The Best Money Belts for Travel
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The Best Money Belts for Travel

To money belt or not to money belt, that is the packing question. Money belts have long been considered a travel go-to for their stealth ability to store a passport, traveler’s checks, and cash in one convenient, on-your-person pouch. But in today’s ATM- and Apple Pay-everywhere world, are high-security belts still a must? It depends on your destination. Sticking out as a tourist in a foreign country—especially those where cash in king, like Thailand—makes anyone an easy target for pickpockets. And who says money belts have to be all function and no fun? Here are a few of our favorite hands-free carry-all options, from no-nonsense picks to "fanny packs—but make it fashion."

See recent posts by Rebecca Bohanan

eagle creek SILK UNDERCOVER™ MONEY BELT
1

Traditional Under-Clothing Belt

Eagle Creek’s money belt is a five-star favorite for many frequent travelers for good reason—it’s made of silk! So if scratchy nylon is a no-go for you, this sweat-resistant, satin-lined organizer is a great option. It’s washable and durable, and much lower maintenance than its high quality suggests.

$31 at Eagle Creek
L.L.Bean RFID-Blocking Travel Waist Wallet
2

RFID-Blocking Belt

How do you take a money belt and make it more secure? Add RFID-blocking technology, which fully protects the contents from RFID readers—devices used to access personal information from passports, IDs, and chargeable plastics. Guard against all forms of—identity and otherwise—with this simple, slim option from L.L. Bean. 

$15 at L.L.Bean
UGG Excluisve Logo Fanny Pack in Black
3

Streetwear Belt Bag

Everything '90s is new again, thanks to L.A. street style transmitting from the greater Calabasas area. This simple, all-black sling bag is an on-point pick for hands-free travel, whether a weekend at Coachella or a trip to the Grove. 

$151 at ASOS
Patagonia Lightweight Travel Mini Belt Bag
4

Backpacking Belt

Patagonia’s nylon money belt is an outdoor adventurer’s carry-all dream. Made with durable nylon, mini bag stuffs into its own zippered pocket when not in use. 

$29 at Urban Outfitters
Travel Security Belt with Hidden Money Pocket
5

Hidden Belt

This unisex belt performs something of magic trick as it stores needed items without any indication you’re carrying them. A concealed zipper (made of plastic, so you can walk through airport scanners while wearing the belt) lead to a completely flat inner pocket with enough room to hold paper currency with a single fold. Spare keys and copies of important travel documents also fit without any indication your belt is doing more than just holding up your denim culottes (which it can also do, of course).

$19 at Amazon
Bao Bao Issey Miyake Belt Bag
6

High-Fashion Fanny Pack

For a belt bag that worthy of Tokyo, Paris, or a black-tie event, look no further than Issey Miyake’s structurally impressive money belt. An adjustable waist strap and buckle closure add practical details.

$402 at Bloomingdale's

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