[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Currency in your BOB (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 1/15/2016 12:56:13 AM EDT
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I had the thought of putting some form of currency in my BOB. I read somewhere that when Navy SEALS go in to combat, they carry cash of the country they are in if they are stuck in a situation where they have to buy things to survive. I was thinking of just carrying 4 ounces of silver in my BOB for purchasing power. I doubt I would need more than that, just looking to trade it in for little things here and there. The reason why I chose silver is because my BOB is not waterproof and cash would deteriorate if it keeps on getting wet. I can put cash in ziploc bags or in a waterproof container, but if I'm bugging out for the end of the world, most likely cash would be of no value. I also keep 2 ounces of silver in my multicam uniform or in my full battle rattle.
Anybody here have currency in their BOB? If so, how much do you have carried in your gear? |
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I had the thought of putting some form of currency in my BOB. I read somewhere that when Navy SEALS go in to combat, they carry cash of the country they are in if they are stuck in a situation where they have to buy things to survive. I was thinking of just carrying 4 ounces of silver in my BOB for purchasing power. I doubt I would need more than that, just looking to trade it in for little things here and there. The reason why I chose silver is because my BOB is not waterproof and cash would deteriorate if it keeps on getting wet. I can put cash in ziploc bags or in a waterproof container, but if I'm bugging out for the end of the world, most likely cash would be of no value. I also keep 2 ounces of silver in my multicam uniform or in my full battle rattle. Anybody here have currency in their BOB? If so, how much do you have carried in your gear? Are you setting the bag in the back of your pickup truck? I doubt that any water in your bag would mess up the cash and not the other things in your bag. silver is heavy. carry cash.. |
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Cash will hold up to getting wet. Have you ever gone to the pool and swam with it or left it in your pants and washed it? AS mentioned, silver is heavy and not everyone will know its value. That may be good as you can trade up selling silver for more than it is worth. Risky to count on that.
Silver has been used as a natural water purification method for centuries. Maybe a couple coins wouldn't hurt. |
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Some cast in a BOB is important. Never know if you might need gas or something. I used to carry quarters too but you can never find a pay phone anymore. Now it's a solar re-charger for my cellphone. Speaking of chargers for phones, I wonder how many people actually have a DC charger for their phone in the car I make sure I buy one for every phone I get, but it seems that most people never think to make the simple purchase. Maybe now that charging jacks are becoming more universal and they don't vary between manufacturers so much, people will keep older DC chargers around and they'll have one when they need it..... |
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Silver has a problem. Its got worth. But most people don't know what its worth. Many people, perhaps most, have never seen a silver dollar, or a bullion coin. Try it.... Walk into a grocery store, or a gas station and try to negotiate a transaction with silver bullion. Good luck. A lotta cashier types and others are going to say "but its says 1 dollar. I'll give you a dollar for it".
Silver only works if the pawn shop/coin dealer is open. You gotta walk in, trade your coin for cash, then walk out, find your grocery store, then do the transaction. You'll be better off with actual cash. Some folding US dollars. It'll work in 99.9% of cases. If its a complete currency devaluation situation, your silver rounds in the BOB aren't going to go far. You have two distinct issues here. BOB means temporary supply of stuff to help you evacuate here and get to there. That means you need currency, in US dollars. Im really close to the canadian border (15 miles) so some CDN money makes sense too. But if this is end of the world (as you noted in the OP), precious metals are not your go to. You'd be better served with medicines or firearms or tools. Currency devaluation/hyperinflation isn't something that can be adequately addressed in a BOB. This is a nationwide, long term situation, and bugging out from this state to get to that state isn't a particularly viable option (unless you are walking outta NYC to get to the burbs. Good luck ). You are now talking long term survival, and a half dozen silver rounds are not gonna work much, As for cash and water/weatherproofing... grab a vacuum sealer, seal up an envelope sized pouch, and vac seal your cash. Its now water proof. If you want a portable means of taking wealth with you, so you can re-establish life in another country, four silver dollars are nothing. You need a couple dozen gold ounces. |
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I just carry cash.
I use my credit card for virtually all of my transactions, and keep a couple hundred on me for emergencies. I also have some cash stashed in all my vehicles. I don't bother with it my BoB. As for silver, I don't see much value in it as a BoB item since most people don't know what the hell it is worth or how to identify it. I can't see and plausible situation where it would be more useful than cash or some other item this point in time. This is of course subject to change, and reevaluating preps over time is important. |
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I had the thought of putting some form of currency in my BOB. I read somewhere that when Navy SEALS go in to combat, they carry cash of the country they are in if they are stuck in a situation where they have to buy things to survive. I was thinking of just carrying 4 ounces of silver in my BOB for purchasing power. I doubt I would need more than that, just looking to trade it in for little things here and there. The reason why I chose silver is because my BOB is not waterproof and cash would deteriorate if it keeps on getting wet. I can put cash in ziploc bags or in a waterproof container, but if I'm bugging out for the end of the world, most likely cash would be of no value. I also keep 2 ounces of silver in my multicam uniform or in my full battle rattle. Anybody here have currency in their BOB? If so, how much do you have carried in your gear? I know its crazy but bear with me: What if you bug out and … (drums)… and its NOT then end of the world???? What do you find more useful for daily financial transactions, cash or silver coins? Ahhh! Heads exploding all over the place, I know!! Cash is far more useful in the real world. I believe in having precious metals, I really do and always recommend it, but for all practical purposes you are far better off having cash on your person. Its readily accepted and lighter, the readily accepted part being the most important. This is what I have on me right now. I just pulled out my wallet and took a photo of the cash in it. 
8x50 euros bills, plus 5x20euros, this on the Main compartment of the wallet. In a separate wallet compartment with zipper I keep 3x50 euros bills, 5x20euros, 6x20 GBP, 2x10GBP and 5x20 USD. That’s over 1000 Usd in cash in three different currencies . Granted I don’t always carry this much but I do keep a good amount of cash with me at all times. I’ll probably leave the GBP behind now and only carry Euros and USD. I also have cards for accounts in different countries. This plus our passports is what really would allow us to bug out quickly if we needed to during an emergency. As for EDC precious metals, OSS and SOE agends working behind enemy lines during WWII had gold kits, a few gold rings and coins for trading, bartering and buying their way out of trouble.If you plan on carrying precious metals, make that gold, its smaller (easier to conceal) per value, you can sue it along clothes, patches, etc. 
Gold barter kit. FerFAL |
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Learned this one the hard (easy) way during the Tiger Valley bug out drill many years ago. Long story short but there came a time and place during the event where the only way to proceed was with a bribe. Cash was the demand but so many of us weren't prepared for that we had to barter off some of the gear we had brought to complete the event. Hard choices had to be made when it came time to part with gear - everything you were carrying you thought you needed in the 1st place.
You'd be surprised how many guys had to hand over valuable knives/multi-tools/ammo&mags/etc to get the notional bribe demand met. Cost me my Benchmade CQC7 at the time 
After the event when I got my knife back (everything was labeled and kept secure) it made a very lasting impression I doubt I will ever forget. |
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The likelihood of you needing your BOB for an end of the world scenario is very, very small.
The likelihood of needing a few extra dollars in cash for a great deal on something or needing to pay for a tank of fuel at a gas station because their credit card machines are down or various other reasons is much, much greater. Hardly anyone will know what silver/gold is worth much less actually accept it for payment. Keep cash in your BOB in the form of small bills (nothing over a $20). I personally feel $250 is enough combined with the cash I normally carry to get me through anything short of and end of civilization type of event (which lets face it really isn't going to happen). I use the spare cash in my day pack (mini BOB) more than anything else in the pack. I have purchased guns, reloading equipment, etc. at random times simply because I have had the cash available in my pack. There is no way that the people I have purchased these items from would have taken silver/gold instead of cash. |
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Emergency cash, hell yes.
Remember in almost every scenario where you are buying the kindness of strangers, their ability to make change is nonexistent. If the smallest bill you carry is a 20, that will be the minimum price you pay for anything. Keep ones and fives visible, bigger out of sight. Yeah, I still have film cans filled with quarters. Some of those cans are even metal. |
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I have before. But I got into the habit of carrying more cash in my wallet. Used to carry a roll of quarters in it many years ago, for pay phones. Not anymore though. Yes, some of us have been preppers since before cell phones. coins are still useful. Sometimes if cells arent working you may get through using a public phone, which are still around and most run with coins. Also for food or coffe machines, bus and trian tickets, parking machines,, most will accept cash these days but sometimes you see machines that still take coins only. Having spare coins comes in handy for parking al the time for me. FerFAL |
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Emergency cash, hell yes. Remember in almost every scenario where you are buying the kindness of strangers, their ability to make change is nonexistent. If the smallest bill you carry is a 20, that will be the minimum price you pay for anything. Keep ones and fives visible, bigger out of sight. Yeah, I still have film cans filled with quarters. Some of those cans are even metal. Good info here and very true ! |
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coins are still useful. Sometimes if cells arent working you may get through using a public phone, which are still around and most run with coins. Also for food or coffe machines, bus and trian tickets, parking machines,, most will accept cash these days but sometimes you see machines that still take coins only. Having spare coins comes in handy for parking al the time for me. FerFAL Quoted:
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I have before. But I got into the habit of carrying more cash in my wallet. Used to carry a roll of quarters in it many years ago, for pay phones. Not anymore though. Yes, some of us have been preppers since before cell phones. coins are still useful. Sometimes if cells arent working you may get through using a public phone, which are still around and most run with coins. Also for food or coffe machines, bus and trian tickets, parking machines,, most will accept cash these days but sometimes you see machines that still take coins only. Having spare coins comes in handy for parking al the time for me. FerFAL The existance of pay phones makes the news around here. 
Since that story ran, I started checking all the places that used to have one, and all are gone. I've been looking for one for a few days now and haven't seen another. |
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US dollars in a ziplock will stand up to a LOT of water...after all you can run them through the wash unprotected.
Some coins are handy, for parking/vending machines, etc. IF you feel the need to carry a large amount of money, I'd say US dollars or gold would be the way to go, at least in the US. The problem with PMs is you need to find someone who agrees upon the value and wants it! In other areas, it might be useful for bribes or transporting a lot of money in small form. To get the best worth, you would probably have to find a dealer/currency exchange type place. |
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No one has mentioned a money belt? Has this item become so arcane no one considers it? I have one that is well worn and looks completely normal. Inside the zipper are 10 Gold Eagle dimes and varying denominations of USD which total $1000. I wear it whenever I leave my rather small AO.
Just a thought from an old road warrior. |
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No one has mentioned a money belt? Has this item become so arcane no one considers it? I have one that is well worn and looks completely normal. Inside the zipper are 10 Gold Eagle dimes and varying denominations of USD which total $1000. I wear it whenever I leave my rather small AO. Just a thought from an old road warrior. Good idea, haven't had one in years. |
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No one has mentioned a money belt? Has this item become so arcane no one considers it? I have one that is well worn and looks completely normal. Inside the zipper are 10 Gold Eagle dimes and varying denominations of USD which total $1000. I wear it whenever I leave my rather small AO. Just a thought from an old road warrior. Nice, I used a money belt many moons ago but it was one of those touristy ones, for money, plane ticket and passport. Worked well though, comfortable to use. Is this what oyu have or is it something that loks more like a normal belt? if so pics would be great thanks. FerFAL |
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Nice, I used a money belt many moons ago but it was one of those touristy ones, for money, plane ticket and passport. Worked well though, comfortable to use. Is this what oyu have or is it something that loks more like a normal belt? if so pics would be great thanks. FerFAL Quoted:
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No one has mentioned a money belt? Has this item become so arcane no one considers it? I have one that is well worn and looks completely normal. Inside the zipper are 10 Gold Eagle dimes and varying denominations of USD which total $1000. I wear it whenever I leave my rather small AO. Just a thought from an old road warrior. Nice, I used a money belt many moons ago but it was one of those touristy ones, for money, plane ticket and passport. Worked well though, comfortable to use. Is this what oyu have or is it something that loks more like a normal belt? if so pics would be great thanks. FerFAL I like the fact that folks did a forehead smack when I mentioned this. Makes me think a money belt that appears to be a normal leather belt is a good OPSEC move. FerFal, Looks like a normal leather work belt or belt you would wear with jeans. I made sure to wear it solid for about a week so it is broke in and looks properly worn. I got it from Bullhide belts. American made and I own several of their other models. Good stuff/good service. I have not tried it with TSA because well, I refuse to fly these days. I imagine it would warrant a second look from Airport Security. It all doesn't have to be high speed/low drag; the latest and greatest tech to work well. Sometimes the old ways are best. Bullhide Belts 
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I like the fact that folks did a forehead smack when I mentioned this. Makes me think a money belt that appears to be a normal leather belt is a good OPSEC move. FerFal, Looks like a normal leather work belt or belt you would wear with jeans. I made sure to wear it solid for about a week so it is broke in and looks properly worn. I got it from Bullhide belts. American made and I own several of their other models. Good stuff/good service. I have not tried it with TSA because well, I refuse to fly these days. I imagine it would warrant a second look from Airport Security. It all doesn't have to be high speed/low drag; the latest and greatest tech to work well. Sometimes the old ways are best. Bullhide Belts http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll180/ajones1255/001_zpsyu4ahoiu.jpg http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll180/ajones1255/002_zpsrkzkfjcm.jpg Quoted:
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No one has mentioned a money belt? Has this item become so arcane no one considers it? I have one that is well worn and looks completely normal. Inside the zipper are 10 Gold Eagle dimes and varying denominations of USD which total $1000. I wear it whenever I leave my rather small AO. Just a thought from an old road warrior. Nice, I used a money belt many moons ago but it was one of those touristy ones, for money, plane ticket and passport. Worked well though, comfortable to use. Is this what oyu have or is it something that loks more like a normal belt? if so pics would be great thanks. FerFAL I like the fact that folks did a forehead smack when I mentioned this. Makes me think a money belt that appears to be a normal leather belt is a good OPSEC move. FerFal, Looks like a normal leather work belt or belt you would wear with jeans. I made sure to wear it solid for about a week so it is broke in and looks properly worn. I got it from Bullhide belts. American made and I own several of their other models. Good stuff/good service. I have not tried it with TSA because well, I refuse to fly these days. I imagine it would warrant a second look from Airport Security. It all doesn't have to be high speed/low drag; the latest and greatest tech to work well. Sometimes the old ways are best. Bullhide Belts http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll180/ajones1255/001_zpsyu4ahoiu.jpg http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll180/ajones1255/002_zpsrkzkfjcm.jpg Nice, thanks for sharing. Yes, the thing with some nice riggers belts with SERE pockets is that they are too damn nice,  Its hard not to notice them. Yours is the kind of belt that would go unnoticed if youre kidnapped or kept hostage. I like rigger belts though and thats what Im used to using.
FerFAL |
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I have not tried it with TSA because well, I refuse to fly these days. I imagine it would warrant a second look from Airport Security. The only reason TSA would even look at a belt is if you can't clear the metal detector If that happens they'll have you take off the belt and run it through the x ray with your other personal effects Unless you're trying to pass something through into the sterile area, TSA could care less if you have a money belt. Not like its an illegal item. |
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The only reason TSA would even look at a belt is if you can't clear the metal detector If that happens they'll have you take off the belt and run it through the x ray with your other personal effects Unless you're trying to pass something through into the sterile area, TSA could care less if you have a money belt. Not like its an illegal item. Quoted:
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I have not tried it with TSA because well, I refuse to fly these days. I imagine it would warrant a second look from Airport Security. The only reason TSA would even look at a belt is if you can't clear the metal detector If that happens they'll have you take off the belt and run it through the x ray with your other personal effects Unless you're trying to pass something through into the sterile area, TSA could care less if you have a money belt. Not like its an illegal item. I am sorta thinking 10x1/10oz Gold Eagles are going to make the bells jangle and the lights blink when I pass through the metal detector plus that rascal has a big brass buckle. |
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I am sorta thinking 10x1/10oz Gold Eagles are going to make the bells jangle and the lights blink when I pass through the metal detector plus that rascal has a big brass buckle. Once or twice a month I get to sit in our local airport and watch the TSA watch passengers going through the line You'd be amazed how many large belt buckles will not set off the metal detectors. You're right, the gold coins would, but in that case you send the belt through the x ray Money belts are not illegal. |
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Can't put silver in a vending machine. I carry ones, fives, tens and a twenty or two plus about $4 in quarters. If you want to pad it a bit, put in a prepaid credit card for $20 - $100. PMs are for trade and economy after SHTF where you have a business relationship that needs to be fed. No way in hell I am trading anything for "silver" to some guy walking somewhere with a pack. Even IF I can figure out what it is, he's not getting anywhere near value for it because a) he needs something I don't b) I gotta turn around and trade that silver to get value out of it later. |
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Payphones are required in the public area of prisons and I would expect similar for jails and what not as well. Basically have to have a way for someone to call, even if it is collect, at such places. Maybe truckstops, I would buy a cheap throw away phone first. I do tend to keep a roll of quarters in my vehicle, lots of vending machines here and there. I keep some small bills around as well cause I know about making change and atm machines just spitting out 20s if they are even working. Yeah the small bills take up more space, big whup. If that worried about it sit on it for a bit to flatten it or vacumn seal it or something. For anyone thinking about a prepaid credit card or a throw away phone with minutes you will load when you need it, read the fine print to see how long that stuff is good for. Some expire and some start chewing themselves up after a few months. Overall I guess it is not just for the specific bob use. On "thesitewithnoname" he talked about bags for this and bags for that and I guess I just kind of got past having a specific bag for only one thing. If the bag gets me home, it is a get home bag. If the bag is grabbed as I run out of the house while it is on fire then it is something else. Not knocking the different bags and they do have different jobs but some odds and ends hidden in my vehicles are not hard to add into a bag if needed. Anyway, I don't expect silver or gold to get me far if moving. These days having some 45acp and green tip 223 for barter would work great around here. |
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Payphones are required in the public area of prisons and I would expect similar for jails and what not as well. Basically have to have a way for someone to call, even if it is collect, at such places. I'm not aware of any such requirement for jails, prisons or any other gov't buildings The inmates have collect call phones in their cell blocks that arte owned and operated by whatever company the local gov't has contracted with. |
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Should, but during a storm/blackout/network problem, the guy working the pump or at the cash register isnt likely at all to take it, while cash he will. FerFAL Quoted:
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silver dollars, a couple should be able to buy a tank of gas. Should, but during a storm/blackout/network problem, the guy working the pump or at the cash register isnt likely at all to take it, while cash he will. FerFAL not arguing the point...........levels of desperation...........levels of desperation. planning calls for planning for both. |
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I'm not aware of any such requirement for jails, prisons or any other gov't buildings The inmates have collect call phones in their cell blocks that arte owned and operated by whatever company the local gov't has contracted with. Quoted:
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Payphones are required in the public area of prisons and I would expect similar for jails and what not as well. Basically have to have a way for someone to call, even if it is collect, at such places. I'm not aware of any such requirement for jails, prisons or any other gov't buildings The inmates have collect call phones in their cell blocks that arte owned and operated by whatever company the local gov't has contracted with. Drugs, smokes, booze, nothing in jail is as valuable as a prepaid phone card. They go nuts over those, its their link with the outside world. FerFAL |
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Drugs, smokes, booze, nothing in jail is as valuable as a prepaid phone card. They go nuts over those, its their link with the outside world. FerFAL Quoted:
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Payphones are required in the public area of prisons and I would expect similar for jails and what not as well. Basically have to have a way for someone to call, even if it is collect, at such places. I'm not aware of any such requirement for jails, prisons or any other gov't buildings The inmates have collect call phones in their cell blocks that arte owned and operated by whatever company the local gov't has contracted with. Drugs, smokes, booze, nothing in jail is as valuable as a prepaid phone card. They go nuts over those, its their link with the outside world. FerFAL Wouldn't know. Our local jail doesn't use them. The inmate picks up the handset and makes a collect call. The answering party accepts the charges or not |
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Quoted: I'm not aware of any such requirement for jails, prisons or any other gov't buildings The inmates have collect call phones in their cell blocks that arte owned and operated by whatever company the local gov't has contracted with. Quoted: Quoted: Payphones are required in the public area of prisons and I would expect similar for jails and what not as well. Basically have to have a way for someone to call, even if it is collect, at such places. I'm not aware of any such requirement for jails, prisons or any other gov't buildings The inmates have collect call phones in their cell blocks that arte owned and operated by whatever company the local gov't has contracted with. Was installed 6 or 7 years ago and even then it was odd for it to be installed. It keeps visitors without a cell phone off of the regular prison phone system. Perhaps I overspoke by figuring such security concepts made sense in all jails and prisons. When this one was installed the prison was expanding and a whole new administration building was being built. The phone was installed in this area and it was talked about a lot because yeah it was odd. Edit to add that inmates do have their own seperate phone system. This pay phone is not behind the wall and is for people who have not passed through the checkpoint area. |
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Speaking of chargers for phones, I wonder how many people actually have a DC charger for their phone in the car I make sure I buy one for every phone I get, but it seems that most people never think to make the simple purchase. Maybe now that charging jacks are becoming more universal and they don't vary between manufacturers so much, people will keep older DC chargers around and they'll have one when they need it..... Quoted:
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Some cast in a BOB is important. Never know if you might need gas or something. I used to carry quarters too but you can never find a pay phone anymore. Now it's a solar re-charger for my cellphone. Speaking of chargers for phones, I wonder how many people actually have a DC charger for their phone in the car I make sure I buy one for every phone I get, but it seems that most people never think to make the simple purchase. Maybe now that charging jacks are becoming more universal and they don't vary between manufacturers so much, people will keep older DC chargers around and they'll have one when they need it..... I have a few of these in my cars. Amazon Basics Dual USB Charger Saved my hide in 2011 and 2012 when we had major blackouts due to weather. |
| I have $400-500 in my BOB. Not like Ill need it for bribing border patrols or anything, but if Im in an area of the country thats lost power, I wont be able to use credit cards. Cash goes a very long way, especially when people are desperate. Just dont advertise you have it. If its TEOTW, ammo and food will be far more useful than currency. |
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Once or twice a month I get to sit in our local airport and watch the TSA watch passengers going through the line You'd be amazed how many large belt buckles will not set off the metal detectors. You're right, the gold coins would, but in that case you send the belt through the x ray Money belts are not illegal. Quoted:
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I am sorta thinking 10x1/10oz Gold Eagles are going to make the bells jangle and the lights blink when I pass through the metal detector plus that rascal has a big brass buckle. Once or twice a month I get to sit in our local airport and watch the TSA watch passengers going through the line You'd be amazed how many large belt buckles will not set off the metal detectors. You're right, the gold coins would, but in that case you send the belt through the x ray Money belts are not illegal. No, gold coins won't. Gold is a non-ferrous metal, magnetometers are only looking for ferrous metals. |
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No, gold coins won't. Gold is a non-ferrous metal, magnetometers are only looking for ferrous metals. Quoted:
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I am sorta thinking 10x1/10oz Gold Eagles are going to make the bells jangle and the lights blink when I pass through the metal detector plus that rascal has a big brass buckle. Once or twice a month I get to sit in our local airport and watch the TSA watch passengers going through the line You'd be amazed how many large belt buckles will not set off the metal detectors. You're right, the gold coins would, but in that case you send the belt through the x ray Money belts are not illegal. No, gold coins won't. Gold is a non-ferrous metal, magnetometers are only looking for ferrous metals. Learn something new every day. Gracias! |