The Impracticality of the Money Belt

Ok I’m going to do it again. Tell you about how I found a travel accessory other backpackers swear by completely useless. This time – the money belt. Ok here goes…

You’re going travelling, you’ve booked your ticket, bought your backpack, and now that inevitable fear has gripped you. I know this because no matter how excited you are and how long you’ve planned this, everyone freaks out a little. The dream’s becoming a reality and its a bit overwhelming. Shit just got real, so to speak.

Every traveller worries about different things but one of mine was definitely about safety and security. Especially because I was flying solo and my first destination was somewhere known for backpacker theft (Thailand).

The money belt seemed an easy solution to this. You tie a little pouch around your waist, under your clothes, and keep your money and passport in there for safe-keeping. That way you only keep a little bit of money in your bag and if it gets snatched it’s not that big of a deal. Sounds good. It also gave my parents some peace of mind that I wouldn’t be left penniless.

So I went off with it strapped around my middle and its flaws became pretty apparent.

Firstly, it’s bloody uncomfortable. I don’t care that the packaging says its breathable cotton, it’s 40 degrees out and this thing is suffocating my stomach. It’s sweaty and uncomfortable and did not agree with me at all. I’m sure you can get used to it, but I just didn’t.

Secondly, it’s visible under a vest top. I think it’s a bit more inconspicuous under a baggy tee or a shirt, but in the heat I pretty much lived in vest tops. And what’s the point if it’s visible? You might as well just have a cross- body bag on. That can’t be snatched either.

Lastly, I just didn’t find it useful. I only withdrew enough money to last me a couple of days at a time so I really didn’t have any excess to keep in a belt. My passport was either given to the guesthouse reception as a key deposit or kept somewhere safe in my room. And after I was actually robbed on an overnight bus and only my money and phone was stolen (not my passport or camera) I realised that no one actually wants to steal someone’s passport and it was in more danger of getting lost on a night out.

Obviously that’s just my opinion and I know other travellers rate them. There are of course other options, such as pouches that go around your thigh or your neck, but I can’t really see the benefits to be honest. I think as long as you’re vigilant and keep your bag across your body, you don’t need anything else. Just saying.