What to Do if Your Wallet and Passport are Stolen Overseas

You have plans to go overseas, but what happens if you lose everything while you are there? We are talking about your money and your passport. In this short article, we provide tips on what to do if your money is stolen abroad, emergency cash options, and how to navigate customs if you are victim to a stolen or missing passport.

Where and How to Quickly Get Money

If your wallet is stolen, the first thing you want to do is lock all of your cards and notify your bank. You will also want to file a police report and get in contact with somebody from home. Finally, you should go to the local embassy or consulate in order to educate yourself on what you should do in case any personal identifications (like driver’s license or social security card) got stolen.

A great way to get money fast is to talk to somebody back at home. Have them wire you money, which can be used in lieu of the money you’re currently unable to access. While the available money transfer services will vary depending on the country, Western Union and Moneygram are likely to have a receiving presence within close proximity.

If borrowing money from friends or relatives back home is not an option – and for many people it’s not – it might be necessary to take out a loan. If you think this is difficult to do overseas, think again. It’s possible to apply for Blue Trust Loans online and manage the entire process electronically. As long as you can find a computer with an internet connection, you can give this option a try.

How to Get Back Home Without a Passport

It is not the end of the world if you lose your passport while overseas. The first thing you should do is contact your embassy and speak specifically with the consular section. They will help you get either a limited validity or full validity passport, depending on how soon you are leaving the country. You will want to find a place to get a passport photo taken, and then also fill out the necessary forms. Then, bring all of this to your embassy with money to pay the fee. A full passport will take 4-6 weeks but an emergency passport will only take 24 hours, though it’s only good for the return trip to the United States.

It is always a good idea to take a photocopy of your passport and keep it in a safe place, or even on your phone. This can prove as evidence of U.S. citizenship, which is a necessary document for getting another passport.

Conclusion

Traveling overseas poses many risks for having your belongings stolen. That is why it is always a good idea to always have backups of all your required documentation, and to keep your money in thoughtful places. Always stay in touch with loved ones, as well as know where your embassy is located. The embassy will be your go-to place for any emergencies, so having their phone number and address before you get to your destination is a wise and responsible thing to do. If your important belongings do get stolen, rest assured that there are people to help.