Medical Emergencies in China: Numbers, Costs and What to Do

The numbers

• 120 — medical ambulance (nationwide)
• 110 — police
• 119 — fire

Some cities have English-speaking lines, but not reliably — have a Chinese-speaking friend or your hotel front desk call if possible.

What to expect

Ambulances can be slow in traffic and may ask how you will pay. In serious situations, taking a taxi or DiDi to the nearest hospital's emergency entrance (急诊) can be faster. Public hospital ERs treat you first and settle payment shortly after.

Be prepared

• Save your hospital's address in Chinese characters for taxi drivers.
• Carry your passport, or a photo of it.
• Know your blood type and allergies in Chinese: 血型 (blood type), 过敏 (allergy).
• International hospitals in major cities run 24/7 English-language emergency lines — check your city's listings in this app.