The Pros And Cons Of Using A Waterproof Money Belt

Keep your money, keys, and credit cards dry with a waterproof money belt. There’s not much difference between a passport holder vs. a money belt, as long as your stuff stays dry, right? This belt can also double as a waterproof passport holder for swimming. 

Being a solo traveler, there’s not often someone to watch your belongings when you take a dip. So why not take them with you? With a waterproof belt bag, you can keep your valuables safe and dry with peace of mind whether you’re exploring the Cayman Islands or adventuring through Africa.

A waterproof money belt isn’t everyone’s idea of the perfect travel belt.

It has a few disadvantages over the traditional travel money belt:

• Because it’s made of plastic-type materials, it will stick and make you sweat if you wear it next to your skin
• It punctures easily so its water resistance can be quickly compromised if you’re not careful – think catching in a thorn or on a sharp coral
• It doesn’t have that warm, cozy feeling you can get from silk or other types of travel waist wallet
• It may actually be more expensive than other belts
• And finally, it will probably be bulkier, since the material itself is less pliable

CONS OF A WATERPROOF MONEY POUCH

A waterproof money holder isn’t everyone’s idea of the best travel belt. It has a few disadvantages over the traditional money belt for travel. It is important to know that a waterproof money pouch is meant to keep things dry. If you want a little more protection from pickpockets, you should have a look at security money belts. 

• Because it’s made of plastic-type materials, it will stick and make you sweat if you wear it next to your skin
• It punctures easily. So its water-resistance can be quickly compromised if you’re not careful – think catching on a thorn or on a sharp coral
• It doesn’t have that warm, cozy feeling you can get from silk or other types of travel money belts
• It may be more expensive than other travel belts
• And finally, it will probably be bulkier, since the material itself is less pliable

PROS OF A WATERPROOF MONEY HOLDER

But then there are even better reasons why – if you’re roughing it, staying in hostels or going around the world– you should have a waterproof money holder for swimming or even everyday activities..

I speak from experience. I once hung my cloth money belt next to my shower in Bangkok and inadvertently soaked my passport and all my money by misdirecting the shower nozzle and forgetting my non-waterproof belt was hanging there.

(Of course, you know I couldn’t leave it unattended in the hostel dorm while I had a shower, right?)

So yes, there are plenty of good reasons to add one of these waterproof wallets to your traveling essentials list:

• It’s, well, waterproof, not only in the shower but for those other fun activities, like rafting, swimming or kayaking. And in the rain.
• If you’re a woman traveling solo, how many times have you wondered what to do with your valuables on the beach? If you’ve found new friends you can leave your stuff with them, but if you’re truly on your own and your lodgings don’t have a safe (it does happen) your choices are limited: you’ll have to wear your stuff, and a waterproof money holder for swimming of some sort may be the only way to keep it all from getting soaked.
• It’s easy to keep clean and dry. Anyone who has ever used a concealed money belt made of cloth or synthetics will tell you how quickly it gets clammy and smelly. This one won’t. Just run a soapy cloth inside and out and it’s clean.
• You can get a waterproof passport holder and phone cases as well.

Sold on the waterproof version? Remember you can get lots of styles – waist, of course, but also for the neck, wrist, leg, ankle, and armband.

Here are two of the better-known brands. 

FINAL THOUGHTS ON WATERPROOF MONEY BELTS

Now that you know all the pros and cons of using a waterproof belt for swimming, water activities, and heavy rain, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on the one you want to take on your travels. 

— Originally published on 05 April 2012