subject: 5 Tips To Prevent A Lost Wallet When Traveling [print this page] There are lots of ways to prevent lost wallet when traveling. Vacation areas frequented by tourists during the day are not generally prone to crime, but vacationers should exercise caution and good judgment at all times.
Common Scam To Steal Wallets From Tourists
One common approach is for criminals to entice victims into accepting a ride, either as a "personal favor" or by claiming to offer taxi service, and then robbing and, or even worse, assaulting the passenger once they are in the car. Visitors should use only clearly marked taxis and make a note of the license plate number for their records.
1) Leave Useless Items Home
Do not carry your Social Security number or card (even at home). Instead, leave it in a secure place. Carry only the identification information and the credit and debit cards that you'll actually need when you go out.
2) Pocket Protection
When walking through crowds, keep your hand in your front pocket holding your cash to avoid a pickpocket. If you are wearing a jacket, use one with zipper pockets and keep your wallet in there instead of your back pocket.
3) Lighten Up The Wallet
Clean out your wallet before you travel. Set aside local grocery store loyalty cards and other cards you rarely use. Not only will you lower the risk of loss or identity theft, but you will enjoy traveling with a lighter wallet.
4) Hotel Room Safes Work
Use the hotel room safe as much as possible. Based upon your itinerary for the day, only carry the cash, credit cards and identification you need and leave the rest safely secured in the hotel safe. Before booking your hotel, make sure the room will have a safe. The safe is perfect for jewelry, watches that you are not wearing as well as small expensive electronics like cameras.
5) Avoid Flash When Shopping With Cash
Do not count out money in plain sight for street vendors or store clerks. If you take out a thick wad of cash, you are exposing yourself and your family to crooks. Only carry enough cash to get you through that particular day. Large expenses should be paid for with a credit card which offers more protection. Be discreet when paying with cash.
Lost Or Stolen Wallet When Overseas
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Once a passport is reported lost or stolen, it cannot be re-validated. You will need to speak to the American Citizens Services unit of the Consular Section. If you are scheduled to leave the foreign country shortly, please provide the Consular Section with details regarding your departure schedule. Every effort will be made to assist you quickly. You will also be directed to where you can obtain the required passport photos.
With a little planning ahead you can protect yourself and your family from potential financial disaster while enjoying your vacation. To prevent a lost wallet when traveling, stay organized and stay alert.
by: Nathan Randall
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