How to Replace Stolen Traveler's Checks

There are few things more frightening when traveling than finding yourself without money. Since cash is easily stolen, many people choose to use traveler's checks, which can be replaced quickly. However, you must take some precautions before leaving home.

Things You'll Need

• Traveler's checks
• Receipt for purchase
• List of serial numbers
• Phone numbers, website address or local offices to contact company if checks are lost or stolen

Instructions

1. Purchase your traveler's checks from a bank or company that has offices at your travel destination so you can visit a local office to get them replaced.

2. Sign the checks right away, preferably while you're standing at the teller window where you've purchased them. If you ordered your checks over the Internet, sign them as soon as you remove them from the mail.

3. Keep your receipt and the serial number of each check in a safe place that's separate from the checks themselves. Also keep the number you should call to have the checks replaced and the address and phone number of any local offices at your destination.

4. Report the loss or theft of your traveler's checks to the police. You may need to have a police report before your checks will be replaced.

5. Call the number given to you by the issuing company if your checks are lost and stolen. You can usually reach them 24 hours a day. Provide the serial numbers of the stolen checks. You will be asked for information that will allow you to receive replacement checks while at your destination.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider buying your travelers checks in the currency of your destination. This will make using them easier, since you won't have to deal with exchange rates.

• If you're traveling with someone else, get travelers checks that will allow either of you to countersign them.

• You may accept a traveler's check from another person, but only if the check is countersigned in your presence. A check that has already be countersigned may have been stolen.

• Treat your checks as carefully as you would cash. If the issuing company decides that you've been negligent in handling the checks, they may not replace them.