Lost or Broken Laptop in Lisbon? Here’s What to Do (Without Losing Your Mind)

Lisbon is one of Europe’s sunniest capitals, clocking ≈2 828 hours of sunshine a year – nearly 300 bright days – and Portugal ranks 7 th out of 163 countries on the 2025 Global Peace Index.

Sunny and safe doesn’t mean mishaps never happen: laptops still vanish from trams or conk out mid-Zoom. Use this step-by-step guide to get back online fast, protect your data, and keep working.

Sun-lit panorama of Lisbon

Take a Breath. You’re Not Alone

“My MacBook vanished on the 28-E tram. Filed an online report, rented a laptop the next morning, and didn’t miss a single stand-up.”
— user on r/digitalnomad

Lisbon ranks as one of Europe’s safer capitals, with a Numbeo Safety Index of 68.7/100 (2025). Violent crime is rare, but pickpocketing and grab-and-run thefts do happen — especially on Tram 28, Tram 15, and in nightlife districts like Bairro Alto.

Dozens of nomads have shared similar stories on Reddit and TripAdvisor. The good news? Most were back up and running within a day, thanks to Lisbon’s supportive community and quick local solutions.

You’ve got options: police, insurance, rental gear, repairs, and a helpful digital nomad community.

If Your Laptop Was Stolen: Step-by-Step

🔐 Secure Your Accounts Immediately

• Priority actions:

  • Remote sign-out: Google, iCloud, Microsoft, Slack

  • Change passwords: Email → banking → work tools

  • Track or lock device:

    • Find My (Apple)

    • Google Find My Device

  • Advanced tools:

    • Prey — device tracking, screenshots

    • HiddenApp — location + stealth logging

🛂 File a Police Report (PSP)

Go to a PSP station (Esquadra de Turismo) or use Sistema Queixa Eletrónica to start your report (select "Furto" for theft or "Roubo" for robbery).

1. Bring:

   • Passport or national ID

   • Laptop model and serial number

2. Ask for the “auto de ocorrência” (official police statement) — needed for insurance.

📍 Best for tourists:
Esquadra de Turismo, Palácio Foz (Praça dos Restauradores)
☎️ +351 218 804 030
🗣️ Officers speak English

Phrase to use: “Quero apresentar queixa por roubo do meu portátil.”
(I want to report my laptop stolen.)

Note: Even if you file online, you’ll need to sign in person.

🛡️ Call Your Travel or Gear Insurance

Most nomad-friendly insurance covers laptops — but limits and requirements vary:

💳 Pro tip: Some premium credit cards (like Amex Platinum) include gadget insurance — check your policy.

Historic Tram 28 in Lisbon

If Your Laptop Malfunctions

🧑‍🔧 Warranty & Repairs

💡 Many shops offer same-day fixes for common issues (keyboard, SSD, battery) if parts are in stock.

💾 Data Access Hacks

• Dead keyboard? → Use a USB keyboard

• Blank screen? → Connect HDMI to monitor

• Not booting? → Try live USB OS (Linux) or macOS Recovery

• Cloud saved you? → Login from any device, resume work instantly

Top tools:

• Backblaze (automatic full-disk backup)

• iCloud, OneDrive, Dropbox

Need a Laptop Now? Rent One

Oxigen offers same-day or next-day laptop rentals in the Lisbon metro area.

✅ No deposit
💻 MacBooks and Windows laptops
🔐 Oxigen Care optional damage protection
📦 Pickup and return at your door

From €1.50/day, perfect for deadlines, school, or remote work.

→ Explore our rentals

Damage Control: Don’t Let One Snag Derail Your Trip

🧠 Smart habits:

• Cloud-sync everything

• Enable auto-backup

• Use incognito + 2FA on shared devices

• Never save passwords on public computers

🎈 Change your mood: Catch a sunset at Miradouro da Graça, or take a swim at Carcavelos while you wait for repairs.

Sunny beach day at Carcavelos beach in Portugal, a popular spot for surfers and body boarders

Future-Proof Your Setup

FAQ (Updated July 2025)

Q: What should I do first if my laptop is stolen in Lisbon?
A: File a police report at Palácio Foz, call your insurer, then consider a short-term rental to stay on track.

Q: Can I really get a laptop delivered in 48 hours?
A: Yes. Oxigen covers all of Lisbon. Order via website for fast delivery.

Q: Is laptop theft common in Lisbon?
A: It’s not rampant, but it happens. Be cautious.

Q: Will my insurance cover a stolen laptop?
A: Most nomad-friendly insurers do — but check the item limits and whether you need to pre-list your device.

Q: Where can I fix my MacBook quickly in Lisbon?
A: We recommend to choose a trusted Apple ASP with real Apple parts and short turnaround times.

✨ Final Word

Losing your laptop abroad sucks — but it’s not the end of the world. Nomads bounce back fast in Lisbon thanks to its strong repair shops, helpful locals, and gear rentals like Oxigen.

Hit a snag? We’ve got your back — and a laptop ready to go.

→ Get a replacement now