Secure Roamer

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Cash and currency handling with wallet

How I Handle Cash, Currencies, and Hidden Fees in High-Risk Cities

June 18, 2025 · 4 min read

Cash still runs the show in Lagos, La Paz, and parts of Manila. Card terminals fail, QR codes redirect to scammers, and ATM skimmers sit on machines like barnacles. I’ve spent the last few years refining a cash workflow that keeps me funded without feeling like an easy target. It covers sourcing currency, minimizing fees, and making sure losing one wallet doesn’t wreck a trip.

Cash and currency handling with wallet

Photo: Unsplash / regularguy.eth

Step 1: Forecasting Needs

  • Build a currency forecast in Notion before landing: daily budgets for food, transport, coworking, contingency (20%).
  • Use Numbeo + local contacts to estimate cash-only expenses.
  • Transfer enough money into my Schwab checking account (reimburses ATM fees) and Wise multi-currency account.

Step 2: Sourcing Cash Safely

| Source | When I use it | Safety tactics | | --- | --- | --- | | Airport ATM | Late arrival, reputable bank (HSBC, BBVA) | Withdraw modest amount ($150), shield PIN, look for camera overlays | | Bank branch ATM | Preferred | Visit during business hours, inside branch with guard | | Currency exchange | Only if bank ATMs dry | Use XE mid-market rate to negotiate; count notes twice | | Peer exchange (nomads) | For small top-ups | Use Spot app to record transaction, meet in daylight |

Avoid: freestanding ATMs in tourist zones, 200+ peso “convenience” ATMs, streetside exchangers unless vouched for.

ATM Routine

  1. Inspect card slot with flashlight. Tug gently to detect skimmers.
  2. Cover keypad fully. Use three-finger method.
  3. After cash dispenses, wait for “transaction complete” screen before leaving.
  4. Store receipt—note exchange rate and fee for budgeting.

Step 3: Splitting and Stashing Cash

  • Primary wallet: Bellroy Hide & Seek with daily spend (~1 day’s cash) + one credit card.
  • Decoy wallet: Old leather bifold with expired cards + $20. If mugged, hand over decoy.
  • Cash belt: Peak Design travel belt with zipper pocket holding $300 emergency fund.
  • Accommodation stash: Lockbox with combination known only to me (uses Master Lock 5401). Contains larger denominations sealed in Tyvek envelope.

I log withdrawal amounts and stash locations in a Standard Notes entry tagged CashMap. The note is encrypted, of course.

Step 4: Multi-Currency Strategy

  • Maintain Wise and Revolut balances for USD, EUR, GBP, local currency.
  • Before withdrawing, check wise.com exchange rate + 0.5% buffer.
  • Use Revolut to pay at POS when safe; set per-transaction limits.
  • For receipts, photograph and store in Dropbox folder expenses/YYYY-MM-dd-city.

Step 5: Paying Vendors

  • Taxis: prefer apps (Bolt, InDrive). If cash required, confirm fare before entering. Keep small notes accessible; hide large bills.
  • Markets: carry a separate coin pouch. Never expose full wallet. Practice counting change quickly.
  • Coworking: pay monthly via bank transfer or card when possible to reduce cash handling.

Managing Hidden Fees

  • Dynamic currency conversion (DCC): Always decline. Press “Charge in local currency.”
  • ATM “processing fee”: Note it in my expense log. Schwab reimburses monthly; I reconcile in YNAB under “Cash Access Fees.”
  • Hotel deposits: Use a cash deposit rather than card hold, but insist on a receipt and photograph the envelope.

Emergency Protocols

Wallet Theft

  1. Lock cards instantly using bank apps (Schwab, Wise, Revolut). They support freeze/unfreeze.
  2. Activate credit card emergency replacement (Amex Global Assist +1-715-343-7977).
  3. Pull cash from backup stash, move remaining funds to secure location.
  4. File police report (needed for insurance). Template stored in Standard Notes.

ATM Eats Card

  • Stay at machine; press “cancel” repeatedly. If card not returned, note time + ATM ID.
  • Call bank on number printed on ATM; request card blocked and reissued.
  • Have backup card (Capital One Venture) in luggage safe.

Gear & Tools

  • COINPRO RFID sleeves: Not for security theatre, but keep cards separated.
  • Cash counter pen: Swipe suspect bills to detect fakes quickly.
  • Spot app: Peer-to-peer log with photo receipt for cash exchanges.
  • AirTags: One in wallet, one in cash belt (set to stealth mode since audible alert could expose stash).

Tracking & Reconciliation

  • Daily: log cash spend in TravelSpend app with tags (food, transport, tips).
  • Weekly: reconcile cash on hand vs. ledger. If discrepancy >$5, investigate immediately.
  • Monthly: convert leftover currency at bank or stockpile for next visit (tracked in Notion inventory).

City-Specific Tactics I’ve Used

  • Buenos Aires: Withdraw USD from Banco Piano, exchange at trusted cuevas (recommendations from expats). Keep pesos in zippered inner pocket; inflation makes denominations bulky.
  • Nairobi: Use Airtel Mobile Money for larger payments; cash mostly for matatus and markets. Split stash into anti-mugging belt + jacket pocket.
  • Istanbul: Carry TL in small bills for trams; use Istanbulkart top-ups instead of paying drivers. Avoid Taksim ATMs at night—skimming heavy.

TL;DR


[ ] Plan cash needs before arrival; use reputable bank ATMs
[ ] Split cash across primary wallet, decoy, belt, and accommodation safe
[ ] Maintain Wise/Revolut balances for card-friendly merchants
[ ] Decline dynamic currency conversion; log all fees
[ ] Carry templates and tools for theft or ATM issues

Cash doesn’t have to be scary. Treat it like any other security asset: plan acquisition, store redundantly, monitor the balance, and rehearse your response when something goes missing. Do that and you’ll spend more time eating street food and less time arguing with bank call centers.

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