How to Use a Hotel Safe Safely: A Traveller’s Guide
When you’re traveling, it’s important that you’re always remaining safe. This includes both protection of yourself and your belongings.
In many hotels, a hotel safe is made available. For some, a hotel safe, is often used for the purpose of storing valuables, whether that’s extra travel money, to crucial documents like passports and other identification documents.
Most hotel safes are great to use to protect your valuables but it’s important to know how to use them properly, what to store in them and any red flags to look out for.
How to Use an Electronic Hotel Safe
If the safe is open, you’ll start by putting all of the valuables inside. Hotel safes will vary in size, so be prepared for some to perhaps be too small for everything you wanted to put in initially.
Set the code by entering a four to six digital code once you’ve closed the door. It’ll then usually have a ‘lock’ or ‘#’ button. To unlock the safe, re-enter the same code to unlock it.
It’s always best to test the hotel safe when it’s empty before you put anything valuable in it. That way, you know it definitely works. You also want to ensure that the safe is securely bolted to the furniture or wall. If it’s sitting loose, then this might not be as safe as you would think it to be.
Safety Tips
Some simple safety tips will ensure that you’re getting everything you need out of the hotel safe, but not compromising your valuables’ safety.
Firstly, avoid using any default codes that people could easily guess. Whether that’s 000000 or 1234. Setting your own unique code is something that you should be going with. You should also check the common factor codes after setting your own to see if it opens.
Be aware that some safes will have master codes or hidden override keys that staff are able to access easily.
A good trick to try when it comes to leaving your hotel room for the final time is to put one of your shoes or one half of something into the safe with your valuables. It’ll be a helpful reminder to go check the safe as you’re packing away all your belongings.
For high-value items, consider using the hotel’s front desk safe, as this often provides better liability protection.
If you’re looking for extra peace of mind, consider bringing your own portable safe, or look into something that you use, perhaps that’s available in the local area you’re staying in. Again, always check the safe before you leave.
What to Put in the Safe
When it comes to things you can put in the safe, consider the following:
- Passports and travel documents
- Jewelry and expensive electronics
- Spare home keys
- Extra cash and credit cards
These are useful tips that are incredibly helpful to utilise when you’re looking to use a hotel safe and to ensure it remains secure.