Emergency Phone Numbers in China and Usage Guide

It is crucial to understand emergency contact information while traveling in China. Below are the key emergency phone numbers you need to know along with their detailed explanations:

1. General Emergency Numbers

• Police: 110
• Purpose: Use in case of theft, robbery, personal safety threats, disputes, or other criminal/public security cases.
• Language Support: Some cities offer English services (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou), but it’s recommended to use simple Chinese phrases like “Hello! Police! Help!” or ask people around you for translation assistance.

• Usage Tips: Stay calm and clearly state your location (such as street name or landmark) and the nature of the incident, as well as whether you need translation.

• Medical Emergency: 120

• Purpose: Use for sudden illnesses, serious injuries, accidents, or any situation requiring immediate medical assistance.
• Language Support: Large cities may offer English services; it’s advisable to prepare keywords using translation apps (e.g., “heart attack,” “broken leg”).

• Usage Tips: Accurately describe symptoms, patient age, and location. Ambulances usually require payment (keep invoices for insurance reimbursement).

• Fire Department: 119

• Purpose: Use for fires, gas leaks, or situations where people are trapped.
• Language Support: Generally in Chinese, but repeating keywords like “Fire! Help!” can help.

• Usage Tips: Prioritize evacuation in case of fire, then call and wait in a safe area for rescue.

• Traffic Accident Reporting: 122

• Purpose: Use for vehicle collisions, traffic jams, drunk driving reports, or other road-related issues.
• Language Support: Mainly in Chinese, so translation or local assistance might be needed.

2. Foreign Affairs Emergency Services

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline: 12308
• Purpose: For consular protection of Chinese citizens abroad (e.g., lost passport, arrest).
• Language Support: 24-hour bilingual (Chinese/English) service.
• How to Use: Dial 010-12308 domestically or +86-10-12308 or +86-10-59913991 internationally.
• Tip: If foreign tourists encounter language barriers or complex problems, they can contact their embassy or consulate in China (it’s recommended to save these contacts in advance).

3. Other Useful Public Service Numbers

• Consumer Complaints: 12315
• Purpose: Shopping disputes, price fraud, quality of service issues.
• Electricity Repair: 95598
• Purpose: Power outages, electrical faults.
• Weather Forecast: 12121
• Purpose: Local weather inquiries (Chinese service).

4. Precautions When Using Emergency Numbers

1. Free Calls: All emergency numbers can be dialed for free, even if your mobile phone is out of credit or without a SIM card.
2. Location Information: In some areas of China, fixed telephone positioning systems are still used. When using a mobile phone, you should actively provide detailed addresses (e.g., hotel name, nearby landmarks).
3. Do Not Abuse Non-Emergency Lines: Misuse or abuse could result in legal liability.
4. Translation Assistance: If there is a language barrier, try using translation apps or seek help from hotel receptionists or tour guides.

5. Additional Preparations for Travel Safety

• Save emergency numbers in your mobile phone contacts and carry them on paper notes.
• Download offline translation apps in advance (such as Google Translate, Tencent Translation).
• Upon checking into a hotel, ask the front desk for information about nearby hospitals and police stations.