Contactless cards and e-passports communicate wirelessly using radio frequency signals. In theory, someone with a card reader in a crowded environment — a busy train, a tourist market, an airport queue — could skim your card details without touching your wallet. RFID-blocking products use a metallic lining to block those signals, making wireless skimming impossible.
Whether you need RFID protection is a matter of risk tolerance and destination. It's more relevant in high-traffic tourist areas and cities with known card skimming activity. Travel Gear is an authorised Australian stockist for Pacsafe, stocking RFID-blocking wallets, card sleeves, and passport holders from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.
Types of RFID Protection
RFID-Blocking Wallets
Full wallets with RFID-blocking lining built into every card slot. The most convenient option — your cards are protected every time they're in the wallet, with no extra steps required. Pacsafe's RFIDsafe range is the benchmark, with slim bifold and trifold designs that work as everyday wallets at home and abroad. Browse the full money belts and travel wallets range for wallet options with additional security features.
RFID-Blocking Card Sleeves
Individual sleeves that slide over existing cards to block RFID signals. The cheapest option — you keep your existing wallet and just sleeve the cards you want to protect. Less convenient than a dedicated RFID wallet but useful if you only want to protect one or two cards.
RFID-Blocking Passport Holders
Passport covers with RFID-blocking lining that protect the chip in your e-passport from being read wirelessly. Australian passports issued since 2005 contain an RFID chip with your personal details and biometric data. An RFID-blocking passport holder prevents this data from being read without your knowledge.
RFID-Blocking Bags & Backpacks
Some Pacsafe anti-theft bags include RFID-blocking pockets built into the design — protecting cards and passports without requiring a separate sleeve or wallet. See our full Pacsafe range for bags with integrated RFID protection.
How RFID Blocking Works
RFID-blocking products contain a layer of metallic material (typically aluminium or carbon fibre) that creates a Faraday cage — a shield that blocks electromagnetic fields. When your card is inside an RFID-blocking wallet or sleeve, the radio frequency signals used by card readers can't penetrate the shield, making wireless reading impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I actually need RFID protection?
It depends on your destination and risk tolerance. RFID skimming does occur, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas in Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America. It's less common than pickpocketing but harder to detect. RFID protection is inexpensive and adds no inconvenience — for most travellers, it's worth having.
Does RFID blocking affect contactless payments?
Yes — while your card is inside an RFID-blocking wallet or sleeve, contactless payments won't work. You need to remove the card from the sleeve or open the wallet to tap and pay. This is by design — the blocking works both ways.
Do Australian passports have RFID chips?
Yes — Australian passports issued since 2005 contain an RFID chip (indicated by the gold symbol on the cover) storing your personal details and biometric data. An RFID-blocking passport holder prevents this data from being read wirelessly without your knowledge or consent.
Is RFID skimming common in Australia?
Less common than in some international destinations, but it does occur. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has documented cases of contactless card fraud. RFID protection is a low-cost precaution worth taking regardless of destination. For more on travel security, see our anti-theft travel security guide.
