RFID – Traveling Smarter With Some Cuteness Factor Added In

Travel

Feb 8

You Can buy for safety AND cuteness!

Years after making our first trip to Europe I learned that RFID scanners are pretty rare and we’re more likely to be struck by a pick-pocket on a crowded metro in Paris than be scanned.

But if you do plan to go to Paris and use the metro, pack along a sachet in your crossbody🤢 The summers get VERY pungent in those cramped spaces.

You can take all the safety measures when you travel AND buy them in stylish travel fashion.

This drops us into the conversation of RFID {Radio Frequency IDentification} and travel safety.

If you’ve ever googled RFID and the products that swarm around it you might have aged 102-years before getting up from your computer.

It’s a lot!

And before my first trip to Europe I dove deep into the RFID murky pond.

Do I have some of the products - Yes

Do I now know there are easier ways that my card numbers get stolen or hacked - Yes

I’m also one who likes to cover all the bases to reduce travel risk as much as possible.

But as I confessed above, I like cute, and the free wasn’t as cute, so I slowly collected the cute in place of my free🤦🏽‍♀️

This week’s stylish travel post is filled with links to the RFID Alice in Wonderland holes I jumped down along with links that tempted me.

Alice liked cakes and mini tarts, I like wallets and bags.

Travel Smart And You Don’t Have To Buy All of This

Do you need to buy anything to protect yourself on your trips? NOPE!

But, if you’re an Alice like me, and tempted by all the shiny cakes offered, it doesn’t have to break the bank for a little travel bling either.

What’s RFID and How Scared Should You Be?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency IDentification. It’s used on pretty much all credit cards, your passport and Real ID driver’s licenses.

This article on how unlikely getting your credit card or passport scanned was eye-opening. It’s a realllllllly long article; like pack-a-lunch long.

The CliffNotes:: Even if someone had a RFID scanning device to steal card numbers, with the technology and information we have to provide, the little Satin-Scammer wouldn’t be able to use the credit card’s they scanned.

Ever wonder why you need to give your name, expiration date + CVC number from your credit card when you buy something? That information doesn’t come across on the scammers little scanning-thing.

Being cautious and aware when you travel is ALWAYS the Safest Move

Be aware of your surroundings
Wear a crossbody, belt bag, or back pack {on the front}
If you only use pockets, put important things in your front pockets or hidden pockets

5 other safeguards against scammers

in busy metro areas when I go to mega-populated cities::

1/ Use the blue sleeve your bank/card company mails your credit/debit card in {it's free, why not use it}

Or go into your bank and ask for a few for all your cards to keep all your cards covered.

2/ Most times I use my hard-RFID-case {photo above} because it’s compact, easy to get in and out of, and quick to spot in my bag {Hello neon pink}

Mine is old. If I were buying one today it would be THIS ONE. Even thinner than mine to fit into a small crossbody bag.

3/ I just ordered THIS CASE because of the same thinness, but I can clip it to the inside of my travel bag on the key clip.

When I take it out I can leave the sleeve latched to the inside my bag.

4/ If you’re nervous about misplacing your passport and cards THIS CASE comes to the rescue, along with an AirTag.

Lastly,

Keeping Your Cards Separate Can Save You

5/ I keep my license, credit cards, and passport safely tucked away, but NOT ALL TOGETHER. If you travel with two wallets in different places you will never be without ID and funds should one be lost or stolen {one with drivers license and credit card / one with passport and debit card}.

Take two cards with you on every trip!
☟☟☟

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💖xo Andrea

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