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The 13 Best Travel Wallets for Men in 2024, Tested by Gear Editors

Here's the easiest way to keep tabs on your papers and cash, no matter the adventure.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

We've pulled together a guide to the best travel wallets as we embark on peak travel season. Our editors and writers are constantly traveling all over for assignments and vacations, allowing us to test wallets suited for all kinds of environments. And while there are a number of travel wallets we highly recommend, the very best travel wallet we keep turning to is the Pioneer Passport Wallet . You'll learn more on why we believe that is below, but what it comes down to is the Pioneer Passport Wallet has great style, an excellent use of space, and a rugged build that's ready for any adventure.

Best Travel Wallet Overall

Pioneer passport wallet.

Best Bifold Travel Wallet

Bellroy travel wallet.

Best Zippered Travel Wallet

Fjallraven passport wallet.

Read more: How Men's Health Tests Products

We found travel wallets that are great for navigating old cities around the clock, and travel wallets that can handle all sorts of rugged adventures. We curated all our travel wallets with durability and design in mind, but we also considered features that make each wallet unique in and of its own. The one quality you'll find in each travel wallet? They all are sized to hold an American passport nice and snug. After all, it wouldn't be a travel wallet if it didn't hold your most important papers.

Best AirTag Wallets | Best Card Holder Wallets | Best Slim Wallets | Best Magsafe Wallets | Best Travel Gadgets

Pioneer's Passport Wallet is wonderfully simple in design and tough as nails thanks to its waterproof ripstop fabric construction. In fact, we found the waterproof ripstop fabric is great for handling humid environments, staying dry and and stiff, as opposed to getting all slimy and flimsy as other travel wallets can become in these climates. As far as stroage goes, it comes with a full length cash pocket, pockets to store up to 8 cards, and a 3D molded passport pocket designed to fit an American passport perfectly snug.

Due to this wallet's construction. look, and function, we found it to be our favorite pick when taking to warm weather vacation and cold weather trips. The material is simply just too good, and you never have to worry about any of the contents sliding out. Simply put, the Pioneer Passport Wallet is capable of all kinds of trips and adventures. This is a quality investment we'd recommend over and over again.

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Bellroy makes several great travel wallets, but the wallet we found most like the wallet you probably already carry is the bifold Travel Wallet. It's got a fine all leather make and will hold a passport, cash, train tickets, and up to 10 cards. What's cool is the wallet comes with a micro pen that hangs inside the wallet's spine, which we found to be useful when wanting to write down recommendations of places to visit from friends and other travelers.

Looks can be deceiving due to the wallet's traditional bifold design. It measures 3.8-inches tall by 6-inches wide, so it is big. Overall we find it to be a great minimalist travel wallet with a classic style that blends in nicely in all environments.

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This reasonably priced wallet from Fjallraven is made with a durable waxed waterproof canvas and a YKK zippered closure to protect all your documents and cards from the elements. Inside are 5 card pockets, 2 cash pockets, and 1 zippered coin pouch. Looking for the passport pocket? That would be behind the coin pouch—it's a nice and discrete design note, we know.

If you're looking for a rugged wallet with waterproofing and protection but don't want to pay over $100, this is a solid option. Fjallraven fans will see this wallet has the same quality construction like the brand's other gear, which is a great sign because the maker is one of the best valued outdoor brands out there.

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Lumberjack Plaid Genuine Leather AirTag Passport Holder and Wallet

The design of a good AirTag wallet is still being perfected, but that doesn't mean we don't like what's already on the market. If you're looking for a travel wallet you can store your AirTag in, this one from Lumberjack Plaid is our latest favorite.

It comes in a sleek and stylish leather (3 colors available) and features a passport pocket, a long pocket for tickets and cash, and 3 card slots. You get all this for $40, which is an excellent value for such a quality wallet. Just be aware the leather can show scratches pretty easily; most notably on the dark leather.

Read more: Best Travel Gadgets

Alpha Passport Case

Made to fall in line with all your other Tumi luggage, the Passport Case comes in a sleek, all-black look with more interior space than one might think. We're talking a passport pocket, a billfold compartment, an ID window, 2 slip pockets, and 8 card pockets. You get the best of both worlds with this wallet: great style and high functionality. Well done Tumi, well done.

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POLARE ORIGINAL RFID Blocking Leather Passport Holder Travel Wallet For Men and Women (Dark Brown)

We get it, many of us aren't jet-setting out of the U.S. several times in a year. Nonetheless it's important to have a passport wallet even if you're only getting out of the country once in a blue moon. For overseas trips that are few and far between, this RFID-blocking leather travel passport case for under $30 on Amazon will do the job. It will also give off style points, as the leather has a nice rich look to it that holds up well when used sparingly.

Due to the stitching and overall quality of the materials we'd say this wallet might not be suitable for high levels of use. But because it carries a high durability and functionality for the price, we recommend it as a great travel wallet for those who might need to take a passport with them only once or twice in a year.

Alpha Keeper Money Belt for Travel Passport Holder

If you want to go with a more secure wallet, this thin travel pouch can be strapped around the waist and hold your passport, cash, cards, and more. The pouch itself has RFID tech built-in so you get another level of safety. Plus the pouch is made from water-resistant ripstop, so you won't have to worry about any of your items getting soaked from rain.

One note to point out is even though the price point of this belt is incredibly good, we believe the thin fabric could wear down faster over time than some of the other wallets on this list.

Read more: Best Travel Shoes

Bellroy Apex Passport Cover

The Apex wallet is made with fine leather that's heat bonded instead of being stitched. The result is a unique design that, when closed, fully encases the inner contents of the wallet from the outside elements. The Apex will hold a passport, cash, and 2-4 cards. And just like the Travel Wallet, you get a small micro pen that can be stored inside on the wallet's spine.

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Shinola Utility Passport Wallet

Handcrafted from USA heritage leather, Shinola's Utility Passport Wallet is truly made to age like fine wine. When opening up the wallet, one side contains a passport pocket while the other has 5 faille-lined pockets for your cards. It's not the most feature-loaded travel wallet on this list, and it's certainly not the cheapest, but if you're looking for something simple and timeless then this is the one.

Tecovas Alligator Passport Case

You're not going to find another travel wallet like this one, and that's the point. Texas boot-maker Tecovas went and took the same authentic American alligator leather it uses for its boots and crafted the material into a passport case. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece with a passport pocket and 4 exterior card pockets. What's cool is you can even monogram it.

Of course the price point on this wallet is almost like buying a luxury good, but really the only qualm we have with the wallet is its availability. Sometimes it's popularity gets the best of it, and so you might have to turn to the Ostrich Passport Case or the original Passport Case —two excellent alternatives, no less.

Malbon Golf Yacht Club Passport Holder

The streetwear-inspired golf brand Malbon Golf has been turning out tons of cool pieces this year. One of its products that has flown under-the-radar is this pebbled leather passport holder. We were surprised to open it up and see tons of card space to go with the passport pocket. And as far as style goes, it comes with cool embossments on the front and inner pocket and is available in three colors.

Read more: Best Golf Clothing Brands

Tanner Goods Leather Passport Travel Wallet

If you liked the full leather of the Shinola travel wallet but wished it had a different interior configuration, then this travel wallet from Tanner Goods is a great alternative. Inside is a passport pocket with a small card pocket on top of the passport flap, plus two additional card slots on the other side.

The wallet might not hold a lot, but if you want a minimalist leather wallet with great style and a thin silhouette, then you'll be happy with this choice.

Zero Grid Travel Wallet Passport Holder

Similar to the belted travel wallet we featured earlier, this passport holder can be used as a sling bag and is made with waterproof ripstop and covered with RFID blocking material. What's cool is it zips shut, closing in the passport and up to 10 cards that can fit on the inside. You also get a small stylus that you can hang on the wallet's spine.

What to Consider Before Buying a Travel Wallet

Buying a quality travel wallet is going to look a lot like buying your everyday wallet, but the two are not the same. Here's what you need to know.

• Durability: Making sure your travel wallet is tough and made of good materials is of utmost importance. After all, this is your last line of defense to your passport—the most important document you need when traveling overseas. This prior notion is why we loved reviewing travel wallets made from tear-resistant and water-resistant materials (like the Pioneer Travel Wallet). Premium leather is also a good material to protect your passport, as the leather provides a thick layer to keep moisture and dust from getting to your papers.
• Security Features: Some travel wallets comes with RFID (radio-frequency identification) lining to help prevent RFID theft. It's true this type of crime doesn't happen a lot, but it is possible, and so buying a travel wallet with RFID lining does add a level of security to your essentials. Another security feature to look for are zippered or snap closures that help keep your passport and cards sealed off. We like these closures because it helps limit the chances of any items accidentally falling out when traveling—which happens more than one might think.
• AirTag Tracking: Although we only have one AirTag travel wallet we like right now, we anticipate more of these types of wallets to hit the market in the coming year. AirTag wallets have become a huge hit thanks to their tracking abilities, and so any travel wallet that can incorporate an AirTag in a slimming and discrete way should be considered on your shortlist of what travel wallets to buy.

Can You Use a Passport Covers as A Wallet?

Travel wallets, also sometimes referred to as passport wallets, are the best possible choice for carrying your passport and your cash and cards. Travel wallets are not to be confused with passport covers, which are simply covers you can slide over your passport to add a level of protection.

Passport covers do theoretically have space where you could slide some cash plus 1-2 cards inside, but those spaces oftentimes make your valuables prone to falling out. A passport cover is not designed to hold anything more than a passport, and so whatever else you put in there is going to be like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Stick to a travel wallets for cash, card, and passport carry.

Why Trust Us

In order to keep up with new new designs and releases, the MH tech and gear team is continually testing all of the latest everyday carry accessories to make sure our recommendations reflect the top products within each space.

When it comes to travel wallets, we acquire and call in the latest releases to test, and then we take them out into the real world. At any given point, writers and editors in our office are traveling, and so we plan accordingly whenever we are going to be up in the air to take one or two travel wallets with us to see how they perform. Lastly, we take a hands-on look at the travel wallets up close. We inspect everything from the material to the build of the wallet to determine it's durability and whether or not the price point reflects the overall quality.

How We Selected

Our MH commerce team thoroughly researched and tested dozens of the best travel wallets, from budget to designer to premium, gift-worthy models. We noted everything from how snug the wallet fit an American passport to how the interior card slots were organized. We also considered fabric quality (especially when it came to leather) and price. The list above represents our honest picks for the best travel wallets of 2023.

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

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Wallets : Travel Accessories

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If you love traveling, then you are sure to have a bucket list of places you want to visit. With this comes another long list—the packing list. No matter how much time you have, you always tend to miss one thing or another. Don’t worry about packing anymore; Target has your back. From passport covers to pill cases, you will find a wide range of travel accessories. Check out our collection of travel accessories like dopp kits, toiletry bags, travel wallets, luggage tags, keychains, luggage scales, luggage locks and fanny packs in your favorite color and brands. To make your travel more comfortable, we have eye masks, travel pillows, travel blankets, luggage straps and toothbrush covers too. We also have travel converters and travel power adapters, which come in handy if you are going on a long trip. They help keep your phone charged no matter where you go and ensure those selfies keep coming. Whether you are highly organized or are looking for an easy way to pack things, packing cubes are just the thing you need. It not only makes packing easy and efficient, but unpacking a breeze. With all these travel accessories, you’ll have more time to plan your trip and enjoy it. Browse through our collection for all your luggage essentials and find the right pick for you.

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6 Best Hidden Travel Wallets to Keep Your Valuables Safe on the Go

Losing your wallet is never an enjoyable experience. Throw yourself into a foreign country and suddenly, it’s a whole lot worse.

Pickpocketing, theft, or general carelessness - the reason why you’re now wallet-less doesn’t matter. But it’s the stress that comes with replacing your ID and credit cards is the worst part .

Canceling and requesting new cards - especially without a fixed address is a nightmare. I’m still waiting on a replacement physical card and mine was blocked 3 months ago (someone treated themselves to 15 Google gift cards on my dime).

So, how do you minimize the risk ? First, invest in a hidden wearable wallet - one that can’t be easily accessed by those around you. The second tip is to split your valuables across two locations - one on your person and another hidden wallet in your rucksack. If one becomes compromised, you’ve not lost everything - there’s still a backup waiting for you.

So what should you look for in a hidden travel wallet and what are the top options available on the market today ? Check out our guide to the top hidden travel wallets below.

Best Hidden Travel Wallets: Our Top Picks

1. eagle creek undercover hidden pocket.

Best Overall

The Eagle Creek Undercover Hidden Pocket is a fantastic wearable hidden travel wallet that’s lightweight, durable, and adjustable .

The RFID-blocking pouch is great for storing passports and cards when out exploring unfamiliar destinations. There’s a pair of pockets to aid with organization and ample room for all of your essentials on a typical day trip.

A moisture-wicking and breathable mesh back panel helps keep you nice and cool and an adjustable waist strap and quality buckle help nail the perfect fit. Do keep in mind, however, that this only reaches the maximum size of 50” .

2. VENTURE 4TH Travel Money Belt

The VENTURE 4TH Travel Money Belt is our pick for the best value traditional hidden travel wallet for digital nomads.

With a simple, dual-pocket construction - the belt offers plenty of storage and organization for all of your daily essentials. Passports, cards, cash, and smartphones can all be easily stored in the water-resistant wallet . The back panel is made with breathability in mind - keeping you nice and cool when wearing the wallet.

However, with the heavy-duty 210D ripstop nylon , some users do complain about a rustling sound - but with the budget buy, it’s hard to complain. Consider upgrading over to our best overall pick to overcome this minor limitation.

3. Thule Crossover 2

Best RFID Travel Organizer

A tale of two parts , the Crossover 2 is a travel organizer first and a hidden travel wallet second .

The organizer pouch is a fantastic bit of kit that’s great for keeping everything safe , secure, and in one place. Think of it as a small tech bag to stow chargers, adapters, cables, and thumb drives.

Inside the organizer, there’s a separate RFID-blocking magnetic pouch that’s perfect for day trips. Use this to carry cards and passports without the worry of electronic skimming .

Ultimately, the Thule Crossover 2 is best suited to smaller trips with less reliance on bulkier tech items. Use this as a handy tech organizer with a useful, reliable RFID-blocking pouch .

4. Eagle Creek RFID Blocker Hidden Pocket

Best Travel Wallet

The Eagle Creek RFID Blocker Hidden Pocket is a unique wearable wallet in that it is stored inside your trousers.

Simply attach one of the two belt attachments (one black, one brown) to camouflage the hidden pocket to your regular belt. When it’s secure, flip the pocket around and stow it in your waistband - a genius idea, although it can be difficult to access once arranged .

Inside the pocket, there are two mesh pockets to aid in organization . There’s plenty of room for cash, cards, your passport, and your smartphone . It’s best suited to adventure travelers exploring places that may not have the best safety reputation.

5. Bellroy Travel Wallet

Best Luxury Travel Wallet

The Bellroy Travel Wallet is a great pick for those searching for a luxury passport-hiding experience .

The premium, environmentally certified leather - available in five different colors - offers a sleek and stylish design that’s perfect for business travel . Inside the wallet, there’s enough space for 10 cards, a passport, cash, and even a micro pen (included) .

A 3-year guarantee is offered on the Bellroy travel wallet - a relief after considering the price tag. The cost is the only major downside , but it’s a premium product that you’ll receive for the premium price .

6. FlipBelt Classic Running Belt

Best for Active Nomads

Designed for running, walking, and hiking - the FlipBelt Classic Running Belt is the best overall hidden travel wallet for active nomads.

The moisture-wicking design is full of clever features that runners will love . A flat seam construction prevents chafing, an internal hook helps secure keys and four separate internal pockets are great for organizing your valuables before heading out the door.

Although the belt is designed for moderate activity , there’s no reason it can’t be used as a day-to-day travel wallet . Do, however, note that there is no passport pocket or RFID-blocking tech used.

How We Chose Our Picks

Comfort (breathable materials and adjustable straps).

For wearable travel wallets, comfort is a priority for us . An uncomfortable wallet will spend the trip in one place and one place only - in your rucksack. We’ve searched for the most comfortable travel wallets with a focus on materials and adjustability to find the perfect fit.

It’s important to choose a travel wallet that’s large enough to carry all of your valuables . Set aside everything you hope to store to gain a good idea of the size that you’ll need. Common packables include passports, phones, bank cards, cash, etc.

The more that you pack into a wearable travel wallet, the harder it is to conceal . If you’re hoping to hide wallets, cameras, etc. it’s best to invest in a non-wearable . Wearables are best suited to slender, lightweight items (passports, cash, bank cards, mobile phone).

Additional Security Features

Additional security features, such as an RFID-blocking lining , offer peace of mind when traveling in a population-dense area. Store credit cards and IDs and prevent unexpected card activation when out and about.

Hidden pockets are always handy - but can be cumbersome with wearable wallets. These are particularly good for storing jewelry , but everyone has different valuables and preferences!

Water resistance

Water resistance works in two ways for hidden travel wallets. On rainy days , a permeable travel wallet can lead to a soggy passport - a real recipe for disaster.

But for wearable travel wallets, sweat resistance can be just as big of a problem on super warm or active days. An uncomfortable, sweaty stomach can cause damp passport problems just as easily as a torrential downpour. A combination of sweat-wicking and waterproof characteristics is the gold standard for travel wallets.

Ready To Keep Your Valuable Safe While Traveling?

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The Best Travel Wallets of 2024

Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.

Why trust Reviewed?

Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Zoppen Multi-Purpose Travel Wallet

Extra affordable

Portable with lots of space

Multiple color options

Reviewers are skeptical about RFID blocking

Lewis N. Clark Stash Wallet

Lightweight

Secure and durable design

Odor and moisture resistant

Overall construction is just okay

Travando Men’s Slim Wallet

Has the RFID blocking system

Designed with premium leather

Holds 11 cards or IDs

Not as thin as advertised

Toughergun Women’s Leather Wallet

RFID blocking system

Very compact

Inside pockets are small

Zero Grid Travel Wallet & Family Passport Holder

Small and slim

Plenty of storage space

Pockets are thin

Updated May 3, 2023

Imagine traveling light, yet still being able to bring everything you want or need for your trip? It isn’t always easy to get the best of both worlds, but when it comes to your handy valuables, a travel wallet makes that possible.

With the right travel wallet, you can comfortably store your credit cards, travel documents, boarding passes, cash, and more without dealing with all of the bulkiness of a traditional wallet. Based on our research, these are some of the best travel wallets you can get on Amazon right now.

The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.

This is the perfect PU leather wallet for whenever you need something portable to pack in your purse or luggage. It’s very slim, yet can still hold everything you need to venture elsewhere with its multiple pockets and pouches. According to reviewers, it’s easy to store your money and coins, boarding pass, phone, and credit cards in. Although this travel wallet comes with RFID blocking material for security purposes, many seem skeptical about whether it works as advertised.

For a secure, simple, and good travel wallet, this may be the perfect fit for your pockets. It has two convenient zippers and other compartments to hold different travel items. Many reviewers on Amazon find this wallet to be very spacious and lightweight—making it the perfect wallet for traveling anywhere from the local store to the other side of the country. In addition, this wallet has RFID blocking to prevent card scans and it is made of durable rip-stop nylon to last multiple trips.

For your husband, brother, father, or any other important man in your life, this men’s travel wallet is a great gift. It’s designed to make it easy to access your cards, of which you can fit about 11. It’s also made of an attractive, sustainable leather material that is both smooth to the touch and durable to damage. It even comes with a clip for your bills, but many reviewers find it useless. Many say that the slim design of this leather travel wallet is actually more bulky than you’d expect.

This pretty, pocket-friendly travel wallet is ideal for girls and women alike who want something small and secure to store their travel essentials. It’s designed with six card slots, a coin pocket, cash slot, and even an ID window to easily flash it at the airport and restaurants. In addition, this wallet folds shut easily and is compact enough to fit in your pocket or travel-sized purse. This wallet is so travel-friendly, in fact, that reviewers say it decreases the amount of storage space inside.

For those of you looking for a passport holder travel wallet that can fit a passport or more, then this durable rip-stop nylon wallet is your best bet. It can hold up to six passports and 10 cards or documents. Plus, if anything in your wallet gets stolen, Zero Grid will reimburse you up to $300 to cover the costs. In addition, it also has the RFID blocking security feature for even more protection while you transport to a new city. What’s even better: this passport wallet is water resistant for when you’re venturing out in the snow or rain.

Traveling with several belongings can be a hassle. Plus, the more stuff you have, the more difficult it is to keep track if important items, such as your license and keys. This slim wallet makes it easy to keep your most important essentials, such as your passport and credit cards, right next to you at all times.

This wallet is not only compact and comfortable, it also includes four card pockets, six-inch deep pockets for cash, and a large vertical booklet pocket for items such as your passport. This wallet is also made of a smooth leather that not only looks good, it's also resilient to wear and tear.

Slim design

Luxurious looking

A bit pricey

Ideal for one person only

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Meet the writer

Lily Hartman

Staff Writer, Search

Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.

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Best travel wallet 2024: document holders for those on the go

How to choose a sophisticated travel wallet to keep you safe and sorted on the road

• 1. Best overall travel wallet
• 2. Best versatile travel wallet
• 3. Best smart travel wallet
• 4. Best practical travel wallet
• 5. Best cheap travel wallet
• 6. Best minimalist travel wallet
• 7. Best travel wallet for RFID protection
• 8. Best waterproof travel wallet
• 9. Best compact travel wallet
• 10. Best multi pocket travel wallet

Best travel wallet 2024: Jump Menu

00. T3's top 3 ↴ 01. Best overall : Fjallraven Travel Wallet 02. Best versatile : Zoppen Travel Wallet 03. Best smart : Ekster Parliament Slim Leather Wallet 04. Best practical : Snugpak Grab A5 05. Best cheap : CampTeck Travel Wallet & Organiser Pouch 06. Best minimalist : Travando Slim Wallet 07. Best for RFID protection : Pacsafe RFIDsafe V200 Travel Wallet 08. Best waterproof : Lifeventure RFID Protected Document Wallet 09. Best compact : LifeVenture RFiD Mini Travel Wallet 10. Best multi pocket : Go Travel Document Organiser

Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, keeping track of your passport, plane tickets, credit cards are coins can be a pain. Cue the best travel wallets or best travel document holders, which are a handy way to keep all your documents in one place.

It's one of those things that you never knew you needed until you spend your entire time at an airport constantly patting down your pockets and searching through bags and rucksacks for that elusive piece of the jigsaw – passport, boarding pass, money hotel details – until you drive yourself insane. 

With a simple flick through the pockets if a good travel wallet you find everything you need, allowing you to breeze through airports worry-free, leaving you to concentrate on relaxing (or maybe visiting the duty-free) before a flight. Whether you're a frequent flyer or you take a holiday once a year, you can be sure that there’s a travel wallet for you on our list for the best travel wallets in 2024.

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest Home news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

The best overall travel wallet

Made from Fjallraven’s own blend of incredibly durable G-1000 fabric, this travel wallet is no exception to their commitment to producing quality outdoor and travel gear; and the reviewers certainly agree, with many of them commenting on the toughness of the fabric. The only negative is the price - but let’s not forget you get what you pay for. 

Read more below

The best versatile travel wallet

If you’re looking for a travel wallet that blends style with substance, we think we’ve found the one. Yes, it’s PU leather not real leather and that slight disappointment is reflected in the reviews, but if you take a look at its neat envelope design and its variety of pockets, you’ll find that there isn’t too much to complain about. 

The best smart travel wallet

Ekster makes a line of voice-activated wallets, including this relatively traditional-looking credit card holder. However, beneath the handcrafted leather look is some serious tech. It's also compatible with Alexa and Google Home, which using a Chipolo tag can make your wallet emit a ring when you ‘say “where’s my wallet?” - pretty cool right!

Best travel wallets ranking 2024

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

1. Fjallraven Travel Wallet

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Made from Fjallraven’s own blend of incredibly durable G-1000 fabric, this travel wallet is no exception to their commitment to producing quality outdoor and travel gear; and the reviewers certainly agree, with many of them commenting on the toughness of the fabric. 

Inside the nifty travel wallet, passports, boarding passes, cash, cards and even a pen can all be safely tucked away. The only negative is the price - but let’s not forget you get what you pay for. 

• Back to the top ⤴

2. Zoppen Travel Wallet

Your passport, boarding passes, money, phone and even your foreign sim card will be kept safe in its pockets, which, although for some, are on the tight side, will fit all your essentials for a compact travel companion. 

3. Ekster Parliament Slim Leather Wallet

Losing your valuables is one of the biggest fears while travelling. Can technology help? Ekster makes a line of voice-activated wallets, including this relatively traditional-looking credit card holder. However, beneath the handcrafted leather look is some serious tech; as well as space for nine cards, six of which can be protected by a layer of RFID-block, but the wallet is also compatible with Alexa and Google Home, which using a Chipolo tag can make your wallet emit a ring when you ‘say “where’s my wallet?”

Funded within three hours on Kickstarter, this Ekster wallet also offers worldwide traceability via a smart card so you can tell you where it was last seen on a map. That’s the same technology used by FedEx to track its containers. What’s more, it’s all solar-powered and doesn’t run out of charge for two months.

The best practical travel wallet

4. Snugpak Grab A5

If you’re an outdoors type who’s just as likely to find themselves in the wild as in an airport, you’re going to want a travel document holder with special skills. Cue the Grab A5 from sleeping bag-maker Snugpak. As well as documents, the Grab A5 – with is, naturally, the size of A5 paper, so fairly compact – has room for a pen holder and many other items in its small pockets (there’s even a dedicated phone pocket). The document storage section has a waterproof cover, which will add peace of mind if you go out on a hike. Zipped all around, it’s also got a small carry handle. 

The best cheap travel wallet

5. CampTeck Travel Wallet & Organiser Pouch

Thoroughly affordable and with plenty of storage, this travel passport wallet can fit four passports and up to six cards, and is plenty big enough for storing boarding passes, too. Unlike most of its rivals, this product includes space for extras; inside are two pen holders, a zippered mesh pocket for notes and coins, and even a tab for attaching keys. It's also got RFID-blocking technology built-in to protect everything inside the wallet, which zips shut along three sides. It’s not particularly stylish, but it is very cheap. 

The best minimalist travel wallet

6. Travando Slim Wallet

This clever bi-fold wallet is crafted in Germany, and it shows. It’s organised so well; there are seven card slots – six on the inside and one on the outside – but despite that it’s a mere 11.9x8.3x1.6 cm. Unlike most modern travel wallets, it’s designed to carry cash, with a stainless steel money clip integrated into the interior that securely grasps bank notes. The Travando is also constructed to protect against data theft by RFiD scanners.

The best travel wallet for RFID protection

7. Pacsafe RFIDsafe V200 Travel Wallet

If you’re looking for a no frills travel wallet that that keeps your cards, cash and receipts safe, this Pacsafe wallet could serve you well. While you can see from the design that there is room enough for up to 8 cards, there’s also a window pocket each for your passport and driver’s license and plenty of room for loose change. 

The manufacturer promises protection against identity theft, while the bracelet with its handy loop acts as a handy mechanism to prevent you from dropping it in the middle of the airport concourse. 

The best waterproof travel wallet

8. Lifeventure RFID Protected Document Wallet

RFID protected and featuring waterproof fabric and zip, this lifeproof travel document holder is the perfect practical solution to carrying around your documents. One side of the wallet is dedicated to travel money and cards, with 9 slots providing enough room for IDs, credit cards, debit cards and travel money cards. 

Thanks to its RFID protection, you don’t need to worry about identity fraud, especially if you’re travelling to areas where that kind of thing is rife, and with a smartphone stash pocket, too, you can make sure all of your necessities are safely tucked away, yet completely accessible for when you need them. 

The best compact travel wallet

9. LifeVenture RFiD Mini Travel Wallet

When you’re travelling, you’re going to be on a budget and if you’re planning on backpacking off the beaten track, Lifeventure has made sure this travel wallet is prepared for all circumstances. 

Find yourself waist deep in a river? It’s waterproof. Find yourself going through some sketchy looking areas? It protects against Radio-Frequency Identification devices. It boasts pockets for your passport, boarding passes, cash, cards and even your smartphone. It's the perfect compact travel wallet and for the price, and reviewers agree, you can’t beat it.

The best multi pocket travel wallet

10. Go Travel Document Organiser

This travel document holder is the perfect contender for the most amount of pockets featured in a small space competition. There’s several card slots, an ID slot, a travel money zipped pocket, a slot to put your boarding passes and enough slots for several passports, if you’re travelling as a family. 

It’s also good to note that this travel wallet provides RFID protection, so you can be completely sure that your identification is safe. Comments suggest that it’s fairly bulky in size, and therefore needs a large pocket for storing it away, aside from that, it’s the perfect practical travel companion. 

How to buy the best travel wallet for you

Your choice of travel wallet will partly depend on style. Leather screams ‘sophisticated businessman’, while durable, waterproof materials will appeal to those who only entertain travel-grade products that will last much longer than the air miles you collect. 

Having space for passports and cards is standard, but not all travel document holders have space for keys, pens, and cash, and even some electronics. 

You can find small travel wallets for single travellers, slightly bigger versions for couples, and whopping great A4-sized versions for large families and tour group leaders. They can be pocket-sized, or rucksack-sized, depending on your requirements. There are other things to think about, too.

Another aspect to consider is whether you want your travel wallet to provide protection against Radio-Frequency Identification devices (RFiD). Although rare, identification theft is an issue, and something you may or may not be worried out. Some of the best travel wallets block these devices, while others don’t, so it’s worth bearing it in mind when choosing. Ditto worldwide tracking, which adds even more peace of mind in case of theft. 

When it comes to the best travel wallets, you get what you pay for. There’s nothing wrong with being cheap and cheerful, but if you want a wallet to become your faithful travel companion, you’re going to have to stretch that budget.  

If you have a travel document holder, it's usefulness can spread beyond airports. Always take the same credit card when you travel? If you do have cards and documents that you only use when you travel – principally your passport, of course – a travel document holder is the ideal place to store them all when you are at home. Ditto emergency cash; no-one should go anywhere without at least US$50 in emergency cash (dollars are always better than pounds, especially when travelling outside Europe), and a travel document holder is the ideal place to keep it when you're at home as well as on your travels.

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Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

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The 10 Best Passport Wallets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Stay organized while traveling with these sleek passport wallets.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Not to be dramatic, but losing a passport or other travel documents can be a huge nightmare while traveling. To safeguard passports, credit cards, and boarding passes, we recommend using a passport wallet to keep everything organized in one spot. 

We researched and tested 16 passport wallets in various sizes and materials to recommend options that fit the needs of all types of travelers. We paid close attention to traits like capacity, durability, functionality, and organizational features to ensure smooth travels. Keep reading to find out which ones surpassed our expectations during testing. 

Best Overall

Leatherology zip around travel wallet.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

The exterior zipper adds an extra layer of security to keep passports and credit cards safe while traveling. 

It might be too large to fit in a smaller purse or sling bag . 

While most passport wallets we tested have a snap-closure, this one has a zipper that wraps around the entirety of the wallet to ensure a passport and other travel essentials remain safely tucked away in transit. The versatile design is so spacious that it can easily hold multiple passports, up to eight credit cards, cash, and coins without feeling bulky or cumbersome to carry. There’s even an exterior pocket for boarding passes so you don’t have to open up the wallet for access. It might be too big to fit in small purses, but the sleek leather look and larger size makes it possible to carry it as a clutch or place into a backpack or tote bag, if needed. 

The Details: 9 x 4.75 inches | Full grain leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Bellroy RFID Travel Wallet

The wallet easily fits in a back pocket. 

The wallet will be bigger if it’s packed full and may not fit then. 

Minimalist travelers will appreciate the sleek and simple design of Bellroy’s RFID Travel Wallet. We dubbed it our favorite slim option since it can fit virtually anywhere, including in a back pocket (just be sure to take it out of your pocket before going through security). Made out of a soft and durable leather, it never scuffed or scratched while traveling and it looks premium on the outside. The wallet has pockets for a passport, cash, credit cards, and plane tickets, and we love that there aren’t so many pockets that items get disorganized or lost in the void. The best part is that it opens like a standard wallet so we could quickly grab our passports and credit cards while traveling. 

The Details: 6.02 x 3.86 inches | Leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Best for Families

Valante travel document organizer.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

It has pockets for multiple passports, plane tickets, and cash.

The large capacity might be too big for solo travelers. 

Family travel can be hectic, so we recommend this spacious wallet that can keep all of your family’s important documents in one safe spot. Designed to store multiple passports, credit cards, plane tickets, and more, there are tons of pockets to place items neatly. There’s even a key leash, two zippered pockets, a pen holder, and two designated slip pockets for boarding passes in the front of the wallet. Because the wallet is on the larger side, we love that it comes with a wrist strap to hold onto it while going through customs or the TSA security line. The size might be too large for solo or minimalist travelers, but it works perfectly for staying organized while traveling in groups. 

The Details: 10.63 x 5.91 inches | Polyester | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Michael Navarro

Best Faux Leather

Melsbrinna waterproof rfid-blocking travel wallet.

The PU leather material feels just as soft and durable as regular leather.

The clear plastic window pockets could scratch over time.

Similar to our overall pick, this passport wallet isn’t made out of genuine leather, but it has the same premium look and feel. Made with layers of PU leather, there is a piece of RFID-blocking fabric sandwiched between the material for extra protection while traveling with chipped documents. This sleek wallet comes with all of the standard pockets for a passport, credit cards, and boarding passes, but there were several other features that made it stand out in testing. We are big fans of the two SIM card slots and two plastic window pockets for extra organization for international travelers. Our only concern is that the plastic might scratch or wear over time, but it depends on how often you use the wallet and care for it. 

The Details: 5.7 x 4.7 inches | PU faux leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Madison Irons

Best Color Options

Lucrin geneva passport travel wallet.

The sleek and spacious wallet comes in over 21 colors and five leather texture options.

The premium materials come with a higher price. 

One of our favorite leather passport wallets we tested, this one from Lucrin impressed us with a variety of color and texture options to please any and all travelers. There are over two dozen color options available and five different leather textures to choose from, including smooth, granulated, square granulated, vegetable tanned, and crocodile patterned. Once you narrow down your desired color and texture, we’re confident travelers will love the luxurious feel of the premium leather and generous capacity of the snap-closure wallet. It features several slip pockets, thirteen credit card slots, and a large zippered pocket for storing smaller items like coins or a pen. While the price is on the higher end, we believe you get what you pay for with this made-to-last passport wallet. 

The Details: 9.8 x 9.1 inches | Leather

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Crossbody

Pacsafe rfidsafe v150 rfid-blocking compact organizer.

It comes with a removable strap to keep the wallet attached to your body.

The strap isn’t adjustable.

A lost passport can put a huge damper on a trip, so we recommend the Pacsafe RFID-blocking wallet with a removable crossbody strap for keeping your travel documents attached at the hip (literally). You can wear the strap across your body, on your wrist, or through a belt to ensure the wallet is securely fastened on the go. Besides the ability to wear the wallet as a purse, we love all of the slip and zippered interior pockets for a passport, credit cards, cash, or coins, which will keep you plenty organized. The nylon material is water-resistant with a thick and durable feel, so we expect this wallet will stand the test of time.

The Details: 6.69 x 5.12 inches | Nylon | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Rachel Thalhuber

Best Budget

Tigari passport and vaccine card holder.

The high-quality materials and functionality of this wallet are unbeatable for the low price.

It feels a bit big to carry around.

If you’re trying to build a luggage capsule for traveling, this budget-friendly passport wallet makes a useful addition for all types of travelers. Although the wallet comes at a lower price, it doesn’t lack durability and quality of materials. The PU faux leather case comes in a variety of neutral and bright colors, and it has sleek embossed wording on the front. The case opens up to reveal tons of organizational features for one passport, four credit cards, two SIM cards, and a slip pocket for cash. All of the pockets make it easy to grab travel documents quickly and the larger case keeps everything safe from damage during transit. The wallet is on the bigger side, so it might not fit in smaller purses , but it should fit in a backpack or personal item without any issues.

The Details: 4.33 x 5.9 inches | PU faux leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Andria Park Huynh

Best Organization

Baphity genuine leather passport holder.

There are a variety of slip and zippered pockets available. 

The card slots can be tight at first. 

This genuine leather passport wallet is the best option for travelers prioritizing organization. Designed to store a passport, vaccine card, cash coins, boarding passes, and SIM cards, the wallet is bursting with pockets to efficiently organize items. After we filled it with travel documents, we were impressed with how slim and compact the wallet remained. The leather material is high-quality and durable, and we think the wallet has an excellent value for the construction and price point. We ran into slight issues with the card slots being a bit tight at first, but the material loosened up with more use, which made it easier to pull the cards in and out quickly.

The Details: 6.15 x 4.93 inches | Leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang

Best AirTag-compatible

Normest airtag travel wallet.

• Capacity 4.5 /5

The wallet has a designated pocket for storing an Apple AirTag for tracking and locating.

It has a smaller capacity.

Tracking devices can be a game-changer if your luggage gets lost, so we recommend this AirTag-compatible wallet. While the AirTag is sold separately, the wallet does come with a secure slot on the outside to discreetly store the tracking device. The genuine leather material is sleek and soft, and the wallet has a slim design that makes it easy to place it in a back pocket or small bag. It can fit a passport, three credit cards, and some cash before running out of room, so if you’re looking for a spacious wallet, this isn’t the best option. However, sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry, so this is a great option for AirTag enthusiasts . 

The Details: 5.51 x 4.13 inches | Leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Dylan Thompson

Most Stylish

Away the passport wallet.

It's compact enough to fit inside any sling bag, fanny pack, and even some pant pockets.

It's a bit small and really only fits your passport and a few cards.

This compact passport wallet has a slip pocket on the front for a passport and the side opens up to reveal several credit card slots and a bit of room for cash or a plane ticket. While the side pocket doesn't have a zipper, it is tight enough that all of our items felt secure and nothing moved when we shook the wallet vigorously. We love that the small size means you can fit this passport wallet in any bag and even some pant or coat pockets for quick access. We used this throughout six flights and it was never a hassle to get the passport in and out of the case, even while in a hurry. The black leather is very sleek and feels high-quality and hasn't scratched at all throughout our months of travels. For Away fans looking for a passport wallet to complete your matching style set, this is an absolute essential.

The Details: 5.43 x 4.25 inches | Leather

Other Passport Wallets We Liked

There were several passport wallets that almost made our list of winners, but we ran into some slight issues during testing. 

Royce Vaccine Card and Passport Wallet : The wallet has a simple and functional design, but the price is fairly high for the smaller capacity and lack of extra organizational features.

Walnew AirTag Passport Holder : It has plenty of room to fit all necessary travel documents and it comes with an AirTag leash, but we liked that the other tracking device-compatible wallet we tried holds the tracker more discreetly.

We researched and selected 16 passport wallets to test out while traveling and in everyday scenarios. From busy TSA security lines to shopping and sightseeing, we made sure the best wallets make it easy to pull out passports, credit cards, IDs, and cash when you’re in a hurry. We paid close attention to the capacity and noted how efficient the organizational features are for storing essential travel documents. Since travel can take a toll on luggage and accessories, we judged the overall quality of the materials and stitchwork to gauge the longevity of each wallet. 

Tips for Buying a Passport Wallet

Check the dimensions of the wallet.

Passports from around the world feature the same design and size, but you’ll still want to make sure a passport wallet fits your size needs. Some wallets are designed to just be slightly larger than a passport and others will be large enough to fit the length of a boarding pass. It depends on the space you’ll have in a bag, pocket, or backpack, so you’ll want to consider how to store the wallet while traveling before making the purchase.

Decide how many compartments you need

Passport wallets are typically designed to hold a passport and a few credit cards, but some are equipped with more organizational features. The bigger the wallet, the more room and storage options there will be for multiple passports, credit cards, cash, and boarding passes. Extra features to look for include interior zippered pockets for coins, SIM card holders, and plastic window sleeves for IDs or vaccine cards.

Look for additional security features

Sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry, so you may want to consider getting a passport wallet with an AirTag holder (AirTags are usually sold separately) to track the wallet in case it goes missing. Other security measures can include a wrap-around zipper to ensure passports and credit cards are secure and layers of RFID-blocking fabric to prevent cyber pick-pocketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Security and customs lines can be stressful, so it’s important to have your passport and other necessary documents out of any wallets or cases and ready to go. This will save time and make it easier to hand the documents over to an agent to speed up the process and eliminate unnecessary stress while traveling.

Radio frequency identification or RFID is technology commonly used in credit cards and passports to locate information and data quickly. It is possible to steal data from RFID documents, but there are some passport wallets with a fabric layer to block radio waves from transmitting. Although it’s uncommon for data to be stolen via RFID, the layer of fabric offers extra security and is designed to prevent criminals from taking information while traveling. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce writer Anna Popp writes nearly all of the team’s Travel + Leisure Tested articles and participates in product testing from luggage and shoes to outdoor gear and apparel. Anna used her own knowledge of traveling with important travel documents and combed through thorough testing notes to put together this list of the best passport wallets. 

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I'm a Travel Writer, and This Is the 1 Mistake I See People Make at TSA Security — Here's How I Avoid It

It's the ultimate hack to get through hassle-free.

According to the TSA , more than 2 million passengers flow through a security checkpoint on any given day, and the process can sometimes be tedious and busy. After making your way through TSA security, it’s very common to hear an attendant make an announcement on the loudspeaker: “Did anyone leave a phone? Did anyone leave a wallet?" and so on to signal to a passenger who forgot an important possession.

As a travel writer who has written over 400 stories and traveled to 20 different countries, I’ve seen this play out many times, as travelers leave important items behind at security, only to realize it when it is too late. The biggest culprit for leaving items behind? The "dog bowl" bin at the checkpoint — you know, the plastic bowls that are meant for small items such as keys, a wallet, or a badge. However, with some security conveyor belts, there is a tendency for the bowls to tip over and fall out. There is also a chance that a passenger forgets they put the items in the bowl altogether and unwittingly walks off. 

Amazon Basics 4-piece Packing Cube Set

Buy on Amazon

Fortunately, there is an easy travel hack that can prevent lost items in the first place: packing cubes . These popular accessories are a simple way to store items, by zipping them up and stuffing them in a carry-on bag. Safely tucked away, all of a traveler's small items, such as keys and phone, are zippered and tamper-free. 

In my experience, I've found the Amazon Basics Packing Cube Set to be a great option to store all of your belongings in a safe manner. Best of all, the set of four come in a variety of sizes and colors, such as sky blue, red, green, and gray, to ensure high visibility when in a bag. Their mesh panels also help you see what's inside. Plus, I appreciate how they are sturdy but still lightweight as to not weigh down my carry-on or personal item bag. 

During the security process, I’ll scan my boarding pass (on my phone), and then place my phone back inside of a packing cube and zip it up so the phone doesn’t accidentally fall out. If I am traveling with keys or coins, I’ll put them in the packing cube as well. In addition to being more hygienic than the dog bowl, it also keeps things safe with the rest of my belongings. This method also guarantees swift passage through TSA security checkpoints as I'm never stuck at the end of the conveyor belt reorganizing my stuff; I just put the packing cube back in my bag and go. 

Generally, I travel with two sets of these packing cubes: one for my Bagsmart carry-on suitcase , and one for my Patagonia backpack . Within my backpack, I keep a special packing cube for all of my cables, chargers, and technology. I also recommend adding an Apple AirTag in the unfortunate event that the cube is separated, you will know where to find it.

Beyond being an unlikely hack for safeguarding valuables at TSA security, the Amazon Basics Packing Cubes have won over travelers with their ability to save space and encourage suitcase organization. One shopper said the set "helps one find things in a suitcase," while another reviewer added that it helped them "never [feel] frustrated with the typical disorganization" of traveling when visiting Spain for two weeks with just a carry-on. Vouching for their spaciousness, a final customer shared , "All four of them fit perfectly in my Fjallraven Kanken backpack. I fit enough for a five-day trip in my personal item — no need for a check-in or carry-on." 

Trust me, having the Amazon Basics Packing Cubes in tow, whether to avoid the dreaded TSA security "dog bowl" or free up suitcase space, will level up your next travel experience. Keep scrolling to explore other shopper-loved essentials for a smooth trip. 

More Travel Accessories at Amazon: 

Amazon basics rfid-blocking travel passport wallet organizer, daitet rfid-blocking money belt, tessaneuropean usb c travel adapter , level8 packing cube set, ziploc charm organizer bag, yoillione backpack organizer insert.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $18. 

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services—learn more about our process .If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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Cuenta Cambio: Mobile Banking 4+

Us account, visa card, points, rev worldwide, designed for iphone.

• 5.0 • 1 Rating

iPhone Screenshots

Description.

Empowering our Hispanic community with a better banking experience Dreamed up by Latinos with firsthand experience navigating a new start in the US, Cambio helps our Hispanic community tackle diverse needs, from recent immigrants to US-born Latinos, and everyone in between. We are authentic and fully bilingual, ready to serve our comunidad. Más para ti: + Enroll without a social security number: Start banking with just your ID, including Mexican passport and matrícula consular. + Virtual Visa Debit Card: Get your card right away for instant use. + Free Physical Visa Debit Card: Enjoy the convenience of a physical card at no cost. + Earn MAS Points: Collect points on everyday spending. + Visa Fraud Protection: Safer than cash with comprehensive security. + Multi-Currency Account: Hold your cash in dollars or pesos and switch instantly. + Free Transfers: Send money instantly to other Cambio account holders. + Direct Deposit Convenience: Get your paycheck directly into your Cambio account. + Fully Bilingual: Choose your language preference, English or Spanish. + Refer and Earn: Get more MAS points by inviting friends to join. + No Minimum Deposits: Open and maintain your account without any deposit requirements. + Transparent Fees: Simple banking with no hidden charges. Cambio is more than just a bank; it's a community. Join us today and experience a better way to bank.

Version 1.0.1

Minor bug fixes.

Ratings and Reviews

Great way to manage spend.

I opened my account, funded right away and got a virtual card that I then added to my Apple Wallet. I’m traveling to Mexico and changing my balance to Pesos was fast, free and instant!

App Privacy

The developer, Rev Worldwide , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Financial Info
• Contact Info
• User Content
• Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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Oh, the Ordinary Places You’ll Go!

For some travelers, the big draw in a destination is not a hot new restaurant or high-end hotel. It’s the grocery store, swimming pool or kitchenware shop, where they can dip into the stream of local life.

By Bonnie Tsui

You could say that I have a public pool habit when I travel. From Reykjavík and Sydney to Phoenix and Palm Springs, Calif., it’s how I eavesdrop on and observe everyday life, wherever I am. Early one morning last summer in Tokyo, I entered the lobby of a sports complex in the Shimokitazawa neighborhood, joined the orderly queue of seniors, and enthusiastically pantomimed my way to a day pass.

After my swim, I followed the illustrated signs and rinsed off before wandering over to the hot tub. A tiny Japanese woman with a halo of white hair gave me a grin as I got in. “I like your swimming!” she said, in English. From our perch, we chatted animatedly as the 8 a.m. aqua aerobics class kicked and splashed into high gear. It was a highlight of my time in Japan.

I was reminded of this the other day while getting a haircut from my longtime hairdresser in Berkeley, Calif., Noel Shabazian. He mentioned a trip he was about to take to Little Rock, Ark., to visit his girlfriend’s parents, and I asked what he was planning to do.

“Oh, I’m going to the barbershop,” he said, snipping away. “Whenever I go someplace new, I like to head over to the local barbershop for a shave and a haircut. I don’t even tell them I do hair — I just like to see how they do things.” He loves getting a window into the lives of strangers: where they live, who they gossip about, what preoccupies them.

I’d always thought of my public pool visits as idiosyncratic, but Noel’s barbershop ritual made me see it as a shared way of thinking about travel, of experiencing the world. Our eyes met in the mirror, and I smiled in recognition.

Getting away from the highlight reel

“Authentic” is overused these days when talking about travel, but I think it means wanting to know something real about a place and the people who live there. So often, the vacation vision sold to us involves a preordained, highlight-reel itinerary that has been followed by millions of others, one that promises to be amazing, eye-opening, new! And yet so little truly surprises — we’ve already seen it all on Instagram or TikTok. There’s something to be said for partaking of the parts of daily life that are not designed especially for you, the visitor. That’s where the surprise lies.

I decided to ask people who travel a lot about the everyday things they like to do when they are on the road — those totally average, run-of-the-mill things that give a place color, texture and dimensionality.

My friend Jon Natchez is a musician and composer — and, as a member of the War on Drugs , he’s an actual rock star. When he’s on tour, he makes it a point to seek out produce markets, which keep him grounded in location and season.

He remembers one visit to Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx, N.Y.: “It’s this gritty, concrete, utilitarian place, where all these perfect fruits are laid out like jewels,” he said. “I’d always wanted to go there, and I just couldn’t believe how fresh everything was.” He bought a flat of 20 pomelos, just to try them.

He especially loves finding fruit he’s never had before. “It’s amazing how much specificity can be found in a local produce market,” he said. “For example, in a small English town, you’ll find all these little apples that have been picked from orchards nearby.” He’ll stock the tour bus with his discoveries. A crew favorite is the granadilla , a cousin to the passion fruit that is commonly found in Colombia, Peru and Argentina.

Roy Vella, a friend’s father, goes to churches. He grew up Catholic in Brooklyn, N.Y., and as an adult, has gone to church off and on, but lately he attends Mass almost every day. When he travels, finding a church is part of the ritual; by the end of a trip, he might find himself greeting the pastor by name and nodding to regulars in the congregation.

Roy especially remembers a trip to the tiny island country of Malta, where his parents were born. “Malta is famous for having around 365 churches — you can pretty much go to a different church every day for a year,” he said. “A lot of the services are in Maltese. But even if I don’t speak the language in a place, I know what’s going on in the Mass.” That overlap of the known and the unknown, he said, holds a kind of magic.

Finding a parallel universe

Maybe it’s that the feeling of possibility, of a life outside of your own, suddenly snaps into focus. There’s an element of the unexpected, scratching up against the familiar. A swim, a haircut, a visit to the produce market, a church service: These are snapshots of routines that exist in a parallel universe to the one you have at home. The friction between them is where the insight happens, the mundane given the glitter of the novel. Maybe that’s what travel is, at its best.

The Boston Marathon champion, two-time Olympian and world-record-holding ultra runner, Des Linden , is obsessed with coffee shops. She was on an airplane to Mexico City when I messaged her, plotting out a Google Map of the city’s small coffee roasters, as she does for every big trip. A week later, I got her on the phone.

As a runner, she spends so much time on her feet that she needs to find a way to explore without endless walking. “A cup of coffee is a great way into a place,” she said. In Mexico City, she visited 12 coffee shops over three days, learning about farms across the southern states of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Veracruz, where the shops all sourced their beans.

“I like a pour-over, because it’s a slow, drawn-out cup,” she said. “And I like the smaller specialty operations where you can sit and chat with the baristas. So that it’s more than just transactional.” Admittedly, she did come back with eight bags of coffee in her luggage.

Maybe your own idiosyncrasies lead you to sniff out the local restaurant supply store, to find kitchen tools you wouldn’t find anywhere else. That’s the happy place of Sam Clonts, the chef and co-owner of 63 Clinton , on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, which has a Michelin star.

“A restaurant supply shop gives you a peek into the history of a city, and what the chefs of a region specialize in,” he said. In Kyoto, known for its high-end cuisine and history of knife making, he picked up a Deba knife that’s designed for butchering smaller fish, with a blade only three inches long. In the Spanish city of San Sebastián, with its long history of cooking over open fire, he found special sauté pans with small holes, to cook peas and other small vegetables that would typically be hard to grill; across Italy, he has collected pasta-making tools and cutters made of bronze.

Perhaps you prefer to let the birds lead the way. Wherever Lisa Morehouse, the public radio journalist behind the California Foodways series and podcast, goes, she opens up eBird , the crowdsourced citizen science app, to find out what’s been spotted recently, and then plans her day accordingly.

“It’s like, ‘I’m going to this vintage store, and then I’m going to pop over to that park to bird, and then I’m here getting a biscuit,’” she said with a laugh, describing her recent visit to New Orleans. “It’s that easy.”

Birding leads her to parks she’d otherwise never visit and to interactions with curious passers-by who ask, What do you see?

Listening to people talk about these ordinary glories and how they open a window to life elsewhere reminds me of why I love travel. A cup of coffee or a bird you’ve never seen before can offer an unheralded path to discovery. Rather than passively watching, you engage with a place long enough to uncover a truth about it. This isn’t flashy, and it isn’t about doing something unusual or exceptional. I give you, instead, a song of praise for everyday places.

Bonnie Tsui is the author of “ Why We Swim .” @bonnietsui8

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

  More about Bonnie Tsui

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

San Diego:  Dripping with flowers, adorned in murals and fronted by gorgeous beaches, the city is almost too pretty to be taken seriously. It excels at being underrated and overlooked .

Switzerland:  Nostalgic for a time before ubiquitous connectivity, a writer ditched his phone and relied instead on serendipity — and hand-drawn maps made by people he met along the way .

Paris:  These six Parisian boulangeries will satisfy your cravings  for the crustiest baguettes, the airiest brioches and the flakiest viennoiseries.

Athens and Crete:  On a family tour of Greece, a writer followed the small footsteps  of some of ancient mythology’s biggest fans.

Izmir, Turkey:  The vibrant, 8,500-year-old “Pearl of the Aegean” has again redefined itself as a hub for international explorers , with a 2,400-year-old bazaar and the ancient Agora as chief attractions.