Need Help in China?

Quick-reference emergency info for foreign travelers. Save this page before your trip.

Emergency Numbers

These numbers work from any phone in China, including without a SIM card.

110PoliceTheft, assault, scams, lost items120AmbulanceMedical emergencies, injuries119FireFire, rescue situations12308Consular HotlineChinese MFA assistance for foreigners

Common Emergencies & What to Do

Lost Passport

  1. File a police report at the nearest station (bring your passport photo if you have one)
  2. Get the police receipt — you'll need it for everything else
  3. Contact your country's embassy or consulate immediately
  4. Apply for an emergency travel document
  5. Visit the local Exit-Entry Administration Bureau with your police report

Tip: Always keep a photo of your passport and visa page on your phone.

Medical Emergency

  1. Call 120 for an ambulance, or go to the nearest hospital ER (急诊)
  2. Look for hospitals marked 三甲 (Grade A) — they have English-speaking staff
  3. Bring your passport — hospitals need it for registration
  4. Keep all receipts — travel insurance usually requires them

Tip: Search "国际医院" (international hospital) in your map app for English-friendly options.

Lost Phone / Stolen Wallet

  1. Freeze your Alipay/WeChat Pay from another device immediately
  2. Call your bank to block cards
  3. File a police report (110) — needed for insurance claims
  4. Go to a carrier store (中国移动/联通/电信) with your passport to recover your number

Tip: Set up Alipay/WeChat on a backup device before your trip, just in case.

Scammed or Overcharged

  1. Don't confront aggressively — stay calm and walk away if unsafe
  2. Call 12315 (consumer complaint hotline) for shopping disputes
  3. For taxi scams: note the plate number and report to 12328 (transport hotline)
  4. For serious fraud: file a police report at 110

Tip: Always use DiDi (ride-hailing app) instead of hailing random taxis to avoid scams.

Finding Your Embassy

Most embassies are in Beijing, with consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and other major cities. Search "[your country] embassy China" for the 24/7 emergency number.

Before your trip:Save your embassy's emergency number in your phone contacts.
In Beijing: Most embassies are in the Sanlitun / Chaoyang district area.
After hours:Look for the "emergency consular services" number — most countries have a 24/7 line.

Prepare Before You Go

The best emergency is the one you avoid. Check out our guides to stay safe and prepared.

Pre-Trip GuidesTravel Checklist