What English phrases do you need in an emergency abroad?

I'm sorry about that. You have two options: an emergency travel document, which is faster and valid only for your return trip, or a full passport replacement, which takes longer. Given your timeline, I'd recommend the emergency travel document.

很遗憾。您有两个选择：紧急旅行证件，更快但只能用于回国旅程；或者补办完整护照，时间更长。根据您的时间安排，我建议办紧急旅行证件。

I'll need: the police report, two passport-sized photos, a copy or photo of your lost passport if available, proof of your identity such as a driver's license or national ID, and your return flight booking. The fee is $30.

我需要：报案记录、两张护照尺寸照片、丢失护照的复印件或照片（如果有的话）、身份证明如驾照或身份证，以及回程机票预订单。费用30美元。

Yes, we have a photo service here — it's $10 for two photos. The phone scan of your passport will work fine for identity verification. Let me process your application now. You can pick up the emergency document tomorrow after 2 PM.

可以，我们这里有拍照服务——两张照片10美元。手机上的护照扫描件用来验证身份没问题。我现在就处理您的申请。明天下午2点之后来取紧急证件。

No, the emergency travel document is internationally recognized. Immigration officers are familiar with it. Just explain that your passport was stolen and show them the police report. I'll also include a cover letter from the embassy that explains the situation.

不会的，紧急旅行证件是国际认可的。入境官员对此很熟悉。跟他们说明护照被偷了，出示报案记录就行。我还会附上一封大使馆的说明信解释情况。

When you return home, go to your local passport office with the emergency travel document, the police report, and a new set of photos. The regular replacement process takes about 2 to 4 weeks. Here's my business card — if you run into any issues at the airport, you can call our 24-hour hotline.

回国后带着紧急旅行证件、报案记录和新照片去当地护照办理处。正常补办流程大约2到4周。这是我的名片——如果在机场遇到任何问题，可以拨打我们的24小时热线。

I understand this must be very stressful. First, have you been arrested or detained, or did they let you go?

我理解这一定压力很大。首先，你有没有被逮捕或扣留，还是让你走了？

Okay, let me explain what we can do. As your consulate, we cannot represent you in court or interfere with local legal proceedings. However, we can provide you with a list of local lawyers who speak Mandarin, ensure you're being treated fairly, and notify your family if you wish.

好的，让我解释我们能做什么。作为领事馆，我们不能在法庭上代表你或干涉当地的法律程序。但是，我们可以提供一份会说普通话的当地律师名单，确保你受到公平对待，以及如果你愿意的话通知你的家人。

For a misdemeanor shoplifting case, a local attorney typically charges $1,500 to $3,000. If you can't afford a lawyer, you can request a public defender — they're free, appointed by the court. However, public defenders don't usually speak Mandarin. Here are three attorneys from our list who handle criminal cases and speak your language.

轻罪盗窃案，当地律师通常收费1500到3000美元。如果请不起律师，可以申请公设辩护人——免费的，法院指定。但公设辩护人一般不会说普通话。这是我们名单上的三位处理刑事案件且会说中文的律师。

Your lawyer can request a continuance — that's a postponement of the court date. But you may not be allowed to leave the country until the case is resolved. This is something your attorney needs to discuss with the court. Do not leave the country without the court's permission, or you could face additional charges.

你的律师可以申请延期——就是推迟出庭日期。但在案件解决之前，你可能不被允许出境。这需要你的律师跟法院沟通。未经法院允许不要出境，否则可能面临额外的指控。

You're welcome. Remember, we're here to help. If you're detained at any point, you have the right to request consular access — that means contacting us. Call our emergency hotline any time. And don't sign any documents you don't understand without your lawyer present.

不客气。记住，我们在这里帮助你。如果你在任何时候被扣留，你有权要求领事探视——就是联系我们。任何时候都可以拨打我们的紧急热线。不要在没有律师在场的情况下签署任何你不理解的文件。

💡 在国外遇到法律问题时，不要慌张。你有权联系本国大使馆（领事探视权），有权请律师，有权要求翻译。不要签署你不理解的文件。