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What happens if... [you lose your credit/debit card]

28 Jul 2008 OffToSeeTheWorld said

Ok only 2 weeks to go before my trip and im starting to freak out about everything I possibly can freak out about :P

Im planning on taking two credit cards and one debit card and im wondering what happens if I lose them all!?
I WAS planning on just putting them all in my wallet without really thinking about it but now im thinking to keep them all seperate - like in seperate zippers/wallets, etc rather than all together incase that wallet is stolen. Is this a smart move?
What happens if they are actually all lost? How would you possibly get money from those accounts being overseas where I dont even think my banks exist! I have all the numbers recorded to cancel the cards if I need to but then how would I get to my money?
I know you guys arent banks or anything but I thought maybe you guys would have some ideas or suggestions if this was to happen?
Thanks

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28 Jul 2008 Curtis71 said

It’s usually a smart move to keep your cards in separate places, as long as they’re all secure. I used this to keep the most valuable things safe under my shirt.

VISA and MasterCard are worldwide networks, even if your bank is not worldwide.

If ANY of your cards get stolen, you should phone the company the issued it IMMEDIATELY to get it cut off. For any VISA or MC, they will also offer to courier you a new card to most places worldwide within 24 hours.

The main thing you need is a separate sheet with photocopies of the front and back of all of your cards, as well as all the emergency phone numbers. (Phone the bank ahead of time to inform then you’re going overseas so the card won’t be cut off due to unusual transaction patterns, and get the overseas emergency number from them.) Before every trip, I scan the front/back of all of my cards and make printouts with the scans and typed-out emergency numbers for every card.

This is also a good reason why you should keep some reserve cash lying around just in case.

It's usually a smart move to keep your cards in separate places, as long as they're all secure. I used <A HREF="http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=13" TARGET=_blank>this</A> to keep the most valuable things safe under my shirt. VISA and MasterCard are worldwide networks, even if your bank is not worldwide. If ANY of your cards get stolen, you should phone the company the issued it IMMEDIATELY to get it cut off. For any VISA or MC, they will also offer to courier you a new card to most places worldwide within 24 hours. The main thing you need is a separate sheet with photocopies of the front and back of all of your cards, as well as all the emergency phone numbers. (Phone the bank ahead of time to inform then you're going overseas so the card won't be cut off due to unusual transaction patterns, and get the overseas emergency number from them.) Before every trip, I scan the front/back of all of my cards and make printouts with the scans and typed-out emergency numbers for every card. This is also a good reason why you should keep some reserve cash lying around just in case. or Cancel
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28 Jul 2008 CubanQueen said

ok. well, from my experience, if you think something will go wrong then it will go wrong. so try and get the bad thoughts outta your head…

but anyways, i took one credit card and one debit card (i’m not sure how long your trip is but i didn’t think 2 credit cards were necessary) and one 100 dollar traveler’s check. as long as you safely keep your eye on your money then it will be fine. carry a purse that has a zipper and don’t carry it on your hand carry it under your arm and make sure your arm is on it when you walk, especially in crowded places.

most likely in europe they won’t have your bank, i actually highly doubt it. what they do have is ATMs and most of them accept Visa cards, so as long as your credit and debit card are Visa then you will be fine. For me they charged me like 2$ USD for using the ATM, which is pretty good and a lot cheaper then going to exchange offices and exchanging the money there.

I hid my travelers check in my luggage and kept it there, just in case I were to lose something, but that didn’t happen. If the worst thing happens and you run out of money and you don’t know where to go you could always get money wired over to you by friends or family.

everything will be fine as long as you’re conscience of where your money is, and make sure you do all money counting in private. but it’ll be fine! 

ok. well, from my experience, if you think something will go wrong then it will go wrong. so try and get the bad thoughts outta your head... but anyways, i took one credit card and one debit card (i'm not sure how long your trip is but i didn't think 2 credit cards were necessary) and one 100 dollar traveler's check. as long as you safely keep your eye on your money then it will be fine. carry a purse that has a zipper and don't carry it on your hand carry it under your arm and make sure your arm is on it when you walk, especially in crowded places. most likely in europe they won't have your bank, i actually highly doubt it. what they do have is ATMs and most of them accept Visa cards, so as long as your credit and debit card are Visa then you will be fine. For me they charged me like 2$ USD for using the ATM, which is pretty good and a lot cheaper then going to exchange offices and exchanging the money there. I hid my travelers check in my luggage and kept it there, just in case I were to lose something, but that didn't happen. If the worst thing happens and you run out of money and you don't know where to go you could always get money wired over to you by friends or family. everything will be fine as long as you're conscience of where your money is, and make sure you do all money counting in private. but it'll be fine! <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smiler" width="15" height="15"> or Cancel
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28 Jul 2008 G3k0 said

Hi Off to see the world

have you looked at getting a cash passport?? http://www.cashpassport.com.au/ i used it and it worked like a dream, and if your card gets lost or stolen then you just call the 24/7 support and they will get you a new one anywhere, and you might get better commision on the transactions

anyways have a look and have a great trip
Greg

Hi Off to see the world have you looked at getting a cash passport?? <A HREF="http://www.cashpassport.com.au/" TARGET=_blank>http://www.cashpassport.com.au/</A> i used it and it worked like a dream, and if your card gets lost or stolen then you just call the 24/7 support and they will get you a new one anywhere, and you might get better commision on the transactions anyways have a look and have a great trip Greg or Cancel
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29 Jul 2008 Miss Pink! said

Hi Off to see the World

I can understand why you are a little worried. I stress about everything as well! I think it’s a good idea to keep the cards seperate – like you said just in case your wallet is lost or stolen or the ATM chews up the card!. That way you will alsways have something to fall back on.

I agree with CubanQueen about the bag – keep it zipped up, over your shoulder and in front of you.Be street smart!

As i work for a financial institution I think it’s important to notify your bank that you are travelling overseas, just incase they cancel your cards thinking it’s not you making the transactions overseas. Also ask for the international lost/stolen hotline numbers you need to call incase your cards are lost or stolen. If you are using visa, check out their asia pacific website – www.visa-asia.com there should be some numbers listed there along with some useful tips.

Cash Passports are definately a good idea to consider as well. You get 2 cards linked to the same prepaid account (keep the cards seperate) and if you loose a card or it gets stolen the person needs to know the pin number to use it – there is no name or signature on the card. If you loose both of the cards, as travelex are worldwide they can provide you with a replacement card free of charge or provide you with the remaining funds on the card. If your bank was to provide you with a replacement card overseas it could cost a few hundred dollars (well that’s what we charge. I would check with your bank on their charges though). Check out the website as Greg said. You will be able to get more info on them. You should be able to get them from a financial institution, australia post or travel agent that is affiliated with travelex.

If you decide to photocopy your cards make sure you keep them in a secure, safe place. If they get into the wrong hands, they can be used to make online purchases like you said. I know it sounds crazy, but trust me I have seen alot of fraud like this happen!

Try not to worry too much. As long as you are careful and responsible you will be fine! Maybe pop into the local branch of your bank as they may be able to give you some tips.

Have a great trip! 

Hi Off to see the World I can understand why you are a little worried. I stress about everything as well! I think it's a good idea to keep the cards seperate - like you said just in case your wallet is lost or stolen or the ATM chews up the card!. That way you will alsways have something to fall back on. I agree with CubanQueen about the bag - keep it zipped up, over your shoulder and in front of you.Be street smart! As i work for a financial institution I think it's important to notify your bank that you are travelling overseas, just incase they cancel your cards thinking it's not you making the transactions overseas. Also ask for the international lost/stolen hotline numbers you need to call incase your cards are lost or stolen. If you are using visa, check out their asia pacific website - <A HREF="http://www.visa-asia.com" TARGET=_blank>www.visa-asia.com</A> there should be some numbers listed there along with some useful tips. Cash Passports are definately a good idea to consider as well. You get 2 cards linked to the same prepaid account (keep the cards seperate) and if you loose a card or it gets stolen the person needs to know the pin number to use it - there is no name or signature on the card. If you loose both of the cards, as travelex are worldwide they can provide you with a replacement card free of charge or provide you with the remaining funds on the card. If your bank was to provide you with a replacement card overseas it could cost a few hundred dollars (well that's what we charge. I would check with your bank on their charges though). Check out the website as Greg said. You will be able to get more info on them. You should be able to get them from a financial institution, australia post or travel agent that is affiliated with travelex. If you decide to photocopy your cards make sure you keep them in a secure, safe place. If they get into the wrong hands, they can be used to make online purchases like you said. I know it sounds crazy, but trust me I have seen alot of fraud like this happen! Try not to worry too much. As long as you are careful and responsible you will be fine! Maybe pop into the local branch of your bank as they may be able to give you some tips. Have a great trip! <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smiler" width="15" height="15"> or Cancel
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29 Jul 2008 Jeremy said

Are you taking a money belt? I kept a duplicate ATM card in there just in case.

Are you taking a money belt? I kept a duplicate ATM card in there just in case. or Cancel
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29 Jul 2008 JessKat said

Ok, some interesting tips here. They may not be useful if you are from the UK. I work for one of the bigger UK banks and i know 100% that calling your card issuer to tell them you are going abroad will make no difference whatsoever in making sure the bank do not stop your cards whilst your are away.
They may stop your card anyway and all the bank will do will ‘update’ your contact numbers and simply put a ‘note’ on the system to say where in the world you are. That is all it is, a note,. it has no impact on your security checks and just tells the banks to check the time zone of when is the best time to call you when they stop your card. TAKE THEIR EMERGENCY INTERNATIONAL NUMBERS. Also, take Visa and Mastercard International numbers…yes you can get an emergency replacement card in 24hours but the Visa and MC can charge you (it doesnt have to be your card issuer) upto $200US (£100) for a replacement. take Miss Pinks advice!

Also, you could be the most careful person in the world and still have fraud on your card and still be screwed even if it isnt out of your possession. Take more than one card with you and keep one safe and get your parents ready to wire some cash if one goes missing 

Still, make sure you dont worry about this too much! I know these things can happen but it will help if you are prepared.

Ok, some interesting tips here. They may not be useful if you are from the UK. I work for one of the bigger UK banks and i know 100% that calling your card issuer to tell them you are going abroad will make no difference whatsoever in making sure the bank do not stop your cards whilst your are away. They may stop your card anyway and all the bank will do will 'update' your contact numbers and simply put a 'note' on the system to say where in the world you are. That is all it is, a note,. it has no impact on your security checks and just tells the banks to check the time zone of when is the best time to call you when they stop your card. TAKE THEIR EMERGENCY INTERNATIONAL NUMBERS. Also, take Visa and Mastercard International numbers...yes you can get an emergency replacement card in 24hours but the Visa and MC can charge you (it doesnt have to be your card issuer) upto $200US (£100) for a replacement. take Miss Pinks advice! Also, you could be the most careful person in the world and still have fraud on your card and still be screwed even if it isnt out of your possession. Take more than one card with you and keep one safe and get your parents ready to wire some cash if one goes missing <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif" alt="Razzer" width="15" height="15"> Still, make sure you dont worry about this too much! I know these things can happen but it will help if you are prepared. or Cancel
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29 Jul 2008 Curtis71 said

quote:
Originally posted by OffToSeeTheWorld:
Thanks Curtis!!
Is it safe to have photo copies of your card?
I mean if someone came across it it would be pretty easy to go online and buy some things lol.
I didnt know that they offered to courier out a new card! Thats pretty handy 

Criminals are going to use your card to make POS (point of sale) purchases. Of course, POS is impossible with photocopies only.

They probably will not try online sales because the shipping address will not match your billing address on file. So the purchase will be denied.

Still, I would keep the photocopies safe. It’s not like criminals would go through your stuff looking for photocopies of credit cards. The high value things that tourists carry aside from cards are cash, cameras, passports, notebook computers, etc.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by OffToSeeTheWorld: Thanks Curtis!! Is it safe to have photo copies of your card? I mean if someone came across it it would be pretty easy to go online and buy some things lol. I didnt know that they offered to courier out a new card! Thats pretty handy <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smiler" width="15" height="15"> </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Criminals are going to use your card to make POS (point of sale) purchases. Of course, POS is impossible with photocopies only. They probably will not try online sales because the shipping address will not match your billing address on file. So the purchase will be denied. Still, I would keep the photocopies safe. It's not like criminals would go through your stuff looking for photocopies of credit cards. The high value things that tourists carry aside from cards are cash, cameras, passports, notebook computers, etc. or Cancel
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29 Jul 2008 Curtis71 said

quote:
Originally posted by MeganSD:
Thanks for the info guys and girls, just one question, and forgive me if it is a completely stupid- why would we need photocopies of credit/debit cards?

Because, if your card gets stolen, when you phone up the bank to report it they will ask you for the card number.

Also provide a copy of this to your family just in case. This came in handy the last time my mother was overseas and nobody answered up when she phoned the international help line. She got in touch with me and I was able to get things straightened out by phoning them from Canada.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MeganSD: Thanks for the info guys and girls, just one question, and forgive me if it is a completely stupid- why would we need photocopies of credit/debit cards? </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Because, if your card gets stolen, when you phone up the bank to report it they will ask you for the card number. Also provide a copy of this to your family just in case. This came in handy the last time my mother was overseas and nobody answered up when she phoned the international help line. She got in touch with me and I was able to get things straightened out by phoning them from Canada. or Cancel
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