I was in AMS this last weekend and was robbed by three men on the steps of my hotel (which was in a "good" neighborhood). The nightman at the hotel heard me screaming but did nothing to help me. Luckily, they only pushed me and took my wallet (that is, I wasn't hurt any worse). However; being in a foreign country with no money, no license, and no way to get money (my credit card and debit card were in the wallet) wasn't fun. As a matter of fact, it took 3 days out of my 9 day vacation and was a major hassle.

Here are some things that I had that I found useful as well as some other things that I would not have thought of, but were told to me by others.

1. I always carry a "just in case" envelope that I leave with my luggage (inside my suitcase pocket). This has photocopies of my passport, credit cards (front and back), license, debit card (front and back), and if I have a paper ticket a copy of that.

2. I leave this same envelope with a friend of mine who I know will be in the US while I'm travelling. Just in case they need to fax me something.

3. I filed a police report. This did not end very well because the entire report was in Dutch and I did not sign it which caused the policeman to start screaming at me, etc. I still didn't sign. Per our American Embassy, DO NOT SIGN anything that you don't know what it says. Especially in a foreign country (I had visions of Midnight Express and Brokedown Palace running through my head!).

4. Contact your credit card company immediately. They will allow the hotel to give you cash against your card if the card has already been run for approval. They will also wire $$ to you (at least mine did - MBNA!!!! - INCREDIBLE!)

5. Contact your homeowner's insurance company once you get home. They may provide some relief as well depending upon your policy.

6. Contact the American Consulate/Embassy to ensure they have the report on file.

Hope some of these tips are useful. This isn't an experience I would wish on anybody.