I am going to Central Asia this fall (a Silk Road trip). I have been told that ATM's are few and far apart nor are traveler's checks readily accepted. Does anyone have some good or new suggestions for carrying a fairly large amount of cash (after all I might run across the definitive rug). I have always carried a small amount of cash and used ATM's in Europe. Oh also, it was suggested we carry no bill larger than $20, so this will be a fairly thick stack of money, I assume. I long ago tried the neck security pouch and found it very inconvenient. Are the waist belts more comfortable and more discreet to use? Thank you for any suggestions!
Posted by
OP
Ft. Collins, CO
17 posts
Also, credit cards are not readily accepted especially in the bazaars so that avenue is not available either.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
On our trip to China in Nov. 2005 we had no problem using credit cards everywhere. We also took dollars and changed them at the hotel, but many vendors were happy to take dollars as well. I took nothing larger than a $50 and had no problem changing them. If you're going in a group I wouldn't worry too much about theft anyway (I carried a daypack), but I'd go with a money belt if you feel more secure.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
The Silk road is not China
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I beg to differ, much of the Silk Road IS in China.
Posted by
OP
Ft. Collins, CO
17 posts
According to Colin Thubron who just wrote a wonderfully reviewed book, "The Shadow of the Silk Road" (reviewed today in the Washington Post) the Silk Road starts in Xian, China and ends at the Mediterranean. My tour will go from Almaty, Kazahkstan through Krygistan, Tajikastan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekestan and back to Istanbul. No, we don't go to China, Afganistan, or Iran:)
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
Paula, I would recommend the Pac Safe day back packs. They are slashproof, tamperproof and snatchproof.
http://www.discountluggage.com/shop/pacsafe.php
Or the StashSafe 100 or 200 fanny pack.
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
I may add that a day back pack is handy to carry....leaving you hands free. I use one to carry a small umbrella, rain poncho, hand wipes, water and a variety of many useful things I may need in the day time.
I am considred short AND I am 66 and find that I can carry the day back pack stuffed full
all day and my back or shoulders never get tired.
Posted by
Seattle
77 posts
I recently traveled in Europe and found that one of the unexpected benefits (warning, TMI alert) was that the "moisture wicking" whatever on the skin side of the pouch absorbed the sweat trickling down the small of my back! I wore it a lot more after that!