No matter where you are or what you do, safety should always be number one. Though most foreigners would agree that China is a very safe country in comparison to many others, issues related to safety should never be taken for granted or merely pushed aside, even in the People’s Republic. Organised crime, theft and murder still exist in China and no foreigner is immune to its perilous effects. Do you know what numbers to dial in case of emergency in Beijing? Do you know how to report an accident, theft or medical emergency? How do you deal with assaults and violence in Beijing? If you are uncertain about any of these issues read on now.

Before we deal with more specific crimes and incidents lets go through the basics: In case of fire, gas leakage or any other problem requiring the assistance of the fire brigade dial 119. For first aid services dial 120 and to call the police dial 110. These are the three basic emergency numbers for mainland China. Unlike the West, there is no one number for all three so make sure you know each separate number. Keep a card with the number in your wallet if needs be and post them on your refrigerator. For a list of other useful telephone numbers in Beijing China click here.

Medical emergencies
Foreigners living Beijing have excellent medical options available in case of emergency. These cities have an abundance of Western-style medical facilities and English speaking staff. Moreover, many Chinese hospitals in the major cities have VIP wards with reasonably up-to-date technology and English speaking doctors and nurses. For a list of international hospitals in Beijing click here.

However, sadly this is not the case everywhere in China and there have even been reports of foreigners being denied proper medical treatment in the big cities. Always remember to take your credit card with you when going to hospital, as you may be required to pay a deposit before receiving medical care. Most hospitals in China do not accept American medical insurance so it is strongly advised to buy international medical insurance prior to your arrival. US citizens can also call the SOS International 24 Hour “Alarm Centre” in Beijing from anywhere in mainland China by dialing 010- 6462 9100. Foreign embassies usually provide good information and tips on where to go in case of medical emergencies. Click here for advice from the US Embassy and here for the British Embassy’s tips on what to do in an emergency. Embassies also provide support and guidance in cases of rape or serious assault so make sure you always carry your embassies contact details on you at all times.

Traffic Accidents
You’ve been involved in or witnessed a horrific accident: what do you do and who do you call? Unfortunately, road accidents are a common occurrence in China with an average of 300 people killed on Chinese roads everyday, thus making China the top country in the world for road deaths. The first step in any emergency is to remain calm. Only those with a clear head can make the right decisions at the right time. When in an accident, first rescue or assist any injured people, protect the accident scene and dial 112 for the police and 120 for first aid if needed. After the police arrive on the scene you must produce your ID and describe what happened. If there is a language barrier it is the police’s responsibility to seek out interpreters. Otherwise, call your embassy for advice. This process can be very time consuming and tedious and may take a few hours to resolve. You may only leave the scene when the police permit it. Remember, your foreign embassy provides support and guidance so never be afraid to turn to them when in need.

China is aware that serious improvements and harsher measures must be implemented in order to reduce China’s biggest killer. Shenzhen has begun leading the way with harsher penalties for running red lights and drunk driving. Though it is a start, Chinese roads still remain the most treacherous in the world.

Lost or Stolen Passport
If you lose your passport you must report the loss immediately to the local Public Security Bureau (police station). You can’t apply for a new visa without reporting it stolen and you must apply for a new visa if your original visa is lost or stolen. You will need a copy of this report so you need to go to the station to report it in person. This report must also be brought with you when you go to apply for a new passport. Then you will need to report the loss to the Entry and Exit Administration of the Public Security Bureau – this is the main office where visas are handled, it is not the same as the local PSB police station – the Beijing Entry and Exit Administration building is located at 2 Andingmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (公安局出入境管理处，东城区安定门东大街2号) and their phone number is 010-8402 0101 (there is English service once you wait through the introductory message). You will need to bring a photocopy of the lost passport with you to the Entry/Exit bureau along with your residence certificate and all the other documents you would normally need when applying for a visa.

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