Emergency and Safety for Foreign Visitors

What are the emergency phone numbers in China?

Service	Number	Notes
Police	110	Nationwide; report crimes, request help
Ambulance	120	Nationwide; Chinese-speaking operators — see Health & Medical
Fire	119	Nationwide
Traffic accident	122	Road incidents; police then attend
Government services hotline	12345	Complaints, non-emergency assistance; operated by local governments; English support varies by city
MFA Emergency Hotline	12308	Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24/7 line for foreigners in emergencies (lost passport, arrest, natural disaster); Mandarin and English; can refer to other languages

Practical tips when calling:

• Speak slowly and clearly. Operators at 110 and 120 typically speak Chinese only — use a translation app or ask a bystander to call for you.
• State your location first — give the address in Chinese if possible. Photograph your hotel’s address card (in Chinese) before going out each day.
• For 120 (ambulance), also see the Language and Hospital sections in Health & Medical for further detail on medical emergencies.

How safe is China for tourists?

China is one of the safer countries in the world for physical crime by global standards. Violent crime against tourists is rare.

Petty theft does occur in crowded tourist areas, subway systems, markets, and on overnight trains. Standard precautions apply: use a bag that closes, keep your phone in a front pocket, and watch your belongings on long train journeys. Compared with major European tourist destinations, petty theft is less prevalent, but not absent (source: chinasurvivalkit.com; UK FCDO travel advice).

Cameras and surveillance: China has an extensive CCTV network in public spaces. This is not a safety threat to tourists but it does mean public behaviour — particularly anything that could be construed as a protest or politically sensitive activity — is monitored. This is a behavioural expectation to be aware of, not a reason to avoid travel.

Passport carry requirement: Chinese law requires foreigners aged 16 and above to carry their original passport (or a valid foreign residence permit) at all times and to present it on request by public security authorities. Police do not legally accept printed copies as a substitute, though some officers may accept a clear photo during a routine check — carry the original when practical. Not producing your passport can result in being escorted to retrieve it, a fine, or, in worst cases, detention while identity is confirmed (source: chinasurvivalkit.com; chinaservicesinfo.com). Keep a separate photocopy or phone photo of your passport data page and visa as backup.

Solo female travelers: generally very safe. You can move around urban areas, including late at night, with minimal worry. Standard big-city precautions (well-lit streets, booked transport) are adequate. Traveler reports confirm walking alone in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Guilin at all hours without incident — the most common annoyance cited is aggressive street vendors rather than any personal safety threat (source: chinasurvivalkit.com; scenerytrip.com; realchinaguide.com). The UK FCDO (updated May 2026) notes that while serious crime against foreigners is rare, ‘women travelling alone or with female friends could be at slightly higher risk’ of drink spiking. Standard precautions: avoid unmarked taxis, don’t leave drinks unattended, and share your itinerary with someone.

Hostel safety: Hostels with ratings of 8.5+ on Trip.com or Hostelworld are generally safe. Lockers are provided for valuables. Most travelers report no safety issues. Choose well-reviewed hostels and use the provided locker (source: realchinaguide.com).

LGBTQ+ travelers: same-sex relationships are not criminalised in China. Public displays of affection draw attention and are generally discouraged — this applies to same-sex and opposite-sex couples alike in Chinese cultural norms. Major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu in particular) have established queer scenes and are more tolerant. Rural areas are more conservative. There is no legal framework for same-sex partnerships. Homophobic violence is rare. Exercise the same discretion you would in any socially conservative urban environment (source: intrepidtravel.com; wildchina.com).

What are the most common scams in China?

China’s scams are well-documented and almost entirely predictable. Knowing them in advance is the best defence.

Tea Ceremony / Teahouse Scam

How it works: A friendly English-speaking “student” (often a young woman) approaches you near a major tourist site and starts a conversation. They invite you to join them for a “traditional tea ceremony” at a nearby teahouse. Once inside, you share tea and snacks. When the bill arrives, it is enormous — commonly ¥500 to ¥5,000, and documented cases run as high as ¥30,000. When you refuse to pay, staff become aggressive or block the exit. In some cases, the venue is fake and staged.

Where it happens: Wangfujing and Tiananmen area in Beijing; Nanjing Road and the Bund in Shanghai; major tourist sites nationwide.

How to avoid: Decline all unsolicited invitations to tea, coffee, art galleries, or cultural events from strangers near tourist sites. If you want tea, go to a venue you chose yourself. This scam has been documented continuously since the late 1990s and shows no sign of stopping (source: chinaoffbeat.com; theroamingrenegades.com).

If you’ve paid: Contact 110. The police in major tourist districts know this scam well. File a report — some victims have recovered money, or at least ensured the venue faces scrutiny.

Art Student Scam

How it works: A “student” tells you there is a special art exhibition nearby showcasing their final-year work. Inside, you are shown paintings, calligraphy, or silk art and subjected to heavy pressure to buy. The art is mass-produced; pieces sold for ¥300–¥2,000 are worth a fraction of that (source: chinaoffbeat.com; chinadiscovery.com).

How to avoid: Same response as tea ceremony: decline unsolicited street invitations. Real art exhibitions do not need to be hawked on tourist streets.

Fake Taxi / Black Car (黑车)

How it works: Unlicensed “black cars” (黑车, hēi chē) wait outside airports, rail stations, and major tourist attractions. Drivers approach you offering rides. They may rig the meter, charge a preset inflated price, misrepresent rates (e.g., quote a per-person price that sounded per-journey), or in worst cases drive off with luggage still in the boot to coerce payment.

How to avoid: Always use DiDi (see DiDi) or join the official taxi queue at the designated rank. At airports, follow the “Taxi” or “出租车” signs to the official rank inside the terminal — do not accept rides offered before you reach the rank. DiDi shows you the route, driver details, and calculated fare before you board.

Pudong airport note (2025): Overcharging by drivers at the official queue at PVG has also been documented — if a driver quotes a fixed price rather than using the meter, decline and take the next cab.

Restaurant Overcharging

How it works: Restaurants near major tourist sites (particularly around the Forbidden City, West Lake, Zhangjiajie, etc.) display attractive menus outside but serve at inflated prices, add undisclosed “service fees,” or charge for items you did not order.

How to avoid: Always look at the menu and confirm prices before sitting down. Check the bill item by item before paying. Take a photo of the menu for reference. If the bill is significantly wrong, stay calm, dispute politely, and involve 110 if the dispute is serious and no resolution is reached.

Counterfeit Money in Change

How it works: When vendors give change for a large note, they may include a fake ¥50 or ¥100 note. Fake notes circulate at markets and informal vendors.

How to avoid: Check large bills when you receive them. Genuine notes have a raised feel, a watermark visible when held to the light, and a colour-shifting security strip. When in doubt, pay with mobile (Alipay/WeChat Pay) rather than cash — there is no counterfeit risk in digital transactions.

Unofficial Guides / Park Gate Touts

How it works: Unofficial “guides” approach tourists at the entrance to parks, scenic areas, and historical sites offering tours at negotiated prices. They lack credentials, may provide inaccurate information, lead you to commission-paying shops, or demand higher fees than agreed once the tour is underway.

How to avoid: Book guides through official channels (the ticket office, your hotel, or licensed platforms like Klook/GetYourGuide). Legitimate guides at major sites have visible ID badges issued by the local tourism bureau.

(Source: realchinaguide.com)

General Scam-Avoidance Rules

• Firm “no” and walk away — do not engage. Engaging gives scammers an opening to escalate.
• No one is giving you something for free near a tourist site. If a stranger’s offer seems unusually generous, it is.
• If you’ve paid and been defrauded: call 110. Keep any receipts, messaging, or photos as evidence.
• Reduce cash exposure: Keep most cash in your hotel safe; carry only ~100 yuan daily for incidentals. Use Alipay/WeChat Pay for all other transactions — digital payments eliminate counterfeit risk and make overcharging easier to dispute (source: realchinaguide.com).

How common is crime against tourists in China?

Violent crime against tourists in China is virtually zero risk. China consistently ranks among the safest countries globally for physical crime against visitors. The primary risks are financial (scams, overcharging) rather than physical. City-by-city context (source: realchinaguide.com):

City	Safety Level	Notes
Shanghai	Extremely safe	Very low violent crime; one of the safest major cities in the world
Beijing	Very safe	Low crime rates; main concerns are scams and pollution
Shenzhen	Very safe	Modern with excellent infrastructure
Hangzhou	Extremely safe	Well-organized for tourists
Chengdu	Very safe	Locals famously friendly and laid-back
Xi’an	Very safe	Well-established tourism infrastructure
Guangzhou	Generally safe	Standard large-city precautions apply
Chongqing	Generally safe	Complex terrain can be disorienting
Suzhou / Xiamen / Nanjing	Extremely safe	Tourist-friendly
Kunming / Dali / Yangshuo	Very safe	Backpacker/expat communities established

Petty crime (pickpocketing) is concentrated in crowded tourist markets and transit hubs — not residential or business districts.

Is China safe at night?

Walking at night in Chinese cities is generally safe for foreign travelers. Key points:

• Metro systems are well-lit with security staff at stations and busy until closing time (typically 22:30–23:30 depending on city and line). Beijing Metro safe until closing at 23:30.
• After metro closes, use DiDi (ride-hailing) for late-night travel rather than flagging street taxis.
• Well-lit commercial and residential areas are safe to walk at night. Travelers consistently report feeling safer walking at night in Chinese cities than in comparable Western cities.
• Areas to exercise standard caution at night: poorly lit construction zones, isolated parks after closing, areas around train stations late at night (touts, not violence).

(Source: realchinaguide.com; chinasurvivalkit.com)

How much surveillance and police presence is there in China?

China has one of the world’s most extensive public surveillance networks. Practical implications for tourists:

• CCTV is ubiquitous in public spaces — streets, transport, tourist sites, malls. This contributes to low street crime but means all public behaviour is recorded.
• Xinjiang region (Urumqi, Kashgar, Turpan) has noticeably heavier security: frequent checkpoints, ID checks, bag scans at public venues. Tourists are not targeted but should carry passport at all times and allow extra time for security procedures.
• Police presence at tourist sites is generally helpful rather than intimidating. Officers at major sites often have basic English or access to translation.
• PSB registration is mandatory within 24 hours of arrival at any location. Hotels handle this automatically. Private stays (Airbnb, friends) require a visit to the local police station (派出所) — your host should accompany you. Keep the registration form; police may ask for it during routine checks.
• Routine police checks: Foreigners may be asked to show their passport, particularly in Xinjiang, Tibet, or during major political events. Comply calmly — these are administrative, not accusatory.

(Source: realchinaguide.com; chinasurvivalkit.com; UK FCDO)

What do I do if my passport is lost or stolen in China?

Act immediately — do not wait.

Step 1: File a Police Report

Go to the nearest police station (派出所, pàichūsuǒ) or call 110 to report the loss. You will receive a Receipt of Report (报案回执). You need this for every subsequent step. In Beijing and Shanghai, some police stations in major tourist districts have English-speaking officers — call 110 first and ask to be directed.

Step 2: Get a Confirmation Certificate

Take the Receipt of Report to the Exit and Entry Administration (出入境管理局) of the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) and obtain an official Confirmation of Reporting the Loss of Passport. This certificate is valid for 30 days only — you must complete Steps 3 and 4 within that window or face a fine and potential detention for overstay.

Step 3: Contact Your Embassy or Consulate

Your embassy or consulate will issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) or a replacement passport. An ETD can typically be issued within 24 hours but is only valid for the specific travel purpose (usually returning home). Bring: the police report confirmation, copies of the lost passport (or any proof of identity), two recent passport-format photos.

Embassy emergency contacts (verify current numbers before travel at the official embassy website):

Country	Beijing main line	Emergency / after-hours	Official website
United States	+86-10-8531-4000	24/7 American Citizen Services: listed at china.usembassy-china.org.cn/services/emergency-contact/	china.usembassy-china.org.cn
United Kingdom	+86-10-5192-4000	Consular assistance: +86-10-8529-6600	gov.uk/world/china
Australia	+86-10-5140-4111	After-hours emergency: follow switchboard prompts; or +61-2-6261-3305 from outside China	china.embassy.gov.au
Canada	+86-10-5139-4000	After-hours: follow recorded prompts; or call collect +1-613-996-8885 (Emergency Operations Centre, 24/7)	china.gc.ca

Most major countries have consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and other cities in addition to the Beijing embassy. Check your government’s travel site for the full list of posts in China.

MFA hotline 12308 can also connect you with assistance if you cannot reach your embassy directly.

Step 4: Apply for a New Chinese Visa

Once you have a replacement travel document, apply for a new Chinese visa (or visa-free entry endorsement, if applicable) at the local PSB Exit and Entry Administration office before your authorized stay expires. This step is needed only if you plan to remain in China — if departing immediately on the ETD, coordinate with the PSB.

What natural hazards should I prepare for in China?

Typhoons

The south and east coast — Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan, Zhejiang, and Shanghai — are exposed to typhoon season, which runs from July through October, with August and September being peak months. Around seven tropical cyclones affect China’s eastern coastal areas annually (source: GFDRR). During a typhoon:

• Follow local government advisories and evacuation orders (distributed via mobile alert systems).
• Flights are frequently cancelled 12–24 hours before a typhoon makes landfall.
• Stay indoors; away from windows; avoid flood-prone ground-floor areas.
• Check your travel insurance policy for typhoon-related trip cancellation coverage.

Earthquakes

Earthquake-prone zones include Sichuan, Yunnan, Xinjiang, Gansu, and Tibet. These regions experience significant seismic activity. On arrival at your hotel in these areas, locate the emergency exits and the building’s designated assembly point. If an earthquake occurs: take cover under a solid table, away from windows; do not use elevators; exit calmly when shaking stops; move to open ground away from buildings.

Air Quality

Air quality varies significantly by city and season. Beijing and northern cities experience higher pollution in winter (heating season, temperature inversions). Southern cities can have pollution spikes year-round.

How to check:

• aqicn.org — accessible in China without a VPN; draws from official Chinese environmental monitoring data; covers all major cities with real-time PM2.5 readings.
• IQAir and Air Matters apps — also accessible without a VPN (confirmed in Health & Medical).

What the numbers mean:

AQI	PM2.5 (µg/m³)	Guidance
0–50	0–12	Good — no precautions needed
51–100	12–35	Moderate — sensitive groups take care
101–150	35–55	Unhealthy for sensitive groups — limit prolonged outdoor activity
151–200	55–150	Unhealthy — wear N95/KN95 mask for extended outdoor exposure
200+	150+	Very unhealthy / hazardous — minimise outdoor time; N95/KN95 essential

N95 and KN95 masks are widely available in Chinese pharmacies (大药房) and convenience stores.

China’s national average PM2.5 for 2025 was 29.6 µg/m³ (AQI ~87, “Moderate”) — but individual city readings vary widely from this average, and winter episodes in northern cities regularly push AQI above 150 (source: IQAir; China Research Center).

Do I need travel insurance for China?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for China. Chinese hospitals — including public hospitals — require upfront payment before treatment is provided. This applies to ambulance services too, which in some documented cases have required cash payment before transporting a patient. Without insurance, a serious injury or illness requiring medical evacuation can cost USD $250,000 or more (source: pacificprime.com).

Minimum recommended coverage:

Coverage type	Recommended minimum
Medical treatment	USD $100,000
Medical evacuation / repatriation	Unlimited or as high as possible
Emergency dental	Included
Trip cancellation / interruption	Sufficient to cover your non-refundable bookings

Key things to check in your policy:

• Does it cover pre-existing conditions? Many standard travel policies exclude them.
• Does it cover “high-risk” activities you plan to do — hiking, skiing, motorcycling, water sports?
• Is there direct billing to Chinese hospitals, or do you pay upfront and claim reimbursement? Most Chinese public hospitals do not accept direct insurer billing — budget for out-of-pocket payments and retain all receipts for reimbursement.
• Does it cover natural disasters (typhoon, earthquake) as a reason for trip cancellation?

Some international hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai have direct billing arrangements with major international insurers (AXA, Cigna, Allianz). Confirm with the hospital and your insurer before any non-emergency visit. For full hospital detail, see Health & Medical.

Budget Insurance Providers

Budget-friendly travel insurance options reported by travelers include World Nomads and SafetyWing, with approximate costs of $50-80 for a 2-week trip covering medical emergencies and trip interruption. Verify coverage details, exclusions, and current pricing directly with the provider before purchasing. (Source: realchinaguide.com 2026.)

See Also

• Health & Medical — Emergency numbers (ambulance/fire), hospital grades, payment, medicines, and medical emergency detail
• Accommodation — Hotel check-in requirements, residence registration
• Mobile Payment — Alipay / WeChat Pay (reduces counterfeit-cash and overpayment risk)
• Shopping Tax Refund — Scam avoidance at markets, counterfeit goods risk