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10 Spots Tourists Think Are Safe for Keeping Cash But Aren’t

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Traveling means carrying cash, and finding the right hiding spot can feel like a strategy game. But many common “safe” spots aren’t as secret as they seem. Here’s a look at 20 places tourists think are clever but are actually the first places thieves check.

Stashed in Shoe Soles

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Popularized during the prohibition era, hiding valuables in footwear became common—but predictable. Cleaning staff or burglars may check shoes first, as they’re simple to access. Many hotel thefts involve tampered luggage, and shoes are a common target.

Sandwiched Between Clothes

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Layering money between clothes is old news. Organized thieves flip through luggage methodically, targeting shirts, pants, and socks. Travel experts emphasize that clothes are one of the first areas searched because they can be quickly rifled through without noticeable traces.

Inside Sunglass Cases

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Compact and seemingly smart, sunglasses cases are anything but secure. Their small size makes them a quick target for thieves. Airport security has reported finding hidden items in sunglasses cases, which makes them a predictable spot for hiding cash or jewelry.

Among Hotel Room Books

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While the idea might feel creative, it’s anything but foolproof. Hotel books, especially Bibles, are universal decoys. Seasoned travelers generally warn that this spot is far from secure. People might flip through books casually, and this makes them an easy place for thieves to check.

Rolled in Socks

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Experienced thieves frequently target socks tucked into luggage, as they’re a common hiding place for valuables. However, tourists may assume socks are inconspicuous, but their predictable nature makes them an unreliable option.

In Jacket Pockets Hanging in Closets

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Keeping cash in a jacket pocket leaves it vulnerable to theft by casual cleaners or even accidental visitors. Jackets left hanging in closets are low-hanging fruit for opportunists. Items stored in outerwear, like coats or blazers, are frequently targeted, especially in plain sight.

Behind Wall Art

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Movies might romanticize hiding money behind wall art, but in reality, it is less glamorous. Security experts note that hiding cash behind picture frames or wall hangings is one of the first spots burglars search during break-ins.

Stuffed in Food Wrappers

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Disguising money in food wrappers is risky for several reasons. People can mistake it for trash and throw it away, and even owners can forget about it. Travelers have shared stories of cash being accidentally discarded when hidden in fast-food bags or disposable containers.

In Toilet Tank Lids

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The old-school hiding spot isn’t as secret as it seems. Maintenance staff and cleaners frequently clean toilet tanks, which can expose hidden cash—usually an accidental discovery. Moreover, multiple news reports have shown money hidden in toilet tanks during routine repairs.

Taped Under Furniture

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Hotel safety experts warn that this area is commonly checked during quick searches, as taping items under tables or chairs became a known tactic decades ago. It’s also prone to being a surprise discovery by housekeepers or children.

Written by Ian Bronson

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