Cell Phone Carry for Women

There has been a recent discussion of crossbody lanyards for cell phone carry: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/crossbody-lanyard-for-iphone

If you use the search function for "lanyard phone", you can find more discussions with other suggestions for specific products. Or, go to Amazon and search phone lanyard.

Some are crossbody, some are not, all sorts of levels and prices if this sort of solution appeals to you.

By money carry for around the neck I assume you mean something under your clothing?
Surely you will need something; cash, a credit card, a tissue, during the day? If you don't have pockets you will need something I would think.

I carry extra cash/cards in a money belt, but use a small crossbody bag for daily necessities, including my phone.

Marilyn, when you say "money carry" are you talking about a neck wallet? Is this in lieu of a money belt or in addition to? If it's in lieu of a money belt, the neck wallet is designed for deep storage, not for everyday transactions.

For daily use I carry a very small crossbody purse, just large enough to hold my phone, daily money and daily essentials. My phone is on a lanyard at all times, either attached inside my purse or around my neck when in use. I wear a money belt as deep storage for passport, back-up credit cards/ATM card and cash.

I used a neck wallet on my first RS tour, but found it created a bulky lump at my waist and the strap would peak out of my blouse. I now use a Stashbandz money belt which distributes the bulk around my waist so is not noticeable. It's worn under pants or leggings. https://www.stashbandz.com/

Lol. My mind went blank at the suggestion of being out for the day without a purse, or bag of some kind. Just not something I could conceive of doing. In urban spots I wear a cross body bag. In the country, if any day hiking is involved, I use a lightweight nylon backpack. Extra cash, credit and debit cards, passport go into my neck pouch. Daily cash/cards go into a small travel wallet in the bottom of my bag.

Posted by Pat
San Diego, California
03/20/24 03:27 PM
4602 posts
Edit | Delete

I have used Bandoliers for years. I now have the case which has a snap, and I can fit in a battery , with credit card, AAA card, drivers license, and a $20. I can plug in the phone charger battery and still keep the battery in the small case.
With all the tap paying systems, I just reach for my phone and pay. I highly recommend this company, and they stand behind their products.
Safe travels!

I carry my phone in a fanny pack worn in front - I guess we call them "waist packs" these days. I have a coiled lanyard attached to a loop inside the pack and to my phone. If I drop the phone, the lanyard keeps it from hitting the ground and it also gives me a more secure feeling about the phone than just having it loose in my hand. I also have tissues, Tylenol, flat water bottle (Platypus), paper and pen, Spork, itinerary, map, a couple of napkins and a couple of plastic sandwich bags, a few rubber bands, paper clips and twist ties in there - all small and lightweight stuff except the water, which is a pint when full. I will sometimes also carry a lightweight backpack when out for the day, but that's for a jacket, hat, possibly extra water - nothing I couldn't afford to lose.

Another thought is to buy some pants with a deep, zipper pocket low in front below the regular pocket to secure you phone. (This is where my phone is in airports & on planes.) But you still need some cash, the neck wallet is cumbersome & not something you want to keep dragging out. Lots of ideas here, I wear a small waist pack. If you're still concerned, or going somewhere more adventurous like my stay in rural Guatemala, I had a small wrist pouch that looked like a sweat band, had a zipper & could hide a credit card and some cash. As for the pants, I like these, not cheap but they last for years. https://www.rei.com/b/mountain-hardwear/c/womens-pants.

For years, I've carried a small baggalini crossbody bag for international travel, and I put a small combo travel lock on it where I keep valuables. (But also keep sunglasses and that type of thing as well.) Last night we were discussing now that we constantly use our phone for photos and apple pay, it's a hassle to have the phone in the locked up baggalini, so I bought a cheaper version of a bandolier for my iphone, and all I can do is think I'll look ridiculous wearing so many cross body items. And when I say ridiculous, I don't mean it regarding vanity/looks; but just how do I manage all of it and keep everything safe and secure.

I'm more worried about forgetfulness and klutziness than theft, and I currently use this bag:
https://www.baggallini.com/modern-pocket-crossbody/POK730-BG.html?dwvar_POK730-BG_color=Black
My phone goes in the Grab and Go pocket, and I attach this tether:
https://niteize.com/hitch-phone-anchor-tether

It's really easy to use the phone while attached.

LIZ in PA, another great Baggalini suggestion. I also just bought a baggalini backpack. If I buy one more before our trip next month, I may be in trouble with my significant other! May have to wait until I get back, but I like the one you have suggested!

I use this. It’s been perfect.

https://pacsafe.com/collections/crossbody-bags/products/pacsafe-go-anti-theft-tech-crossbody

KD, I don't want to envision you strangling yourself. Do we need to check that section of our travel insurance? Hmmmmm.....
I use Scottevest jackets and vests , with inside zipper pockets, and never carry a purse. They are expensive, but I've found very gently used ones on EBay. Always ask for the measurements, as they run small. However, as travel clothes evolve, I'm finding more women's jackets, across the board , with inside zipper pockets. With my sunglasses in an outer zipper pocket of my backpack, and my passport, extras credits card, cash, etc. in a silk neck wallet, and a Bandolier case, (with snap pocket) , I just don't need a purse. I use an inside zippier jacket pocket for the cash I expect to spend that day, and return the change to that pocket.
On my trip last year, I tap paid for 99% of my purchases with my Apple wallet function. When I realized I never got my wallet out, I'm now going to use a very flat wallet and keep it in my neck passport holder.
Everyone does this differently, but just some random thoughts...
Have a great trip!

Eddie Bauer carries a fairly lightweight item called a "Daisy Travel Wrap" which I use as a scarf. The thing I really like about it is that there is a pocket in the scarf. I use it on flights and put my large cell phone with case inside the pocket. It looks like it is on sale right now for $22.50, which is 50% off.

https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/71600229/women's-daisy-travel-wrap?size=ONE%20SIZE&sizeType=&color=Black