What to Do If You Lose Your Phone or SIM Card Abroad

Traveler's Worst Nightmare

Losing your phone while traveling is a major crisis. Not only is your camera and map gone, but your connection to the outside world is severed. Here is exactly what you need to do to recover.

Step 1: Secure Your Accounts

Find a computer (at your hotel or an internet cafe) and immediately log into your Google or Apple account. Use "Find My Device" to try and locate the phone. If it's definitely gone, use the remote wipe feature to protect your personal data and banking apps.

Step 2: Contact Your Carrier

If you lost your physical SIM card (or your phone containing it), you must contact your home carrier via Skype or email to suspend your number. If a thief pops your SIM into another phone, they can use it to intercept 2FA SMS codes for your bank.

Step 3: Getting a Replacement Device

Purchase a cheap, unlocked smartphone from a local electronics store. Don't worry about buying an expensive flagship; you just need something to run Google Maps and WhatsApp for the rest of your trip.

Step 4: Restoring Connectivity

This is where eSIMs save the day. If you were relying on a physical local SIM, you'd have to go through the registration process all over again. Instead, just connect your new phone to the hotel Wi-Fi, go to the BlingSIM website, and purchase a new data package. Scan the QR code, and your new phone is instantly online.

Pro-Tip to prevent this: Always use an eSIM for travel data so your physical home SIM stays locked away safely inside your wallet or hotel safe!