Lost my wallet in Barcelona and learned a cheap backup trick

Last summer I was in Barcelona and my wallet got swiped on the metro. I lost my main debit card and some cash. But I had a backup prepaid card hidden in my sock with about 50 euros on it. That got me through until I could reach my bank. Anyone else keep a spare card stashed somewhere when traveling?

3 comments

3 Comments

nora_dixon8d ago

Oh man, that Barcelona metro is no joke with pickpockets. "Lost my wallet" hits close to home, I had mine taken in Prague a few years ago. The sock trick is clever though, I keep a folded 20 in my shoe lining now. Honestly, having that backup cash is a lifesaver when you're stranded without cards or phone battery.

zarar678d ago

Shoe lining stash saved me when I lost my phone in Rome, total game changer.

finleyw993d ago

Nora nailed it with the shoe lining idea. I do the same thing now after getting pickpocketed in Paris a couple years back. I keep a 20 euro note folded flat under the insole of my shoe, plus a separate debit card from a different bank taped to the inside of my phone case. That way if I lose my wallet or my phone gets fried, I still have two completely separate backup options. The card in the phone case saved me when my wallet got stolen at a club in London, I just had to find an ATM to get cash out. Have you ever tried splitting your backup between two different hiding spots?