safe money storage. We have used waist belts but find them uncomfortable. We are taking new bills so want to keep them that way. We will have to carry these dollars through Peru and Bolivia before reaching Argentina.
Anyone have any experience they would share?
Thank you...

Pacsafe have a whole range a whole range of money carrying options. I use. Something similar to this
http://www.pacsafe.com/coversafe-125...-wallet-3.html. Of course it is only suitable if you are wearing a belt!

We always split the cash between us in separate wallets.

NB. You can always get USD cash from ATMs in both Peru and Bolivia so no need to bring it all with you. There are daily withdrawal limits imposed by ATM providers and your card issuer so it would involve several visits so it maybe safer to get at least some of your cash there.

I have several different options: I do use a waist belt, but also a tiny bra snap on money holder, a neck wallet which lives under my shirt (and distorts my upper body but who cares) and also I have often worn calf wallets.

Because there are so many options, fabrics and styles you can use, there may be a softer fabric you can try to make the waist belt more comfy. That has always been my favorite, as it can be worn underneath everything and be invisible.

When I changed my 2900US to Pesos in ARG in May 2013 I had quite the wad. I found hiding places for it in my locked bag, and did such a good job of spiriting it away I often couldn't find my own funds. I bring good locks, lock everything, and put my valuables into lockers when I go out and about. The extra locks are real deterrents to casual thieves, they take more time than they want to spend.

You can find good small locks that are TSA friendly- they come in very handy- at almost any travel store like AAA, I found mine at TJ Maxx, and they are just about everywhere lugggage is sold. I usually travel with four of them and end up using them all.

Also, Crellston is right, you can take your cash out as needed rather than a bunch at a time.

Assuming at least one of you wears a bra, have you looked at a "bra wallet"? I find that tucking it down the side is more comfortable. Also suggest that you bring a bit of cling wrap to wrap passport and money and one credit card, to avoid moisture getting to it.

An example, here
http://shop.eaglecreek.com/silk-unde...a-stash/d/1125

Another option I also employ is to stash some emergency cash inside a shoe.

Thanks all for your replies. I am going to look at the bra snap. And am relieved to know we can pick up cash along the way in Peru and Bolivia.

When changing money in Argentina at blue rate should be bring 20's or 100's? I have to admit this money thing is my biggest worry!

100s in good shape are best.

Have a great time in my country.

Have you tried wearing your money belt with the pouch at the back? I buy the thinnest I can find (only one compartment, and wear it that way.

Don't forget to have some money in a regular wallet in your pocket for paying bills at restaurants and small purchases. Very awkward to be reaching into your bra for that!

Plus, I think it sends a sign that one doesn't trust the locals when one is always reaching into hidden money belts. I remember paying for lunch at a restaurant in Bolivia, and the owner said he'd never seen gringos carry money in their pocket before! It sounded like he thought we all assumed everyone was out to rob us.

You do not reach into a money belt in public! Or you don 't if you are using it properly. Yes, you should have one day's cash more readily accessible!