Know what consular protection can and cannot do: it can visit you, it cannot get you out, and you pay the costs yourself
- High value
- Evidence A
- Saves money
- Free
- Takes minutes
- No willpower
In plain words
If you are arrested abroad, what the embassy or consulate can do is: check the situation with the local authorities, ask that the case be handled fairly according to law, visit you, and attend the trial as an observer. It cannot change the verdict for you, and it cannot take you away. Money that someone else advanced for lodging, transport and medical care is in the end paid by you. So before you go abroad, have money and insurance ready, and don't treat "the state will cover me if something happens" as a plan.
Mentioned in
Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 21, tip 3. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer