Damage Control Guide: What to Do If You Lose Valuables in Paris or France
Losing a phone, wallet, or credit card is stressful, especially while traveling. This guide provides practical steps to handle the situation quickly and efficiently if you are in this unfortunate scenario in Paris or elsewhere in France.
Lost Credit Cards and Debit Cards in Paris
If your credit or debit card goes missing, act swiftly to prevent unauthorized use. Here's what to do:
1. Block Your Cards Immediately
If your French bank card is lost or stolen, immediately call your bank or the national reporting center, Le Service Interbancaire, at 08 92 70 57 05 (available 24/7 at 0.35 euro/min). During the call, be sure to note the registration number (numéro d’enregistrement) provided, as you’ll need it to confirm the suspension of your account.
2. Emergency Contact Numbers for Major Card Providers
- Visa: 08 99 18 96 94
- Mastercard: 08 00 90 13 87
- American Express: 01 47 77 70 00
3. File a Police Report
Report the theft at the nearest police station to where the loss occurred, as lost items are often returned there. You can find the closest station in Paris by visiting the Commissariat site. The police will issue a Declaration of Theft ("récépissé de déclaration de vol"), which you'll need to provide copies of to your bank for theft confirmation and card suspension, as well as to your insurance if applicable.
4. Notify Your Bank
Send a registered letter to your bank with:
- The Declaration of Theft.
- Any required forms they provide.
⚠️ Important: The affected bank account cannot be reactivated once the theft is confirmed.
Lost or Stolen Phones
Losing your phone is equally distressing, but you can mitigate the damage with these steps:
1. Locate Your IMEI Number
Every phone has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, which you can display by dialing *#06#. The 15-digit number that appears is essential for tracking or blocking your phone, so make sure to write it down and keep it in a secure place separate from your phone.
2. Suspend Your Service
Call your provider or suspend your account online. Here are the emergency numbers for major French telecom companies:
- Orange: 3900 (within France), +33 9 69 39 39 00 (international).
- SFR: 963 (France), +33 6 10 00 19 63 (international).
- Free: +33 1 78 56 95 60 (Europe/worldwide).
- Bouygues: 0 800 29 10 00.
3. Report the Theft to the Police
File a report with the police, providing them with your phone’s IMEI number and the time and location where it was last used. You can find the nearest police station using the Commissariat site.
4.Trace Your Device
If your phone has tracking capabilities like Find My iPhone or Android Device Manager, log in to try locating it. If retrieval isn’t possible, use the IMEI number to permanently block the device.
General Tips for Avoiding Losses in Paris
Keep Copies of Important Information:
Use Mobile Wallets:
Add payment cards to your phone’s digital wallet (e.g., Apple Pay or Google Pay) for backup access.
Enable Security Features:
Use PINs, biometrics, and remote wipe options on your devices.
Purchase Travel Insurance:
Cover theft and loss to reduce financial risks.
And remember, everything is replaceable!
The following articles will provide you with more tips about living in Paris:
credit photo @Eduardo Soares
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