Post: #26

I got pick pocketed on a trolley bus, in Lviv, Ukraine. I had my passport, drivers liscense, debit card, hotel card and about $100 USD in UKR currency in my passport wallet. When I found out the shit was gone, I went back to my hotel, canceled my debit card over skype and the hotel security took me to the police station. The police took a report and were supposedly supposed to come back to the hotel and bring their report. (Didnt happen.) I left my state ID and about $50 in my hotel room. Since I didnt have any passport. My friends western unioned about 800 buck to my friend in Ukraine. We got the money and had to take a train to Kiev to get a temporary passport.

After that fiasco, I was trying to call my bank to figure out how I was going to get access to my money. Eventually, I found out I could Western Union myself money from my account. Problem solved there.

The day before I was supposed to leave, some one brought my passport, wallet, drivers liscense and debit card to my hotel (but kept the cash.) Some girl brought it and left a note with her name anumber, saying she found it on the street and wanted a reward. (Yeah right.)

When I left for the airport, I gave the taxi driver 100 UAH as a tip. Back then, that was about $10. The bastard almost cried. He looked like I gave him $1000 bucks.

Leaving the airport didnt go with out a hitch. I was not thinking and pulled out both passports, when I was supposed to show it at passport control. The lady at the passport booth had the police come and they almost arrested me or something. I had a letter from the US counsolate saying I was robbed and it was a temporary passport. But the airport workers apparently did not understand.

Some one standing in line translated for me, saying that I was robbed, got a new passport, then some one brought my old passport and wallet to the hotel. After he translated all of this, passport lady has a look on her face like holy shit....oh, I understand now! Then she stamped my new passport and waved me through.

Post: #27

Also Merenguero, another option you have is going to a State Department Passport Agency, they will get you your passport within 5 business days- but you must have proof that you have international travel plans within 2 weeks or less in order to use this option. The cost is $60, same as the expedited fee. But again, you can only go if you provide proof you leave in 2 weeks or less.

If you go the standard expedited route and applied today or will within the next few days then you'll be fine. If you put off doing it until next week for whatever reason then it may be a better to just wait until you're 2 weeks out and go to the DC Passport Agency since it costs the same and is the quickest and most sure option.

Post: #28

A heads up for the UK guys. You can apply for a 2nd passport, and in some cases a 3rd. I think you need a business justification, but I'd have to check for sure on that. I need 2 for work, but nice to know if I lose one I'm cool.

Post: #29

(11-07-2016 09:46 PM)GlobalMan Wrote:  Also Merenguero, another option you have is going to a State Department Passport Agency, they will get you your passport within 5 business days- but you must have proof that you have international travel plans within 2 weeks or less in order to use this option. The cost is $60, same as the expedited fee. But again, you can only go if you provide proof you leave in 2 weeks or less.

If you go the standard expedited route and applied today or will within the next few days then you'll be fine. If you put off doing it until next week for whatever reason then it may be a better to just wait until you're 2 weeks out and go to the DC Passport Agency since it costs the same and is the quickest and most sure option.

I took care of it on Monday. People were telling me to first get a picture taken at Walgreens, which I did. The Walgreens picture literally made me look like Rocky Dennis in a Hugo Boss suit. I have no idea how they pulled that off, but they did. I then took my completed application, a two-sided copy of my drivers' license, my old passport, the horrible picture, and a money order for the required fee to a public library. I went to the library because they took walk ins, while every other agency I called, including all post offices, required appointments and such appointments were being made two or more weeks out. When I got to the library, they immediately said that the Walgreens picture was unacceptable, but that they could take a new picture for me, which they did. I was in and out in under ten minutes and they said that I may get the passport within a week, but definitely in less than three weeks. I say the library is your best bet. I've never seen a stupid person working in a library, yet I run into retards day in and day out everywhere else in the D.C. area.

Post: #30

I actually obtained a "passport card" for this very reason and it would be prudent for anyone planning to live overseas to get one. While I'm not sure of how good a replacement it is (it doesn't even contain the same # as your actual passport), it would definitely serve as a solid form of alternative identification + additional trust at local consulate and prove you are who you are.

   

And always, always scan and print your passport bio page in color. Hotels occasionally accept it in certain countries.
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Post: #31

BEFORE you lose your passport, do this shit:

1) Have a clear photocopy of the biodata page. Put one in your wallet, one in your phone, and one on a server that you can access even if your phone gets stolen. Sort of Dropbox.

2) Always carry another piece of ID with you. Two is preferrable.

If you lose your passport, your best bet is go to your embassy and pay the fees. Say "lost", not stolen, because you'll save previous time by avoiding going to the farm.