Traveling with a hardware wallet
This is a series with five blog posts under the title hardware wallet versus software wallet
Cross-border mobility and traveling are something most people enjoy. In traveling, one will want to continue his/her trading at the new destination, and to do this, private keys are required. Is it advisable to travel with one’s hardware wallet? How secure is traveling with the hardware wallet, and what are the risks and restrictions involved?
What is a hardware wallet?
Let’s talk about what a hardware wallet is, and then we will highlight the risks involved in traveling with such devices. A hardware wallet is a type of cryptocurrency wallet that is designed to store a user’s private keys on a hardware device in a secure manner. Some common examples include Trezor, Ledger, and Coldcard.
Challenges in traveling with hardware wallets
Inspection in the Airports: There have been reports on Reddit and Bitcointalk of people getting their hardware wallet confiscated for carrying crypto across borders. For instance, if you take a Trezor across borders and you are questioned by customs personnel who know about it beforehand or after you explained it to them, they could falsely claim that this is not allowed and seize it.
Poor user experience: Since most hardware wallets must be used in conjunction with laptops and PCs to conduct transactions, you are required to bring this extra-large computer with you at all times. As a result, the user experience is clumsy and sometimes frustrating.
High probability of getting mugged: When traveling, there is the possibility of an attack by pickpockets, robbers, and thieves if the hardware wallet is with you. Once you are in a strange or new place with possession of any valuables, you may likely become vulnerable to robbery, theft, and mugging. When such an attack happens and is successful, you may lose some valuables including your hardware wallet.
Losing the device: Most people are accustomed to their phones and are less likely to forget them in a hotel during a journey and are more likely to forget a hardware wallet.
This and many more might be the challenges you will experience while traveling with a hardware wallet. It is worth noting that the loss of a hardware wallet does not directly compromise your coins, but to protect against exploits being discovered in the HW wallet, as a safety measure, you’ll probably need to move your fund to a new account.
Better and secure alternative for traveling
AirGap provides a more secure alternative to a hardware wallet while using your old smartphone as your new hardware wallet. This solution comes with a higher security level and it eliminates the hassle an individual will experience while engaging in cross-border mobility.
How does AirGap achieve this security?
AirGap has two methods, but the offline method, which requires two apps and two devices, is better for optimal security. The two apps are called AirGap Vault and AirGap Wallet.
AirGap Vault: The AirGap Vault app is responsible for secure private key generation, secure private key storage, and Air-Gapped transaction signing through QR codes. The Vault app is installed on a dedicated or old device with no internet access. Using an offline device, the private key is inherently more secure.
AirGap Wallet: The AirGap Wallet app creates transactions, broadcasts transactions, and shows the portfolio overview. It is installed on an everyday smartphone, and in contrast to the AirGap Vault, the device has access to the internet. Within the AirGap Wallet app, only publicly available data is used. The private key is only stored and used in the AirGap Vault which does not have access to the internet at any time, thus making it inherently more secure than hardware wallets that use a USB connection.
How does AirGap eliminate the challenges of traveling with a hardware wallet?
Inspection in the Airports: Both the AirGap Wallet and Vault can be installed on a smartphone, and most custom service allows you to travel without any questioning since smartphones are easily recognizable devices. If you are afraid of customs officials inspecting your phone, you can write down your 24-word phrase, uninstall your Wallet and Vault and then import it when necessary.
High probability of getting mugged: Since the AirGap Vault is installed on an old smartphone, The content of the phone won’t be compelling to the muggers. So if the phone is password protected, they will likely assume that it is a normal phone and wipe the contents to sell it. Whereas for a hardware wallet, they might recognize it and try to hack it.
The cost involved: All AirGap apps are free and available on both the iOS and Android stores. Also, in comparison to hardware wallets, old smartphones are comparatively cheaper. Here is a practical example on Reddit of an individual who converted his $39 Moto E6 to a cold wallet using the AirGap Vault.
Poor user experience: Smartphones are easier to travel with compared to laptops and PCs. So while using AirGap smartphone apps, clumsy and frustrating user experiences are automatically eliminated for travelers.
Conclusion
While hardware wallets ensure the safety of one’s private keys and the continuity of trading irrespective of location, the associated risks in traveling with it are issues for consideration. As shown above, the AirGap apps offer more security and advantages over hardware wallets and are greatly recommended for a seamless experience while on the road.
Download
AirGap Wallet
📱 iOS — App Store
📱 Android — Google Play (GitHub APK)
AirGap Vault
📱 iOS — App Store
📱 Android — Google Play (GitHub APK)
