Do I Need an RFID Wallet in Europe?

An RFID wallet is not essential in Europe but can provide added security.

RFID-blocking wallets protect against unauthorized scanning of contactless cards, which can be a concern in crowded areas.

While RFID theft is rare, frequent travelers or those carrying multiple contactless cards may prefer the extra layer of protection.

What exactly is RFID Technology?

RFID is an acronym for Radio Frequency Identification.

Recently, it's become a feature of more and more credit cards, passports, and transport cards.

It enables contactless payments by transmitting information via radio waves.

This is very convenient but can leave you vulnerable to RFID skimming, which sees criminals using scanners to intercept the signal coming from your card and capture sensitive data without physical contact taking place.

Learn more about how it works here.

How likely is it that I will be affected by this threat?

The majority of modern credit cards issued by major institutions have advanced encryption and security features like tokenization.

These obscure your card details when transactions are being made. This makes it tough for anyone who can intercept the data to use it. 

However, if you have an older card or a card from a lesser-known bank, it may not have this protection built in. This will mean it is more vulnerable.

Carrying your card in an accessory that blocks RFID can give you an extra line of defense - see these examples.

Takeaway: Find out about your card's security features. If your card has the latest protections, you will be less likely to be affected. However, if you have an older card or one from a smaller bank, investing in this extra protection is a great idea.

Benefits of an RFID Wallet

If you do decide to opt for an RFID wallet, seek out one that suits your travel habits.

Wallets are available that have been specially designed to block unauthorized cans and can also work well as practical and convenient travel accessories.

• Comprehensive Security: RFID wallets offer comprehensive security by blocking a variety of items, including passports with personal data microchips and transport cards that may be targeted by criminals.
• Sophisticated design: Many RFID wallets feature travel-friendly compartments, keeping cash, cards, and documents organized, accessible, and secure in one place while navigating busy areas like railway stations and airports.
• Quality and longevity: Top RFID wallet models use advanced blocking materials combined with durable fabrics or leather, offering lasting security and longevity. Investing in a high-quality option ensures your wallet remains effective, protecting your cards for years.

Looking to buy one? See our top picks below:

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 organized 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 organization 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.