Calling the Police

 

1. Notes for Calling the Police

1.1 Emergency Call

  • 1. If you face threats to personal safety, theft of property, traffic accidents, etc., please call 110 immediately.
  • 2. China's 110 emergency service is safe and reliable.
  • 3. 110 service desks in big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou provide English service.
  • 4. When calling the police, please explain the situation, your current location and specific help request.

 

1.2 Non-Emergency Situations

  • 1. For non-emergency matters, you can go to the nearest police station.
  • 2. Related matters include lost passport, non-emergency theft of property.
  • 3. Related matters also include policy consultation, business consultation, etc.
  • 4. Please use navigation software to go to the nearest police station.

 

1.3 Communication Etiquette & Document Requirements

  • 1. Please be polite when communicating with the police.
  • 2. Please explain the situation clearly and accurately.
  • 3. Please carry your original passport with you.
  • 4. The police need to verify your identity with your passport.

 

1.4 Language Communication Notes

  • 1. Please install a translation app in advance for easy communication.
  • 2. You can also ask the police for professional English translation service.
  • 3. In an emergency, you can ask a nearby Chinese person to help call the police.

 

1.5 Consular Assistance for Illegal Crimes

  • 1. If the case involves illegal crimes, you can contact your embassy in China.
  • 2. The embassy can provide consular protection services for you.
  • 3. The embassy can also recommend lawyers or translators for you.

 

1.6 Emergency Numbers

  • 1. For fire, please call fire number: 119.
  • 2. For security incidents, please call security number: 110.
  • 3. For traffic accidents, please call traffic number: 122.
  • 4. For sudden illness or first aid, please call first aid number: 120.
  • 5. For danger at sea, please call maritime rescue number: 12395.

 

1.7 Recommended Translation Apps

  • 1. Please download and test a translation app on your phone in advance.
  • 2. Please ensure the app can work normally at any time.
  • 3. Commonly used translation apps in China: Baidu Translate, Youdao Translate, Tencent Translate, Sogou Translate.
  • 4. Chinese AI apps also support translation: Doubao, DeepSeek, Qwen.

 

2. Simple Dialogs

2.1 Emergency Call
If you have a Chinese SIM card, you can directly call 110 and say:
Hello.
I need help.
I am a foreigner.
I need an English translator.
After the police connect the translation, you can continue communicating.
2.2 Ask a Nearby Chinese Person for Help
Hello.
Please help me call the police.
Open the translation app on your phone to assist communication.