Official emergency numbers, step-by-step help for lost documents, altitude and health advice, and scam warnings — practical information you can rely on, with no sales pitch.
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We usually reply within 1–2 business days. In a genuine emergency, do not wait for us — call the free, round-the-clock official numbers below. They work from any Chinese phone, even without a Chinese SIM card.
These are China's official free emergency numbers, callable from any phone (even without a SIM card) at any time. Save these in your contacts now!
No mandatory vaccines for China. But bring all personal prescription meds in original packaging with English labels. Common OTC medications (paracetamol, ibuprofen, allergy pills, band-aids) are all available at local pharmacies (look for the green cross sign) — but bring a 10-day supply if you have a brand preference.
Go to the nearest police station — call 110 first if you need help finding one. Hotel front desks or a translation app can bridge the language gap. Ask for a stamped written report in Chinese: you will need it for the embassy replacement process and for any insurance claim.
Apply for an Emergency Travel Document or temporary passport. Check your embassy's website in advance for the address, opening hours and appointment rules — major embassies (US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Korea and others) all maintain pages on emergency assistance for their citizens in China.
A lost passport means a lost visa. With your new passport and the police report, visit the local PSB Exit & Entry administration office to transfer or re-obtain your visa or stay permit before your next train, flight or hotel check-in.
Consular fees, local transport and any extra hotel nights are the traveler's responsibility. Comprehensive travel insurance often reimburses part of these costs — keep every receipt and the official police report.
China is exceptionally safe for tourists. Violent crime against foreign visitors is extremely rare. Women traveling alone will not face any unusual safety concerns even at night. The real risks are almost always financial (scams) or medical (altitude sickness / food) — both of which basic preparation easily mitigates.