January 28, 2008

A Happy Return

          In the midst of our North Dakota winters you will find many individuals busily engaged in the same activity – packing a suitcase for a trip to a warmer climate.   While remembering to pack the camera, the swimsuit and flip-flops, take a moment to plan for emergencies during and after your mid-winter break.   

          Know what to do if you have to take quick action after losing or purse/wallet or having it stolen.  The typical mix of documents that you might be carrying could include two credit cards, two ATM cards, two forms of photo ID including a driver’s license, and a passport. If you are in transit and have no address to receive a duplicate card, you are going to be in a fix if you can’t cover your traveling needs. Having two credit cards and two ATM cards provides you with continued access to funds between the time a card is lost and when you can receive a duplicate. The best strategy for traveling with two cards is to carry only one credit card with you and keep backup cards in a hotel safe along with your ID cards and passport.

          Before you leave home, fill out several 3 x 5 cards with phone numbers to notify credit card and ATM issuers in case your cards are lost or stolen. The numbers are generally toll-free in the United States. Collect-call numbers are common out of the United States. Keep this information in several different places and make sure traveling partners have the same information. Also leave credit card information, passport numbers, etc. with family or friends at home. It’s a good idea to alert your credit card issuers when you’ll be traveling out of the country – they won’t think that your card has been stolen and deny payment authorization.

          Your loss on most credit cards is limited to $50 per card and $50 per card for debit cards if you report a loss within two days. However, if you report between two and 60 days, you may be responsible for up to $500 per card.

          Be sure your debit card uses a PIN, or personal identification number, to access your funds.  Some newer ATM cards are being issued without PIN numbers and can be used by anyone who finds them.

          Make a copy of the page in your passport with your picture and passport number. This will help expedite a replacement. Carry a couple of extra passport photos with you as well.

          Make arrangement for the usual stops/holding of mail, newspapers, etc but if gone for an extended period also ask a neighbor or friend to remove flyers that have been left by others, trash that has blown down the street or any other signs that no one has been home to take care of the property. Never record an answering machine greeting that says, "Hello, we're going to be away for three weeks…" Instead, either disconnect the machine or ask a neighbor/friend to check messages.  Some systems allow you to check messages from vacation.

          Turn down the volume of your phone so passers-by can't hear it constantly ringing. Put the lights (and maybe a radio) on a timer. Don't leave valuables in plain view from a window.  Leave curtains the way you keep them when you are home.   Then, relax and enjoy yourself!