Anton Redman Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 How many of you either have a photocopy of the relevant page or know the number, date of issue, and which Passport Office? We have copies at home, with trusted friends and in the car. I learnt the hard way when mine was stolen from a hotel 30 years ago.Question prompted by friends lost theirs recently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hegs Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 A few years ago I bought a small handheld computer (a PocketPC PDA).It has a secure password protected program called CodeWallet into which I have entered passport details, credit card, web site passwords, frequent flier cards etc. This synchronizes with my desktop computer at home, so I have two copies of all such details, with me and at home. I have never had anything stolen yet, but even so this thing has saved my bacon in a whole lot of circumstances where I have forgotten reference numbers etc. In addition it synchronizes all my contact details, has a Collins English-French dictionary, can take notes, and plays music files and games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard-R Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 I've traveled a bit so always have a photocopy of my passport in my wallet and keep details in my online e-mail account along with a phonebook. Numbers i may need to call the cancel cards and the like. My parents and sister also have the same details.You never know when these things will be needed. Never yet . TG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teamedup Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 I must say that as we have had our last three passports from Paris I know that they would have all our details and so I don't worry about those so much. Cards and yes I do keep details. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baz Posted February 22, 2005 Share Posted February 22, 2005 I do not know whether Card Protection services are available in France. In the UK I belong to a service operated in conjunction with my Bankers which can be free or a small annual fee depending on whether you have a gold card. You give them details of all your Credit, Debit, Bankers and Store cards and in the unfortunate situation of losing one or all your cards, just one phone call is all that is required. They cancel your card or cards and arrange for an immediate replacements whether in the UK or overseas as well as arranging for money to be available to you within 24 hours.Whilst, I have never needed their services at least I have piece of mind that it is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year and do not have to keep card records with me.Baz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 I hope my experience will help someone - my mother didn't have her handbag when she went to pay for her shopping in Waitrose. I was with her and surmised the bag had been stolen (she tended to leave it on the trolley and wander off down the aisle) What a palaver ! The Waitrose staff were very good, we were taken to an office, given tea, and allowed to phone the bank, John Lewis (where she had an account) plus a couple of others. None of them would speak to me but insisted on getting the details from a confused and upset 83 year old.John Lewis was actually the worse, Them - 'we have to speak to the card holder', Mr X', Me - 'I'm afraid you can't',Them - 'well we have to', Me - 'I'm sorry - you can't and you will not be able to'....... Them- 'why not'? Me - 'He passed away 7 years ago' ! Whoops - more tears from mother Do take advantage of the scheme Baz suggests, only having to go through that once would have been a blessing.(and make sure your parents have it too)Of course when we got back to my mothers house the handbag was exactly where she had left it !!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letrangere Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 TU, my passport was issued in Paris too but I certainly wouldn't rely on the Embassy there to be able to fish out details in a hurry. They're not even all that easy to get hold of unless you physically go in and see them. They make keep records but unless you've actually registered with them, doubt they'd be able to act very fast.Don't people keep a copy of their passport on them at all times? I thought one had to by law in France, especially now CdS are not always being issued. Frankly, I always keep a copy in the glove compartment of my car along with driving licence.Incidentally, how many British residents in France bother to register at their local British Consulate? I bet few do yet it is encouraged, could be useful in an emergency and costs nothing. M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyphilpott Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 I too have a Palm Top and I simply scanned the relevant pages of my passport and loaded them into the Palm top for easy access.Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teamedup Posted February 23, 2005 Share Posted February 23, 2005 MJW, I really do have confidence in the Paris consulate. They did the birth certificates for my sons too, so they really do have all our family information there and as I said we have all had three passports issued by them since we've been here. There is an emergency phone number too. If I lost my passport or had it stolen I would contact the police where ever I was and the consulate. I have a carte de sejour, so don't carry my passport around all the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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