... Dealing with Passport & Credit Card Loss...
by infocostarica.com staff

You’re sweating but it’s not the heat. Looking like a male gorilla that has just staked a territorial claim, you pat down your chest pockets and then ruffle through your wife’s purse. The waiter eyes you uncomfortably as your eldest child quips, “Been there, done that – Dad”.

Few things can dampen a splendid travel vacation more than the loss or theft of your passport and credit cards. And although there is no full proof method of assuring that you won’t be a future victim of theft, or guarantee that you won’t leave your kangaroo pouch laying on the beach, there are steps you can take to minimize the possibility of this happening or at least lessen its potential impact once it has occurred.

Take travelers checks with you instead of large amounts of cash. You will loose a small percentage in the exchange but it’s well worth the peace of mind it brings. Keep credit cards separate from your other valuables. Some areas of Costa Rica have only limited credit card facilities and cash advances are not always available.

Keep your passport and valuables in something that can be worn around the neck, under your clothes and out of sight. Kangaroo pouches and similar are highly visible and an obvious target for thieves.
Photocopy your itinerary, passport, credit cards, travel documents and important phone numbers. Keep a copy of these separate from the originals, in case of loss or theft, and leave a copy with parents or friends back home.

Wherever possible, leave passports, credit cards and other valuables in your hotel safety deposit box.
If your passport is lost or stolen, notify the local police immediately. Bring the police report, identification and spare passport photos to your nearest embassy or consulate for replacement. For U.S. citizens, go to the American Citizen Services Unit at the U.S. embassy in Pavas (from Monday 8:00 AM-11:30 AM and 1:00 PM-3:00 PM or Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 AM-11:30 AM) and fill out a DS-64 statement regarding lost or stolen passport. At that time you can fill out an application for a new passport. Please bring the police report, if you have one. You will also need to bring 2 passport-sized photos and a fee of $85 (age 16 and over) or $70 (15 and younger) to replace your lost or stolen passport.

If your credit cards or travelers checks are lost or stolen, contact the issuing company immediately. The following are the local phone numbers for the four main credit card companies:

American Express: (800) 012-3211
Diners Club: (506) 295-9393
Master Card: (800) 011-0184
Visa: (800) 011-0030

If you are completely out of cash (or other form of payment) your credit card company may be able to advance you funds temporarily. They may also be able to verify your credit card directly to your hotel or airline to enable you to checkout of your hotel, obtain replacement airline tickets, or other emergency services.

Another option is to use a money transfer service such as Western Union to wire money directly to you from abroad. It may also be possible to transfer funds directly from a bank in the United States or other foreign country to a local bank where you can receive the funds. Most Costa Rican banks require that foreigners establish a local bank account to use this service. Bank to bank transfers can take several days to accomplish.

To avoid these potential hassles, be prepared. Never leave your personal belongings unattended. Keep essentials in a secure pocket or in a concealed money belt. Be aware of your surroundings and look out for pickpockets. Have all emergency telephone numbers handy, including the local police.

As they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.