When traveling with your seed phrase, it's crucial to stay low-key and avoid using popular hardware wallets, as these are easily identifiable and can attract unwanted attention. Some hardware wallets store the private key in full, making it possible for skilled professionals to extract the seed phrase if the device falls into the wrong hands. Additionally, border authorities or criminals might force you to reveal your PIN or password, putting your funds at risk.
Carrying a backup of your seed phrase in plain sight, whether on paper or steel, is highly risky. Your luggage could be stolen, or border agents could photograph the backup, compromising your security. Hiding the seed phrase in other items is also not advisable, and relying on memory alone is risky, as there's no guarantee you'll recall the phrase accurately.
A safer approach is to use a hardware wallet that supports discreet electronic backup solutions, such as encrypted SD cards or smartcards. These items are inconspicuous, and it's unlikely anyone would suspect they contain private keys. You can also create multiple copies to increase redundancy in case one is lost. I recommend traveling only with the backups and either leaving the hardware wallet behind or resetting it before your trip.
Wallets that offer encrypted SD card or smartcard backups include Cypherock X1, BCVault, Blockstream Jade, and Tangem.
Additionally, using a strong passphrase provides an extra layer of protection. Even if your seed phrase is compromised, the private keys remain secure without the passphrase. Ensure your passphrase is at least five to six random words or an equivalent in characters for optimal security.
