If you’re the victim of a crime while abroad, the protocol on how to deal with it might be different than if you’re at home. So here’s what you need to know.

In some places, going to the police isn’t necessarily the first—or the best—option. If you’re the victim of theft, assault or other violent crime, your first step should be the American Embassy or Consulate.

It already goes without saying that you should carry the contact number and address of the Embassy or Consulate.

But you should actually keep that information on a laminated card, along with your ID in your wallet.

That way if you’re incapacitated, someone else can call on your behalf.

Some countries, like Thailand and Brazil, actually have “tourist police.” .

But that doesn’t mean your first stop still shouldn’t be the Embassy or Consulate. Go to those guys, and they’ll tell you if it’s a good idea to contact the police.

If you do, get a complete copy of the police report.

Then contact your travel insurance provider and find out if they have an office in your location, and if someone can communicate in the local language on your behalf.

And this one is important—once you return home, you might need more support than you realize.

Check the State Department Web site for a list of victim support organizations. Just because it the crime happened in another country doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to put it all behind you.

Learn more in our Safety & Security section.

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