Save these numbers in your phone before you need them.
Emergency numbers
| Number | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 110 | Police | 24/7; ask for English service in big cities |
| 120 | Ambulance | Paid service — have insurance details ready |
| 119 | Fire | — |
| 122 | Traffic accidents | — |
| 12345 | Government hotline | Non-emergency help, has English in major cities |
| 12367 | Immigration services | Visa/entry questions |
| +86-10-12308 | MFA consular hotline | For citizens needing help abroad — your embassy is the equivalent for you |
How to call for help
- Dial the number from any phone (no SIM needed for 110/120/119)
- Speak slowly in English; in major cities operators connect English service
- If the language barrier blocks you: ask any bystander to help — Chinese people are genuinely quick to assist foreigners in trouble. Show this to someone: 请帮我叫警察/救护车 (please call police/ambulance for me)
What to say
State: what happened, where you are (show your phone's map), and your nationality. For medical issues, tell the hotel to call — front desks handle this routinely.
Before you travel
- Save your embassy's Beijing phone number (see Embassy guide)
- Register with your government's traveler program (e.g. US STEP)
- Keep your insurance's 24/7 assistance number in your phone and on paper
- Learn your blood type
The most common tourist emergencies are mundane: lost phones, food poisoning, scooter scrapes. Your hotel front desk is the single most useful problem-solver you have — use them.