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Safety in China: common scams and emergency numbers
Updated 9 November 2026
China has very low rates of violent crime, and cities are busy and well-lit late into the night. The real risks for visitors are a handful of well-known scams, traffic, and getting lost without data.
Emergency numbers
| Number | For |
|---|---|
| 110 | Police |
| 120 | Ambulance |
| 119 | Fire |
| 122 | Traffic accidents |
| 12345 | City government hotline (non-emergency); English support in many big cities |
Save your embassy's emergency number in your phone before you go.
Scams to know
The tea house / bar invitation
Friendly "students" or "tourists" around famous sights (Wangfujing, the Bund, Nanjing Road) invite you for tea or a drink, then you're handed a huge bill. Politely decline invitations from strangers to specific venues.
Unlicensed taxis
At airports and stations, ignore drivers who approach you. Use the official taxi rank or DiDi. Licensed taxis use the meter.
"Art student" galleries
Students invite you to their exhibition and pressure you into buying overpriced prints. Just walk on.
Fake tickets and tours
Buy tickets for attractions on official channels or reputable platforms — many sights require advance online booking with your passport anyway.
Health
- Big cities have international clinics and hospitals with English-speaking staff; public hospitals expect payment up front.
- Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended.
- Drink bottled or boiled water — hotels provide kettles and bottled water.
- Pharmacies (药房) are everywhere; bring prescription medicine from home in original packaging.
If you lose your passport
- Report it at the nearest police station and get a loss report.
- Contact your embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document.
- Take the report and new document to the local exit-entry administration to get an exit permit before you leave.
FAQ
Is China safe for solo female travellers?
China is generally considered very safe for solo travellers, including women, with low violent crime and busy streets late into the evening. Usual precautions apply.
What is the emergency number in China?
Police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119, traffic accidents 122.