Have a trigger event or date. When this happens, or that deadline is passed, you go from condition orange to red and bug out.

I thought about that. Unless there is a sign from Heaven a good indicator would be the supply chain being down for more than a month and my reserve of prescription medication is being depleted.

Jeanette Isabelle

I would be a bit careful with that. Some countries (e. g. in the EU) have money laundry laws and limits on the amount of money people can bring with them. The same applies for boullion.
I would investigate that in advance and adhere to the laws.

Good point---the USA has a limit ($10,000) on how much you can carry out. If you take more than that, there are documents you must file. When I visit in Europe there is a $10,000 limit on what you can bring in without a similar paperwork drill.

This is why I suggested having a bank account overseas, so you can wire money into it and have it there when you arrive; also, safer than carrying. I think most countries in Europe will allow non-citizens with a valid passport to open bank accounts, and these accounts can be denominated in dollars, but I am not familiar with the rules in every country. At one time, Swiss Banks were allowing accounts to be opened and funded by mail from the USA, (you did not need to be there personally) but I don't know if this is still possible.

But in a bug out situation, I would do the paperwork and try to take the cash if nothing else were available. Otherwise, I would never get access to the funds at all.

I asked the same question about having a reserve currency in another forum. The solutions came down to two, completely legal, preparatory options .

First: Have an account in an international bank based in a foreign country. It's a little tricky to do as most of the international banks seem to be based in China (out of the frying pan and into the fire). But, having funds independent of where you're fleeing from, and can be accessed from where you're fleeing to, can be a safeguard in case things go seriously pear shaped.

Second: Have an internet based foreign currency account. Still subject to local banking laws, so no defense if the PTB decide to persecute this or that group. But, has the ability to store money in very stable currencies (Norwegian Krones, Swiss Francs, Canadian Dollars), and then wire transfer it to wherever you need. Minimum opening deposit requirement of $5,000 or $10,000 are common.

Lastly, If you're getting, while the getting is good. That is, coming in as an immigrant instead of a refugee, you may just be able to transfer your funds over as a routine matter.

I don't know international banking at all. What are the problems with banks based in China? Also, what about those famous Swiss banks that we hear about in the movies? That's where the James Bond villains keep their money ("in a numbered account"), right?

China's government tends to be very heavy handed. I'd balk about putting my money where it's subject to their whims.

The Swiss banks are the ones with the "Numbered accounts". Just keep in mind that a 1.3B dollar fine early last year by the US Justice department is making them skittish to take on any US clients.

I would not count on zipping off to a different country unless you hold citizenship there. In a genuine widespread crisis, borders will thicken rapidly.

The documentation listed here is useful and necessary, especially in the event you can't go home (soon or ever).

One troubling thought, though: it is also the perfect identity theft kit, a treasure trove for crooks, all neatly stowed in one portable package. Security measures?

Depending on what the signs are, some may recognize them as such. Among those, some may know where to go.

Jeanette Isabelle