Photo ID for travels

[Foreigner]

Travelling overseas (from most countries) requires passports at borders.

Checking in to hotels in some Asian countries passport or other photo ID is required by hotel, oftentimes for all guests, photocopied.

Are we comfortable in providing ID and allowing copies to be retained by hotels overseas, but not locally?

 

[harvyk]

I never really put too much thought into it, they already have some pretty important details on me (eg CC number, and the ability to draw money from it).
I'm sure there are scams which would use hotels as a front for stealing ID's, but that said there are lots of things already out there which could be a front for stealing ID's.

 

[Archphoto]

Copying IDs in TH is *extremely* common - both for locals and tourists. To reduce the ability to use them in ways other than intended, the locals actually sign through the copy stating "For xx_ use only". (Like writing "Non-Negotiable" through a check.) I shoot at several places that require copies of my passport, and do exactly the same - no problems with me copying prior and signing - just show the original as proof.

If you photocopy your passport prior and sign it stating "For xx_ Hotel ID Only" that may give you piece of mind. I leave my ID with security when entering so many office buildings and commercial offices, I actually don't worry anymore, although I no longer use my passport (too coughbersome), rather my driving licence.

I've even had my passport copied in North Korea, and it never crossed my mind that the hotel could use it "illegally" - it's all part of travelling and I do it so often it's like putting on my socks; I'd be more concerned with pickpockets or being scammed, than the front desk copying my ID for nefarious purposes.

 

[harvyk]

I'd be more concerned with pickpockets or being scammed, than the front desk copying my ID for nefarious purposes.

Agreed, pickpockets / other well known scams would be far more risky than someone photo copying your ID. Keep in mind that they may already have a good amount of detail about you due to the booking you have made, so for them all the ID is doing is verifying that the data you have already provided is correct, plus there is a very nice link between yourself and the hotel which should police start sniffing around it wouldn't take a genius to work out that every person whom had their identity stolen all stayed at ABC Hotel, and was served by John Smith.