What would you do if you lost your wallet? When preparing to travel, whether it’s a vacation or business travel, it’s easy to overlook the importance of what’s in your wallet. You need to know exactly what you’re carrying in case you lose your wallet.
Resist the temptation to bring everything, instead take only the essentials. For most people this consists of your driver’s license or government-issued ID, credit and debit cards (bring one or two major credit cards), insurance cards (bring what is applicable), emergency contact information, and cash. Using cards for most transactions is safer, and you’ll have protection from fraud or loss. Depending on your circumstances you may have an additional card or two you consider essential.
You should leave loyalty cards and your social security card at home. Your social security card should always be kept at home unless you need to present it for something specific.
Make digital scans or photocopies of your wallet contents in case your wallet is lost or stolen. Store these copies separately from your wallet, ideally in secure cloud storage.
Consider using mobile payment apps, such as Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay, which are increasingly accepted worldwide. These digital wallets allow you to pay without needing your physical credit card, and offer extra layers of security, like encryption and biometric authentication.
Having a plan for when your wallet is lost or stolen will make the worst case easier.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Immediately Report Lost Cards: Call your bank or credit card company to freeze or cancel the cards.
- Notify Local Authorities: Filing a police report can be useful, especially when dealing with insurance claims or proving identity theft.
- Contact Your Embassy (if abroad): If you’ve lost your passport while traveling internationally, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for a replacement.
- Keep Emergency Funds: In case of loss, it’s a good idea to have some extra cash or a backup card stored securely, either in your hotel safe or with a trusted travel companion.
- Traveling can be stressful enough without the added worry of losing your wallet or being unprepared for emergencies. By carrying only the essentials, and having a plan in case something goes wrong, you can enjoy a smoother, safer travel experience.
Traveling can be stressful enough without the added worry of losing your wallet or being unprepared for emergencies. By carrying only the essentials, and having a plan in case something goes wrong, you can enjoy a smoother, safer travel experience.