Right off the bat, save these crucial numbers in your phone before landing in China:

  • Police: Dial 110. Use this for theft, assault, getting lost, or needing urgent police help anywhere in China.
  • Medical Emergencies: Dial 120 for an ambulance or critical medical assistance.
  • Fire Department: Dial 119 for fire emergencies or situations needing rescue services.
  • Traffic Accidents: Dial 122 specifically for reporting road accidents and getting traffic police assistance.

Remember, 911 or 112 (common in Europe) may not work reliably here. Programming these four numbers into your phone is your absolute first step for safety. But knowing the numbers is just the beginning; being prepared to use them effectively is key, especially with potential language barriers.

Stuck in Beijing: How Can I Communicate During an Emergency?

Even in major cities like Beijing, language can be a huge hurdle in a crisis. Saving the numbers isn’t enough. If you need to call 110 or 120, be prepared to communicate basic information slowly and clearly:

  1. State the Emergency: Start with the key word: “Police!” for 110, “Ambulance!” for 120, “Fire!” for 119.
  2. Your Location: This is CRITICAL. Give major landmarks (“near Forbidden City,” “outside Beijing South Railway Station”), your hotel name, or ideally, the exact address if you know it. Use apps like Amap or Baidu Maps to find your location in Chinese.
  3. Your Name & Nationality: “My name is [Your Name]. I am [Your Nationality].”
  4. Nature of Problem (Briefly): “My passport stolen.” “My friend fell, broken leg.” “Car accident.” Consider downloading an offline translation app (like Pleco or Google Translate offline packs) specifically for emergency phrases. Deep China Travel guides can also assist with local communication if you’re on a tour.

Visiting Shanghai: What About My Travel Insurance?

Saving 120 for a medical emergency in Shanghai is vital, but what happens next? Your travel insurance is your financial safety net:

  1. Carry Details: Have your insurance company name, policy number, and their 24⁄7 emergency assistance hotline printed and saved digitally.
  2. Call Them ASAP: Contact your insurer immediately after calling 120 or before major treatment (if possible). They often need to authorize treatment or direct you to specific hospitals.
  3. Get Documentation: Request detailed receipts and medical reports (in Chinese and English if possible) from the hospital for your insurance claim. Payment upfront might be needed – keep receipts!
  4. Know Coverage: Understand what your policy covers before you travel – emergencies, pre-existing conditions, evacuation? Deep China Travel recommends comprehensive coverage for peace of mind.

Lost Passport in Xi’an: What Should I Do?

Losing your passport in Xi’an (or anywhere!) is stressful. Here’s your action plan beyond saving 110:

  1. Report to Local Police: Go to the nearest police station immediately to file a report. This is mandatory for getting a replacement passport/visa. Bring any ID copy you have.
  2. Contact Your Embassy/Consulate: Find your country’s nearest embassy/consulate (usually Beijing, Shanghai,