Dealing With Emergencies in China

TOPGeneral Introduction

Taking a China tour can be a pleasant experience. However, in order to make your trip safer and more comfortable, it is essential to know about the ways to deal with emergencies in China. In the following, Chinatravel.com will brief you some special notes on dealing with unpredictable emergencies.

Before a China tour, make enough preparations and collect enough China travel information to avoid emergencies as much as possible. Click here to see China travel tips.

Besides, choosing a reliable tour operator is about very important, click here to see our recommendations on China’s top tour operators. On anything unexpected happens, your local travel advisor in China is the first person you can turn to. Assistance from your travel advisor can help you handle your trouble more easily.

In China, the Public Security Bureau (police) is responsible for public safety and orders. The emergency phone number is 110 (toll free, speaks both Chinese and English). Try to get help from 110 when you really feel helpless in China.

However, in case of you not being able to get assistance from your travel advisor, we also provide some hints on how to deal with emergencies with your own effort.

TOPLosing Luggage at the Airport

1. Look for the airline's baggage office or window, and report it there at once.
2. Give the window clerk your baggage stub and they will track your bag on the computer.
3. The clerk will ask you to fill in a claim form. Supply a way (like your hotel address and phone number) that can reach you over the next few days.
4. Keep a copy of the form.

TOPLosing Passport

1. Be sure to check if it is indeed lost before you report it. Once it’s reported lost, it is cancelled and no longer valid, and you’ll need a replacement. Please also note that offices handling such issues usually close on weekends and public holidays.
2. Ask your tour guide for assistance, and report the loss to the nearest Public Security Bureau, who will issue a certificate of loss for you.
3. Locate the nearest embassy or consulate of your own country and apply for a replacement passport in person. You’ll be required to complete a new passport application.
4. After the new passport is issued, go to the Public Security Bureau and apply for new visa.

>>Click here to see what Jiwonyim do when she lost her passport.

TOPLosing Credit Card

Please report the loss to your credit card issuer as quickly as possible, and follow your bank’s instructions.

TOPBeing Robbed or Stolen

If you lose something of value, please report immediately to the nearest police station or call 110 (toll free) for police. Notify your tour guide or tour leader for assistance. If you are in a hotel, please inform the hotel staff and ask them to call the police.

TOPGetting Lost

Please always take with you the contact details, such as your tour guide's phone number and your travel advisor’s phone number. With just a phone call, you can easily help you get your bearings. When you leave the hotel, please take a card of your hotel, then you can show it to the taxi driver when you need a ride.

TOPFalling Sick

If you feel minor discomforts, please relax, have a rest and drink some water. Eat more fruits and stay away from overly fatty foods. Take some medicine if you see necessary. If you suffer from a serious illness, please go to the hospital or call 120 (toll free) for an ambulance. Please remember to bring a copy of your medical records with you when you travel.

TOPMore Emergency Phone Numbers in China:

• Mainland China: 110 – Police;  119 – Fire;  120 - Ambulance (110 is generally used)
• Hong Kong & Macau : 999 -- Police/Fire/Ambulance