How to Handle Credit Card Loss During Your New Zealand Trip
A guide to calmly responding to the loss of a credit card while traveling
If you lose your credit card while traveling, you can resolve the issue quickly by reporting it and obtaining a replacement. Follow the steps below to safely manage the loss situation.
1. How to Reissue Your Credit Card
1) Immediately Report Loss to the Card Issuer
• Report the loss to the customer service of your Korean card issuer via international call
• The card will be immediately suspended after reporting to prevent unauthorized use
2) Request Emergency Reissue Overseas
• Most card issuers provide a service to issue a new card and ship it to a designated address in emergency situations abroad.
• It can be sent to your accommodation in New Zealand or a local designated address (additional costs may apply)
3) Use Temporary Card or Mobile Card
• If provided by the card issuer, you can obtain a mobile card such as Apple Pay or Google Pay instead of a physical card
• You can make payments with your smartphone until the physical card arrives
4) Visit Local Branch (if applicable)
• If there is a branch of the card issuer in New Zealand, you can visit for additional support
• Many Korean card issuers do not have branches in New Zealand
5) Emergency Transfer Through Family and Friends
• If it takes time to reissue, consider receiving funds through family or friends
• Some card issuers provide emergency cash services
2. Validity Period of Reissued Card
• The validity period of the reissued card usually remains the same as the original card
• Some card issuers may assign a new validity period, so check with the card issuer for accurate information
3. How to Unfreeze Your Card After Finding It
1) Contact the Card Issuer Immediately
• Contact the card issuer's customer service to inform them that you have found the card that was suspended due to the loss report
2) Unfreeze According to Card Issuer Policy
• Most card issuers can unfreeze the card upon customer request within a certain period after reporting the loss
• If the reissue process has already been initiated, unfreezing the existing card may not be possible
3) Check Reissue Status
• If a new card has been sent, the existing card cannot be used, and you will likely need to use the new card
• If the issuance is not complete, you can unfreeze and use the existing card
4) Additional Confirmation
• Depending on the card issuer, it may be possible to keep the existing card and cancel the shipment of the new card
• It is important to consult the customer service for detailed actions based on your situation
4. Additional Tips
• Costs incurred due to credit card loss (such as reissue fees) may be compensated by some travel insurance, so check with your insurance provider
• Card delivery usually takes more than a week, so prepare emergency cash measures
• Set up mobile payments in advance
While losing a credit card during your trip can be distressing, you can resolve it quickly through proper procedures. Minimize the problem with prompt reporting and response, and continue your safe travels!