What to Do When You Lose Your Wallet as a Foreigner in Kraków
- Satya Mandavalli
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Immediate Steps After Losing a Wallet in Kraków
If a foreigner loses their wallet in a public place in Kraków, especially if it contains important documents such as a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) and credit cards, it is crucial to act quickly to protect their identity and finances, and to comply with Polish legal requirements.
1. Reporting to the Police
The first and most important step is to report the loss to the nearest police station. In Kraków, you do not necessarily need to go to a specific police station—any local "Komisariat Policji" (Police Station) can accept your report. However, for matters involving lost documents and foreigner status, it is advisable to visit a central or main police station for better assistance.
· Main Police Headquarters in Kraków (Komenda Miejska Policji w Krakowie):
· Address: ul. Siemiradzkiego 24, 31-137 Kraków
· Phone: +48 47 83 52 900 (general information)
· Open 24 hours
Emergency Numbers:
Police: 997
General emergency: 112
You can also go to any local Komisariat Policji (district station). For example:
Komisariat Policji III
Address: ul. Strzelców 16, 31-422 Kraków
Phone: +48 47 835 70 70
· Filing a report creates an official record, which is often needed for insurance or replacing documents.
· Police maintain a log of lost and found items. If someone turns in your wallet, they can match it to your report.
You can also visit the police station closest to where the wallet was lost. Use Google Maps or local signage to find the nearest "Komisariat Policji."
When reporting, bring any other identification you may have and provide as many details as possible about the loss.
2. Reporting to Lost and Found Office
Kraków has a municipal Lost and Found Office ("Biuro Rzeczy Znalezionych"), which is where found items are often handed in by the public or by police. After reporting to the police, it is a good idea to also report your loss here and check periodically if your wallet has been turned in.
· Kraków Municipal Lost and Found Office (Biuro Rzeczy Znalezionych w Krakowie):
· Address: ul. Grzegórzecka 20, 31-530 Kraków
· Phone: +48 12 616 93 14
· Email: brk@um.krakow.pl
· Open: Monday–Friday, 08:00–15:00
You may need to describe the wallet and its contents. If the wallet is found, you must present identification and proof of ownership to collect it.
If the wallet was lost in a public place (not stolen), check these offices:
City Lost Property Office (Biuro Rzeczy Znalezionych – Urząd Miasta Krakowa)
Address: ul. Wielicka 28A, pok. 114
Phone: +48 12 616 57 13
Hours: Mon–Fri, 07:40–15:30 [www.krakow-info.com], [bip.krakow.pl]
County Lost Property Office
Address: al. Słowackiego 20, pok. 107A
Phone: +48 12 633 65 26
Public Transport Lost & Found (MPK)
Address: ul. Brożka 3
Phone: +48 12 254 11 50
Hours: Mon–Fri, 06:30–14:30
Kraków Airport Lost & Found
Location: Passenger terminal, Level +1
Hours: Mon–Fri 06:00–18:00; weekends 06:00–14:00
Contact: https://www.krakowairport.pl [www.krakow-info.com], [krakowairport.pl]
TRC Card: Contact the Małopolska Voivodeship Office to report the loss and apply for a replacement.Address: ul. Basztowa 22, 31-156 KrakówPhone: +48 12 392 10 00Website: https://www.gov.pl/web/udsc-en [gov.pl]
3. If you cannot speak Polish at a police station
NGO Contacts for Free Help:
Multicultural Center Kraków (Migrant Info Point)
Address: ul. Zabłocie 20A
Phone: +48 887 201 598
Services: Translation help, legal advice.
Patchwork Association
Website: patchwork.org.pl
Services: Language support for immigrants
Caritas Migrant & Refugee Center
Address: ul. Mogilska 25
Phone: +48 12 265 02 00
Services: Assistance for migrants.
Private Interpreter Services:
4. Important Steps
· Credit Cards: Immediately contact your bank(s) to block or cancel your cards to prevent unauthorised use.
· Temporary Residence Card (TRC): After reporting to the police, inform the local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki, Department for Foreigners) to begin the process of reissuing your TRC.
· Always keep digital or photocopies of your documents.
· If you need translation support, bring a Polish-speaking friend or request assistance at the police station.
· Very importantly, ask Case number and Case officer name over email at police station. Without these details you can’t follow-up about your case.
By following these steps, foreigners in Kraków can efficiently report and recover lost wallets and minimise potential risks.
5. If anyone lost any items in TRAM or BUS
Krakow MPK tram Hotline Lost & Found: 1219150
Press 1 and Press 3 – Then helpdesk team member will connect and speak with you.


