I did contact local embassies a few times for certain issues. My thinking is that if you have more or less routine questions, like questions about renewing a passport then they are helpful. But if you have an unusual situation that falls outside of the norm they seem to have little empathy or inclination to help. It's almost like 'well, you traveled here and that's what you get' type of attitude. Well, that's my experience anyway. I suppose I understand it to a certain degree. I'm sure they don't want to jeopardize the delicate balance they have with a foreign government by dealing with the pesky problems of commoners.