What if abroad stolen cash or bank card

What if you lost money

1. Do not panic

It seems to be obvious advice, but it is very important. Panic leads to hasty decisions that involve more in big trouble.

Keep calmnessEven if you are a single mom traveling with three small children. Carefully think over all, and you will cope with any problems.

We live in a civilized world where everywhere there is a connection. Help will definitely come.

2. Call your friends

Ask for help from people you know and trust. This is the easiest, fastest and reliable way to get out of trouble, and he should be the first priority on your list of actions.

Friends will shelter you, feed and even lend money. They will help with translation when dealing with the authorities (police, banks and so on) if you do not speak the local language. They prompt the desired address and advise on how to resolve the unpleasant situation.

Many times I was literally saved the familiar when I had nowhere sleep or get food, since supermarkets and restaurants were already closed. Thanks to friends in other countries unpleasant situation turned into funny stories.

3. Use remittance services

If you have stolen money or do not have access to a bank account, services like Western Union can help greatly.

Contact with relatives or friends, ask them to transfer some money. The very next day, you will be able to cash in one of the many offices of Western Union, located in most major cities.

I've done a few unpleasant situations when I did not have local friends. The fact that the bank regularly freezes my credit card for a few days because, according to its rules, the costs in exotic countries are considered "suspicious."

Now, every time when I go to a new city, just in case, check to see where the nearest office of Western Union or similar services.

4. Contact the police

If you are robbed, do not sit back and do not try to resolve the situation on their own.

Go to the nearest police station and tell what had happened. Help you - the work of law enforcement officers. They are your best hope to return the stolen money.

If along with the money disappeared your passport or other documents, please contact your embassy. There can avoid major problems associated with the lack of identity documents.

How to protect yourself

Of course, in a dangerous situation, it is better not to fall. To prevent them, all carefully thought out.

What places are you going to visit? Are there ATMs, services, money transfer, shops, hotels? What exactly are you going to deal with it? Do you need things to be difficult to get there?

When I buy tickets and booking hotel, then I read as much as possible about the place of stay on sites such as Travel Ticker. If you go to a one-day trip, then carefully study the upcoming route: whether caught on the way of restaurants and shops? What time do they close? What is the weather forecast promises during the day? Will I need a spare pair of shoes? These questions help to identify where problems may arise, and prepare for them in advance.

Also traveling I always do the following:

1. I am looking for some local friends

They help out in emergency situations and will give you valuable information on how to prevent similar situations. They tell, in what areas it is better not to go and at what time is best to return home. They also warned about local scams.

In Istanbul, for example, there are many "shoe shiners," who walk the streets, and as soon as they see a tourist, "accidentally" dropping the brush and behave as if he did not notice this. When you pick up an object and approach them to return, they will immediately begin to clean your shoes as if in gratitude. But once workaholic finish their work, they will require to pay for it 10 euros.

Most tourists would catch it by surprise. But not you, if you find local friend who knows about such things.

2.Derzhu cash in different places

If you steal a backpack, but it is only part of the money, it would not be a big problem. Divide cash into pieces and put them in different places: in a purse, pocket jeans, luggage, backpacks, bags on the belt and even in a car or motorcycle, if you are renting them.

This principle works with credit cards. Do not keep all the money in one account. It is advisable to keep the money even in different banks. This dramatically reduces the chances remain without means.

3. I do not lose vigilance

Yes, travel should be an enjoyable, relaxing and positive exercise. But never forget that the tourists - the main target for thieves and burglars.

Visitors are more easily deceived, intimidated and taken by surprise than the locals. And they are probably not so quickly get help from the authorities. That's why, wherever I went, I always try to remain vigilant and to be careful in everything I do.

In general, if you are faced with an emergency overseas situation, shout about it at all angles. Please contact with your friends, please refer to the authorities and local residents, and help will come.

Most people are good travelers and will be happy to help: show the way or even have shelter for the night. The worst thing you can do - keep quiet and hope that the situation will resolve itself.

Translation of the material prepared by the translators community SmartCAT.