Credit card fraud and money safety abroad

When your credit card goes missing or is stolen in your home country it's a worrying time but you probably know what to do: report the theft straight away to the police then call your bank to cancel the card and order a new one. While you wait for the new card it is likely that you have access to an alternative source of money. But what if your card is lost or stolen on holiday or just before you travel?

Pre-departure planning
You'll probably check your account balance before you go, but you should also check the expiry dates on your cards, especially if you're going on a long trip. There's nothing worse than being stuck overseas with an expired and useless credit card when the new one is sitting at home in your mailbox.

Having a back-up copy is also essential. Take a note of your credit card account number and the emergency contact telephone number just in case your card is stolen and you have to cancel it. Card provider Visa says it's a good idea to keep these numbers in a safe place separate from your cards and other luggage.

You could also leave a copy with a friend at home, along with your passport ID page, airline ticket and itinerary. Having a single source to call for these details can make it that much easier to get your holiday back on track if you are unlucky enough to have your valuables lost or stolen while travelling. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has advice on how to replace items if you are a victim of theft or loss.