Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just planning a trip of a lifetime, taking the time to protect your wallet should be on your list of things to do. Losing your wallet is not a fun experience and can lead to a significant financial loss. The good news is that there are a few tricks you can use to keep your wallet safe.

First and foremost, you should never carry any of your valuables in your checked luggage. If you must, keep them in the hotel safe. You should also try to conceal any valuables in places where staff might not be looking. A money belt is a traditional way to keep your valuables safe.

Another way to protect your wallet is to take the time to make a few photocopies of your credit cards and other important documents. You should also keep a few spare credit cards on you. Using a dummy wallet will help to prevent pickpockets from trying to rip you off. The dummy wallet can be purchased for as little as a few dollars and is filled with sample credit cards and other small bills.

Another travel tip that will help to keep your wallet safe is to avoid overpacking. If you’re planning to travel with only a carry-on bag, make sure that the bag contains a few extra items that you won’t need during the day. You should also pack a wallet that has at least one RFID blocking feature. This will prevent RFID skimmers from stealing your digital credit card information.

You can also protect your wallet by keeping your credit cards and money in a secure pocket. This can be accomplished by purchasing a small wallet that fits into an undershirt or waistband. The pocket should be tucked in, preferably close to the body, and should be a different color than the rest of your clothing.

Getting a credit card with travel benefits can also help to keep your wallet safe. Some credit cards offer travel accident insurance, rental car insurance, and trip cancellation insurance. Also, some credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Some of these cards can even reimburse ATM fees. You may also want to consider getting a credit card with built-in security features, such as chip-and-pin technology.

Finally, the best travel tip to protect your wallet is to keep your passport on you at all times. Traveling overseas is often risky, and a stolen passport can be used to fraudulently purchase items such as airline tickets and tourist souvenirs. While you’re at it, you should also carry a backup copy of your passport. It may sound like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people do not carry their passports in their wallets.

If you’re planning to travel internationally, it’s best to purchase a travel wallet that is made from RFID blocking material. Not only will this prevent RFID skimmers from stealing your important digital credit card information, but it will also keep you from seeing the best exchange rate on your trip.