Wallet Stolen Abroad? Here’s What to Do

Losing your wallet while traveling isn’t just a hassle—it can feel like a full-blown crisis, especially when you’re far from home, unsure who to call, or worried about losing more than just money. For older travelers, a wallet stolen abroad might contain critical medical IDs, travel insurance details, or even documents tied to military service.

But here’s the good news: You can recover from it. It won’t ruin your trip if you act quickly and follow a clear plan. Whether you’re in Rome, Tokyo, or a quiet coastal town in Portugal, this guide walks you through the steps—calmly and confidently.

For a broader look at handling health issues while traveling, see our What to Do in a Medical Emergency Abroad (2025 Guide), which covers hospital visits, medical ID tips, and embassy help.

KEEN TIP: If your wallet is lost or stolen overseas, your first step isn’t always the police—it’s securing your identity, your access to funds, and your peace of mind.

1. What to Do Immediately After Your Wallet Is Stolen

1.1 Find a Safe Place to Sit, Breathe and Assess

Start by thinking through what was in your wallet. Most people remember their bank cards, but don’t forget about your driver’s license, health insurance cards, hotel keycards, or any important medical or travel documents.

Last year, when my husband Peter had his pocket picked in a crowded piazza near the Duomo in Florence, we didn’t notice until he reached for his room key. Along with his credit cards and license were a laminated pacemaker ID and his DD214 wallet card—documents that couldn’t be replaced easily, especially not in a foreign country.

Our hotel concierge recommended we go to the police, but even with a report, we knew they couldn’t replace anything we’d lost. So instead, we remained in our hotel room and started making phone calls.

KEEN TIP: Always assume your wallet won’t be recovered. Taking action fast is the best way to limit the damage.

1.2 Stay Focused, Not Frazzled

If you’re traveling with someone, divide the tasks so you don’t waste precious time. In our case, Peter and I each took a different credit card to report—tag-teaming the phone calls while sitting on the edge of the hotel bed with a notepad and a bottle of water. Fortunately, our passports were still in the hotel room safe. If they hadn’t been, my first call would have been to the U.S. Embassy in Florence.

KEEN TIP: If your passport was also stolen, skip ahead to Section 3 for what to do right away.

In those first few minutes, it’s easy to feel flustered—even violated. But you are not helpless. A few small, deliberate actions can help you move quickly from shock to clarity. And once you take the first step, the rest becomes much more manageable.

2. Why You Might Go to the Police

For many travelers—especially if it’s your first time dealing with theft in another country—heading to the nearest station feels like the logical step. But in reality, it depends on the situation.

If your passport was taken, reporting the theft is almost always necessary. The embassy will typically ask for a copy of the police report before issuing a temporary passport. The same is often true if you’re filing a travel insurance claim or if your bank asks for documentation to investigate unauthorized charges.

But here’s where it gets more complicated: In many cities, especially in popular tourist destinations like Paris, Rome, or Barcelona, theft reports are so common that police stations often operate on autopilot. You might wait two or three hours in a hot, crowded room—only to receive a brief form in a language you don’t understand. If nothing official was lost, and you’re not filing an insurance claim, that report may not be useful beyond peace of mind.

In our case, we just needed to cancel our cards ASAP. Spending our afternoon in a police station would not produce a new license or medical card so we skipped it.

That said, if something serious was stolen, such as your passport, or if you feel someone may use your credit card before you have a chance to cancel it, I strongly advise filing a police report. If your card is used for purchases, you will have the paperwork you need to prove you are not responsible.

KEEN TIP: If you do go to the police, ask for a copy of the report with a signature or official stamp. Even if it’s in another language, having a hard copy may save you headaches later.

3. Contact Your Embassy If Your Passport Was Stolen

3.1 Why the Embassy Is Your Next Call

If your passport was in your stolen wallet, report it immediately to the U.S. Department of State. You can do this online, by mail, or in person when applying for a replacement. Reporting it promptly helps protect against identity theft and ensures the passport is invalidated. For detailed instructions, visit the official State Department page to report it.

Embassies handle situations like this every day. They know the drill, they’re used to frazzled travelers, and they’ll guide you through what to do next. In most cases, they can issue a temporary passport or emergency travel document, which is enough to get you back into the U.S. or continue your journey. But there’s some paperwork involved, and they will likely ask for a police report—so if you haven’t filed one yet, this is a moment where it may be required.

You’ll also be asked for any documentation you do still have. That might be a digital photo of your passport stored in your email, a photocopy tucked into your suitcase, or even a second form of ID like a Medicare card or driver’s license. If all else fails, they can work with your emergency contact back home to verify your identity.

KEEN TIP: If you’re traveling with someone, have them bring their passport to the embassy as well. It can help confirm your identity and move the process along faster.

3.2 What to Expect at the Embassy

The embassy visit isn’t glamorous—but it’s efficient. Be prepared to answer questions, fill out forms, and possibly pay a fee (which may be waived in some hardship cases). They’ll also give you advice on staying safe while traveling without a full passport and may offer help contacting family or accessing travel insurance resources if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Depending on the country, you might get your emergency passport the same day or need to return within 24–48 hours. Either way, it puts you back in control.

And here’s something many travelers don’t realize: In some countries, you’ll be asked to show your passport before receiving medical care. Whether you’re visiting a clinic, urgent care center, or hospital, the staff may require proof of identity before treatment or admission—especially if you’re not part of their national healthcare system.

Having a valid passport—or even a temporary one—can make a critical difference if you’re trying to get help for a sudden illness or medical emergency.

4. How to Cancel Cards and Secure Your Accounts

4.1 Start With Your Most Important Cards

Begin with your primary credit and debit cards—the ones tied to your main accounts. Most cards have international contact numbers printed on the back (which, of course, you don’t have anymore), so it helps to keep those written down separately before your trip, or stored in an email to yourself.

If you don’t have the card or the card number in a secure file on your phone, do an online search for your credit card company and International number; be prepared to answer a lot of questions to verify your identity if you don’t have the credit card number on you.

Many banks will cancel the card immediately and issue a replacement, but you’ll want to ask if they can expedite one to your hotel or another stop on your itinerary. Some can, some can’t. But most can freeze your account and monitor for suspicious charges, which is your top priority.

In our case, AMEX shipped it immediately, overnight, but VISA would take longer so we just closed down that account.

KEEN TIP: If you use a password manager, log in and change your banking logins right away—especially if your wallet included any personal info or login hints with your card.

4.2 Use Backup Tools You Prepared Ahead of Time

If you’ve brought a backup card and stored it separately—say, in a different part of your suitcase or a belt pouch—you’ll be thankful now. It gives you access to cash and the ability to continue traveling without total disruption.

If not, this is where it’s helpful to have a trusted person at home who can help. A spouse, adult child, or friend who has your permission to act on your behalf can sometimes call a bank for you, or wire money through services like Western Union, Wise, or PayPal.

Digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay can also save the day—if your phone is still with you and still connected to your bank account. But for older travelers who don’t rely on mobile banking, having a physical backup plan is still the smartest route.

KEEN TIP: Even if you get your card replaced quickly, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit profile back home, especially if your ID was stolen too. It’s a small step that can prevent bigger problems later.

5. How to Access Money Now

5.1 Your Most Immediate Options

Once your cards are canceled and your accounts secured, the next big question is how to get cash in hand—especially if you’re in a country where card payments aren’t widely accepted. If you’ve lost everything in your wallet, even small things like a cab ride or lunch suddenly become a challenge.

The fastest solution for many travelers is to have someone back home wire you funds through a service like Western Union or MoneyGram. You don’t need a bank account to receive the money—just a photo ID. And if your passport was stolen, a copy of the police report or embassy-issued ID may be accepted instead, depending on the country. Your hotel concierge can usually help you find the nearest branch.

If you still have your phone and can access your banking apps, you may be able to use a digital payment app like PayPal, Wise, or Revolut. These are often the most useful for international travel, because they support multiple currencies and allow you to pay or transfer money even without a physical card.

What about Venmo or Zelle? These are great for U.S.-based transfers, so if someone back home wants to help, they can send you money this way if it’s linked to your checking account and you still have app access. But here’s the catch: Venmo and Zelle are not widely accepted or usable internationally—they don’t allow you to withdraw foreign currency or use the money directly in a store or restaurant abroad.

KEEN TIP: If you’re tech-savvy, you can use Venmo or Zelle to receive money from a trusted person in the U.S.—then transfer it into your checking account and use another app (like PayPal or your bank’s mobile app) to access it abroad.

KEEN TIP: Save your login info in a secure app or write it down in a notebook stored separately in your luggage. You’ll thank yourself when you need to access accounts under pressure.

5.2 Can Travel Insurance Help?

If you purchased a comprehensive travel insurance policy, check whether it includes emergency cash assistance. Some policies offer daily allowances if your wallet or ID is stolen—especially if you file a police report. In our case, we didn’t file a report, so we couldn’t use this benefit, but many travelers don’t even realize it’s available.

Call your insurer’s 24-hour helpline and ask. They can sometimes wire emergency funds, reimburse local expenses later, or help you reach someone who can.

Finally, don’t forget the power of your hotel’s front desk. Staff at well-rated or international hotels are often trained to help guests in exactly these kinds of situations. They might lend you cash, offer to make calls on your behalf, or direct you to services nearby.

6. Traveling Temporarily Without an ID: What Happens Next

6.1 You’re Not Stranded—but You Do Need a Plan

Losing your ID while traveling abroad feels like a worst-case scenario—but it doesn’t mean your trip is over. In many countries, it’s still possible to board domestic flights, check into hotels, and continue your plans if you have enough backup documentation.

Some airlines will accept a police report paired with a copy of your passport, especially for domestic flights within Europe or Asia. If you’ve saved a photo of your ID or passport on your phone—or emailed it to yourself—that may be enough to satisfy hotel staff, airline clerks, or even train operators. Having a printed or digital travel itinerary can also help establish your identity when rebooking or confirming reservations.

If you’re part of a tour group, notify your guide or company immediately. They’ve likely dealt with this before and can often act as a liaison with hotels, airlines, or even local officials. Even if you’re traveling independently, your hotel concierge can help explain your situation in the local language and point you toward embassy support.

6.2 Can You Get Home Without a Passport?

If you’re nearing the end of your trip and still don’t have your passport, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for a temporary travel document. This will allow you to board an international flight back to the U.S., but it often has a short expiration date and may require you to show proof of your travel plans and identity.

KEEN TIP: Let your airline know as early as possible if your passport or ID has been stolen—especially if your ticket or boarding pass was in the wallet. Most major carriers can reissue your ticket with a confirmation number and match it to your passport information, as long as you’ve already checked in or booked under your legal name.

While it might feel like the trip is ruined, travelers get through this every day. The key is staying calm, having embassy support on your side, and communicating clearly with any officials, airlines, or hotel staff you encounter.

7. How to Protect Yourself Before It Happens

7.1 A Few Small Habits Make a Big Difference

You don’t need to travel in fear—but a few smart precautions can go a long way in preventing a lost wallet from turning into a ruined trip. These are the habits that experienced travelers, especially older ones, quietly rely on.

Start with where you carry your valuables. A neck pouch or money belt worn under your clothes might not be fashionable, but it’s effective. Even just splitting your cards—keeping one in your wallet and one locked in the hotel safe—gives you a fallback if the worst happens.

KEEN TIP: If you’re using a hotel safe, tuck a note inside your shoe or suitcase to remind yourself your backup card is in there. It’s easy to forget during the rush to pack.

Only carry what you’ll actually need for the day: one credit card, a small amount of cash, and maybe a photocopy of your passport. The rest can stay safely stored.

Before you leave for your trip, take digital photos of your passport, ID, insurance card, and medical device cards. Email them to yourself or store them in a secure app like 1Password or Dropbox. If your wallet goes missing, these photos become invaluable.

And finally, consider upgrading your wallet to one with RFID-blocking protection. While digital skimming is less common than pickpocketing, blocking your card signals adds one more layer of peace of mind.

7.2 If You’re Traveling with a Medical Device

If you have a pacemaker, insulin pump, or another medical device, never rely solely on your wallet ID card. Keep a photo of your device card on your phone and upload a copy to your cloud storage. It may not feel urgent—until it is.

We had my husband’s pacemaker card stored in our email, which gave us peace of mind when his wallet was stolen. In a foreign country, even a nurse at a local clinic may ask for proof before administering certain treatments. If you can’t speak the language, that card becomes your voice.

If you’re traveling with medication—especially prescriptions or refrigerated items—how you pack them matters more than you think. For tips on carrying them legally, safely, and smartly, check out our How to Pack Medication for a Flight guide.

KEEN TIP: Keeping medical records, prescriptions, and insurance info separate from your wallet can make a major difference in how quickly you recover after a theft.

8. The Emotional Side: It’s Okay to Feel Shaken

8.1 Give Yourself Permission to Feel What You Feel

Getting your wallet stolen isn’t just a logistical hassle—it’s a personal violation. And for older travelers, it can shake your confidence more than you expect. You start to question your awareness, your judgment, even your ability to handle things on your own.

Let’s be clear: Having your pocket picked doesn’t mean you were careless (unless, of course, you’re sifting through crowds and your wallet is in your back pocket. Hello, Peter?) It means someone was skilled—and fast—and it could have happened to anyone.

9. Wrap Up

Losing your wallet overseas doesn’t have to unravel your trip. Take a short break. Return to a familiar place—maybe a favorite café, the lobby of your hotel, or a quiet museum. Let your nervous system settle. Then, talk it out. If you’re traveling with someone, say what you’re feeling out loud. If you’re solo, write it in a notebook or even speak it into your phone recorder. Externalizing your stress is more powerful than you think.

Some people find comfort in recounting the story later—not to relive it, but to take control of the narrative. When you share what happened, you stop being the person something bad happened to and start being the person who handled it.

Remember, you can still enjoy your trip and even find your way home safely. And next time, you’ll be even better prepared. A missing wallet doesn’t stop a seasoned traveler—it just adds a new chapter to the story.