Tried searching for this but didn't find much. How do folks go about carrying an envelope with them assuming you do not have a jacket on to put it in? I can understand if you drive around and maybe it's a short walk from the car to the incall. But in my case, I would be taking public transit....don't exactly feel safe carrying an envelope like that in public. Do folks hide the envelope in something else?

It doesn't fool anyone.  I do separate the correct amount, fold it once & put a paper clip on it to keep it together...  in my key pocket which changes with the seasons.  Right coat or jacket or pant if no jacket is worn.  The reason for the key pocket is so I'll be sure to feel it if I forget.

...the appointment. Candy, a CD for music, or small gift for the lady so I put the envelope in a shopping bag with the other items.

If you have never seen this lady and her instructions say to put the donation in a envelope I would follow those instructions. It makes them nervous when you don't do things the way they ask especially in an initial appointment.

Harbor_view like many others doesn't use an envelope but I don't recommend that for a newbie on a first visit.

You can fold the money and use a small envelope. It would likely fit in your front pocket.

I usually slip the card into my short/pants pocket and walk in that way.  I do not want to carry anything in that I may not carry out.  Not like anyone would notice a couple hours later but it's just one more thing to remember.

So just to be sure, you're saying you don't even hide it in anything? You just give it to her without envelope? Is that very common with providers or does it depend on how often you've seen the provider?

In this case, no instructions were given. What's a safe way to ask the provider by phone without mentioning money?

Card? Like a card from Hallmark?

Not from Hallmark but a money card or a thank you card.

...scarzdude has a good idea with the card. I often put the donation in a thank you card or a "money" card. It does fit in my front pocket.

sorry for being obtuse here, but when you say a thank you card what exactly do you mean? i take it by money card you mean one of those prepaid cards you can get at a bank?

...nightstand.  I never use envelopes either and only give hundreds.

...with an envelope, costs about a dollar or slightly more.  A money card as in the long narrow cards ( fits the size of paper currency) you give U.S. dollars in for birthday gifts and the like. Get them at the grocery store or drug store, etc.

...size as paper money for those people who like to give cash gifts.  They sometimes have holes cut out so when they're opened, the recipient can see the President's face.

I use the small envelopes which are just long enough for bills to fit in w/o folding and put it in my back pocket.  If if gets a little wrinkled, I really don't think she will mind.  Being in FL, I rarely tuck my shirts in so the tail will cover the envelope if it's sticking out of my pocket.  Once inside, I just leave it somewhere that I know she will see it, unless she has given me specific instructions on where to leave it.  BTW, so far, no provider has ever told me to leave it in a specific location, like the bathroom.

In public transport, as long as you do not call attention to yourself, it should not be a problem.  If you think it will be, why not take a cab?

Swim

Not for LE reasons, but because I find it rather tacky. The best way I ever saw was an attorney who buys a wallet, cheap pair of sunglasses, and a pack of gum for each appt. He places the money in the wallet and lays all the items down on the dresser when he arrives. After the date, he pretends to forget his stuff with the fee in the wallet, then sends a text to the provider asking her to hold on to it.

I like that, very smart. Understand that number one thing the LE wants is to make you exchange or agree to exchange money for whats about to happen. Its the only way a crime has been committed, no exchange of $ = consensual.  The wallet idea is great, i will def use that!

not accepting cash because it was folded.just put it in your pants pocket.

i think they'd rather have a crooked envelope/cash than an empty one.