 Sometimes people have their passport stolen or simply just can't remember where they left it! If you happen to be in this situation or just want to speak to someone if things go terribly wrong then get in touch with the Consulate or Embassy of the country of which you are in.
Do not forget they are there to help and give you useful advice, here is a quick overview of what they can and can not do to help you:
They can...
– Issue emergency passports and in some places full passports;
– Get in touch with your relatives and friends and ask them to help you with money or tickets;
– Tell you how to transfer money;
– In an emergency, cash you a sterling cheque worth up to £100 in local currency, if supported by a valid banker's card;
– Help you contact with local lawyers, interpreters and doctors;
– Organize for next of kin to be told of an accident or a death and advise on procedures;
– Visit you if you have been arrested or put in prison, and arrange for messages to be sent to relatives and friends;
– Contact organizations who help trace missing persons;
– Talk to the local authorities on your behalf;
– Only as a last resort, in exceptional circumstances, and as long as you meet certain strict rules, give you a loan to get you back to your country, but only if there is no-one else who can help you.
But they cannot...
– Get you out of prison;
– Give legal advice or begin court proceedings for you;
– Get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local nationals;
– Investigate a crime;
– Pay your hotel, legal, medical or any other bills;
– Pay your travel costs, except in special circumstances;
– Do work usually done by travel agents, airlines, banks or motoring organizations;
– Get you somewhere to live, a job or work permit.
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