Traveling is one of the most exciting experiences, but unfortunately, things can sometimes go wrong. A missed flight, a creepy hostel, or—worse—getting robbed. Yes, it happens to the best of us.
In our case, we were robbed in our hostel on September 22, 2015. After stepping out to the kitchen for a quick dinner, we realized our belongings were gone. The thief had walked right past us with our stuff, and by the time we understood what had happened, he was out the door and long gone.
Getting robbed while traveling is one of the most unsettling, frustrating experiences. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but there are steps you can take right away to minimize the damage and protect yourself. Here’s what you should do if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.
#1: Don’t Panic!
We know, it’s easier said than done, but panicking won’t help you in this situation. Sure, getting robbed sucks—it can feel like everything is lost, including your valuables, important documents, and possibly even your photos. But the key is acting quickly. Time is of the essence, and staying calm will help you think clearly and deal with the situation step by step.
It might feel like the world is ending, but we’ve been there too. We lost nearly $7,000 worth of stuff, including a month’s worth of travel photos, but we didn’t let it ruin our whole trip. We’re still here writing this blog, sharing tips and advice with you. You can bounce back, too.
#2: Cancel Your Credit Cards
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If your wallet or credit cards were stolen, the first thing you should do is cancel them. Don’t wait! Even if you have to make an international call, it’s worth the cost. In our case, the thief attempted a $3,000+ purchase shortly after the theft, but since I had already canceled the card, it was blocked before the transaction went through.
The customer service phone numbers for your credit card providers are usually on the back of the card, but it’s best to keep them written down in a separate location like a travel notebook. This will save you time and stress if your cards are ever stolen.
#3: File a Police Report
While the police might not be able to recover your stolen items, filing a police report is crucial. In many cases, stolen items like passports and wallets are discarded by thieves, so filing the report increases the chances of getting them back if someone finds them.
Additionally, the police report will be required if you need to file for travel insurance, report any fraudulent charges, or replace stolen documents like your passport. Don’t delay—get this done as soon as possible. It’ll be a helpful document in any legal or administrative proceedings that may follow.
#4: Head to the Nearest Consulate or Embassy
If your passport is stolen, you’ll need to contact your embassy or consulate immediately. Most embassies are only open for regular services in the morning, so it’s important to act fast. Keep in mind that a replacement passport might not be available immediately.
For example, when our passport was stolen, the U.S. embassy was able to issue us an emergency passport in just three hours. On the other hand, Ecuador’s embassy took about 24 hours to issue a new regular passport. Luckily, our next flight wasn’t for another two days, so we had enough time to sort everything out.
#5: Keep Going (If You Can)
While being robbed can be devastating, don’t let it completely derail your trip. Keep going as best as you can. Focusing on continuing your journey can help take your mind off what happened and prevent the situation from overshadowing your entire travel experience.
It’s not always easy to push through when your passport, money, or credit cards have been stolen, but if possible, continue enjoying the trip. You’ll have the chance to take new photos if your camera or phone was taken, and you might find comfort in exploring new places. Remember, your memories aren’t tied to the things you’ve lost—they’re tied to the experiences you create.
Pro Tip:
To avoid major complications in the future, always keep photocopies of your passport, visas, and important documents in a separate location from the originals. Consider carrying a backup credit or debit card, and stash some extra cash in a hidden, secure place.
FAQs:
Q1: What should I do if my passport is stolen while traveling?
If your passport is stolen, head to the nearest embassy or consulate immediately. They will help you replace your passport, though the process may take some time. It’s a good idea to have photocopies of your passport to speed up the process.
Q2: What if I don’t have the emergency contact numbers for my credit cards?
If you don’t have your credit card’s emergency contact numbers, try checking online for your card issuer’s contact details. It’s also a good idea to keep these numbers stored in a secure location before you travel, such as a password manager or travel notebook.
Q3: Can I still continue my trip after being robbed?
Yes, you can! While getting robbed is traumatic, it’s important to continue your trip if you can. Staying focused on your adventure can help take your mind off the situation.
Q4: How can I prevent being robbed while traveling?
Keep your valuables secure in a money belt or hidden pouch, avoid flashing expensive items like cameras and jewelry, and stay aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts and be cautious in crowded or unfamiliar places.
Q5: What should I do if I lose my credit card while abroad?
Immediately cancel the card and report the loss to the card issuer. Many banks offer fraud protection, and they will work with you to block unauthorized charges. You should also file a police report to help protect against fraud.
By staying calm, taking action quickly, and following the right steps, you can bounce back from any theft and continue your travels with confidence.
Conclusion: Stay Calm and Stay Safe
Getting robbed while traveling is one of the most unsettling things that can happen, but it’s important to remember that you can recover from it. By following these steps—staying calm, canceling your credit cards, filing a police report, heading to your embassy, and continuing your trip—you can minimize the impact of the theft. While it’s an unfortunate experience, it’s also an opportunity to learn how to handle emergencies on the road.
Remember, traveling isn’t always about the things you bring with you—it’s about the journey and the experiences you have. Keep your spirits up, and you’ll move past this setback stronger than before.