Copies of Passports and Credit Cards

I keep a copy of my passport in my backpack. I also take a photo and email it to myself so that I can retrieve it if ever needed.

I understand the copy of the passport, but you don't need copies of your credit cards. All you really need is the customer service number. I had my wallet stolen when I lived in London. I had three different Visa cards issued by three different banks in two different countries. One single call to Visa International started the process to cancel all three of the cards and arrange for replacements. While I can't remember the details, to get started, they just needed to know the name of the bank and my name. I didn't need to even know the card number. I was able to do all of this while sitting in a transit police office in a tube station.

I do like Brad, and just email myself a copy. But I don't copy credit card information, only my passport.

I put the copy of my pp in my luggage, not like anyone goes through luggage to steal that, its useless to them. Of course original is with me.

I like the photo idea, I keep a list of credit/bankcard info in my daybag with a hard copy of my passport (passport # is on the list as well).

Emailing yourself the information is the best idea unless you won't have access to email on your trip. In that case, keep a copy of your passport and key contact information anywhere reasonably safe that is not with your passport/credit cards. You only need a copy of your passport; the copy is worthless to a thief. Do not keep copies of credit cards, which can be used by thieves; you only need phone numbers. Also keep phone numbers of your bank and an emergency contact.

I always leave a copy at home as well - or with my mom...in case, but always have copies in mine and my husbands luggage...maybe taking pics with your camera or phone would work too...

I leave copies of our passports and other emergency information prominently in the middle of my desk at home (as well as the copy I take with me). In a true emergency, family has access to the house and get the information but I don't have to worry about them losing it or making sure they have the most current information.

Why, why, why? All are useless. You can walk into any consulate and get a replacment passport in two shakes whether or not you even have the number. It takes one phone call to unscrew a dorked up credit card. The servicing phone number is helpful, but you can hive that out fast enough. Copies are just more crap to keep track of. Been there. Done it all. More than once. It's not exciting. Sheesh.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I started taking copies several years ago as a result of my husband's money belt being stolen (he wasn't wearing it properly). Thank goodness I had the same credit cards, different accounts, with the phone numbers on the back. Someone just suggested typing up the info instead of copying the cards in order to reduce a bulky money belt. Thanks for your help. Leaving for the Christmas markets in 4 days!

Denise, On past trips, I've taken a photocopy of my Passport inside a small stationery wallet in my checked Backpack. So far I haven't had any problems with that method. On my next trip, I might just take a scanned copy in PDF format, with one copy stored on a USB Memory Drive kept in my Money Belt and another copy in my iPhone. I'm not sure it's a good idea to have "unsecured" copies of credit cards inside luggage, as they could be accessed not only by unscrupulous baggage handlers but also hotel maids or others. I do take a copy of my credit card numbers, stored both in a small phone book as well as in a PDA or iPhone. On the paper copy, each credit card number is coded using a different "word key" with non-repeating letters, assembled into groups of five or six letters. Without the "keys" unique to each card, it would be very difficult for the average thief to decode the numbers. The card numbers stored electronically are protected by an app called eWallet which uses 256-bit AES encryption (same type used by the U.S. Government and others), in addition to the numeric "lock" on the device. In addition to notifying card issuers that I'll be travelling, I always make sure that I have current phone numbers for the credit card firms so I'll be able to report lost or stolen cards as quickly as possible. Card holders are sometimes responsible for charges until the loss of card is reported. I always use the regular ten digit phone numbers rather than the toll free numbers, as toll free often doesn't work from Europe. Most credit card firms instruct card holders to phone "collect", so the call won't cost me a nickel. Happy travels!

I think it is a big mistake to photocopy credit and debit cards and not guard them with the same intensity as the real card. I just carry the phone numbers for said cards (both the toll free domestic U.S. AND international "collect call" numbers). I do make two photocopies of the main I.D. page of the passport, leaving one with someone back home and the other in the luggage. The State Department says a photocopy is not essential to getting a replacment passport overseas, but makes it easier... http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/lostpassport/lostpassport_1197.html

I scan both documents and upload them online to my email. It is the easiest way to find them should I lose the physical documents (at least in Europe).