Is China Safe? Emergency Numbers & Traveler Tips
China is safe for tourists, but know the emergency numbers, how to replace a lost passport, where to find English-speaking hospitals, and which scams to ignore.
Emergency numbers
- 110 — Police
- 120 — Ambulance / medical emergency
- 119 — Fire
- 12345 — Non-emergency government hotline (multilingual in big cities)
Save your embassy/consulate contact before you travel. Find it via your government’s travel advisory site.
Lost or stolen passport
- Go to the nearest police station and get a loss report.
- Contact your embassy/consulate for a replacement travel document.
- Keep a photo/copy of your passport and visa in your phone and email — it speeds everything up.
- Hotels will need a document to keep your room registered, so tell the front desk what happened (Hotels & Stays →).
Health & pharmacy
- Pharmacies are everywhere; common medicines (cold, stomach, allergy) are available OTC. Bring the generic name in writing — brand names differ.
- For illness, hospitals have an “International/English service” desk in big cities. Public hospitals are cheap but busy; private/international clinics are faster and English-friendly (cost more).
- Tap water is not for drinking — drink bottled or boiled water.
- Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
- Bring enough of any prescription medicine in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
Common scams (low risk, but know them)
- Tea ceremony / art student invitations to overpriced venues — politely decline.
- Counterfeit money — rare; check change.
- Fake “official” guides at attractions — book through your hotel or a reputable app.
- Unmetered taxi offers outside stations and airports — ignore touts, join the official rank, or order a car in DiDi where the fare is fixed in advance (Transport & Trains →).
General safety
China is very safe for tourists — low violent crime, good public order. Usual travel sense applies: watch bags in crowds, don’t flaunt cash, and keep copies of documents. Women and solo travelers generally report feeling safe, especially in cities.
Frequently asked questions
Is China safe for tourists?
Yes. Violent crime is rare and cities feel secure even late at night. Normal care with bags in crowds is usually enough.
What is the emergency number in China?
Dial 110 for police, 120 for an ambulance and 119 for fire. The 12345 hotline handles non-emergencies and often has English support.
Can I drink the tap water in China?
No. Drink bottled or boiled water. Hotel rooms have kettles and most stations have free hot-water taps.
What do I do if I lose my passport in China?
Get a loss report from the nearest police station, then contact your embassy for an emergency travel document.
Do hospitals in China speak English?
Large city hospitals have international desks and private clinics are the most English-friendly, though they cost considerably more.
Last updated: 2026-08