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Staying safe in China

The numbers to know and the traps to skip.

Last checked July 2026

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China emergency numbers for tourists 2026Save these four numbers before you land.Jul 2026Common tourist scams in China & how to avoid them 2026Broadly low street crime — a handful of overcharge scams to watch for.Jul 2026Is tap water safe to drink in China?No — official guidance recommends bottled water only.Jul 2026Which hospitals take foreigners in China?Major hospitals in big cities generally have international wings — we won't guess specific names for you.Jul 2026Is public WiFi safe in China?Generally yes — the same caution as anywhere, plus one added stepJul 2026What do I do if I lose my passport in China?Report it to police, then contact your embassy — in that orderJul 2026Is China safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?Generally yes for visiting — a more reserved public environment than some destinationsJul 2026
Overview

A handful of numbers and habits cover most of what matters

Reassuring, practical, no fearmongering: know the emergency numbers, recognize the classic tourist-scam patterns (each has a simple counter), stick to bottled/boiled water, and know where to find English-speaking medical care if you need it.

Numbers, scams, water & hospitals

01

China emergency numbers

110, 119, 120, 122 — who answers what, and what to say when you call.

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02

Common tourist scams

Every classic trap has a simple counter.

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03

Is tap water safe to drink in China?

Official guidance says no — the bottled/boiled-water habit that makes it a non-issue.

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04

Which hospitals take foreigners in China?

International/VIP wings, official facility lists, and why we don't name unverified hospitals.

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Keep exploring YouChina Wiki

China travel insurance guideChina readiness checklistChina rules for visitorseSIM, SIM & Wi-Fi in ChinaAirport arrival guidesVisa-free entry rules

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