Emergency Response Guide: What to Do If You Lose Your Wallet or Credit Card in Japan

2025/8/10 13:352025/8/11 12:34

Losing your wallet or credit card during a trip can be stressful. But there is a high chance of getting it back in Japan. According to data from the National Police Agency, about 68% of lost wallets are returned to their owners.

With that hope in mind, don’t panic. If you follow the right steps, you can handle the situation effectively.

In this guide, we’ll explain what to do in order of urgency if you lose your wallet or credit card in Japan.

1. Thoroughly check your surroundings

Double-check your bag (including side pockets), jacket and pants pockets, hotel room, and any other places where your wallet might be hiding.

Sometimes it turns up in an unexpected spot.

2. Contact your credit card company to temporarily suspend or cancel your card

If you still can’t find it, contact your credit card company immediately to prevent fraudulent use by others.

Most companies have 24/7 emergency lines. For security reasons, the cardholder must call directly.

You will usually be offered two options:

Temporary suspension: Stops card use temporarily and can be lifted later.

Cancellation: Permanently invalidates the card number, requiring a replacement card.

In most cases, cancellation is recommended to prevent misuse, but note that you won’t be able to use the card even if it’s found later.

3. File a Lost Property Report with the police

While contacting your credit card company, also file a Lost Property Report (Ishitsubutsu-todoke) with the police.

This is important because:

Required for reissuance: Many card companies ask for the “Lost Property Report Receipt Number” during the replacement process.

Required for travel insurance claims: If you want to claim financial losses through your travel insurance, you will need the official proof from the police.

You can file the report at a police box (koban), but the certificate is issued only at the main police station.

4. Secure a payment method

If your trip is still ongoing and you have no cash or payment method, consider requesting an emergency replacement card or using international money transfer services.

🚨 Emergency Card Service

Some card companies offer a temporary replacement card (valid for about 1–2 months) that can be issued overseas during your trip.

You can usually arrange to pick it up at:

A partner bank branch

Your hotel front desk

Fees and identification documents may be required.

🏦 International Money Transfer

Ask a family member or friend to send you funds via services like Western Union.

You will need to present your passport and the transfer number (MTCN) to receive the money.

5. About embassies and consulates

For wallet or credit card loss, embassies and consulates generally do not provide financial assistance.

Summary

Thoroughly check your belongings (including side pockets and hidden compartments)

If still missing, call your card company to suspend or cancel the card

File a Lost Property Report with the police and get the receipt

If you have no payment method, use an emergency card service or international money transfer

Embassies/consulates cannot help financially in these cases

By staying calm and following these steps in order, you can minimize the impact of the loss.

We hope this guide helps ease your worries if you ever face this situation.

About the Author

Yusuke Baba | Japan Lost and Found Service Founder

I myself have had the experience of losing my MacBook while on my honeymoon, so I deeply understand the anxiety that comes with it. This experience gave me a strong desire to help those who are truly in trouble and facing language and cultural barriers, which is why I started this service.

I hope this guide can help ease your worries and provide a clear path to getting your lost item back. If you are struggling with a lost item, please feel free to contact us.