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moneyoriented · Joined: 11 May 2008 Posts: 76

Word is that US embassies are the least helpful to their citizens living or travelling abroad.

On the other hand, I've heard that the embassies of smaller countries (Ireland, Denmark, etc.) can be extremely helpful to their citizens abroad.

What have you heard? And what has been your own experience with your country's embassy(-ies) abroad?

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

Here in China they all seem about the same, ofer the same services, etc. Perhaps you could be more specific? Helpful/unhelpful in what way? "Word" is that Canada is the worst for getting your CHinese wife back home

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 2:38 pm Post subject:

The U.S. Embassy??? Ohhhh, I get it, you're refering to the local U. S. Trade Office!!!

NCTBA

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

The Canadian embassy in Mexico City has always been fairly helpful to me. I think all the difference in the world is made by the person one is dealing with at the counter.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 2:51 pm Post subject:

No, Guy, if it's the official U.S. presence...it's ALL about the money. I remember back when Clinton and Congress couldn't come to terms on the budget, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh were brazen and shameless enough to broadcast the fact that ALL American Citizen services would be suspended.

HOWEVER Saudis who needed visas would be allowed in for processing. Hence, "the local U.S. Trade Office!

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 3:01 pm Post subject:

I've dealt with the local consulate citizens service area a couple of times-

Once to replace an expired passport.

Once to replace the new passport, which was destroyed in a circumstance that never should have happened.

They were pleasant and helpful on both occasions, though neither is a high stress demand for help.

THey also have a security division that has been helpful, though a little alarmist, in orientations for US participants residing with us, about safety.

THeir "Warden Reports" are occasionally informative, often amusing, and frequently provide material for classroom grammar correction exercises.

Best,
Justin

johnslat

Dear NCTBA,
While you hit upon the major concern US embassies (and probably all the others) have, there's also the "political" aspect (which would include, of course, espionage.)
In my experience, if you are naive enough to depend on a US embassy to actually help you, especially in an emergency, you are likely to suffer a rude awakening.
When I was in Shiraz, Iran in '78 and '79 (my first overseas gig), I actually registered with the consulate there. When the "Islamic Revolution" started heating up, I tried calling the consulate - no answer. So, a group of us American teachers at the university (at the time called Pahlavi University, now called Shiraz University) who had also tried calling to no avail went over there. The consulate was locked up and deserted. All the staff had taken off for Tehran without so much as a "Good-bye and good luck" to any American citizens in Shiraz.
Then in '91, in Riyadh, when Operation Desert Storm was in the works and concerns were being raised about the possibility of Saddam targeting Riyadh with Scud missiles that had biological and/or chemical warheads, every other embassy except for the USA one promptly issued gas masks to its citizens. It took weeks - and a lot of calls to representatives in Congress - before the USA embassy finally broke down and issued them
(by that time, I already had two - one from my place of employment, the IPA , and another given to me by a British expat who'd gotten it from his embassy - he decided to head for Jeddah.)
So, I'd say that it's probably not a good idea to place too much trust in your embassy helping you, especially if you're from the USA.
Regards,
John

MELEE · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 4:41 pm Post subject:

My daughters were born in Mexico. When it came time for me to get their US passports, the Embassy in Mexico city was EXTREMELY unhelpful, but the Consular Agent in Oaxaca City was extremely patient and helpful. In Mexico City, I had to pay to phone them but they would only answer the phones between 3 and 5 pm and they don't have hold, if the extension doesn't pick up it passes you out to the receptionist who patches you back to the extension you need. For three days I spent 2 hours passing between the receptionist and the extension, never getting to talk to the person I needed to talk to. When I finally did get through on the fourth day and started in on my list of 20 questions that came up while filling in the forms, the ONLY answer the person would give me was "Just fill it it and if there is a mistake we will send it back to you." To ALL 20 questions! It was infuriating. Then I called the Consular Agent in Oaxaca (who only answers the phone from 10-3 and the secretary there told me to come in (a 2 1/2 hour trip) and they would help me fill in the papers.

So in my experience, if you are American, try to Consulate first, the smaller the better, before going to the Embassy.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 5:30 pm Post subject:

Johnslat,

Have you ever been to Ecuador? you've been in a suspiciously coincidental number of the same places as a guy I met a couple of years back.

Best,
Justin

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 5:48 pm Post subject:

Yup! These are all too familiar stories. Unfortunately, Hollywood has, too many times, glorified U.S. embassies and consulates in foreign countries as places that Americans can find refuge and help. You know, in the middle of all anarchy, Americans run "towards the flag". Well, I tend to run away!

The very, very most the official American presence will do for you is maybe, maybe a visit to you in prison or jail if incarcerated. Most of the time, they'll give you a list of local attorneys to consult.

A sad state of affairs. I actually envy other country nationals as their representatives actually try to help them out.

NCTBA

johnslat · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 6:05 pm Post subject:

Dear Justin,
One of my few regrets is that I've never visited South America (or Antarctica - the only continents I've missed so far.)
It must be my doppelganger.
Regards,
John

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 8:31 pm Post subject:

There's always time, John...always time...

NCTBA

johnslat · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 9:04 pm Post subject:

Dear NCTB,
Oh, I fully intend to make trips to both places (and others) before I run out of time.
As far as I know, we get only one chance to see this wonderful world we were born into. What has always confounded me is that so many are apparently not interested in seeing what's there.
For goodness sake, people, thiis is the world, probably the only one you're probably going to to get the chance to see,
Take as much advantage as possible of the opportunity you've been given.
You will never regret it.
Regards,
John

moneyoriented · Joined: 11 May 2008 Posts: 76

johnslat · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 1:49 am Post subject:

Dear
I'd suggest you try reading Evelyn Waugh (Black Mischief, especially) and William Boyd (A Good Man in Africa.)
I suspect most countries, especially those arrogant and ignorant, treat their citizens in similar fashion.
Regards,
John