If You Lose Your Credit Cards in Another Country

[KennWebGuy]

Hey gang,

I'm a US citizen but visiting other countries for a few months at a time.

I was wondering how I could reduce/eliminate/deal with the risk of losing my credit cards, for they are the tool for me to get money from my account.

I suppose I could not carry them with me and be sure to bring cash as I'm about. But there is the risk of the times I do bring the card to go to the atm, or theft from my place of stay.

If I do lose my cards, I suspect it's a long time before a new one comes in the mail (hence the need for emergency cash stash back at the abode).

How could I (or do you) deal with the loss of credit card risk?

Ideas most appreciated!

[kamakiri]

Just get an American Express card. They will overnight you a new card if you lose yours. I am pretty sure any credit card company will do that for you.

The best suggestion of how to keep track of what you lost is to take your wallet, and empty it onto a copy machine. Copy everything in there so you have a record of what is in there.

[JFrenzel]

Kamakiri is that damn good idea. Plus you could always open and account here in the states or use CITI bank(of which is worldwide) and could wire money to an account should you need to. Don't carry cash, there is NO insurance for cash. You lose it and guess what you LOSE IT!

Have fun in the states and get some BBQ in dallas- GOOD STUFF

Jose

[TimW]

Originally Posted by KennWebGuy

Hey gang,

losing my credit cards, for they are the tool for me to get money from my account.

That's not a credit card...that's a debit card. Bad juju to take on trips for the very reason you indicate.

While they are expensive and sometimes a PITA if you ever get behind, AmEx is superb for their overseas assistance.

[helgatheviking]

If you've got multiple cards, try to keep them separate. the whole not having all the eggs in one basket approach. maybe one for regular use, and then a backup that it not in the same place... i had my american cards (mastercard and debit) in the same wallet with my french carte bleu and while i was drinking infused rums w/ my friends in my 2nd story apartment, some techtonik punk climbed into my bedroom and took my wallet and cell phone! happened on a thurs and i was cash-less until until the following tuesday.. yay french banks! got my american cards when i got back to the states, but have no idea how i will get my french replacement card. the bank prolly cannot handle a lost card and a change of address at the same time. bottom line, i will definitely make a point to keep my cards separate when i go back to france in august.

[taurineblitz]

Food For Thought.

To minimize risk of loss, why not just purchase a VISA or MASTER CARD cash card b4 you leave, load it with $ and don't risk losing your credit cards?

To minimize risk from theft, carry 2 or 3 expired cards in a decoy wallet in your pants pocket and if held up offer those...my thinking is that when you get robbed...if the crook even bothers to look through your wallet, he's not going to check the dates on your cards and just try to get out of there as soon as he can. Just keep your real cards,etc. in a secondary wallet around your neck or in your pack.

[TimW]

Originally Posted by taurineblitz

To minimize risk of loss, why not just purchase a VISA or MASTER CARD cash card b4 you leave, load it with $ and don't risk losing your credit cards?

IMO, this is worse that losing real credit cards. As far as I am aware, cash-value cards are not replaceable if stolen, just as cash wouldn't be replaceable.

[JFrenzel]

I agree, this would be a nightmare. You might as well carry cash, using a debit or credit card should suffice. OR just crouch the card on your trip All in good humour. Sorry late nite, low carb diet, and some cab...

Cheers from the red wine lover...

Jose

www.josecastrofrenzel.com

[fduijts]

Why not do the following:

'Hard copy'
Get two cards (personal choice if it is a credit- or debitcard). On arrival put one in a safety deposit box at a public place such as the closest train station. Along with that card put a copy of all your important documents and phone numbers there so in case of emergency you have everything backed up and ready.
Take your main card and use it as you normally would. Ow yeah and don't loose the key of the locker

'Soft copy'
Same as above, but get an account for online banking that allows you to wire money to yourself that you can take out at the desk of any bank in the world and have a copy of all your documents saved online. All you need now in case of en emergency is a computer and an internet connection.

Hope the above helps you out.

[daveinmtl]

I would make sure to use a few different credit card companies and call them in advance to let them know you are travelling...

It does not always take a long time for new cards... I lost my wallet in the UK a few years ago. Mastercard would only send a new card to my home address in Canada, but Visa stepped up and couriered a temporary card to my hotel within 2 days.