Do I Need an RFID Wallet in Europe?

Example:

When I traveled to London, I used my compact RFID wallet. This fits snugly into my bag and kept my travel card, passport, and credit cards organised so I could work my way through stations and busy streets easily. I find it much easier to travel through busy areas when everything is stored in one convenient place.

Learn more about RFID wallets here, or see our range for men here.

Takeaway: An RFID that's been designed and manufactured with care will give you reliable and efficient storage for a number of items and deliver peace of mind when you're making your way through crowded environments.

How Strong is the Threat When Exploring Europe?

Busy European cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Istanbul are places where theft is a big problem.

Traditional forms of pickpocketing remain common, and lots of travelers are worried about becoming the victims of RFID skimming in these crowded spots.

Distinguishing perception from reality:

• Research suggests that RFID skimming cases aren't very frequent and account for fewer than 0.1% of all digital theft occurrences (source).
• The vast majority of European banks are using the very latest card technologies and integrate encryption into cards to protect their customers.

Nonetheless, hotel key cards and older transport cards often miss these security layers, which could leave you vulnerable.

Takeaway: Although modern cards are usually secure, you might need extra protection for older cards, including hotel key cards, when you're exploring European cities.

Are There Any Alternatives Available?

If you can't or don't want to use an RFID wallet for any reason, various alternatives are available. Let's take a look at some of these now.

1. Card Sleeves: Fairly new to the market, RFID-blocking sleeves are highly durable and designed with individual cards in mind. This means you can customize your protection levels without being forced to switch to a new wallet. These sleeves are often very compact, only adding a small amount of bulk and giving you targeted security.
2. Keep Your Essentials Separate: It may be helpful to store your cash and cards in different locations as this can ensure a backup is available if one of these is stolen. You could consider storing one item in a bag and another in a jacket pocket.
3. Make Use of Virtual Cards: A number of banks are now giving you the option of generating temporary card numbers for certain transactions. These are very useful when you want to book things online and keep risk to a minimum, thanks to the way you can only use them for the specific purchase they're created for.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): You can create an extra layer of security by activating 2FA on your banking app. This gives you an extra barrier to unauthorized access because a would-be thief would still require your verification code even if they were able to intercept your card details.

Example:

During a recent trip to Amsterdam, I decided to use card sleeves rather than a wallet. I stored different cards in a number of secure spots within my jacket and crossbody bag. I also took the step of setting up notifications on my banking app so I would be immediately alerted to any activity. This enabled me to keep everything secure whilst traveling light, not having to depend on a bulkier wallet.

Takeaway: There are numerous methods you can opt for if you want to protect your documents and cards effectively and enjoy flexibility during travel.

Interested in a travel wallet? Click here

Is an RFID Wallet Really Necessary?

What's right for one person isn't always the best for another individual.

Whether an RFID wallet is a good match for you can depend on what your approach to security is. If you're the kind of person who prefers to take proactive measures, an RFID wallet can deliver peace of mind and make organisation simpler.

However, if minimalism and simplicity are big priorities for you, you could opt for security features offered by your banking app, such as card sleeves, virtual cards, and card sleeves. These can be very effective when it comes to giving you more protection without extra bulk. Just remember to remain in tune with your surroundings, use technology sensibly, and spread your risk.

Final Point: Selecting the right tools should enable you to travel confidently. Make educated decisions that meet your preferences and allow you to make the most of your adventure in Europe.

Author: Igor Monte

Igor Monte is the co-founder of Von Baer. He's an expert in all things premium leather, from being an end-user right up to the design and manufacturing process. His inside knowledge will help you choose the best leather product for you.

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