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Dr. Xue Zhao
What's Inside
You're in a bustling Beijing market, phone dies, and a pickpocket grabs your wallet. Panic hits. But if you've memorized three simple numbers, you're already ahead of most tourists. I've been guiding people through China for over a decade, and I've seen too many travelers freeze when trouble strikes. Let's fix that—right now.
The Three Numbers That Matter
China uses a three-digit system just like many countries. Memorize these, and you can reach police, fire, or ambulance from any phone—even without a SIM card. Calls to these numbers are always free.
| Service | Number | When to Call | English Operator? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police | 110 | Crime, theft, accidents, disputes | Yes, in major cities |
| Fire | 119 | Fires, gas leaks, trapped in elevator | Unlikely; have Chinese translation ready |
| Ambulance | 120 | Medical emergencies, injuries, sudden illness | Sometimes; better to ask a local to call |
| Traffic Accident | 122 | Car crashes, hit-and-run (non-injury) | Rare |
Pro tip: If you have a smartphone, save these numbers in your contacts under a group called “EMERGENCY” in both English and Chinese: 110 (警察), 119 (火警), 120 (急救). Your phone might die, but a local can see the Chinese characters.
Other Critical Emergency Contacts
Beyond the big three, you might need these numbers for specific situations:
- Emergency Medical Hotline (for foreigners): 12320 — National health hotline, some operators speak English.
- Traffic Information: 122 — Also for reporting road hazards.
- Maritime Rescue: 12395 — If you're on a boat or near water.
- Electricity Emergency: 95598 — Power outage or downed lines.
- Gas Leak: 96777 — In some cities; ask your hotel.
Most tourist areas also have a “Foreigner Assistance Hotline” (like 12308 for consular protection, but that's for Chinese citizens abroad—confusing, I know). Actually, for foreigners in China, the closest is 12308 but it's for Chinese citizens. Instead, call your embassy's emergency line.
Embassy and Consulate Assistance
If you lose your passport, get arrested, or face a serious crime, your embassy is your lifeline. Save their number before you arrive. Here are the emergency contact numbers for the most common nationalities:
| Country | Embassy in Beijing | 24/7 Emergency Hotline |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 010-8531-3000 | 010-8531-4000 (after hours) |
| UK | 010-8529-6600 | 010-8529-6600 (ask for duty officer) |
| Canada | 010-5139-4000 | 010-5139-4244 (emergency) |
| Australia | 010-5140-4111 | 010-5140-4111 (ask for consular) |
| Germany | 010-8532-9000 | 010-8532-9200 (emergency) |
| France | 010-8531-2000 | 010-8531-2000 (duty officer) |
For other countries, visit your government's travel advisory site and save the local number. Important: Embassies cannot give you money or get you out of jail, but they can help with lost documents, contact family, and provide a list of local lawyers.
Language Barrier: How to Make the Call
Even if you dial 110, a dispatcher may not speak English. Here's my tried-and-tested method:
- Use a translation app first: Open Baidu Translate or Apple Translate, type your emergency in English, and show the Chinese text to someone nearby. Ask them to call for you.
- Prepare a “cheat sheet”: Write down in Chinese: “I need help. Please call police/ambulance/fire. My location is [show address in Chinese].” Carry it in your pocket.
- Use WeChat mini-programs: Some cities have “110 Alipay” or “WeChat 110” where you can report an incident with GPS location. But these are in Chinese—ask your hotel concierge to help you set it up.
- Send your location: If you can access WeChat, share your real-time location with a friend or hotel staff.
FAQ – Real Questions from Tourists
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. Numbers accurate as of latest verification. Always check with your embassy before travel.
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