Xi'an

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Emergency Contacts

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Emergency Contacts in Xi’an, China

1. General Emergency Numbers

China has a unified emergency number system, and the following numbers are applicable in Xi’an:

  • Police (Public Security Bureau): 110

    • Purpose: For reporting crimes, theft, or any situation requiring police assistance.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Procedure: Dial 110 from any phone (landline or mobile). Operators may not always speak English, so it’s advisable to have a Chinese-speaking person assist you if possible. Alternatively, use translation apps to communicate basic information.
    • Local Tip: If you are in a tourist area, police officers are often stationed nearby and may have basic English skills. Look for officers in uniform or visit the nearest police station.

  • Fire Department: 119

    • Purpose: For reporting fires or fire-related emergencies.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Procedure: Dial 119 and provide the location of the fire. Be prepared to describe the situation clearly. English-speaking operators may not be available, so having a local assist you is helpful.

  • Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 120

    • Purpose: For medical emergencies requiring an ambulance or immediate medical attention.
    • Cost: Ambulance services are not free. Costs vary depending on the distance and hospital, but expect to pay around ¥50-¥200 (USD 7-30) for ambulance transport. Payment is usually required upon arrival at the hospital.
    • Procedure: Dial 120 and provide your location and the nature of the medical emergency. If you cannot speak Chinese, try to communicate using basic phrases or apps.
    • Local Tip: Ambulances in China are not as fast as in some Western countries. If the situation is critical and you are near a hospital, taking a taxi may be faster.

  • Traffic Accidents: 122

    • Purpose: For reporting traffic accidents or road-related emergencies.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Procedure: Dial 122 and provide details of the accident. Police will arrive to assess the situation and mediate disputes if necessary.
    • Local Tip: If you are involved in a minor accident, it is common to resolve the issue on-site without involving the police. However, for significant accidents, always call 122.

2. Foreign Embassy and Consulate Contacts

If you are a foreign national, your embassy or consulate can provide assistance in emergencies such as lost passports, legal issues, or medical crises. Below are some key embassies and consulates serving Xi’an:

  • United States Consulate (Beijing - covers Xi’an):

    • Phone: +86 10 8531 4000 (24-hour emergency line)
    • Website: https://china.usembassy.gov
    • Local Tip: The U.S. does not have a consulate in Xi’an, so you may need to contact the Beijing office for assistance.

  • United Kingdom Embassy (Beijing - covers Xi’an):

  • Canadian Embassy (Beijing - covers Xi’an):

  • Australian Embassy (Beijing - covers Xi’an):

  • Other Embassies: If your country is not listed, check the official website of your embassy in China for emergency contact details.

3. Hospitals in Xi’an with English-Speaking Staff

In case of a medical emergency, you may need to visit a hospital. Below are some hospitals in Xi’an that are known to have English-speaking staff or cater to foreigners:

  • Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital

    • Address: No. 777, Xitai Road, High-Tech Zone, Xi’an
    • Phone: +86 29 8955 9999
    • Local Tip: This hospital is modern and caters to international patients. Be prepared to pay upfront for services.

  • Xi’an Gaoxin Hospital

    • Address: No. 16, Tuanjie South Road, High-Tech Zone, Xi’an
    • Phone: +86 29 8833 9999
    • Local Tip: This hospital has a VIP section for foreigners, but costs are higher than public hospitals.

  • Xi’an Red Cross Hospital

    • Address: No. 76, Youyi West Road, Beilin District, Xi’an
    • Phone: +86 29 8780 0000
    • Local Tip: This is a public hospital, so it may be crowded. Bring a Chinese-speaking friend or translator app to navigate the system.

4. Additional Emergency Services

  • Tourist Assistance Hotline: 12301

    • Purpose: For assistance with travel-related issues, including lost items, scams, or general tourist inquiries.
    • Cost: Free of charge.
    • Language: English-speaking operators are available.
    • Local Tip: This hotline is especially useful for tourists who encounter issues at attractions or with local vendors.

  • Xi’an Foreign Affairs Office:

    • Phone: +86 29 8678 9111
    • Purpose: For assistance with legal or administrative issues involving foreign nationals.
    • Local Tip: This office can help mediate disputes or provide guidance on local laws.

Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Language Barrier:
    Most emergency operators and responders in Xi’an speak only Mandarin. It’s highly recommended to:

    • Learn basic emergency phrases in Mandarin.
    • Use a translation app like Google Translate or Pleco.
    • Carry a card with your address written in Chinese characters.

  2. WeChat for Communication:
    WeChat is widely used in China and can be a helpful tool for contacting locals or sharing your location in emergencies. Download and set up the app before your trip.

  3. Payment for Services:

    • Medical services, including ambulances, require payment upfront or upon arrival. Carry cash or a Chinese payment app like Alipay or WeChat Pay.
    • Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical costs.

  4. Cultural Sensitivity:

    • Remain calm and polite when dealing with emergency responders. Raising your voice or showing frustration may not be well-received.
    • If you are unsure about procedures, ask locals for help. Many people in Xi’an are friendly and willing to assist.

  5. SIM Card and Phone Access:
    Ensure your phone has a local SIM card or international roaming enabled to make emergency calls. SIM cards are available at major airports and telecom stores in Xi’an.

By keeping this information handy, you’ll be well-prepared to handle emergencies in Xi’an. Safe travels!