I’m getting ready to travel internationally for the first time in years. Back in college I went to Mexico and carried my passport around in my pocket… somewhere along the way I misplaced it and ended up taking a trip to Mexico City to visit the embassy to get a temp passport.
So, before I head out again, I thought I’d see if you guys recommended anything in particular to carry a passport around in. I’ve seen what looks to be the cheapo neck wallets, but I really don’t know that I want to keep it around my neck, and I know I don’t trust a little $8 wallet to actually hold up to the hiking around with camera gear I intend to do…
I don’t recommend wearing your passport around your neck. I keep mine in my computer bag at all times. I only bring it out for passport control and check in. That’s all you need it for. Keep it put away. don’t paint a target on yourself if you can help it. Your state issue I D is good enough for anything you will need the rest of the time.
I used to carry a passport, ID, and cash in a money belt. You can find it at REI or using your Google-Fu. Now, as far as security…I wouldn’t bring your passport during daily activities unless you really need it. Leave it somewhere secure…I know it maybe an oxymoron when your choice is either between your hotel safe or your pocket.
Also, thieves and pick pockets know what moneybelts are. All they need to do is just slice the webbing and rip it off your body. They’ll do it with fanny packs, money belts, neck lanyards, etc.
I like discrete belt pouches, something that hangs down into the rear trouser pocket so that its not obvious.
There is also something that looks like a shoulder holster but is a nice flat pouch for important docs.
Could I give you a suggestion that was given to me some years back? Take your passport, driving licence and any other important docs and colour photocopy them to fit an ID card size lamination pouch. When you have copied them if you have access to someone that can put an official military or police stamp on the back as verification do that. Then laminate the copy. Keep these stashed away from where you keep your normal docs when traveling. Then if you have an incident you will beable to present these copies at the embassy.
I also carry some old army payslips, just in case.
I have pockets sewn in inside my waistbands on several pairs of pants. Great place to carry a passport and life support gear.
That being said, don’t carry your passport unless you have to. I prefer to carry a high quality photocopy and leave the actual passport in a secure location.
I appreciate the advice on not carrying the passport, but it’s just not possible given my trip. I’ll be traveling from location to location each day and I’d feel much better with the passport on me than in a pack in the car or left completely out of my care for several days.
I agree I don’t really want it around my neck - and if I did wear it around my neck it would be tucked in under everything. But to be honest I just hate having extra crap around my neck. I guess I’ll stuff it down in my pack.
We will have copies of our IDs both stateside and left with a missionary guest home once we are on the ground.