This terrifying scenario of being robbed or attacked by criminals is amplified when you're in a place where English isn't widely spoken, leaving you feeling isolated and vulnerable.
But don't despair – with a clear action plan as outlined below, you can navigate this difficult situation effectively.
Here's a 10-step-by-step guide on what to do if your belongings and money are stolen while travelling solo in a non-English speaking destination:
1. Prioritise Your Safety (Immediately!):
Your absolute priority is to move away from the area and get to a safe place. If the robbery or attack just occurred, move away and get to a safe place.
If at night or in a dark market area, find a well-lit area, a busy street, or a shop where you can collect your thoughts.
Don't confront the attackers or thieves and try to get back your stolen items as you may get hurt or worse. Your well-being and health are important, and stolen items can be replaced.
2. Seek Local Assistance (Non-Verbal is Key):
Even without a shared language, you can communicate your distress and shock. Look for:
- Hotels/Hostels: Staff are often more likely to speak some English or have resources to help tourists.
- Banks/ATMs: These locations are often equipped with security and staff who might have basic English or access to translation tools.
- Police Stations: While intimidating, this is where you'll eventually need to go and file a report on the incident. Look for a building with official police markings.
- Other Tourists: While not official help, fellow travellers might be able to offer assistance or at least moral support.
3. Get to the Nearest Police Station, Fast:
To claim from your travel insurance, you will need to produce a police report of the incident. Provide every detail of what happened.
- How to ask: Try to find someone who can point you to the nearest "police" or "policia" (in many Romance languages). You can also show a pre-written note (see point 5).
- At the Police station, Be prepared for a potentially slow and frustrating process of explaining your incident due to the language barrier. Remain calm and patient during the process, and don’t be rude.
This is where the language barrier will be most challenging.
- Use Visuals: Draw simple pictures of what happened. A stick figure taking a bag, for example.
- Translation Apps (Offline is Best): Have a translation app (like Google Translate or Microsoft Translator) downloaded with offline language packs for the local language. You can type in simple sentences like "My wallet was stolen" or "My phone was stolen" and show the translation.
- Key Information to Convey:
- What was stolen: List all items clearly (money, passport, phone, credit cards, etc.).
- Where it happened: Be as specific as possible (street name, landmark).
- When it happened: Approximate time.
- Description of items (if possible): Brand, colour, size, etc.
- Insist on a Copy: Do not leave without a physical copy of the police report. This is non-negotiable for insurance purposes. If they offer to email it, get it in writing that they will, and take down contact information.
Cancel credit and bank cards immediately after they have been stolen. Find access to a phone or Wi-Fi, perhaps at your lodgings to report your cards stolen. Many banks have 24/7 international helplines ready to assist with this.
- Pre-Travel Prep: Before you leave, note down the international emergency numbers for all your cards. Store them securely, separate from your wallet.
- Use a Borrowed Phone or Internet Cafe: If your phone was stolen, ask for help from a hotel, hostel, or even a kind stranger to use their phone or computer.
Your embassy or consulate is your lifeline in a foreign country. They can:
- Help with emergency passport replacement.
- Provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers or doctors if needed.
- Assist with contacting family back home.
- Offer guidance on local procedures.
- Find their details: Look up your country's embassy or consulate contact information for the specific country you're in before you travel, and keep it separate from your main belongings.
Once you're safe and have the police report, contact your travel insurance provider. They will guide you through the claims process. Be prepared to provide the police report and a detailed list of stolen items.
8. Secure Emergency Funds:
If all your money is gone, you must arrange for emergency funds.
- Western Union/MoneyGram: Your family or friends can send you money through these services, which you can pick up at an agent location.
- Embassy/Consulate: In dire circumstances, your embassy might be able to help with a small emergency loan, but this is usually a last resort.
Once the immediate crisis is managed, take some time to assess your situation. Do you feel safe continuing your trip? Are you traumatised and feel the need to go home? Don't feel pressured to continue your trip if you're not comfortable.
10 Pre-Travel Prevention is Key:
While you can't prevent all robberies, you can significantly reduce your risk and ease the aftermath:
- Copy Documents: Keep photocopies or digital copies of your passport, visa, and important numbers (bank, insurance, embassy) separate from the originals.
- Divide Your Money: Don't carry all your cash and cards in one place.
- Travel Insurance: Always, always get comprehensive travel insurance.
- Emergency Contact Information: Have a list of emergency contacts back home and their numbers accessible.
- Basic Phrases: Learn a few key phrases in the local language, such as "Help," "Police," "Stolen," and "Lost."
But by staying calm, prioritising your safety, and systematically working through these steps, you can navigate the situation and get back on your feet. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you.