Should I fight back during a robbery?

No. Your belongings can be replaced, but your life cannot. Compliance significantly reduces the risk of violence. Only consider resistance if you believe your life is in immediate danger regardless of compliance.

Will travel insurance cover robbery losses?

Most comprehensive travel insurance covers theft up to policy limits, typically $1,000-5,000 per item. You'll need police reports and proof of ownership. Basic credit card travel protection usually covers much less.

How do I get emergency money if everything was stolen?

Contact your bank for an emergency cash advance (requires ID). Use Western Union with someone wiring you money from home. Contact your embassy - they can sometimes provide emergency loans for citizens. Some banks have international partnerships for emergency services.

Should I change my travel plans after being robbed?

Not necessarily. Assess your emotional state and remaining resources. If you have backup cards, replacement documents are in progress, and you feel safe in the area, continue your trip. If you're shaken or in an unsafe area, consider moving to a different location or cutting the trip short.

How to Handle a Robbery While Traveling

Stay calm, comply with demands, and prioritize your safety over possessions. Report the incident immediately to local police and contact your embassy if documents were stolen. Most travel insurance covers theft losses.

During the robbery: comply and observe. Give up your belongings without resistance. Stay calm, make eye contact briefly to show you're listening, then look away. Try to remember details about the perpetrator's appearance, voice, and escape route without staring.
Immediately after: get to safety. Move to a safe, public location with other people around. Do not chase or follow the robber. Check yourself for injuries, even minor ones you might not have noticed due to adrenaline.
Call local emergency services. Dial the local emergency number (112 in Europe, 911 in North America, 100-199 in most of Asia). Report the robbery with location, time, and description. Get a police report number - you'll need this for insurance claims.
Contact your bank and credit card companies. Cancel all stolen cards immediately. Most banks have 24/7 international numbers on the back of your cards. Report fraudulent charges. Request emergency card replacements if you're traveling for more than 3 days.
Replace stolen documents. Contact your nearest embassy or consulate for passport replacement. Bring your police report, any ID photos you have, and proof of citizenship. Emergency passports take 1-3 business days and cost $140-200.
File insurance claims. Contact your travel insurance company within 24-48 hours. Provide police report numbers, receipts for stolen items, and photos if you have them. Keep all receipts for emergency purchases.

Should I fight back during a robbery?: No. Your belongings can be replaced, but your life cannot. Compliance significantly reduces the risk of violence. Only consider resistance if you believe your life is in immediate danger regardless of compliance.
Will travel insurance cover robbery losses?: Most comprehensive travel insurance covers theft up to policy limits, typically $1,000-5,000 per item. You'll need police reports and proof of ownership. Basic credit card travel protection usually covers much less.
How do I get emergency money if everything was stolen?: Contact your bank for an emergency cash advance (requires ID). Use Western Union with someone wiring you money from home. Contact your embassy - they can sometimes provide emergency loans for citizens. Some banks have international partnerships for emergency services.
Should I change my travel plans after being robbed?: Not necessarily. Assess your emotional state and remaining resources. If you have backup cards, replacement documents are in progress, and you feel safe in the area, continue your trip. If you're shaken or in an unsafe area, consider moving to a different location or cutting the trip short.