Losing your wallet while traveling is stressful, but you don’t have to panic. Here’s a step-by-step guide to protect your money, identity and peace of mind — wherever you are.
Losing your wallet on vacation can quickly turn your dream trip into a stressful scramble. Say you’re in Morocco. Between the twisting medinas, bustling souks and nonstop adventures, it’s surprisingly easy to misplace something important. But before panic sets in, take a breath. There’s a calm, practical way to handle the situation — and we’ve got your back.
Here’s exactly what to do if you’ve lost your wallet abroad.
1. Retrace your steps.
Though it may sound obvious, the quickest way to find anything misplaced is to stop and immediately retrace your steps. Adrenaline can cloud your memory, so take a few deep, slow breaths as you consider where you have been since you last saw or used your wallet. Was it that café where you had lunch? The market you went to afterward? A taxi? If you can, go back place by place and ask the nearby merchants — many people have luck finding lost items that have been handed in by locals and passersby.
If they don’t speak English well, don’t panic. Most Moroccans, for example, speak French, so try, “As-tu trouvé un portefeuille?” (pronounced a bit like: “Ah tew troo-vay uhn port-foy?”) That means, “Have you found a wallet?”
Or, you could use a translation app such as Google Translate to speak a more specific phrase, detailing the wallet. Stay calm — people in Morocco and other parts of the world honor hospitality and are generally very helpful.
2. Cancel your cards.
If it becomes clear that you aren’t going to find your wallet anytime soon, you need to cancel your credit and debit cards immediately. You could call your bank or use a mobile banking app — look for free Wi-Fi in a hotel or café, or hotspot off one of a travel companion if you don’t have roaming access.
Most major banks have protective measures in place for international travelers and will know what to do to keep your money safe. They may even be able to provide a replacement card for you to use on the remainder of your vacation.
3. Report it to the police.
Even if you don’t suspect your wallet was stolen, it’s still useful to report it to the local police. You may need the official report as documentation for your travel insurance, and if anyone hands it in, they can get in touch and return it to you. In big cities like Casablanca and Marrakech, tourist police are often stationed near major landmarks.
If you were unlucky enough to have your ID and/or passport in your wallet, contact your home country’s embassy or consulate. They can help you with emergency travel documents and a replacement passport, and can also offer advice and assistance.
You’ll likely need the police report, a passport photo (easily done in a camera shop), and proof of address (bank statements or similar).
4. Get some emergency funds.
If you stashed some emergency cash in your luggage or hotel room, now is the time to use it. Otherwise, you can ask someone from back home to send you funds using a reputable money transfer company like Remitly.
Some banking apps like Revolut or Monzo may allow you to freeze physical cards but continue to use virtual cards, which can be a lifesaver for booking transport or buying food until you get sorted.
Remember, you don’t have to cancel your trip and start planning your return journey early — just maybe skip the expensive dinner for now.
Many cities in Morocco, for instance, are easily walkable and full of delicious street food, inexpensive riads and budget-friendly experiences. The loss of your wallet may force you to enjoy a slower travel experience until you are reassured that your money is safe. That’s could be a blessing in disguise.
How to Prevent Losing Your Wallet Abroad
Once you’ve secured your finances and hopefully regained your wallet, it can be useful to consider what went wrong. Was your wallet in your back pocket? Did you drop it into your backpack and forget to zip it up? Crowded markets and tourist hotspots are prime areas for pickpockets, no matter where you are in the world, so it’s worth remembering to be extra careful in the future.
Next time you go away, why not invest in an under-clothes wallet pouch or a money belt, or split your cash and cards between different spots in your luggage. You should also take a photo of your passport, visa and cards before traveling, or use a travel card and leave your real ones safely behind at the hotel.
Learn from the experience.
Though it can be a real test of patience to lose your wallet abroad, it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. With the right steps and a bit of support, you can keep your cool and still have a great adventure. Travel isn’t about perfection; it’s about learning to adapt and smile through the challenges we face along the way. –Amanda Gardner
