Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

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SuzeO
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Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by SuzeO »

Good morning fellow Bogleheads!
So I woke up to a text message from our 20 YO son letting us know that his wallet just got stolen in Rome, within 15 minutes of his arrival to the city. He is traveling alone and has no other cash or credit cards. The good thing is he still has his US passport and phone.

I gave him a card to set up Apple pay over the phone. But that's all I could think of. Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to help him monetarily to live there for a week?
Is it worth it to file a police report?
I'm paranoid now about his passport and phone- thoughts on the best way to keep those safe?

Thank you in advance!
minimalistmarc
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by minimalistmarc »

Just make sure it is actually your son you are speaking too and not a scammer.
gtd98765
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by gtd98765 »

Call the U.S. embassy in Rome: https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-se ... -of-crime/ They may be able to connect him with resources, or advise you how to transfer money to him. Just make sure it's really your son who is contacting you.
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lthenderson
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by lthenderson »

SuzeO wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:35 am I gave him a card to set up Apple pay over the phone. But that's all I could think of. Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to help him monetarily to live there for a week?
Is it worth it to file a police report?
I'm paranoid now about his passport and phone- thoughts on the best way to keep those safe?
I suppose you could wire him money through a Western Union or something similar so he has cash to use when ApplePay isn't an option.

I wouldn't bother with the police report myself.

What was in the stolen wallet? Is there anything referencing phone number, passport, SSN, etc? If it was strictly cash, credit cards and drivers license (assuming it is like ours and doesn't reference SSN), I wouldn't be worried about any harm other than potential use of credit card which I assume was promptly cancelled.
KaskadeForever
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by KaskadeForever »

SuzeO wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:35 am Good morning fellow Bogleheads!
So I woke up to a text message from our 20 YO son letting us know that his wallet just got stolen in Rome, within 15 minutes of his arrival to the city. He is traveling alone and has no other cash or credit cards. The good thing is he still has his US passport and phone.

I gave him a card to set up Apple pay over the phone. But that's all I could think of. Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to help him monetarily to live there for a week?
Is it worth it to file a police report?
I'm paranoid now about his passport and phone- thoughts on the best way to keep those safe?

Thank you in advance!
You can send cash via Western Union.

I echo what others have said, you should talk to him on the phone first to confirm it's really him and not a scam.
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ResearchMed
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by ResearchMed »

minimalistmarc wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:37 am Just make sure it is actually your son you are speaking too and not a scammer.
This. definitely!
Ask him something no one else would know if they've been snooping/etc.

If he is in Rome, he can go to the US Embassy for immediate assistance.
Of course... it's Saturday, and later in the day there... Whether there is an emergency number?
He does have his passport?
If not, the Embassy can also help.

RM
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tigermilk
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by tigermilk »

Anything I want to keep safe I keep tucked away. I haven't used my back pockets on pants since I was a teen. Wallet, phone, etc are either in my front pockets with hands on them, in an inside pocket of a zipped up jacket or coat, or at the bottom of a backpack with stuff on top. If I feel real paranoid the valuables are really tucked away with just a little spare cash in my pocket for convenience.

But like the other poster says, confirm it is your son and not a scammer. Ask questions only he knows the answer to to confirm identity.
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SuzeO
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by SuzeO »

Thank you for quick responses!!
yes, it's him- we texted, and did a video call, talked about details only he would know, etc.
He only had DL and credit cards in his wallet. He is now wondering around the city trying to find a police station, getting aggravated so I"ll tell him to stop
Western Union is a good option I haven't thought of!
Last edited by SuzeO on Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
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White Coat Investor
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by White Coat Investor »

SuzeO wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:35 am Good morning fellow Bogleheads!
So I woke up to a text message from our 20 YO son letting us know that his wallet just got stolen in Rome, within 15 minutes of his arrival to the city. He is traveling alone and has no other cash or credit cards. The good thing is he still has his US passport and phone.

I gave him a card to set up Apple pay over the phone. But that's all I could think of. Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to help him monetarily to live there for a week?
Is it worth it to file a police report?
I'm paranoid now about his passport and phone- thoughts on the best way to keep those safe?

Thank you in advance!
Verify it's true and really him with a quick phone call, not a text. Cancel the credit cards. Western Union cash. Apple Pay also a smart idea. Good job.

As far as how to prevent future theft, I guess don't do whatever he did to get the wallet stolen. Was it a mugging? Don't go to that area any more or similar areas. Was it leaving it out in a hostel? Well, don't do that. Was it a pickpocket. Get better pockets.
Last edited by White Coat Investor on Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
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neilpilot
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by neilpilot »

minimalistmarc wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:37 am Just make sure it is actually your son you are speaking too and not a scammer.
Good point!

When I travel (including in the US) I split my money & cards into 2 or 3 places. Typically carry a small wallet with some money, my DL and 1-2 cards, and a passport wallet with money & 1-2 cards. I carry little cash and rely on cards.

Had my wallet stolen on a train in Spain a few years ago. While it was a minor problem (I had to cancel a few cards and replace my DL), I only lost a small amount of money and continued to travel without any issue. I reported the theft to police in Malaga, and a week later while in Mallorca the police contacted my and I identified the pickpocket in a virtual lineup. While I didn't recover my wallet or its contents (only lost about 50 euro) but was happy the thief was apprehended.

PS - I keep a photo of all my cards, DL, passport in a password protected file on my phone and iPad. Can be handy when you need to cancel a card, rent a reserved car without your DL (police report also helps here), etc.
Last edited by neilpilot on Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
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SuzeO
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by SuzeO »

White Coat Investor wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:49 am
As far as how to prevent future theft, I guess don't do whatever he did to get the wallet stolen. Was it a mugging? Don't go to that area any more or similar areas. Was it leaving it out in a hostel? Well, don't do that. Was it a pickpocket. Get better pockets.
:D I like "get better pockets"!
Says he was walking to his AirBnB from the train station, wallet in his back pocket... Didn't notice a thing
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by neilpilot »

SuzeO wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:52 am
White Coat Investor wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:49 am
As far as how to prevent future theft, I guess don't do whatever he did to get the wallet stolen. Was it a mugging? Don't go to that area any more or similar areas. Was it leaving it out in a hostel? Well, don't do that. Was it a pickpocket. Get better pockets.
:D I like "get better pockets"!
Says he was walking to his AirBnB from the train station, wallet in his back pocket... Didn't notice a thing
wallet in his back pocket - a big NO
bobn60014
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by bobn60014 »

Because pickpocketing is so common going to a police station to file a report does little. When he has access to the Internet he may be able to file a report online, more of a "matter of record" that may satisfy any reporting requirements. Though with credit cards they rarely require this now.

Cancel all credit cards you have info on. When he is able have him get a over the shoulder facing forward bag to keep his stuff in view and on his person!

And tell him not to trust any strangers, no matter how friendly or in need they appear to be. They aren't his friend.
Last edited by bobn60014 on Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
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ResearchMed
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by ResearchMed »

neilpilot wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:54 am
SuzeO wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:52 am

:D I like "get better pockets"!
Says he was walking to his AirBnB from the train station, wallet in his back pocket... Didn't notice a thing
wallet in his back pocket - a big NO

Not in any pocket that is not secured, where one can just "reach in".
And no guarantee about pockets that are secured (button, etc.).
Some of the pickpockets are real pros (literally).
Best to keep things in an "inside pocket" if needed in a pocket at all.

RM
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anon_investor
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by anon_investor »

When traveling internationally I sometimes carry cash in a binder in my front pocket, harder to get lifted.
DH0
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by DH0 »

Had the same thing happen to me while traveling alone in Europe 20+ years ago. Fortunately I had a backup credit card.
Western Union is the answer... (plus some type of phone-based payment system like apple pay).
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Watty
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by Watty »

Following Rick Steves advice we always use a money belt for our passports, documents, cash, and credit card and only have a limited amount of cash and maybe one credit card in a wallet or purse.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/ ... -moneybelt

He also has a web page with an explanation of what to do it you do lose everything.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/ ... ing-it-all
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by UpperNwGuy »

SuzeO wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:52 am
White Coat Investor wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:49 am
As far as how to prevent future theft, I guess don't do whatever he did to get the wallet stolen. Was it a mugging? Don't go to that area any more or similar areas. Was it leaving it out in a hostel? Well, don't do that. Was it a pickpocket. Get better pockets.
:D I like "get better pockets"!
Says he was walking to his AirBnB from the train station, wallet in his back pocket... Didn't notice a thing
The area around the Rome train station is definitely sketchy. I won't ride the train to/from the airport in Rome.
crefwatch
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by crefwatch »

What were the brands of credit cards that were taken? Are any in his name? Many companies claim to replace cards within 24 hours. If you authorize him to go over his planned budget a bit, he should be able to "charge" most of his costs for a week. It causes large fixed fees, but he can get a modest amount of cash from a Cash Advance on a card. (I have never gotten a cash advance, because it causes interest charges on other items that would otherwise escape interest. But this is an emergency situation.)

Does he have a pickpocket-proof "belt wallet" that tucks inside his pants? I prefer the "hidden pocket" type:
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/trave ... s/security
GoldStar
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by GoldStar »

Sorry to hear.

Someone told me Rome was the pick-pocket capital of the world - especially the crowded tourist areas. When I went there I wore a money belt under my clothes - one of the few places worldwide I resorted to doing so. Make sure he guards his passport well and any cash you can get to him and replacement cards for remainder of trip.
MtnTravel
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by MtnTravel »

Keep a small wallet in your front pocket, and put your hand in your pocket when you are in very crowded areas like a bus or train. I also leave all but one card in the hotel safe. In my experience, money belts and anti-theft pockets are unnecessary and cumbersome. But some people like them.

Most credit cards will offer to overnight a card, even to an international address. In the meantime, ApplePay should work nearly everywhere and if he needs cash, use WesternUnion.
halfnine
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by halfnine »

When traveling solo I used to intentionally leave one of my credit cards back at home but had memorized the numbers/dates. If I lost everything else on the trip if I could get online I could still book hotels, transport, etc and even Western Union myself some cash.

As to Rome, one of the scams back in the day was the Roma kids (very very young kids) would come up to you in groups and grab your hands, beg for food, etc while another one was picking your pockets. You wouldn't feel it as you had so many hands on you. Then they would quickly slip off whatever they had picked to another kid or to one of the adults. Once whatever you had in your pockets was gone you weren't going to be tracking it down. The general advice is simply whenever you're in a crowded area, get bumped into, someone touches you, etc is to get your hands in your pockets.
TheGreyingDuke
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by TheGreyingDuke »

halfnine wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:54 am
As to Rome, one of the scams back in the day was the Roma kids (very very young kids) would come up to you in groups and grab your hands, beg for food, etc while another one was picking your pockets. You wouldn't feel it as you had so many hands on you. Then they would quickly slip off whatever they had picked to another kid or to one of the adults. Once whatever you had in your pockets was gone you weren't going to be tracking it down. The general advice is simply whenever you're in a crowded area, get bumped into, someone touches you, etc is to get your hands in your pockets.
40 years ago I was victimized by this; in my instance I ran after and caught the 12-year old who was the leader and, after making sure that my things were in place, let her go. She then turned around and spit on me, big mistake. I ran after her and brought her to the police station in the train station , Not sure the final outcome
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by tibbitts »

TheGreyingDuke wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:11 am 40 years ago I was victimized by this; in my instance I ran after and caught the 12-year old who was the leader and, after making sure that my things were in place, let her go. She then turned around and spit on me, big mistake. I ran after her and brought her to the police station in the train station , Not sure the final outcome
I can imagine all kinds of ways that could have ended very badly for you.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by kramer »

In the last couple of months, I had both a credit card and a debit card compromised while I was traveling. In both cases, I was surprised at how long it took to get the replacement card shipped and received (and I only had it sent to a US address, not where I was while traveling as I had backups). I think Capitol One actually took a week just to send it. The debit was Schwab and that took a few days, also.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by LoveTheBogle »

tibbitts wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:23 am
TheGreyingDuke wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:11 am 40 years ago I was victimized by this; in my instance I ran after and caught the 12-year old who was the leader and, after making sure that my things were in place, let her go. She then turned around and spit on me, big mistake. I ran after her and brought her to the police station in the train station , Not sure the final outcome
I can imagine all kinds of ways that could have ended very badly for you.
This is true. It is unfortunate that thieves can get away with a crime with absolutely no punishment because most people won’t do anything about it. Hopefully the experience that the thief received will have a lasting impression but I doubt it.

I agree that the easy and safe thing to do would be to just let the thief go, but alas, this is part of the reason it is so rampant in some parts of the world: no consequences for actions.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by lthenderson »

MtnTravel wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:35 am Keep a small wallet in your front pocket, and put your hand in your pocket when you are in very crowded areas like a bus or train. I also leave all but one card in the hotel safe. In my experience, money belts and anti-theft pockets are unnecessary and cumbersome. But some people like them.
+1

Keeping my thinned out wallet in my front pocket with my hand in the same pocket whenever in a crowd has served me well over the years. I too dislike money belts. They are hard to access discretely which makes bargaining prices difficult in many countries where everything is negotiable and looking like a tourist with a money belt means prices quadrupled before you asked.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by tibbitts »

LoveTheBogle wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:45 am I agree that the easy and safe thing to do would be to just let the thief go, but alas, this is part of the reason it is so rampant in some parts of the world: no consequences for actions.
It's more than "easy and safe"; it's the only rational choice in this situation.
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CAsage
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by CAsage »

You can probably pay for his hotel/lodging over the phone with your credit card. If he has a phone, I thought all of Europe was pretty much cash free, so can he set up Paypal or Venmo or something on his phone for dining/food? Western Union for cash, or pay to overnight him new cards.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by rob »

I'm shocked at so many western union... The last thing you want in Europe is cash... just not necessary.

Apple pay setup is the obvious fix so great you managed that remotely - If he is there for months or longer than get some credit cards reissued as most have mechanism for getting a new card anywhere but for short term I would not bother.

Make sure his phone is less laxly protected :-)
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by neilpilot »

halfnine wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:54 am When traveling solo I used to intentionally leave one of my credit cards back at home but had memorized the numbers/dates. If I lost everything else on the trip if I could get online I could still book hotels, transport, etc and even Western Union myself some cash.
While this should work when making the reservation, when I check into a hotel I'm always asked for an ID (passport or DL) and the cc used to make the reservation. I keep backup images in a secured document on my phone, which might suffice.
HereToLearn
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by HereToLearn »

Freeze his credit reports with the three credit agencies, if they were not frozen already.

While I doubt the Rome pickpockets are looking to impersonate your son or sell his SSN, better to take the precaution.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by renter »

MtnTravel wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:35 am Keep a small wallet in your front pocket, and put your hand in your pocket when you are in very crowded areas like a bus or train.
I once was riding a sardine-packed subway train in Asia, standing with my hand in my front pocket clutching onto my wallet, surrounded by a gazillion people. I felt a hand intently and aggressively groping my hand through the pocket trying to get at my wallet. Amazingly, I looked around and could not tell who was doing it! There were so many people I couldn't even look down. Fortunately got off at my stop still with my wallet.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by MtnTravel »

lthenderson wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:53 am Keeping my thinned out wallet in my front pocket with my hand in the same pocket whenever in a crowd has served me well over the years. I too dislike money belts. They are hard to access discretely which makes bargaining prices difficult in many countries where everything is negotiable and looking like a tourist with a money belt means prices quadrupled before you asked.
Agreed. And if one is going to use a money belt, don't use it as a wallet. Put your passport and extra cash in there, but access it in private. I can't tell you how many times I've seen tourists untucking or lifting up their shirt to access their money belts or necklaces, and then they pull out a huge stack of cash in front of everyone to pay for something. Even in the safest cities, that's never a good idea.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by Super Hans »

rob wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 12:18 pm I'm shocked at so many western union... The last thing you want in Europe is cash... just not necessary.

Apple pay setup is the obvious fix so great you managed that remotely - If he is there for months or longer than get some credit cards reissued as most have mechanism for getting a new card anywhere but for short term I would not bother.

Make sure his phone is less laxly protected :-)
+1. With functioning Apple Pay, all payments for a week for tourism should be under control. You can even use Apple Pay in many pay toilets.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by tibbitts »

neilpilot wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 1:21 pm
halfnine wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:54 am When traveling solo I used to intentionally leave one of my credit cards back at home but had memorized the numbers/dates. If I lost everything else on the trip if I could get online I could still book hotels, transport, etc and even Western Union myself some cash.
While this should work when making the reservation, when I check into a hotel I'm always asked for an ID (passport or DL) and the cc used to make the reservation. I keep backup images in a secured document on my phone, which might suffice.
I'll guess images wouldn't always work because the hotel or whatever will want to swipe the card or actually see the ID. Maybe they could work around that if motivated but it would be circumstance-dependent. Once I tried to use a copy of an ID and it wasn't accepted. But the OP has the ID part covered with the passport.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by telstar »

halfnine wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:54 am When traveling solo I used to intentionally leave one of my credit cards back at home but had memorized the numbers/dates. If I lost everything else on the trip if I could get online I could still book hotels, transport, etc and even Western Union myself some cash.
I have one almost completely memorized anyway from frequent use online. Never thought about just leaving it at home! Excellent advise!
And another technique my siblings experienced in Paris was a "mother" trying to thrust her infant into your arms hoping you would accept it and be afraid to drop it while her older kids or fellow thieves would rifle your pockets.
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by p1db »

You can also send money through Apple Pay

https://support.apple.com/en-us/105013
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by OldSport »

MtnTravel wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 4:16 pm
lthenderson wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:53 am Keeping my thinned out wallet in my front pocket with my hand in the same pocket whenever in a crowd has served me well over the years. I too dislike money belts. They are hard to access discretely which makes bargaining prices difficult in many countries where everything is negotiable and looking like a tourist with a money belt means prices quadrupled before you asked.
Agreed. And if one is going to use a money belt, don't use it as a wallet. Put your passport and extra cash in there, but access it in private. I can't tell you how many times I've seen tourists untucking or lifting up their shirt to access their money belts or necklaces, and then they pull out a huge stack of cash in front of everyone to pay for something. Even in the safest cities, that's never a good idea.
Moneybelts are cumbersome. If the wearer is even the slightest bit overweight they cause the contents (e.g. passport) to become bent.

Hidden pockets or neck wallets are good for a passport and backup cards for the valuable stuff you need to carry but are still cumbersome for regular use multi times per day.

They do make small cross body anti-theft bags that have lockable compartments and slash preventive straps that are better for the less valuable stuff you need to access more regularly,
halfnine
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by halfnine »

MtnTravel wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:35 am Keep a small wallet in your front pocket, and put your hand in your pocket when you are in very crowded areas like a bus or train. I also leave all but one card in the hotel safe. In my experience, money belts and anti-theft pockets are unnecessary and cumbersome. But some people like them.
Money belts, anti-theft pockets, etc. are still quite useful when traveling from A to B, B to C, etc. where one isn't afforded the luxury of a hotel safe or secure room. And most people are probably changing locations at least once every 3 or 4 days. So utilizing a money belt and/or specific set of clothes for those days is still quite viable.
Bh1984
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by Bh1984 »

Apple pay and Google pay it accepted everywhere. Never needed cash in Rome. Love it.
BabaWawa
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Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by BabaWawa »

Since he now solely relies on his phone, make sure he is aware that smartphones are a top target for thieves. He now needs to be on top on his game. Don't carelessly place it on the streetside cafe table while eating, it'll be gone in a second.
Last edited by BabaWawa on Sun Feb 02, 2025 3:22 pm, edited 2 times in total.
terran
Posts: 3609
Joined: Sat Jan 10, 2015 9:50 pm

Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by terran »

BabaWawa wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 4:28 am Guard it with his life.
I expect you mean this figuratively, but this is terrible advice if there's any chance a person will take it literally.
realclemsongrad
Posts: 483
Joined: Sat May 16, 2020 4:37 pm

Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by realclemsongrad »

SuzeO wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:35 am Good morning fellow Bogleheads!
So I woke up to a text message from our 20 YO son letting us know that his wallet just got stolen in Rome, within 15 minutes of his arrival to the city. He is traveling alone and has no other cash or credit cards. The good thing is he still has his US passport and phone.

I gave him a card to set up Apple pay over the phone. But that's all I could think of. Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to help him monetarily to live there for a week?
Is it worth it to file a police report?
I'm paranoid now about his passport and phone- thoughts on the best way to keep those safe?

Thank you in advance!
It happened to me. I was staying at a boutique hotel in Asia and they were sympathetic to it and did a small cash advance and charged it as misc on the folio. The currency rate was not that great but at that point it was last thing on my mind.
MathWizard
Posts: 7274
Joined: Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:35 pm

Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by MathWizard »

OldSport wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:51 pm
MtnTravel wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 4:16 pm

Agreed. And if one is going to use a money belt, don't use it as a wallet. Put your passport and extra cash in there, but access it in private. I can't tell you how many times I've seen tourists untucking or lifting up their shirt to access their money belts or necklaces, and then they pull out a huge stack of cash in front of everyone to pay for something. Even in the safest cities, that's never a good idea.
Moneybelts are cumbersome. If the wearer is even the slightest bit overweight they cause the contents (e.g. passport) to become bent.

Hidden pockets or neck wallets are good for a passport and backup cards for the valuable stuff you need to carry but are still cumbersome for regular use multi times per day.

They do make small cross body anti-theft bags that have lockable compartments and slash preventive straps that are better for the less valuable stuff you need to access more regularly,
Hidden pockets or money belts are the best for things you need to have with you but don't use regularly.

Across body bags are still vulnerable and you can be dragged by them (Vespa comes along and rider grabs bag.)

My wife did have an across body purse and still had money stolen from it. We got in an elevator at a Paris Metro and two young women pushed in as the doors were closing,basically pinning is against opposite sides.

I just carry the days cash in my front pocket. Did not have it stolen, but I would not mourn a 50 euro loss.
Ski_FI
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Apr 07, 2024 8:33 pm

Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by Ski_FI »

I agree with most of the posters here, Apple Pay would be the easiest solution as he still has his phone. I've also seen ATM's with a contactless reader so it looks like he may be also be able to get cash out with Apple Pay if need be.

Although I wonder what one would do if both wallet and phone were lost or stolen while abroad. Aside from having a backup credit card in the hotel safe, how could you possibly access your accounts/credit?

Some ideas:
-Bank at a global institution and hope they have a branch nearby.
-Get access to a phone and have someone wire money over western union.
-Keep $1k in an Apple Cash account and hope a physical Apple store lets you buy an iPhone with it.
-Keep some cash in your shoe.

Any others?
neilpilot
Posts: 5287
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2015 12:46 pm
Location: Memphis area

Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by neilpilot »

Ski_FI wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 9:44 am I agree with most of the posters here, Apple Pay would be the easiest solution as he still has his phone. I've also seen ATM's with a contactless reader so it looks like he may be also be able to get cash out with Apple Pay if need be.

Although I wonder what one would do if both wallet and phone were lost or stolen while abroad. Aside from having a backup credit card in the hotel safe, how could you possibly access your accounts/credit?

Some ideas:
-Bank at a global institution and hope they have a branch nearby.
-Get access to a phone and have someone wire money over western union.
-Keep $1k in an Apple Cash account and hope a physical Apple store lets you buy an iPhone with it.
-Keep some cash in your shoe.

Any others?
While you focus on travel abroad, aren't all of these issues when traveling domestically as well, unless your near home, family or friends?
clip651
Posts: 1828
Joined: Thu Oct 02, 2014 11:02 am

Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by clip651 »

Ski_FI wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 9:44 am I agree with most of the posters here, Apple Pay would be the easiest solution as he still has his phone. I've also seen ATM's with a contactless reader so it looks like he may be also be able to get cash out with Apple Pay if need be.

Although I wonder what one would do if both wallet and phone were lost or stolen while abroad. Aside from having a backup credit card in the hotel safe, how could you possibly access your accounts/credit?

Some ideas:
-Bank at a global institution and hope they have a branch nearby.
-Get access to a phone and have someone wire money over western union.
-Keep $1k in an Apple Cash account and hope a physical Apple store lets you buy an iPhone with it.
-Keep some cash in your shoe.

Any others?
The US embassy might be able to help. Haven’t been in that situation but it’s where I’d probably go first.
ROIGuy
Posts: 2673
Joined: Sun May 08, 2016 10:10 am

Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by ROIGuy »

minimalistmarc wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:37 am Just make sure it is actually your son you are speaking too and not a scammer.
+1
ROIGuy
Posts: 2673
Joined: Sun May 08, 2016 10:10 am

Re: Wallet stolen in Rome, no money, now what?

Post by ROIGuy »

I know the train station there is notorious for pick pocketers. I always used a money belt and when I was standing there I made sure I was basically always in motion with little twists and turns. We had a friend get her backpack unzipped (while they had it on) and stuff stolen while they were in a store in Amsterdam.
Another thing we do when we travel is to have a photo copy of our passport in our email. That way if it is stolen we have that information readily available to help fill out the forms for a new one. An extra layer to that may be to that info in a word doc and encrypt that doc with a password too.
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