The complete guide to what to do when things go wrong on a budget trip.

Lost or stolen passport: immediately file a police report (needed for insurance and for embassy). Contact your nearest embassy or consulate. Bring your digital passport copy and any identity documents you have. Emergency travel documents can be issued in 1-5 days depending on the country. Contact your travel insurance emergency line — they often know the local procedures better than you do.

Medical emergency: call your travel insurance emergency line first. They have protocols for every country and will direct you to appropriate medical care and handle pre-authorization for expensive treatment. Don't navigate this alone if your policy has an emergency number.

Stolen electronics: file a police report (required for insurance claims on devices). Remotely wipe your devices immediately using Find My iPhone or Google Find My Device. Change all passwords for any accounts that were logged in. Your travel insurance may cover the replacement cost minus deductible.

Cancelled or missed flight: contact the airline immediately. EU regulations (if flying from/to EU) require compensation and rebooking for airline-caused cancellations. For weather cancellations: rebooking at no charge is standard. For self-caused missed flights: call the airline before the flight departs if possible — same-day changes are sometimes possible at smaller fees than buying a new ticket.

Ran out of money: contact family or friends for a wire transfer via Wise or Western Union. Many embassies can facilitate emergency loans to citizens in genuine crisis situations.