Passport Copies

We always do, and we keep the copies separate from our actual passports.
We also copy the fronts and backs of our CC and credit/debit ATM cards so we have the account/call numbers should we need them.

Some folks just take digital shots of the above.

I scan the passports in color and save to my iPad and to email so I can access from anywhere. I do have a paper copy too.

I would not copy a credit card - if the copy is lost then anyone could use your card number. I just make a note of the phone number for customer service. If the card is lost I can call and they will be able to cancel the card even if I don't have the card number. Furthermore all my cards have online access so I can get my info there.

Yes, it is wise. Is it really necessary? Ask three people and you'll probably get four answers. At any rate, we always carry laminated color copies of the passports and keep them separate from the real ones. In the past, before cell phones became so ubiquitous, internet cafes asked for them and kept them until you were through with the computer. Don't know if internet cafes even exist anymore with Wi-Fi being everywhere. At one time it was said that if replacing a lost passport was easier with a copy. Fortunately we've never had to find out and that may no longer be the case if it ever was. Many hotels need to record info from the passport and some will accept a copy if they need to keep it overnight. Bottom line (imho) is that it can't hurt, it may very well come in handy, and it only takes one 8 x 10 sheet for two of them. Just food for thought.

I keep a copy of the main page of my passport in my suitcase just in case something happens and I need it. There's also a pic of it on my phone.

I usually make copies and bring them along. I also email or text a copy to my daughter. If something happens to my luggage and/or cell phone, then I can contact her for a copy. I just try to cover all my bases.

A copy of a passport is only useful in proving to the Am Consulate or Embassy that you once had a passport should the passport be lost. Some think a copy is an acceptable alternate ID but it is not since a copy would be very easy to forge. But, it someone accepts for a headphone deposit - fine. We bury a copy in our luggage in the unlikely event that the passport is lost but have never had to use the copy.

hubby keeps a coy of my passport in his money belt and I keep a copy of his in my neck wallet. luckily never used them, but just in case.

I keep a copy of my passport in my phone. That way I can access the passport number without accessing the passport.

I also bring a second passport photo. It is small and light and lives in my suitcase - not my money belt. That way I already have a photo if I lose my passport.

Cheap & easy insurance.

We scan our passports and e-mail that to ourselves and our adult children. We don't take paper copies or have anything in our luggage other than our Name & phone number.

I don't know if a photocopy of your passport would a accepted for, say, renting an audio-guide, but I have used my US drivers license.

If you are just worried about replacing your passports if lost or stolen, I would just take a picture of the appropriate pages and keep the photos on your camera. All the information that the embassy would need could be accessed from the pictures along with the information that you would be providing them.

For those advocating taking a picture of your passport on your phone or other device..... What happens if that is stolen too? There is no perfect answer here other than to say one should take some precaution.

I do not take paper copies nor do I rely on storing a photo on my phone or in the cloud.

I put a scanned copy on a thumb drive that I leave in my makeup bag in my hotel room.

I don't take copies of my passport and you will not need a copy if you have to replace it at a consulate or embassy, they will have your information stored in their computers. Voice of experience.

They are not needed to replace your passport at the consulate in case you need a replacement. But I make copies because I carry the photocopy with me and leave the actual passport in the hotel safe.