Most likely you’ve seen and probably exchanged money at a currency exchange booth while traveling. Unfortunately, scams that shortchange travelers using money-changing services seem to be on the increase. From the moment you step off the airplane at an airport and walk down to baggage claim, as well as around any popular tourist destination, you’ll see money-changing booths. The following are the top tips to keep in mind if you think you may need to exchange currency at one of these booths.
Avoid Money Exchange Scams
In North American, European countries, and Australia, currency exchange businesses are licensed. In other countries as anyone can set themselves up as a currency exchange business.
To start off with, let’s take it for granted that you’re aware that “generally speaking” most money exchange booths don’t give the best exchange rate and that typically the best places to exchange money are at a bank or a recognized brand-name exchange bureau.
The Best Places to Exchange Dollars for Local Money
1) ATMs usually give better rates than exchanging cash at an exchange kiosk. If you can use ATMs. More and more travelers use ATMs as much as possible, keeping spare cash for emergencies or times when you just need a small about of local currency.
2) Hotels are usually safe locations too, but their exchange rates are often poor. Many credit cards offer a better exchange rate than an exchange booth, so if yours does use it to purchase, and your purchase will be protected too.
3) Banks tend to have slightly higher rates as but they are safe locations and will not cheat you. So for safety and assurance, you may end up paying a slightly higher exchange at a bank.
3) Advice; if you must use a currency exchange booth. Keep in mind that any currency exchange businesses with a sign that says “Exchange! Cambio! Wechsel! Change!” are exchange booths, and all of them—from internationally well-known currency exchange offices, all the way down to the shady guy who hangs around the bus station—offer a worse rate and/or higher commission than banks and should only be used in emergencies.
4) Use authorized money changers only, not those down back alleys offering a better rate. Be careful of shops that claim to be ‘official exchange shops’ via a sign. Don’t necessarily believe those signs! Check out the shop to determine if it really is an official shop or not. Official exchange shops are located on major streets, in shopping malls, stations, and airports. They also usually look ‘official’ – clean and modern with a list of exchange rates displayed on the wall or even a digital signboard. These types of exchange services, could use counterfeit money, try to run a quick-change scam on you, or charge an absorbent unpublished fee.
5) What about the condition of the money I’m going to try to exchange – does it matter? Some countries or currency exchange booths only accept bills that are in excellent condition- no rips, taping, holes, or ink. Be sure to get new clean bills from a bank in your home country before leaving on your trip.
Be Careful of Counterfeit Money When Traveling Abroad
Being passed counterfeit currency in another country is a scam that you may not even realize you fell victim to, largely because you’re unfamiliar with the currency.
Can I Have a Local Coin For my Collection?
This is a scam that occurs in Nepal and India. Watch the below video where you will see and hear locals trying to get you to part with small change “for their collection” but in reality, it is just another way to rip you off as they exchange it for the local currency they can use.
Philippines (or worldwide) Money Exchange Tips
This is a great compilation of tips and scams that you might come up against when changing money in the Philippines, as well as anywhere in the world for that matter.
To avoid being scammed or cheated when it comes to a local currency the best option is to pay with a credit card that charges no fees for transactions in a foreign currency as much as you can. Before you leave check with your credit card issuer if they charge any fees. If they do, get a credit card with travel benefits as they typically don’t. However, you will need some small amount of local cash to pay street vendors and anyone or at any place that does not accept credit cards. Exchange your money only at safe and credible locations such a hotel or bank, or use an ATM to avoid money exchange scams.
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Tips and Tools to Keep Your Purse Secure While You Dine
Daypack with anti theft features including lock down strap
Thieves often prey on unsuspecting diners, especially tourists, while they are enjoying a meal in a restaurant. Watch these videos that capture thieves who seem to be restaurant patrons help themselves to more than just a meal. Having your purse or daypack stolen while traveling overseas can devastate your trip and cause a huge inconvenience – especially when you factor in trying to replace your credit cards, passports, and any other important documents and cash that might be inside the bag.
See what not to do with your purse or pack by watching the following videos. Advice: do not leave your bag draped over the back of your chair or simply placed on the floor next to you. Never leave small valuables on top of the table. In a blink of an eye, you can be distracted and your item was stolen. Use
Strap unhooks from bag to wrap it around a fixed object and back onto the bag.
Thieves who steal purses in restaurants are most successful when they blend into the atmosphere at the restaurant. Most always the thieves sit down at a table next to the victim and pretend like they are at the restaurant to eat like everyone else. Couple that with victims who pay little attention to their handbags because they are deeply involved in the dining and socializing process and you have a recipe for successful theft.
Advice: To dine with peace of mind your purse or travel handbag can never be out of your view or unattached from your body or your chair. Wear your bag cross-body style even while sitting. For more personal comfort attach your bag to the chair to foil bag snatchers. Newer style travel bags have anti-theft features such as snatch-proof purse straps and locking zippers to keep pickpockets out. With these bags, you simply detach one end of the strap and loop it through the back of your chair or other fixed item and then attach the strap back onto the bag. Now your bag is snatch-proof and you can enjoy your meal, worry-free.
You know not to leave your valuables out in plain view when you leave your hotel room and to use the hotel room safe to secure them. Thefts of valuables from hotel room safes, while not rampant, are a real problem, even in the best of hotels. Read on to see how to open a hotel room safe quickly.
Master keys, master key cards, and override codes in the wrong hands make it easy to open a hotel safe. Most new safes come with an override code of 0000 or 9999. When safes get installed in a hotel room it is the responsibility of the hotel to change the override code that the safe came with. Thieves and dishonest hotel employees that have access to your room can use the code to access your safe. Typically one of a few codes, like 0000 or something similar, will open the safe. Learn what you can do to not be a victim of hotel room safe theft.
Theft from hotel in-room safes is not an everyday occurrence, but it does happen. Hotel guests do forget their safe codes or safe electronics may malfunction. Therefore, the hotel staff has to have some way to open a hotel room safe. Hotels all have a special “electronic backdoor” that allows them to use a special digital code, key, or electronic device to open the safe if needed. So you are truly not the only one with access to your safe. This short video offers a quick overview and shows how to open a hotel room safe.
Multiple Ways Hotel Staff Can Open a Hotel Room Safe, A Clear Explanation
Video – See How Easy it is to Unlock a Hotel Room Safe with Simple Tools
The below video shows that the metal nameplate on one brand of common hotel room safes can be easily removed revealing a backup keyhole underneath. Using nothing more than a simple pocket tool and a short length of wire, the safe can be easily opened. The interesting part is when the safe door is then closed, it automatically locks itself again like nothing’s happened. So when a traveler returns to their hotel room they’ll see the safe door is closed and assume it’s locked and secure.
Solution Use a Hotel Room Safe Lock or A Personal Portable Safe to Safeguard Your Valuables
A secondary lock, the Milockie, is a visual deterrent in addition to blocking the opening of the safe door even if a passcode or key is used. The Milockie prevents the hotel safe door from swinging open even if the safe is unlocked and is kept in place with a padlock that only you know the code to.
Alternative security solutions include bringing your own portable safe. Available in different sizes a portable travel safe is highly effective. Most thieves are opportunistic. To breach a portable safe a thief needs a large wire cutting/bolt cutting tool that most hotel employees or others don’t have on their person.
Typically a portable travel safe folds flat so that you can pack it in your luggage for use at your destination. Most safes are made of puncture or cut-proof fabric and cinch closed with a steel cable. Some portable safe have wire mesh reinforced sides. It is these features that make breaching the portable safes extremely difficult.
An additional benefit of a portable safe is that you can use it outside of your hotel room too. They work in rental cars, attached to pool chairs, bikes, or even at home.
Most Common Types of Hotel Room Safes
Electronic Keypad Room Safe
This type of safe is commonly found in mainstream hotels and resorts and in many ways is the one that MAY have the least amount of thefts from it. That’s because it requires a handheld computer device to open the safe. These safes require the attachment of a handheld PDA, with either an infra-red USB or cable. The units store up to 50 entries, incorrect PIN entry, and it’s all-time and date stamped. These can be attached to a PC, where audit reports can be printed for police and insurance purposes. These units DO NOT have a hotel override, it reveals the guest PIN.
Electronic Keypad Safe With Keypad Override Access
These types of hotel room safes require the use of an override *sequence*, not just a PIN number. This type of safe is almost as good as the one previously mentioned, as it contains a removable chip, which can access all the same data as above.
Electronic Keypad Access With Manual Safety Key
These room safes are not as secure as the previous two. This style requires the moving of the safe to enter a key and entering an override code. They record the time and date of the override entry, but nothing else. Refer below as to who *should* hold the spare key.
Manual Key Safe With Safety Key Access
This is a very old room safe model and is becoming rarer as time passes as hotels remodel and replace them with newer electronic versions. Yes, they do have spare keys, but reputable hotels don’t keep them accessible – even to management. It’s often kept in a fire-safe with either the general cashier or hotel management – we would hope – but many times who knows where this key is and who has access to it?
Where Do Hotel Room Safe Thefts Occur?
Thefts from hotel safes usually involve dishonest hotel employees, and these types of thefts seem to have a higher rate of being reported in hotels outside the United States. To read some of these hotel in-room safe theft stories reported by travelers, click on this TripAdvisor link.
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Beware of the Lost-Found Gold Ring Scam
The “lost ring” scam is one of the oldest and most famous of the tourist scams in Paris, France and has now spread all across Europe where many tourists gather. There are several versions of this scam and its delivery is dependent on the scam artist or thief presenting the scam. One common thread is that always the story told by the con artist ends in asking for a few Euros in exchange for you keeping the gold ring.
How the Con Works
In essence, the “lost ring” or “found ring” scam, is based on the simple act of duping the target to believe that this is their lucky day. The scam can be targeted to anyone, but almost always a traveler. The scammer walks up next to you and quickly bends down and picks up a ring on the ground (that they placed prior to walking over it.) The ring is often a gold men’s wedding band.
The scammer (often a woman) then offers to give you the ring but asks for a small amount of money in exchange for doing so. She pleads that she has no money or job and would appreciate a few Euros in trade for the gold ring.
Another “reason” to give you the band is that she has no husband, or that her husband already wears a gold band and has no use for this one.
Some con-artists claim that it is against their religion to wear jewelry and that is why they want you to have it.
She continues on saying that the ring is worth a lot of money and it is your lucky day because she only wants a few euros in exchange for the ring. She pressures you into thinking that you are doing a kindness by giving her a few Euros. Laying on to her plea for a few Euros is that if she has a young child at her side making her look more honest or needy.
In reality, the ring is worthless and made of cheap brass – but it looks like gold.
Variations of the “Lost Ring Scam”
Some victims of this scam have reported that the scammer begins to yell if you don’t give them a finders fee. Other variations have included a few accomplices who just “happen” to be walking by and verbally support the fact that the ring is valuable and you are very lucky to have found it.
The best course of action in these cases is to simply walk away and try not to engage them in a conversation.
Videos of the Famous Paris Found Gold Ring Scam
What to Do if You’re a Target of This Street Scam
If you are approached by someone handing you a gold ring, the best thing to do is to walk away, and not engage with the scammer. Be prepared that they may yell at you and accuse you of stealing from them, even if you didn’t take the ring. Their motive is to get you to give them money so they will go away. Don’t cave in to their bullying and public shaming tactics. Remember they are the bad guy, not you.
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You have either seen it or heard about this gut-wrenching experience. Your airplane arrives at your final destination – you walk down to baggage claim – and stand at the baggage carousel for what seems like an eternity. You watch everyone else’s bags come down the conveyor belt. Then the carousel comes to an abrupt stop. You have lost, delayed, or damaged luggage.
What to do if your luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged
You stand there staring at the empty baggage carousel when your head starts filling with panic about what happened to your luggage. Then the most important thought enters your mind – what should I do next and who’s responsible?
Interesting statistics about luggage problems with the airlines, last year air travel increased about 5% among air travelers, but complaints about baggage doubled. Roughly the airline industry mishandled about 6 out of every 1000 bags. That’s not too bad unless the bag that is lost belongs to you. The airlines have a higher stake now more than ever to ensure your luggage gets to you. The amount the airline has to pay you for your lost luggage has increased over the years, which has resulted in airlines struggling to find a better way to move and track luggage.
The manner in which airlines move and track luggage has recently been upgraded to an electronic scanner system throughout the baggage process. A sophisticated system that tags bags with a radio transmitter or bar code that tracks bags just like FedEx tracks a package. Airlines tag each bag with routing information plus apply a sticker with a barcode to your bag as a redundancy measure in case the tag is lost or pulled off.
Most Common Reasons Why Luggage is Lost
The Routing Label Gets Damaged
When you check your bag, it gets tagged with an oddly printed, illegible routing label—or a legible label gets snagged and torn off your bag shortly after being tagged. Adding insult to injury, it’s a new suitcase, and you’ve forgotten to fill in the cool, leather-bound identification card. No one notices the missing/unreadable tag until the bag has gone through TSA and arrived in the hectic distribution area. Because there’s no way to tell where the bag should be headed, it just stays put. After arriving at your destination and waiting in vain for your bag to appear on the carousel, you file a report at the local baggage service counter, providing a solid description of the suitcase including any luggage tags. You’re told it’s going to take a bit of searching, so you continue without it.
You Forget to Pick Up Your Luggage Upon Landing
You would be surprised how often travelers forget to claim their baggage. It happens for a variety of reasons such as being distracted by an urgent text, being late for a meeting, etc.
Your Bag is Loaded Onto the Wrong Plane
Human error steps in, an employee, places it on the wrong baggage cart and, as a result, it gets loaded onto the wrong plane.
Luggage Protection – All You Need to Know
Damaged Baggage
Empty baggage carousel
If your suitcase arrives smashed or torn, the airline will usually pay for repairs. If it can’t be fixed, they will negotiate a settlement to pay you its depreciated value. The same holds true for belongings packed inside. Airlines may decline to pay for damage caused by the fragile nature of the broken item or inadequate packing, rather than the airline’s rough handling. Carriers may also refuse to give you money for your damaged items inside the bag when there’s no evidence of external damage to the suitcase. But airlines generally don’t disclaim liability for fragile merchandise packed in its original factory sealed carton, a cardboard mailing tube, or other container designed for shipping and packed with protective padding material. When you check-in, airline personnel should let you know if they think your suitcase or package may not survive the trip intact. Before accepting a questionable item, they will ask you to sign a statement in which you agree to check it at your own risk. But even if you do sign this form, the airline might be liable for damage if it is caused by its own negligence shown by external injury to the suitcase or package.
Reporting Damaged Luggage
You should report any luggage damage before leaving the airport; airline customer service will often want to inspect the bag before you leave. Most airlines won’t cover minor wear and tear. If you do decide to make a claim with the airlines for damaged luggage, you will most likely need to produce a receipt for any repairs, or be required to use airline-sanctioned luggage repair vendors. Ask the baggage claim attendant for specific information. You don’t want to find out that you have paid for a repair that it isn’t covered.
Delayed Luggage
If your bags are delayed, try not to panic. The airlines typically have ways to track them, and about 98 percent of all misplaced luggage is returned eventually. If your bags are on the next flight, you could have them within a few hours. If they’ve been sent to the wrong airport, it could take a couple of days to get them. Make sure to file your claim immediately at the airport and to give the attendant a hotel or home address, as well as a phone number where you can be reached.
If you and your suitcase don’t connect at your destination, don’t panic. In many cases, airlines will absorb reasonable expenses you incur while they look for your missing belongings. You and the airline may have different ideas of what is reasonable, however, and the amount they will pay is subject to negotiation. Most carriers set guidelines for their airport employees that allow them to disburse some money at the airport for emergency purchases. The amount depends on whether or not you’re away from home and how long it takes to track down your bags and return them to you. If the airline does not provide you with a cash advance, it may still reimburse you later for the purchase of necessities. You should also keep in mind that airlines may have the option to deduct any reimbursement or stipend from any subsequent awards.
If your bags don’t come off the conveyor belt, report this to the airline before you leave the airport. Insist that they fill out a form and give you a copy, even if they say the bag will be in on the next flight. If the form doesn’t contain the name of the person who filled it out, ask for it. Get an appropriate phone number for following up (not the reservations number). Don’t assume that the airline will deliver the bag without charge when it is found; ask them about this.
Discuss with the carrier the types of articles that would be reimbursable, and keep all receipts. If the airline misplaces sporting equipment, it will sometimes pay for the rental of replacements. For replacement clothing or other articles, the carrier might offer to absorb only a portion of the purchase cost, on the basis that you will be able to use the new items in the future. (The airline may agree to a higher reimbursement if you turn the articles over to them.) When you’ve checked in fresh foods or any other perishable goods, and they are ruined because their delivery is delayed, the airline won’t reimburse you. Carriers may be liable if they lose or damage perishable items, but they won’t accept responsibility for spoilage caused by a delay in delivery. Airlines are liable for provable consequential damages up to the amount of their liability limit (see below) in connection with the delay.
If you can’t resolve the claim with the airline’s airport staff, keep a record of the names of the employees with whom you dealt, and hold on to all travel documents and receipts for any money you spent in connection with the mishandling. (It’s okay to surrender your baggage claim tags to the airline when you fill out a form at the airport, as long as you get a copy of the form, and it notes that you gave up the tags.) Call or write the airline’s consumer office when you get home.
One of the most important things to make sure of before you leave the airport is that you are sure how to check on the status of having your bag(s) returned to you. Some airlines have an online system while others will provide you with a phone number to call for updates.
Lost Luggage
The first step to help make sure your bags and you are reunited is having good sturdy luggage tags on the outside of your bags. Once your bag is declared officially lost, you will have to submit a claim for damages. This usually means you have to fill out a second, different form than the original “missing luggage” form which will be more detailed. Check on this; failure to complete the second form when required could delay your claim. Missing the deadline for filing it could invalidate your claim altogether. The airline will usually refer your claim form to a central office, and the negotiations between you and the airline will begin. If your flight was a connection involving two carriers, the final carrier is normally the one responsible for processing your claim even if it appears that the first airline lost the bag. Airlines don’t automatically pay the full amount of every claim they receive. First, they will use the information on your form to estimate the value of your lost belongings. Like insurance companies, airlines consider the depreciated value of your possessions, not their original price or the replacement costs. If you’re tempted to exaggerate your claim, don’t.
Airlines may completely deny claims they feel are inflated or fraudulent. They often ask for sales receipts and other documentation to back up claims, especially if a large amount of money is involved. If you don’t keep extensive records, you can expect to dicker with the airline over the value of your goods. It takes an airline anywhere from six weeks to three months to pay you for your lost luggage. When they tender a settlement, they may offer you the option of free tickets on future flights in a higher amount than the cash payment. Ask about all restrictions on these tickets, such as “blackout” periods and how far before departure you are permitted to make a reservation.
You may need to produce receipts to prove the value of the items you had in your suitcase. If you have them, include copies of any documentation you send to the airline. (Keep in mind that you will be reimbursed for the depreciated value of your items — so the airline won’t give you the full $1,000 you paid for that suit you purchased two years ago.) You can purchase “excess valuation” protection if your checked baggage is worth more than these limits (but before doing so, make sure the items aren’t already covered by your homeowner’s or travel insurance policy). The airlines typically have a long list of items for which they will not be held responsible; these include jewelry, money, heirlooms, and other valuables. These sorts of items should always be packed in your carry-on bag. Keep in mind that on domestic air flights, baggage liability is capped.
Airport Lost and Found Contact Phone Numbers
One last thing to consider about lost luggage, sometimes someone may have picked it up on purpose, or by accident, and simply left it someplace else in the airport. If that was the case, the airport police might have picked it up and placed it in the airport police lost and found. Here is a listing of the contact numbers for airport lost and found offices around the country.
Stolen Luggage
Baggage in the baggage claim area, asea of black bags
Head directly to the baggage carousel when you get off your flight to minimize the potential time for your bag to be stolen. Many airlines scan bags when they’re loaded into the baggage claim area and keep records, especially at larger airports. If your bag goes missing after you’ve left the baggage claim area, your claim is no longer with the airline, but with the police. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover a stolen suitcase; if it doesn’t, consider purchasing travel insurance.
There is a special reason the Transportation Security Administration warns travelers never to place jewelry, cash, or electronics into checked luggage. The reasons for this warning are pretty obvious: the luggage can go amiss, or worse, some items may be stolen from the luggage in the process of being moved on and off the plane. If you just came home from a trip and just noticed that your favorite piece of jewelry or expensive wristwatch went missing in action, you must act quickly and know who to report in regards to your stolen goods.
To help reaffirm the importance of getting down to the airport baggage claim as soon as possible, the below video should be a nice reminder of the hazards your luggage face if you don’t get down to pick it up soon enough. You need to keep in mind that there are certain types of thieves who specialize in stealing luggage out of baggage claim areas at airports around the world – especially the domestic terminals, which have less security than the international terminals do. Another point to keep in mind is that baggage claim luggage theft can happen at any airport, but most of the time the larger amounts of luggage theft obviously occur at larger international airports around the world. Watch the below video for more information.
Video Showing Luggage Theft at Airport Baggage Claim
What to do if Your Luggage is Stolen or Something is Missing From Your Checked Luggage
If stead your luggage appears in good shape but you notice something is missing only once home, there are good chances it could have been stolen in the process of embarking or disembarking from the plane. Now you have to keep in mind that depending on your travels; numerous people may have had access to your luggage – and not just airline employees. The TSA has information on this subject that you should read. Dishonest employees may likely be the culprit. It may sound unbelievable, but there are many stories of baggage handlers being arrested on charges of stealing electronics, cameras, and other products from the luggage of passengers.
Keep your valuables or electronics safe: leave them safely at home or place them in your carry-on baggage keeping a good eye on it for the whole duration of your flight. Expensive electronics and other larger valuables should always be placed in carry-on baggage. However, in real life, this is often not easy, especially if your items are bulky, too heavy, and uncomfortable to carry along with you on your flight. So if worse comes to worst, and you come home from your trip and find your checked luggage tampered and with items missing, what should you do?
What to Do if Items are Missing From Your Bag
The first step is to check if the luggage has a slip of paper from the TSA claiming it was inspected. If this is the case, you know you will have to file a claim with TSA and fill out a TSA Claim Form, located here. For more information on this subject visit TSA.gov and click on “For Travelers,” then “Claims Management Branch.” Click on “Forms,” then download, print and fill out the PDF “Claim Package” form. Mail or fax the completed form to the TSA; you’ll find contact information on the form.
Arm yourself with patience, though, even if TSA will try its best to get the claim processed quickly it can take anywhere from 60 days up to six months or more, depending on many factors.
If there was no slip of paper from the TSA, then you would have to file directly with the airlines. You will have to act quickly though as many airlines give you only 48 hours after landing to file a claim. It is best, therefore, to try to contact the airline directly by phone for instructions on how to claim. If you are missing electronics or valuables, it would also be a good idea to contact the airport’s law enforcement office at your departure and arrival airport to report stolen goods.
Keep in mind though that most airlines will not compensate you for the loss of some kinds of valuables such as money and jewelry. This is why such items should never be placed in the checked luggage in the first place. You may though consider purchasing extra insurance; it doesn’t hurt to inquire about this option.
Often passengers wonder: how can their items be stolen? Luggage may get damaged and eventually opens in the process. If this is the case, you will likely notice that your luggage is damaged and that some of your goods slipped out. If this happens to you, go straight to baggage claim and file a claim for damaged luggage and claim for your missing goods. A good place to look is also the airport’s lost and found. The problem is if there is no outward damage to your bag, yet items are missing.
Here are some tips to help document the loss and potentially help get your property back, or, at least, notify those who had custody of your luggage that a theft occurred.
First, call the main number of the airports or bus or train stations through which you traveled. When you call, you will need to ask to be connected to the lost and found department, baggage department, or security department, depending on where you think the loss occurred. You also need to make these calls in case you misplaced your items – which happens frequently.
Contact the law enforcement agency at your final destination, if you don’t know where the theft occurred. Tell them the circumstances and that something had been removed from your luggage – AND THAT IT WAS NOT LOST. Give them a report of what was missing – and whenever possible, if the item is electronic and has a serial number – PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION. Entering serial numbers into the national law enforcement stolen property database (NCIC) is very important. After the police interview is complete, ask for a copy of the police report. The police probably won’t be able to do anything about your stolen/missing property, but the Transportation Security Administration or your hotel might request a copy of a police report before doing anything about your claim. If something is stolen by a fellow traveler or while you’re walking around town, filing a police report is your option.
Dial the main number for each train or bus station or airport you passed through and ask for the law enforcement or security office. Ask to file a stolen goods report. Unless you’re sure something was stolenmidtrip, file reports at your departure and arrival airports or stations. Security officers might notice trends in theft reports and be able to track down repeat offenders.
File a claim with the TSA. Look inside your checked luggage for a piece of paper that states the TSA inspected your bag by hand; whenever agents have to open the bag, they’re required to put this paper inside. Mention that you found this note when you fill out your claim because it is proof that agents opened your bag and could have stolen something. You still can file a claim even if you didn’t find this paper. – Refer to the TSA section reported above for more information about this. Of special note, several American airports are serviced by independent screening companies rather than by the TSA. If you’ve traveled through one of these airports and are missing an item, you must file a claim with the company. Find a list of airports and contact information in the “Forms” section of TSA.gov
File a claim with your airline. Call the customer service number and ask calmly what you can do about a missing item. Each airline has its own policies, you should expect to fill out a claim form and wait several weeks before hearing from a representative.
Ask to speak to the hotel manager in private as soon as you find something missing from your room. Ask him to recover your missing belongings. Next, send a letter to the hotel’s headquarters. If the manager got your belongings back from other staff, tell the company what happened and how the manager handled it. If your things are still missing, explain what was taken and what its value was, and explain firmly that you expect to be reimbursed for the full cost.
Limits on Luggage Liability
If your domestic bags are delayed, lost or damaged on a domestic trip, the airline can invoke a ceiling of $3,400 per passenger on the amount of money they’ll pay you. When your luggage and its contents are worth more than that, you may want to purchase “excess valuation,” if available, from the airline as you check-in. This is not insurance, but it will increase the carrier’s potential liability. The airline may refuse to sell excess valuation on some items that are especially valuable or breakable, such as antiques, musical instruments, jewelry, manuscripts, negotiable securities and cash. International trips have liability limits that vary – as this is governed by two international treaties, the Montreal, and Warsaw Conventions. As of August 2011, if you paid a checked baggage fee for your lost bag, the airline must refund your fee. Check your air carrier’s Web site for specifics. You can obtain additional coverage for your baggage if you purchase “excess valuation baggage coverage” which can be purchased directly thru the airline.
This international limit also applies to domestic segments of an international journey. This is the case even if the domestic and international flights are on separate tickets, and you claim and re-check your bag between the two flights. Keep in mind that the liability limits are maximums. If the depreciated value of your property is worth less than the liability limit, this lower amount is what you will be offered. If the airline’s settlement doesn’t fully reimburse your loss, check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance; it sometimes covers losses away from the residence. Some credit card companies and travel agencies offer optional or even automatic supplemental baggage coverage.
Tips to Prevent Lost Luggage
Every year, over two million bags are lost, damaged, delayed, or pilfered, according to “mishandled baggage” reports made by the largest U.S. airlines to the Department of Transportation. (That’s about 3.57 reports per 1,000 passengers.) Here’re a few tips to help reduce the chances of your bag being lost when given over to the airlines:
Double-check: Ask the flight attendant handling your bag if you can see the routing information placed on the handle to verify its accuracy before she sends your suitcase down the conveyor belt. This is especially important if you have a connecting flight because bags are not always routed directly to the final destination—on occasion, it may be your responsibility to pick up your bag from the first leg of your journey and re-check it, and the best way to confirm this is to see what’s written on the label.
Make yourself known: The key is to ID your bag in multiple places—outside as well as inside—by placing ID cards in various pockets and pouches. And then add another, using the paper tags provided by the airline carrier. Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number (preferably a mobile number).
Share your plans: Pack a copy of your itinerary (in a place that’s not too hard to find) so that airline workers will know where to route your bag in case they find it and cannot get in touch with you.
Document the evidence: Photograph or video the contents of your bag as you pack. Just lay everything out on the bed and take a few photos with your camera or phone. Not only will that help to identify your bag if it goes missing, it will also help with claims forms if your suitcase is never found.
Remove extras: Before checking your bag, take off any removable straps; this will decrease the likelihood of it getting snagged along the way.
Arrive early: If you check a bag within 30 minutes of your departure time, it may not make it onto the plane.
Stick to tradition: Finally, don’t check your bag with the curbside baggage checker; go inside to the main counter to decrease the chances of a mix-up.
Embellish your bag: Whether you buy a colorful handle wrap or just add a few stripes of bright duct tape, making yours different from the others could draw the attention of a not-so-motivated airline employee. Another option is to purchase a bag that’s not black or navy (like the overwhelming majority), making it easier to spot in a roomful of luggage.
Tips if your luggage is lost, delayed, damaged, or stolen while in the airline’s possession
Put your name on the outside and inside of your bags. Even better, put a copy of your itinerary in each checked bag so the airline can locate you.
The most common causes of lost and delayed bags are late check-ins and tight connections. Avoid both when you can.
Pack all valuables in your carry-on bags. Cameras, computers, medication, wallets, heirlooms, jewelry, passports, as well as confirmation numbers, itineraries, contact information, and other documents necessary for your travel, should never be in your checked baggage.
Itemize. It sounds tedious, but when an airline asks what was in your bag, you don’t want to forget anything of value. If you make a packing list before you travel, hang onto it — this is an easy way to remember everything you put into your bags.
Make sure the person who checks your baggage attaches the correct destination ticket to every bag and gets a claim ticket for each.
Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag so that you’ll have something to wear if your checked bag is delayed.
Travel insurance is the best guarantee that you’ll recoup any losses. See our guide to travel insurance for more information.
Consider using a baggage tagging service – in which many can be found by a simple internet search. Many of these companies offer luggage tags with unique serial numbers that can be linked to the suitcase owner via an online database. The site will contact you as soon as your lost item is found. (An annual fee applies.)
If all else fails and your luggage is lost
If your bag is lost, stolen, or damaged, be sure to file a complaint immediately. If you still can’t get satisfaction, or feel the need to report the airline, contact the Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division. Finally, if you’re wondering where lost bags go after they die, here’s your answer: UnclaimedBaggage.com!
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These items frequent flyers pack are clever and offer up multiple uses and/or can save you money. Savvy and frequent travelers pack all or some of these essentials. Be prepared for any situation. Buying these travel gadgets at your destination can be difficult, more expensive, or simply not available, so do what frequent travelers do.
Gear Frequent Flyers and Frequent Travelers Pack
If you can, keep these items stored at home with your luggage so you don’t forget to pack them. If you can’t do that, keep a list taped to your luggage to remind yourself to pack these items that frequent flyers pack too.
PortablePower SupplyYou never know when your phone or other devices will need power when you’re away from your hotel, keep it in your bag, always. This device can charge 2 devices at once like your phone and tablet.
Portable Travel Safe A very important item frequent flyers pack is something to protect their passport, money and other valuables, including medicines, is a safe that only they can access. Hotel safes out of necessity must have a “backdoor” way of access so they are not 100% secure from others. This safe which packs flat is designed to be only accessible by you. Available in several sizes, this one also protects your laptop. Our son recently took this with him on a study abroad program to secure his laptop and passport. He locked it to his bed frame.
Power StripOutlet shortage at the airport? A multi-socket power strip helps share the juice from a single public outlet. Forgot your charging iPod in your hotel room? Frequent travelers know that by plugging all of your electronics into the same place, you’ll be less likely to leave one behind. Many rooms aboard only one or two power outlets, this solves who gets to charge their phone first. One catch: abroad, you’ll need to use an adapter to make sure the strip can be plugged in.
BandanaThe list of obvious uses for a bandana is a longhand towel, lens cleaner, eye mask, hair tie, headband, scarf, cooling device (when dampened)—but this versatile carry-on can also work in a pinch as a pillow when you tie it around a bundled-up sweater, as a sling for a sprained arm, and even as a hobo pouch to tote your belongings. Look for an over-sized one for maximum flexibility.
Duct TapeFrom bandaging up exploded luggage to removing lint from clothing, duct tape earns its all-purpose reputation. Carry a small roll(about $5) with you to patch tears in shoes, bags, or clothing; baby-proof your hotel room by covering outlets and securing drawers shut; hold together a well-worn guidebook when the spine gives out; for marking your luggage so it will stand out in a sea of black bags on the baggage carousel. Frequent travelers keep a roll of duct tape in their bag so they never forget it.
Travel Mug with LidTo prevent damage, transport sunglasses or delicate souvenirs in an empty travel mug with a wide mouth—just make sure it has a secure top. During your trip, the mug can be an eco-friendly to-go cup or a great decoy for stashing valuables in your hotel room assuming you didn’t invest in a travel safe.
Moist TowelettesThey aren’t just for babies! Not only can you sanitize your hands and kill germs on tray tables, doorknobs, tabletops, and other public places, you can also use them as a refreshing face cloth after a day spent in transit. The alcohol in many wet wipes helps remove ink stains in a pinch, too. For guaranteed stain protection, pack a few.
Inflatable PillowYou cannot only use the pillow on a plane but it can also make a long bus or train trip more comfortable too. If your room doesn’t have enough pillows put the inflatable one under the bed pillow for more support or use it to elevate your feet after a long day of sightseeing.
Safety PinsThe safety pin: a multi-functional travel tool. Clasp the zippers of your day pack together to deter thieves; use in place of a missing button, zipper pull, or to mend other wardrobe malfunctions; tack kids’ pant legs up when hiking through mucky terrain; even prevent static cling in a dress or skirt by slipping the safety pin into the seam of your slip (the metal has properties to repel static.)
Anti-Theft Tote BagMany shops abroad charge extra for single-use plastic bags, so BYO bag with an expandable tote. Bring one that’s tough enough to toss around as a carry-on and handle farmers’ market, picnic, and beach items, too. Important- look for locking zippers to keep pickpockets out.
Anti-TheftDaypack One of the most useful items frequent flyers pack is a bag that can double as your carry-on bag. Select from fashion styles or adventure styles. Many designs are gender-neutral. Anti-theft features included locking zippers, anti-slash material at vulnerable design points and allow you to wear the pack on your back with peace of mind knowing the hands of thieves and pickpockets will be kept out.
All-weather jacket with a hood Avoid packing a cumbersome umbrella that you could easily lose. Make sure the jacket is lightweight and generous in size so you can layer it over a T=Shir and sweater.
Luggage Scale Protect yourself from overweight fees, especially after you’ve stuffed a few souvenirs into your bag for the way home. Of course, if you weigh your luggage at home and don’t add anything to it, you don’t need this. Bonus Advice from What Frequent Travelers Pack
A few bonus tips to consider when trying packing for your destination are climate and selecting clothes can you layer and mix and match. I pack several T-shirts I can wear under a lightweight sweater and then top with a jacket that has a hood. Additionally, another tip from what frequent flyers pack is to limit your travel wardrobe to three colors that you can mix or match.
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Tourist Scams in Europe Include “Deaf Mute” People with Petitions
Thieves and scammers make a living preying on the kind hearts and naivete of tourists. Familiarize yourself with the petition scams in Europe and save your money. The Deaf Mute Scam and the Fake Petition Scam typically involves women or young girls as the scammers. Some are pregnant, but on occasion young boys may also use this scam. Women and young girls find this scam as a fairly easy one to get money from unsuspecting tourists.
There are people who are legitimately disabled and may use petitions as a way to obtain money. Scammers are exploiting sympathetic feelings of visitors. Sadly, the majority of the women who approach you and identify themselves as a deaf-mute, or solicit you with a fake petition are simply trying to scam you and take your money for themselves. Of course, the ones that have the most pull on your heartstrings works best for them – those include orphanages. So while you may be tempted by their false cause, don’t be a sucker. You can always give to a popular cause in the country that you visiting via a legitimate website.
Fake Petition Scam and How it Works
When it comes to the fake petition scams in Europe, know that the petition the scammer shows you is not official. It is not even a petition. The fake petition will be some type of official-looking paper that is asking for some type of donation to a charity. The most popular types of charities exploited are for crippled, homeless, deaf, and or blind children charities. It does not matter what is printed on the form as the most devious use the name of an official charity and their logo too, but the money never goes to the charity they are allegedly working for.
The petition is usually in English – which should immediately raise your suspicion as you are in a non-English speaking country. You are being targeted as an American tourist. French is the preferred language in Paris, so why is the petition in English? It is only a ruse to swindle you out of your money.
The Ruse Works This Way:
The petition holder tells you that they must gather a certain amount of signatures to help. Version two is the petition seeker is wearing a lanyard with an “official” badge identifying them as deaf, or mute, or both, or just as “authorized” to collect signatures and after drawing your attention to the badge, shove the petition towards you urgently asking you to sign.
Along with your signature, you may also give a small donation to the cause.
If you give a small donation, many times the scammer will draw your attention to the clipboard they are using that has the petition you signed and point to the part of the form that states “Minimum 2, 3, 5 or even 10 Euros” the scammer will use a paper with different rates depending on how much money they think they can scam you out of. If you refuse or challenge them on the amount, depending on the scammer and how well they think they can pressure you into giving more, some will become belligerent, yell, cuss, (if they are not mute) and even spit at you.
The scammers will harass you and follow you if you begin to walk away. All the while they will escalate the volume of their voice (again if they are not mute.) If they are “mute” then a convenient bystander or two may come to their aid and harass you on their behalf for a larger donation.
Your action here is to understand you’re being targeted by thieves and to continue to walk away. Eventually, the street thieves and scammers will stop and begin their scam all over again targeting another tourist.
Videos of the Deaf Mute – Fake Petition Scams
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No passport? No problem! Places you can travel to without a passport include the tropical locations of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. If you are starting your travel from a US location and want to visit a tropical destination that is a US territory you can travel without a passport.
Places You Can Travel to Without a Passport
Consider the below tropical locations for your next getaway destination.
Guam
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands
America Samoa
Swains Island
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
According to the State Department, any territory that belongs to the US and U.S. citizens or nationals who travel directly between parts of the United States, which includes Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, without touching at a foreign port or place, are not required to present a valid passport.
Our neighbors Mexico and Canada can also be visited without a passport however the requirements are a bit different.
Travel to Canada Without a Passport
In order to pass the Canadian border by land, whether it is a drive or a hike, all U.S. citizens are required to carry an identification document, which carries proof of citizenship. Apart from a passport, U.S. citizens can also use a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, naturalization certificate, or a NEXUS card. With any of these documents, you can cross the Canadian border. However, if you wish to fly to Canada, a valid U.S. passport will be necessary.
Travel to Mexico Without a Passport
Travel to Mexico does not require a passport, However, thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, when passing the Mexican border by land, a passport is not the only form of allowed documentation. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can also use a passport card, a NEXUS card or the Enhanced Driver’s License. If flying into Mexico you will need a passport.
If you choose to travel without a passport to tropical locations an additional benefit of visiting any of these locations is that the currency in use is the US dollar and English is spoken there. Additionally, your flight options are good as many US carriers have flights there.
Besides not needing a passport which can be expensive to get ($165 minimum per traveler).
Details on Acceptable Travel IDs
U.S. Territory Travel Document Requirements for passengers traveling from the US, and not a foreign location. Passengers 18 years of age or older are required to have a valid, current U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID that contains your name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature for travel to or from a U.S. Territory (Guam, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands). Expired documents are not accepted. The following IDs are accepted:
Drivers’ licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by a Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meets REAL ID benchmarks (All states are currently in compliance.)
A Native American Tribal Photo ID
An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
A Registered Traveler Card (that contains your name, date of birth, gender, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature)
A foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
Non-US/Canadian citizens are not required to carry their passports if they have documents issued by the U.S. government such as Permanent Resident Cards. Those who do not should be carrying their passports while visiting the U.S. If you do not have an acceptable ID you may be subject to additional screening.
Children under the age of 18 traveling with an adult are not required to show ID at the time of check-in.
Children ages 15-17 traveling alone need one of the following:
Driver’s license
Passport
Credit card
School ID
Company ID
Library card
Birth certificate
Social Security card
Organization ID (such as athletic club, etc.)
Proof of auto insurance in passenger’s name
Children ages 5-14 traveling alone are not required to show ID at the time of check-in, however, they are encouraged to carry some form of ID during travel.
Forgot Your ID?
In the event, you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete a form to include your name and current address and may ask additional questions to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You may be subject to additional screening. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be confirmed, you chose to not provide proper identification, contact the TSA to learn more.
You can travel without a passport, but be sure to check on all ID requirements before you go.
Bonus tip: Keep photos of all your IDs on your phone in case of loss, at least you’ll have a starting point with border officials.
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set themselves up as a currency exchange business.
or daypack stolen while traveling overseas can devastate your trip and cause a huge inconvenience – especially when you factor in trying to replace your credit cards, passports, and any other important documents and cash that might be inside the bag.
chair or simply placed on the floor next to you. Never leave small valuables on top of the table. In a blink of an eye, you can be distracted and your item was stolen. Use
Pack
