Common Problems

Lost or Stolen Personal Items

Keep your valuables in more than one place, use the safe in your hotel or hotel room for your money, passport and return ticket. Also, do not expect expensive electronic equipment (laptop, camera, etc.) to be safe in your hotel room.

If a theft occurs, report it to the local police (you may need this to make an insurance claim) and report your missing passport to the local Canadian consulate (and start the process of replacing the passport). Remember to travel with a copy of the signature page of your passport and extra photos so it can be replaced easily.

Make copies of your traveler’s cheques and credit cards (customer service phone numbers and account numbers). Keep the copies in a safe place (separated from the originals), and leave a copy in Canada with someone you trust.

If these are stolen, you will be able to call companies to put a hold on your accounts and replace them. Many financial institutions have numbers you can call collect from abroad, so check with your providers before you leave.

Ill Health Not Requiring a Hospital Visit

Colds, flu, as well as stomach and bowel ailments can happen more frequently when you are travelling. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat well-cooked food, and consult a local reputable pharmacy for non-prescription medications.

If the situation persists or gets worse, contact your healthcare provider about seeing a local physician, as they may have arrangements with local doctors and hospitals.

Cancelled or Missed Flights

Weather, mechanical problems, and getting caught in traffic on the way to the airport can all cause your trip to be delayed. Depending on the circumstances you may have to spend an extra night in a hotel or in the airport, buy meals, and pay a surcharge to rebook your flight. Keeping calm and traveling with a credit card can help to deal with these unforeseen problems and costs.

Threatening Situations

You are in a strange place with different cultural norms, legal, and political processes. You may be stared at, followed or approached, or see a situation you would not consider appropriate in Canada. While a situation may not be immediately life-threatening, it can quickly escalate.

Being “different” increases your visibility and your risk of danger. If you feel threatened or uncomfortable, trust your instincts and try to remove yourself from the situation immediately before your problem becomes an emergency.