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Guarding Against Travel Disasters, Large and Small

Here’s a classic situation: you’re on vacation having a wonderful time until you reach for your wallet and discover that it’s gone – along with it the money, travelers cheques and credit cards you thought were safe. Equally disturbing, your passport is also missing. You’re out of cash, and now you have no way to pay for your expenses. Plus, until you get a replacement passport, you can’t travel very far, much less get home.

American Express has heard this story many times since it introduced the Travelers Cheque in 1891. People enjoy peace of mind knowing the cheques can be replaced if they are lost or stolen.

Earlier this year, American Express introduced a new benefit that helps Travelers Cheques customers obtain passport and credit card replacement assistance when they call the 1-800 customer service number. This extra assistance is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And, help replacing your passport or credit cards is available whether or not you are seeking a Travelers Cheques refund.

You don’t have to pre-register for this service if you are a Travelers Cheques purchaser. In the case of a lost or stolen passport, an American Express representative will be available to connect you to the nearest consulate or embassy, and, in many cases can also help you get passport applications and documentation requirements.

For lost or stolen major credit cards, those issued by American Express as well as other financial institutions, the representative will guide you through the process of contacting the issuers and beginning the cancellation and replacement process.

Information that can help you avoid, or solve, problems

Some travel troubles can be averted by doing research before you leave. Try these online resources:

• From the State Department, updated travel warnings.
• From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, information on medical issues for travelers to international destinations.
• From American Express, information on a variety of topics, including:

• Travel Medical Plan for American Express Cardmembers: phone 1-800-297-2900 (online enrollment not available).
• Personal safety tips.
• Maps and directions.
• Weather conditions.
• List of American Express travel locations.

July 18, 2002

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