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Emergency Phone Numbers in China for Foreign Tourists

January 10, 2024
Emergency Safety Health Police Medical Tourism Contacts
Emergency Phone Numbers in China for Foreign Tourists

When traveling in China, it’s crucial to know the emergency phone numbers and how to reach out for help in case of unexpected situations. Here’s a guide to help you stay safe.

Key Emergency Phone Numbers in China

These numbers are standard nationwide:

110 - Police Emergency

  • When to Call: Crimes (theft, assault), accidents, dangerous situations, needing immediate police assistance.
  • Response: Police will be dispatched to your location.

120 - Medical Emergency / Ambulance

  • When to Call: Sudden illness, serious injury, any situation requiring urgent medical attention or an ambulance.
  • Response: Trained medical professionals and ambulance dispatched.

119 - Fire and Rescue

  • When to Call: Reporting fires, gas leaks, situations requiring rescue services.
  • Response: Firefighters and rescue teams dispatched with necessary equipment.

How to Dial Emergency Numbers

Using a Chinese SIM Card

  • Method: Simply dial the three-digit number (110, 120, or 119) directly from your phone.
  • Cost: Emergency calls are typically free.

Using a Foreign SIM Card (International Roaming)

  • Method 1 (Standard): Dial China’s country code (+86) followed by the emergency number. For example:
    • Police: +86110
    • Medical: +86120
    • Fire: +86119
    • (Note: Some phones add + when you long-press 0)
  • Method 2 (Try Direct): Sometimes dialing the 3-digit number directly might work even on a foreign SIM, especially if your phone supports emergency calls without full network registration.
  • Requirements: Ensure your roaming plan is active and allows calls within China. Check with your home carrier before your trip.
  • No SIM Card: Most modern phones can make emergency calls even without an active SIM card, as long as there is any available network signal.

Important Tip: When calling, stay calm. Clearly state your exact location (street name, nearby landmark, hotel name) and the nature of the emergency. If language is a barrier, try to get help from a local speaker (e.g., hotel staff) if possible, although operators in major cities may have some English capability.

Other Important Numbers

  • Directory Assistance: 114 (Can sometimes help find other numbers, often in Chinese).
  • Your Embassy/Consulate: Keep the contact information for your country’s embassy or nearest consulate handy for non-immediate emergencies like lost passports.

It’s a good idea to save these numbers in your phone before your trip.