The first thing to do
When you realize something is gone, the first thing to check is that you are somewhere safe. Chasing a pickpocket or resisting a robber invites far greater danger than losing the item. Next, calmly list what is missing. Losing one wallet often means losing several cards, an ID and cash at once, and you need to know the full scope before deciding what to block first. If you still have your phone, conserve its battery, since you will need it for reports and calls. Telling your hotel staff what happened often gets you help such as directions to the police station or interpreting.
Lock down cards and financial accounts
The most urgent thing is any route by which money can leave your account. Freeze cards right away in the issuer's app, or call the issuer's overseas lost-card number if you have no app. If your phone is gone too, you will need to borrow a companion's phone or the hotel phone, which is why it matters to keep issuer contact numbers somewhere other than your phone. After freezing, review recent transactions and dispute anything you did not make immediately.
- Freeze the card in the issuer's app
- Review recent payments and withdrawals
- Dispute unknown charges with the issuer right away
- Cover the rest of the trip with a backup card
If you lose your phone
Your phone holds banking apps, messengers, photos and authentication methods, so losing it can do more damage than losing a wallet. From another device, sign in to the find-my-device service of your phone maker or operating system to locate it, lock it remotely or display a contact message. If recovery looks unlikely, consider a remote wipe. Report the loss to your home carrier so nobody else can use your SIM, change the passwords of key accounts and sign out of other devices.
If you lose your passport
You need your passport to get home, so act quickly. First report the loss or theft to the local police and get a copy of the report. Then contact your country's nearest embassy or consulate and ask how to obtain a replacement document, such as an emergency passport or travel document, in time for your remaining itinerary and return date. Required documents, photo specifications, fees and processing times differ by mission, so check the official guidance. Many governments also run an overseas emergency helpline for citizens.
Police reports
Reporting to the local police is partly about getting your things back, but more often it is because travel insurance claims and passport replacement require a police report. If you do not speak the language, ask hotel staff or an interpreting service for help. Make sure the report states the date, place and missing items accurately, and record truthfully whether the items were lost or stolen. Some insurers treat the two differently. Photograph the report as well, and write down the name of the police station and the case number separately so you can request it again later if needed.
What to collect for an insurance claim
If your travel insurance covers personal belongings, you can claim after you return. Coverage, deductibles and filing deadlines vary by policy, so read the terms. Gathering paperwork while you are still abroad makes the claim easier.
- The police report
- Purchase receipts or order records for the items
- Notes on where and how the loss happened
- Receipts for replacement items
- Receipts for passport replacement costs
Preparation before you leave
Half of the response is decided before departure. Photograph your passport's information page and store it on your phone and in a separate cloud account, and carry one paper copy separately. Split at least two cards between different bags, and do not keep all your cash in one place. Write down your card issuer's and carrier's overseas lost-item numbers, your accommodation address and your embassy's contact details on paper. Check that find-my-device is turned on.
Habits that improve your chances of recovery
If you left something behind, the sooner you contact the lost-and-found of the transport company, hotel or restaurant, the better your chances. Some travelers attach a name tag with contact details to their bags and slip a tracking tag into valuables. In crowded places, wear your bag in front, and do not hang it on the back of a restaurant chair. This article is general information; procedures and contacts vary by situation and country, so follow the official guidance of the relevant authorities.
🌍 Search the web for this
Each button runs this keyword on that search engine