ASK A KABABAYAN:"U.S. citizen ako. If I lost my wallet while traveling abroad & can't contact friends and relatives, where can I get help?"

Uncle Sam can rescue you. Or at least loan you some money.

If - traveler nightmare alert - your wallet disappeared while you're out of the country, American citizens can turn to a U.S. consular officer abroad for help.

The American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) will help by contacting your family, friends, or business associates to raise private funds. They will also help in transmitting these funds to you.

Subject to approval, they can also loan the money to you until your funds arrive.

You can also contact the Overseas Citizens Service if you need help for these emergencies:

-Death of an American citizen abroad

-Arrest/detention of an American citizen abroad

-Robbery of an American citizen abroad

-American citizens missing abroad

-Crisis abroad involving American citizens

-After-hours number for an emergency involving an American citizen abroad

To contact the OVERSEAS CITIZENS SERVICES:

Call 1-888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444) or go to http://travel.state.gov/about/info/info_308.html#citizens for more info.