Essential China Phone Numbers: Emergency & Useful Contacts Guide

Written by Ivy Dong | Updated January 17,2026

It’s always important to know some useful and emergency numbers when traveling in other countries. These simple figures sometimes can have incredible power when you need to deal with unexpected circumstances. However, if you’re coming from a country where people only use one unified emergency number, you might feel a bit unaccustomed when you’re in China. While China has separate emergency contacts for police, fire and traffic accidents, you’ll have to remember more numbers to use in different situations.

This guide will show you the most essential phone numbers in China and also explain when and how to use each number. You can find information about practical hotlines for transport or those related to daily travel. All of them are especially useful for foreigners traveling to China.

Emergency Phone Numbers in China (Must-Know)

China does not use a single emergency number for all situations. Instead, different emergencies are handled by specialized services, each with its own dedicated number. All the emergency phone numbers below are free of charge and work nationwide.

Complete List of Emergency Numbers in China

How Emergency Calls Work in China

All emergency calls in China are free of charge, from both mobile phones and landlines. Different emergencies use different numbers, so calling the correct service is important.

• 110 – Police Emergency

Call 110 for all sorts of emergencies like theft, robbery, assault, scams in progress, or any immediate threat to personal safety. It is also the correct number for lost or stolen passports. This is the official police emergency number nationwide.

• 119 – Fire Department

Dial 119 for all the emergencies related to fires, including gas explosions, or when people are trapped due to fire or heavy smoke. This is not the number for medical emergencies.

• 120 – Ambulance / Medical Emergency

Use 120 for emergencies requiring urgent medical transport. But expects ambulance to response depends on traffic and location.

• 122 – Traffic Accidents

Call 122 for road accidents on vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians, especially when injuries occur or a traffic police report is required for insurance.

• 12395 – Maritime Search & Rescue

Dial 12395 for water-related emergencies, such as falling into rivers or the sea, boating accidents, or vessels in distress.

Calling Tips & Language Support

If you don’t speak Mandarin, you might face some troubles when calling these numbers, so the key is to keep the call simple, practical and as clear as possible.

• Locations is the priority. Tell the operator your city, district,street name (if possible), hotel name, or nearby landmark.
• Use basic English keywordssuch as: police, fire, ambulance, accident, injured. These are simple and most operators will get to know.
• For medical calls, describe the condition briefly and the number of people injured.
• Speak slowly and stay on the line unless told to hang up.
• If possible, asksomeone you can trust, such as hotel staff, tour guides, or locals to help communicate.

Related reading: Useful and Basic Mandarin Phrases Travelers to China Should Know

Essential Travel Hotlines & China Hotline Numbers

These hotlines are used for travel information, public inquiries, and complaints in China. They are not emergency numbers, but are useful for solving common travel-related issues.

List of Important Hotlines

Calling Tips

Here are tips on how to use these China hotline numbers more efficiently:

• Complaints (12315 & 12358)

Use 12315 for product quality problems and 12358 for pricing disputes. Be ready to explain where and when the purchase happened.

• General Information (114, 12580, 118114)

These numbers provide local service information, such as business phone numbers, transportation help, and basic inquiries. Service is mainly in Chinese.

• Transportation Hotlines (12306 & 950137)

12306 is essential for train travel, including ticket checks and schedule changes.

950137 covers civil aviation information, especially useful for flight delays or confirmations.

• Language Note

Most hotline services operate in Mandarin only. If you don’t speak Chinese, asking hotel staff or local assistance to help make the call is often the fastest solution.

Numbers of Major Banks in China

These bank hotlines are useful for card problems, account inquiries, and payment issues. Calls are generally free of charge within China.

Major Bank Customer Service Numbers

Tips for Foreign Travelers

• Bank of China is the most foreigner-friendly and more likely to provide English service.
• English support may be available only during specific hours, not 24/7.
• Prepare your passport number and bank card details before calling.
• If language is a problem, visit a branch in person or ask hotel staff for help.

Major Airport Contact Numbers

Numbers for Telecom & Internet Support

Before calling, confirm which mobile or internet service provider you are using. Most SIM cards and home broadband services in China belong to one of the three operators below.

Major Telecom Operators in China

English-Speaking Delivery Services in China

China’s major courier companies offer customer service hotlines for package tracking, pickup requests, and delivery issues. Most services operate mainly in Chinese, but some provide limited English support, especially in large cities.

Major Courier & Logistics Companies

When to Call These Delivery Hotlines

You can call courier service numbers to:

• Track a package using your tracking number
• Arrange door-to-door pickup, especially for SF Express and EMS
• Report delayed, lost, or damaged deliveries
• Confirm delivery time or address details
• For international shipping or time-sensitive documents, SF Express and China Post EMS are generally the most reliable options for foreigners.

Travel with China Xian Tour for a Smooth China Trip

China is a treasured land with so many interesting and exciting things to explore. However, no mater where you want to go, travel through such a vast country will definitely need a proper preparation and a smooth arrangement, and China Xian Tour is here ready to take care of all these details for you. With over a decade of experience, we can provide you with the best travel services including customized itineraries and private transfer in all destinations. So contact us now and expect a perfect China tour with us.