What to do if you are left abroad without money and documents

Your wallet was stolen, you lost your bag, you fell into the clutches of fraudsters... There are many reasons to be left without money and documents abroad. And usually, in such a situation, a person gets lost and does not know what to do.

OBOZREVATEL shares step-by-step instructions on how to resolve the issue and return home. But first, let's look at the steps that will help prevent such a situation.

What to do before you travel

– Create several paper copies of documents, and place them in different places. Upload the electronic version to a cloud storage to which only you have access.

– Leave a certain amount of money on a virtual account or on a spare card that would be separate from the principal amount.

– Agree with a close friend or relative that in the event of an emergency you can contact them for help.

– Learn the phone number of this friend in advance, as well as write out the contacts of your country's consulate and local assistance services.

– Book your accommodation and round-trip tickets before you start traveling, and keep electronic copies of confirmations.

What to do if your passport and money are stolen

First, try to calm down and collect your thoughts. This will help you not to commit rash acts that will only aggravate the situation. You must understand that no one will leave you in a foreign country on the street by force. The local authorities and your country's representative office will do everything possible to help you get home as soon as possible.

– Contact the nearest police station and file a report of the theft of documents and money.

– Block all cards that have fallen into the hands of criminals.

– Call the embassy of your country, explain the situation, and listen to the options for solving your problem.

– Contact your family and ask them to transfer the minimum amount of money that will help you provide food and shelter for a while. There are instant transfer services everywhere that you can use in such situations.

– Come to the consulate with a certificate of passport loss. They will help you get a temporary document. If you do not have the means to return home, the consulate will help you purchase tickets.

– When you arrive home, contact the Migration Service to get a new passport.