Theft and Loss

Luggage Only

Losing your luggage is the least problematic because you can always continue your trip. Most of the time, theft or loss occurs during air travel, though you can also be robbed later during your trip (especially in train stations and public transport).

Depending on the situation, it’s useful to assert liability and/or your insurance, even if it means buying the most urgent items (keep the receipts) and getting reimbursed later. Always file a police report for valuable items.

Air Travel

Logically, since you can’t keep an eye on your luggage, this is the riskiest time for it.

It’s worth knowing that the number of stolen or lost bags in airports has doubled since 2001. Among European carriers, British Airways has the highest rate, with an average of 23 cases per 1,000 passengers. As for Air France, around 290,000 bags are lost or delayed each year.

Regulations

While waiting for a precise regulation, there is already a framework holding the airline responsible. In case of permanent loss, luggage is reimbursed by the carrier, usually at a limited rate of $20 USD/kg for checked bags and $400 USD per person for carry-on luggage (max 1,400 € for intra-European flights). This is why additional insurance can sometimes be worthwhile.

In practice, it’s essential to report the loss immediately to the airline’s baggage service—or, if unavailable, the airport—to fill out a special form. This will help with the search and serve as a claim with the airline. If the loss occurs upon arrival, airlines may, though not required by regulation, provide financial assistance or replacement items while your luggage is being located (some baggage insurance policies also cover this inconvenience).

Tips

To limit risks or inconvenience, avoid putting valuables or money in your luggage, make a list of your belongings to quickly identify what’s missing, label your bags, and generally keep receipts and consider baggage insurance. Finally, act quickly by filing reports with the airline and, if necessary, the police. For claims, keep your ticket and the barcode tag given at check-in for checked luggage.

Elsewhere

The risks are much lower than during air travel. Most of the time, a little caution and common sense will minimize problems. For example: use a money belt or pouch for cash and documents, always keep valuables with you, never flaunt wealth in public (or even in your hotel room), never leave belongings unattended (including on transport), be extra vigilant in crowded places, and use hotel safes when available.

If you’re robbed, file a report with the local police quickly and contact your insurance for next steps.

Finally, if you’re mugged, do not resist—it could escalate into something far worse.

Baggage Insurance

• See the article in the "Insurance and Assistance" guide

Baggage insurance covers theft, loss, or damage to luggage. Its purpose is to secure better reimbursement than what carriers typically offer.

Money and Travel Documents

Reminder

Losing money and/or travel documents is the most serious issue, especially if you’re traveling alone. The first step in all cases is to file a theft/loss report with local authorities.

But it can’t be stressed enough: don’t carry all your documents and cash with you. Leave some in your hotel safe if available. Also, keep photocopies—or better, digital scans—of your IDs, traveler’s checks, etc., online.

Passport (and Visas)

If your passport (or ID card) is stolen or lost, start by filing a police report. This will provide an official document that can be used later, especially to explain why you can’t present a passport to authorities.

Next, apply for a new passport at the consular service of your embassy or a consulate (or even an EU consulate if yours isn’t represented). If you have a copy of the lost passport or know its number, issue date (even approximate), and the office where it was issued, it will be easier for the consulate to verify and cancel the old passport.

To issue a new one, valid for 1 year, you’ll need 2 ID photos and the equivalent of 89 € in local currency to pay the duty stamps (which is why it’s best to sort out finances beforehand). The application is then sent by fax or email to your local prefecture. The response can take several days, and once received, the consulate can issue the passport.

Note that in emergencies, the process can be expedited, and you’ll receive a provisional passport valid for 3 months, renewable once you return to France (the duty stamps are paid for 10 years and don’t need to be paid again).

Visas

If you had visas for upcoming countries, you’ll need to reapply (and repay). Having a copy of the visas from your lost passport can help.

Flight Ticket

With the widespread use of e-tickets, the issue no longer arises since flight tickets are now "dematerialized." There’s no risk of having to buy another ticket or pay a reissue fee as before. Just keep your e-ticket in your inbox to reprint it if needed.

Credit Cards and Traveler’s Checks

If your card is stolen or lost, block it as soon as possible by calling—collect if you have no money—the relevant banking center in France or your home country.

For traveler’s checks, provide the numbers and present the receipts to the corresponding center for quick reimbursement. If you don’t have them, you may still be reimbursed if you know the exact purchase date and the bank branch where you bought them. Otherwise, say goodbye to your money!

Getting Funds Quickly

Western Union

If you’re completely out of money, there’s a way to get some quickly via Western Union. This is an American bank with agreements with local agents in nearly every country: banks, local phone companies, couriers like postal services, DHL, or World Express. Not all branches of these services are Western Union agents—those that are have a recognizable yellow-and-black sign. There’s a guide available on-site listing all agencies by country. This book is handy for finding and sharing the address of the nearest agency in France for someone to send you money.

Note that other similar services exist, but Western Union is by far the most widespread, with 364,000 sales points worldwide.

Process

To receive money, call—collect if you have nothing—or better, email your contact so they can deposit cash (in cash only) at a Western Union agency. A significant commission is added to the amount (but it’s nothing compared to the service provided). It seems deposits are sometimes limited to 450 €. The deposit is recorded on a computer, and within an hour, you can withdraw it at another agency on the other side of the world, in local currency or US dollars.

As for your consulate, they can only advise you on the best way for your loved ones to send you money quickly. However, they won’t advance you any funds.