Save this page before you need it — not after. Here’s exactly who to call, when to call them, and what to say.
If something goes wrong
110 POLICE
Crime, immediate danger, theft, robbery, or anyone threatening your safety.
120 AMBULANCE
Medical emergencies — call to get a paramedic team and ambulance dispatched.
119 FIRE
Fires, explosions, gas leaks, or hazardous chemical spills.
122 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
Car accidents and other road incidents.
Only remember one number? Make it 110.Most Chinese cities have merged their emergency lines, so calling 110 will often connect you to fire and traffic services too. Emergency calls also go through even without a local SIM card or an active plan — any signal at all is enough.
For everyday things
12367 MOST USEFUL
NATIONAL IMMIGRATION HOTLINE
Visas, residence permits, and entry/exit questions. Bilingual (Chinese/English), staffed 24/7 — the single most useful number for any foreigner living in China.
12345
GOVERNMENT SERVICES
Local, non-urgent issues — noisy neighbors, municipal services. Big cities often have English-speaking staff or can transfer you.
12315
CONSUMER RIGHTS
Fake products, being overcharged, or refund disputes with a business.
12301
NATIONAL TOURISM HOTLINE
Problems with tour operators, attractions, or travel agencies.
114
DIRECTORY INQUIRIES
Look up the phone number of a local business or organization.
What to say when you call
1. Ask for English immediately:The moment the call connects, say “English, please” or “I need an English interpreter.” Most major hotlines — including 110 and 12367 — can patch in a three-way interpreter.
2. Give your location clearly: State a street name, a landmark, or a hotel name — not just a neighborhood. Outdoors, open your maps app and read out your coordinates, or screenshot your location if you’re texting instead of calling.
3. Can’t talk? Text 12110: If it isn’t safe to speak out loud, send an SMS to 12110 with your city’s area code attached — for example 1211010 in Beijing.
One number we can’t put on this list: your embassy.It’s different for every nationality. Look up your country’s embassy or consulate in China before you travel, and save it next to this page. 12367 is for immigration matters — it can’t replace your embassy if you lose your passport or need consular help.
