How to deal with losing your wallet if you are abroad?

Losing your wallet when traveling in another country is everyone’s worst nightmare. And, in addition to the scare, it disrupts all plans because you must change the entire schedule and implement specific procedures.

Many of these tasks can be resolved using technology. Also, several insurances help mitigate the possible economic loss and reduce the possibility of your trip becoming a nightmare.

I have lost my wallet and my card while abroad; what do I do?

If you lose a credit or debit card, the most crucial thing to determine is whether you consider it permanently lost or stolen, or whether you believe you can find or recover it. In either case, the simplest option is to go to the app or your bank’s website and perform the following:

You believe your card was stolen or is permanently lost

In this case, it is best to cancel and request a new one. Almost every card can be deactivated using the app or website; select the card, configure, theft, or loss from Personal Area, Block Financial Cards, or My Products. You can also contact your bank’s 24-hour emergency contact number, which you can find on your bank’s website. The request for the new card cancels the old one.

Your card was stolen, and you do not have a backup card

It is vital that you also contact friends and family back home and let them know that you have lost your card and wallet. If you do not have an extra card or cash to get by while waiting on your new card, your family could wire you money through services such as Western Union or Moneygram. Both of these services are fast and easy; however, they do have fees.

You can also use payment apps on your phone, such as Apple Pay, while waiting on your new card to arrive. You will need to ask your bank for your updated card information, so you can use the card with Apple Pay until the physical copy comes.

You believe you just misplaced your card

In that case, you don’t need to block it or ask for a new card, but we recommend you turn it off to avoid someone else using it. To do this, you have to go to My Products, choose the card, configure, turn it off. You can also call your bank and ask them to freeze your card temporarily. Once you have frozen your card, you can begin to retrace your steps without having to worry about someone else using it. If you find your card, you will need to turn it on before using it, so it does not get flagged. You can do this through the app or by contacting your bank. If you don’t get it back, you can always cancel it later and request a new one.

Remember, the cards have insurance in case of theft, loss, or fraud that covers the amounts stolen without the holder’s authorization, as long as the loss is notified promptly. If you paid for your trip with a credit card, you might have accident insurance and assistance. You can check the coverage by entering the card documentation in the app.

What to do if I have lost the documentation

What happens if I lose my ID or passport abroad:

To travel abroad, you need an identity document. If you are a citizen of the European Union, your regular ID is enough. If it is outside, you will need a passport.

If you have lost your ID, you must contact your country’s consulate to begin the process of recovering your documents.

The procedure itself will depend on your particular situation. Nonetheless, a report of the document’s loss at the police station and a visit to the consulate is usually required. Once the circumstances are clarified, they will issue you with a new ID so that you can continue your travel or stay in your temporary residence.

What to do if you lose your driving license

You must go to the corresponding consulate to have it processed with the Central Traffic Headquarters if you are abroad. Ask for your papers so you can get it without having to return to your home country, which is especially useful on long-term trips because it takes a long time.

Losing your European health card

In case of losing the European health card, you can request a provisional certificate. While this procedure can be resolved through the internet, it is unnecessary to go to an office. All you have to do is download and print the certificate to be able to use it.

Tips so that losing your wallet does not affect your vacation

• Do not carry all your cards together in the same wallet.
• You can leave some cards at the hotel or take them with you, but in another purse or a protected compartment of your backpack.
• When withdrawing money from an ATM, be aware of your surroundings and cover your pin code when entering it.
• Keep only enough cash and credit cards on hand to get you through the day. The rest of your money and cards should be kept safely in your room or a money belt that you wear on your front and under your clothes, making it difficult for pickpockets to access.
• Wear your backpack or bag on the front of your body, especially in crowded areas such as the metro or train station.
• Do not keep your wallet or phone in your back pocket.
• When eating at a restaurant:
  • Do not keep your phone or wallet on the table. It is easy for someone to walk up and grab it without you noticing.
  • Do not put your bag on the back of your chair; keep it in your lap or strapped to you, and make sure you have an eye on it at all times.
• Invest in a bag that will make it more difficult for a pickpocketer to pickpocket you:
  • Anti-theft backpack
• Money belt
• Waterproof bag: Do not leave your items unattended when you are at the beach. You can get a waterproof bag that will allow you to take your things with you into the water.