China is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare, and cities feel safe even late at night.
That said, it's always smart to have emergency contacts saved. Here's everything you might need.
Emergency Numbers
China's emergency numbers are different from most countries. Save these in your phone before you arrive.
- π 110 β Police
- π 120 β Ambulance
- π 119 β Fire
- π 12345 β Government Service Hotline (some cities have English support)
β οΈ Important: Emergency hotline operators most likely won't speak English. Make sure you have internet access set up so you can message us on WhatsApp. We can communicate with local services on your behalf and help resolve the situation much faster.
Your Embassy
For serious issues like a lost passport, legal problems, or if you need to be evacuated, contact your country's embassy or consulate.
| Country | City | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | Beijing | (010) 8531-4000 |
| π¬π§ United Kingdom | Beijing | (010) 5192-4000 |
| π¦πΊ Australia | Beijing | (010) 5140-4111 |
| π¨π¦ Canada | Beijing | (010) 5139-4000 |
| π³πΏ New Zealand | Beijing | (010) 8531-2700 |
| π©πͺ Germany | Beijing | (010) 8532-9000 |
| π«π· France | Beijing | (010) 8531-2000 |
| π―π΅ Japan | Beijing | (010) 6532-2361 |
| π°π· South Korea | Beijing | (010) 8531-0700 |
π‘ Tip: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and other major cities also have consulates. If you're not in Beijing, search "[your country] consulate [your city]" to find the nearest one.
π‘ Tip: Lost your passport? Don't panic. Message us first. We'll help you locate the nearest consulate, assist with the police report, and translate throughout the process.
Hospitals & Medical
Healthcare in major Chinese cities is good, but English-speaking services are limited to international clinics.
What to do if you're sick or hurt
Minor issues (cold, stomach trouble) β go to a pharmacy (θ―ζΏ). Pharmacists can recommend medicine without a doctor visit
Need a doctor β search "international clinic" + your city name. These have English-speaking staff
Serious emergency β call 120 or take a taxi/Didi to the nearest hospital emergency room
- Beijing: Beijing United Family Hospital
- Shanghai: Shanghai United Family Hospital
- Guangzhou: Guangzhou United Family Hospital
- Chengdu: Chengdu Global Doctor
β οΈ Heads up: Bring your passport, insurance information (if any), and allergy details when visiting a hospital. Chinese hospitals typically require payment before treatment.
π‘ Tip: Not sure which hospital to go to? Send us your location on WhatsApp and we'll find the nearest foreigner-friendly hospital for you.
Staying Safe
China is one of the safest countries for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare. Walking alone at night in most cities is generally not a concern.
A few common-sense tips:
- Keep a copy of your passport. Take a photo of your passport info page and visa. Store it in your phone and email. Keep the original in your hotel safe.
- Watch your belongings in crowded places. Pickpockets exist at tourist sites and rush-hour metro stations, just like anywhere in the world.
- Avoid "tea ceremony" invitations. If a stranger at a tourist site invites you to a tea tasting or art show, politely decline. It's a well-known overcharging scam.
- Use Didi for rides. Avoid unlicensed cars at airports and train stations. Didi shows you the price upfront and tracks the route.
- Don't carry lots of cash. Mobile payment is safer and accepted almost everywhere.
Quick Summary
- β China is very safe β don't overthink it
- β Save 110/120/119 in your phone β just in case
- β Keep a passport copy on your phone β originals stay in the hotel safe
- β Don't follow strangers at tourist sites β "tea ceremony" is a common scam
- β Don't carry lots of cash β mobile payment is safer
Anything go wrong?
Don't panic. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll help you figure it out β whether it's a lost passport, a medical issue, or just feeling lost.
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