Stranded Abroad With No Money? Here’s What To Do…
The world is a cold hard place without any money – and even more so if you're in a foreign country!
A dream holiday can turn into a nightmare when you're rendered penniless – whether it is due to a mugging, theft, or simply losing your wallet or purse.
Thankfully, there is no need to panic, as there should be a way to get hold of the money you need so that you don’t end up stuck abroad with no money.
Western Union
One of the most common ways of getting cash from back home is by getting a friend or family member to arrange a money transfer – such as with Western Union.
If you don't have the money to make the necessary call due to being stranded abroad with no money, you can always reverse the charges.
How much does a Western Union transfer cost?
Western Union is not cheap - costing around £30 for a £400 transfer - but that may seem like a small price when you have no money at all.
How long does a Western Union transfer take?
A Western Union a transfer can usually be done within a few hours; someone in the UK organises the transaction by paying online or at a Western Union office.
The money can then be collected at an agreed location.
Western Union tel: 0800 833 833 - 24 hours.
What should I do if I’m stuck abroad with no money and there is no one in the UK who can help me?
If your money gets lost or stolen whilst you are on holiday, and there is no one who can help from the UK, you should contact the nearest British Consul.
Get their number from the local police or the British Embassy/High Commission.
How can the British Consul help if I find myself abroad with no money?
The British Consul may be able to offer financial assistance for stranded travellers stuck in another country with no money through cashing a cheque for around £100 if backed with a cheque card.
How easy is it to replace lost or stolen Traveller's Cheques?
It should be quick and easy to replace lost traveller's cheques – they are designed for the purpose.
Replacement will be quicker if you have the receipts - the emergency contact number will be on the receipts.
How easy is it to replace lost or stolen credit cards?
Depending on your card issuer, replacements may take from 24 hours to a few days.
What should I do if I have lost my passport whilst abroad?
If you have lost your passport whilst on holiday abroad or on an overseas business trip, you are entitled to an emergency travel document, which you can apply for online.
You might need to attend an appointment at your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate after you apply online.
You’ll be told after you’ve submitted your application whether you need an appointment.
How much does it cost to get an emergency travel document?
At the time of writing, a fee of £100 is charged for this service. This can be paid online as part of your application.
If you do not pay for the fee online, you’ll be asked to pay over the phone.
Most travel insurance policies – including those from Start Travel – will cover you for this cost.
How to get home with no money:
If I’m stuck abroad with no money, can I get help in getting home to the UK?
Stranded with no money to get home?
Being stuck in another country with no money to fly home, or purchase a ferry ticket to get back can be a daunting prospect.
In some circumstances, if you’re stranded and need help getting home, the British Consul may pay for you to return to the UK – this is called repatriation.
Your passport will be kept by the Home Office on your return, then will be given back to you when you have re-paid the ticket price and any other costs in full.
Will I receive any assistance whilst my application for repatriation is being processed?
You will be asked to fill in an application form and will be expected to support yourself while it is being processed.
Are any emergency loans available?
If you are under 18, are travelling with young children, are elderly or disabled, then you may receive financial assistance for basic food and lodgings during this time.
Others may receive help in rare circumstances.
Don't get stranded without any cash
8 top tips for not getting stranded without money abroad:
- Don't keep all your cards and cash in one place.
- Keep an emergency fund of cash to cover a few days' food and accommodation if the worst happens.
- Visit the ATM before you run out of your current supply of money in case your card has been cancelled or damaged (you will then have some immediate funds to support yourself).
- Keep traveller's cheque receipts separate from traveller's cheques.
- Make a note of all emergency numbers for your bank, credit card issuer and traveller's cheque provider.
- Check your bank balance online regularly to ensure you know how much money you have available. Do this also to ensure that no fraudulent activity has been taking place.
- If you only have one bank card, consider taking out a regular credit card or pre-paid credit card as a back-up before you leave the UK.
- Some banks require you to tell them if you are going to use your card abroad before you go – ensure you do this, otherwise it won't work!