What To Do If You Lose Your Passport, Credit Cards, Phone or Luggage When Travelling

Losing something important while travelling can feel overwhelming — but with the right steps, you can recover quickly and keep your trip on track. This guide explains exactly who to contact, what to do, and smart prevention tips for when things go wrong.

Lost Passport: What To Do First

Immediate steps

• Report it to local police and get a written report (your travel insurer may require this).

• Contact your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate (or your home country’s diplomatic office).

• Apply for an emergency passport if you need to travel soon.

  
  

Who to contact

• Embassy/Consulate – to cancel the lost passport and issue emergency documents.

• Travel insurance provider – especially if you need reimbursement for transport or fees.

  
  

Helpful advice

• Store a digital copy of your passport in secure cloud storage.

• Carry a spare passport photo in your luggage.

• Avoid carrying your passport daily unless required — lock it in your hotel safe.

  
  

Lost Credit or Debit Cards While Travelling

A missing bank card can cause panic, but quick action protects your money.

Immediate steps

• Freeze or cancel the card using your banking app.

• Call your bank’s international hotline to report the loss and request a replacement.

• Review your statement for unauthorised transactions.

  
  

Who to contact

• Your bank or card provider (Visa, Mastercard, Amex).

• Your travel insurer, particularly if cash was stolen.

  
  

Helpful advice

• Travel with two bank cards, stored separately.

• Enable real-time spending alerts.

• Carry a backup travel money card for emergencies.

  
  

Lost or Stolen Phone Overseas

Losing your phone affects your maps, tickets, photos, and communication — so act fast.

Immediate steps

• Use Find My iPhone or Google Find My Device to locate, lock, or erase it.

• Change passwords for your email and bank accounts.

• Report the loss to local police if needed for insurance.

• Contact your provider for a replacement SIM or eSIM.

  
  

Who to contact

• Mobile service provider – to block or replace your SIM.

• Travel insurer – most policies cover phones under personal belongings.

  
  

Helpful advice

• Back up your phone regularly, especially before and during travel.

• Prefer eSIMs so they can be reissued quickly.

• Keep a printed list of essential phone numbers in your carry-on.

  
  

Lost Luggage at the Airport

Lost luggage is frustrating, but most bags are recovered within 48 hours.

Immediate steps

• Report it to the airline before leaving the airport and complete a PIR (Property Irregularity Report).

• Photograph your bag tag, PIR reference number, and receipt.

• Ask the airline about compensation for essential purchases.

  
  

Who to contact

• Airline baggage services – they handle all lost/delayed luggage.

• Travel insurance for additional compensation if your bag is delayed long-term or permanently lost.

  
  

Helpful advice

• Use smart trackers like AirTag or Tile inside your luggage.

• Place a copy of your itinerary and contact details inside your suitcase.

• Always pack essentials (medications, valuables, chargers) in your carry-on.

  
  

Prepare Ahead: Smart Travel Safety Tips

A little preparation makes travel mishaps much less stressful.

• Keep digital copies of your passport, insurance, tickets, and ID saved in the cloud.

• Store important items in separate places, not all in one bag.

• Use hotel safes, or a money belt on travel days.

• Carry a backup bank card hidden in your luggage.

• Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Losing your passport, credit card, phone or luggage isn’t the end of your holiday — it’s just a bump in the road. Knowing what to do and who to contact helps you stay calm, act fast, and get back to enjoying your trip.

For more useful travel tips, detailed blogs, must-have accessories, and the best travel apps browse the TravelHints60 website.