China

Petty crime

Petty crime occurs, including:

• pickpocketing
• bag-snatching
• theft of laptops, passports and mobile phones

If you resist, you can be injured if criminals turn violent.

Criminals target travellers in crowded areas, including on transport.

People have reported assaults and robberies, particularly in areas popular with expats. This includes bar and shopping precincts of major cities.

Scams

There are Scams that target travellers.

Scammers invite travellers for a massage, teahouse service, or to a cafe or bar nearby. They offer various reasons and may say they wish 'to practise English'.

Afterwards, they present travellers with an inflated bill. They won't let the traveller leave until they pay the bill by credit card.

Drug scams

Sometimes travellers are asked to carry concealed drugs out of China.

Never carry parcels or luggage for others.

Always pack your own bags.

ATM scams

ATM scams occur. Sometimes scammers set up fake ATMs that take the user's card.

Only use ATMs inside a secure place such as a bank or shopping centre. Do this during daylight hours.

If you're the victim of a crime or scam, report it to the nearest police station right away.

Always obtain a police report when reporting a crime.

Fake money scams

Be careful of scams if paying a taxi fare with a RMB100 note. The taxi driver may swap the note for a fake note. They will then return the fake note and refuse to accept it as payment because it’s counterfeit.

Bandits

Armed bandit attacks are a risk in remote areas bordering:

• Pakistan
• Burma
• Laos
• Vietnam
• Russia

Be careful if travelling in these areas.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

The Chinese Government prohibits demonstrations they haven't approved. Authorities may arrest protesters.

Avoid protests, demonstrations and large gatherings.

Don't photograph, film or participate in protests or other acts that authorities may consider provocative.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang)

Increased security measures are in place in Xinjiang.

People of Uighur descent are particularly affected.

Security checks in major cities in Xinjiang are common. Be ready to show photo ID if asked.

Violent incidents causing deaths and injuries have occurred across Xinjiang.

The government may restrict movement and communications in Xinjiang with little warning.

Tibet Autonomous Region (Tibet)

In the past, protests have turned violent and people have been killed or injured.

If you're travelling to Tibet, get permission from Chinese authorities first.

You must also apply for a Tibet Entry Permit from the Tibet Tourism Bureau.

You can only lodge applications for Tibet Entry Permits through specialised travel agents in China.

You can only travel as part of an organised tour.

See Travel

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Attacks could be targeted or random. They may include places travellers and expats visit.

In recent years, terrorist and other violent attacks have caused injuries and deaths in public places. Targets include railway stations and markets.

You could become the victim of violence directed at others.

More information:

• Terrorism

China experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• typhoons
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

Typhoons

Typhoons can happen along the southern and eastern coasts between May and November.

The direction and strength of typhoons can change with little warning.

If there's a typhoon:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights and other transport could be delayed or suspended
• access to sea ports may be affected
• adequate shelter may not be available
• available transport may fill quickly

If a typhoon is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for your accommodation or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter
• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• closely monitor alerts and advice from authorities such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• keep in contact with your friends and family

If you plan to travel, contact your airline for the latest flight information. 

More information:

• World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre
• China Meteorological Administration

Earthquakes and tsunamis

China can experience earthquakes and large, destructive tsunamis.

If there's an earthquake or tsunami:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media for updates

Check with the Tsunami Warning Centre for updates on seismic activity and tsunamis.

If you're near the coast, move to high ground straight away if advised, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you travel. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
• COVID-19 vaccines (Department of Health)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in China. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in China. Chinese authorities have put health measures in place.

Foreigners living in China have been offered a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine. The process to access a vaccine is determined by local authorities. If you’re interested, you should contact your residential building management; your medical services provider or the local health community organisation in your residential area for information on the vaccine offered and how to register. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options.  

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Water

Tap water in China may not be safe to drink, depending on your location.

Drink only bottled water with sealed lids.

Bird flu (avian influenza)

People have died from avian influenza in China. Avian influenza virus strains continue to circulate in poultry in China.

The main source of infection seems to be poultry handled in poultry markets.

To protect yourself from avian influenza:

• stay away from live poultry
• don't visit live bird and animal markets, including 'wet' markets and poultry farms
• practise good personal hygiene

When preparing food, handle poultry properly. Thoroughly cook all parts of the poultry.

More information:

• Avian influenza (WHO)
• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in China.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to risk of infection.

If you need medical treatment, you could be exposed to unsafe blood and blood products. This is a particular risk in regional China.

Ask for sterilised equipment. You may need to pay for new syringes in hospitals or clinics.

Insect-borne illnesses

Japanese encephalitis is widespread in rural areas of southern China from June to August. The disease is also known as encephalitis B. A vaccine is available.

The risk of malaria increases during warm weather and is greater in rural areas, particularly in the provinces of:

• Hainan
• Yunnan
• Fujian
• Guangdong
• Guangxi
• Guizhou
• Sichuan
• Tibet (Zanbo Valley areas only)
• Anhui
• Hubei
• Hunan
• Jiangsu
• Jiangxi
• Shandong

The risk of malaria increases during warm weather.

Dengue cases have risen sharply, especially in Guangdong and Guangzhou. Risks increase during the wet season.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
• get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis

Rabies

Animal and human rabies are common. Health authorities report many cases each year. 

Be careful with both wild and domestic animals in China.

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common. Sometimes serious outbreaks happen.

Outbreaks usually start in March or April and peak in May. However, outbreaks can continue until October each year.

The disease mostly affects children under the age of 10 years. Adult cases, particularly in young adults, are not unusual.

People with HFMD experience fever, and blisters and rashes on the hands, feet and buttocks.

The disease is spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, and faeces of infected people.

To protect yourself from illness:

• wash your hands carefully and regularly
• take other hygiene precautions

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Pollution

High pollution levels are a problem.

Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions may be especially affected by pollution.

Authorities issue red alerts when pollution is expected to be especially bad.

When a red alert is in place, authorities:

• close schools
• limit car use
• suspend construction activity

Flights are regularly delayed in China because of smog.

Dust storms occur across the north of China. They can:

• cause eye, nose, mouth and throat irritations
• make heart and lung problems worse

Get medical advice if you're worried about air pollution.

Follow advice from local authorities about days with bad pollution and how to reduce your exposure.

More information:

• Air Quality Index
• US Embassy, Beijing
• Air pollution

Altitude sickness

Parts of China are at altitudes of over 3,000m, including:

• Tibet
• Qinghai
• parts of Xinjiang
• western Sichuan

If you travel to those areas, you may get altitude sickness.

People with lung, heart or chest problems should take extra care. Even if you're healthy, you can still be affected.

Symptoms of altitude sickness include:

• headache
• dizziness
• vomiting
• coordination problems

In severe cases, fluid can build up in your lungs, brain or both, which can be fatal.

To protect yourself from altitude sickness:

• ascend slowly, especially above an altitude of 2500m
• rest when needed and don't push your body
• avoid alcohol and cigarettes

If you're affected by severe altitude sickness, get to lower ground as soon as possible.

Medical facilities

International standard medical services in China are expensive.

If you plan on staying in China for a while:

• find out about local health insurance
• ask your employer if they'll provide health cover

Some hospitals in major cities have special departments for treating foreigners.

However, the standard of medical care and the range of medications is often limited, especially outside major cities.

Medical staff in rural areas may not be properly trained.

Hospitals and doctors may ask for up-front cash payment before treating you. This includes emergency care.

Medical evacuation from China can be very expensive.

Medical tourism

Travel to China for medical treatment is increasing.

Research and choose your medical service providers carefully. Ask health professionals and former patients about the quality.

Avoid uncertified medical service providers. Their standards may be poor and they may not be able to provide the medical care advertised.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

The Australian Government can't intervene in the Chinese justice process.

In China, authorities treat a person aged 14 years and above as an adult under the law.

If detained, a person of this age will be:

• held with adults
• subject to the same conditions and legal processes as adults

The Australian Government can't help you if you're a dual national and you travel on your:

• Chinese passport
• Hong Kong or Macau Mainland Travel Permit
• identity card issued by Taiwan
• any non-Australian foreign passport

Death penalty

China has the death penalty for drug offences and other serious crimes.

If you're sentenced to death, it's unlikely that Chinese authorities will grant you leniency.

More information:

• Death penalty

Drugs

Penalties for all types of drug offences including use, possession, manufacturing, selling or trafficking are severe and include life in prison or the death penalty.

Authorities strictly enforce these laws, even for small quantities of 'soft' drugs, such as marijuana. Laws apply to people aged 14 years and older.

Authorities conduct random drug tests. Police raids on nightclubs and bars frequented by foreigners have increased, with patrons subjected to urine and / or hair tests. A positive drug test can result in fines, detention and deportation, regardless of when or where the drugs were used.

Authorities have executed foreigners for drug offences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Legal proceedings and investigations

Authorities may not allow you to leave China if you're involved in a:

• criminal matter or investigation
• civil or commercial dispute

Exit bans

Sometimes people aren't aware of an exit ban on them until they try to leave China.

Exit bans can affect you even if you're not directly involved in the legal proceedings. Authorities have stopped some Australians from leaving China because of a dispute involving family members. Sometimes it is years before authorities allow people to leave China.

If you're involved in local legal matters:

• get professional advice
• be aware of your rights and responsibilities

Other laws

China has strict laws on national security. These laws can be interpreted broadly. You could break the law without intending to.

Authorities have detained foreigners because they're 'endangering national security'. Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention.

In China, it's illegal to:

• use drugs
• test positive for drugs (even if you used drugs before you arrived in China)
• demonstrate without prior approval from the government
• preach, distribute religious literature and associate with unapproved religious groups
• take part in any Falun Gong activities
• gamble or promote gambling activities
• engage in prostitution
• take photos of military or government buildings without official approval.

If you break these laws, you could be:

• arrested
• imprisoned
• fined
• deported

Registration and identification

Under Chinese law, you must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau. You must do this within 24 hours of arriving and each time you change your residential location.

If you're staying at a hotel, staff do this as part of the normal check-in process.

If you're staying elsewhere, such as with family or friends, visit the nearest police station. Present your passport and a valid Chinese visa.

You must always carry identification and show it to police if they ask for it.

Authorities will accept your passport or a Chinese residence card as forms of identity.

If you don't register your place of residence or carry identification, authorities can fine or detain you.

LGBTI laws

Homosexuality is not illegal in China, but be aware of local sensitivities.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law

China has experienced higher numbers of commercial disputes involving Australians in recent years. 

Before starting business relationships:

• investigate the market
• get professional advice
• conduct appropriate due diligence

Get professional legal advice before entering into any contract in China. This includes residential leases and business contracts.

Business versus criminal matters

Many business issues that Australians think of as civil or commercial are classified as criminal matters in China. This is especially the case if state enterprises or state assets are involved.

Penalties for commercial and economic crimes are often severe.

Cases of Australians and other foreigners being held against their will at their workplace have increased. These incidents involved other companies or employees trying to resolve business and employment disputes. They do this through protests, and often with threats of violence.

More information:

• Doing business in China
• Doing business
• Living or working overseas

Disputes over working and living conditions for Australians working in China are common. This is particularly the case for those teaching English.

If you’re considering travel to China for work:

• verify the true nature of the work on offer
• make sure you have the correct visa before you arrive

If you don't maintain a valid visa, authorities can fine or detain you.

Get professional legal advice before signing any contract, whether in Australia or China.

Carefully check local laws about business or other activities you wish to undertake in China.

Employment contracts may contain conditions that disadvantage you. For example, if your contract is terminated early, conditions may state that:

• you give up your right to a return air ticket
• your employer may withhold your pay

Don't surrender your passport to your employer for 'safe-keeping.' Businesses with a good reputation won't ask you to do this.

More information:

• Living or working overseas

The Chinese Government doesn't recognise dual nationality. It won't let us provide consular help to Chinese-Australian dual nationals who travel on their:

• Chinese passport
• Hong Kong or Macau Mainland Travel Permit
• identity card issued by Taiwan
• any non-Australian foreign passport

If you're a Chinese-Australian dual national:

• travel on your Australian passport
• get a visa for China
• always present yourself as an Australian citizen

If you're a former Chinese citizen, Chinese authorities may:

• treat you as a Chinese citizen
• refuse you access to Australian consular services

This can happen even if you entered China on an Australian or other foreign passport, and you:

• haven't renounced your citizenship according to Chinese law
• haven't formally advised the Chinese authorities of your Australian citizenship
• continue to maintain a Chinese passport or household registration

Authorities may not allow certain categories of Chinese citizens, such as state officials, to renounce their Chinese nationality under Chinese law.

Get professional legal advice if you're not sure of your citizenship status under Chinese law.

If your child is born in China and you plan to get Australian citizenship by descent, contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs for advice.

If one parent is from mainland China, authorities will consider a child born in China to be a Chinese national.

Local authorities may not recognise the child's Australian citizenship and passport.

Contact the local Entry and Exit Administration Bureau for details.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Australians who have been vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine produced in China and who meet other eligibility requirements should contact the nearest Chinese embassy/consulate to confirm visa eligibility and other travel requirements. For information on vaccines approved in Australia go to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.

You may need a full visa for travel to China, even as a tourist.

If you need a full visa, you must get this before you travel.

See the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for visa types.

If you're already travelling or living in China, contact the Foreigners Entry and Exit Administration Section of the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) for visa information.

Authorities will scan your fingerprints when you arrive if you're aged between 14 and 70 years.

Authorities have strict penalties for visa violations. Penalties include:

• fines imposed for each day overstayed, including if you’re in detention
• detention from 5 to 30 days

Make sure you leave China before your visa expires.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of China for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Direct flights between China and Australia are limited. 

China has suspended all visas on arrival, including transit visas.

Foreigners holding valid Chinese residence permits for work, personal matters and reunion may be able to enter China without applying for new visas. Contact your nearest Chinese embassy/consulate to confirm your visa remains valid, or to apply for a new visa.

You must provide negative COVID-19 test results prior to flying. You'll also be subject to health screening, including body temperature and swab tests on arrival in China, and at least 14-days mandatory quarantine in the city where you clear Chinese immigration followed by additional COVID-19 prevention measures determined by local authorities at your entry point and final destination in China. Testing may include oral, nasal and anal swab tests. Prevention measures may include an additional 7 or more days of home quarantine; restriction on movement and/or health monitoring.

Mandatory quarantine will be served at a designated hotel or facility at your own expense. China has introduced multiple testing requirements with tight time-frames, which can change at short notice. Contact your nearest Chinese embassy/consulate or your airline to confirm current requirements. In Australia, private pathology providers are available to perform the required tests. Medicare benefits are not payable for pathology services provided for the purposes of satisfying international travel requirements only. 

International flights to Beijing, excluding those from Hong Kong, may be diverted to provincial airports and cities for initial health screening and at least 14 days mandatory quarantine in a designated facility. Ask your airline if you will fly directly to Beijing or be diverted elsewhere in China.

Local travel restrictions are in place across parts of China. You may be quarantined if authorities believe you're sick or are travelling from a place considered a hotspot.

Wear a face mask in public places, including airports, train stations, public transport and hotels. 

Health apps that track your location, record your travel history and quarantine status may be required to access public facilities, including public transport, restaurants, commercial buildings, shops, hotels, tourist sites and parks.

If you're staying in China:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19
• ensure you have arrangements in place for an extended stay
• keep in contact with family and friends so they know you're safe and well.

If you need emergency consular assistance contact DFAT’s consular emergency line on +61 6261 3305

The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.

Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions (SAR). They have separate visa and entry rules to mainland China.

If you're planning to leave mainland China to visit Hong Kong or Macau, you may need a new Chinese visa to re-enter mainland China. Get the right visa before you leave Australia.

You may be asked to present your previous passport and Chinese visa, if you:

• intend to apply for a visa at the border of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, or Zhuhai and Macau, and
• you held a Chinese visa in a recently replaced passport

If you've visited China before, authorities may deny you a visa-on-arrival if you can't show your previous China visa.

Some visas issued in Hong Kong or at Hong Kong-Macau-Chinese mainland border crossings are valid for limited travel to designated areas only, such as:

• Shenzhen
• Zhuhai
• other areas in Guangdong Province

It's illegal to use these permits to travel to other parts of China. Carefully check your visa limitations.

More information:

• Hong Kong travel advice
• Macau travel advice

Newborns

If you’re a parent of a newborn baby born in China, you must register the child with the local Public Security Bureau. You must do this within 30 days of the child's birth and will require the child’s birth certificate for registration.

Apply for a Chinese visa in the child's passport. The child won't be able to leave China without a valid visa.

For the registration process you need:

• the child's birth certificate
• parents' passports
• child's passport

For citizenship issues, see the 'Dual citizenship' section under Laws.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passports

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

If you get a new passport while in China, you need to get a new Chinese visa. Otherwise you won't be able to leave China.

Chinese authorities can take up to 10 working days to issue a visa. It can take longer during Chinese holiday periods.

Authorities won't speed up the process to meet your travel or flight schedule.

To replace your passport and visa:

• get an official report from the local police 
• get a replacement passport from the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate
• apply at the Foreigners Entry and Exit Administration Section of the local Public Security Bureau for a replacement Chinese visa in your new passport

You can use the police report when checking in to a hotel.

The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB).

Chinese law limits the amount of foreign currency you can carry in and out of China.

If you're carrying more than $US 5,000 cash or the same amount in another currency, you must declare it when you arrive in China.

Keep the declaration. You need to show it to customs officials when you leave.

If you plan to leave China carrying more than $US 5,000 or the same amount in another currency, you need permission from a Chinese bank.

You can't leave China with more than $US 10,000 or the same amount in foreign currency.

ATMs are widely available in major Chinese cities. They accept all major credit cards.

Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, especially in international hotels and restaurants.

In smaller cities, you may find it harder to use international cards.

Authorities restrict travel by foreigners in China.

If you plan to travel outside of major tourist areas, check that the area is 'open to foreigners'. For example, restrictions apply near military installations and some border areas.

Travel and living conditions vary greatly between cities and less developed rural areas.

In rural areas, you may have trouble accessing these services:

• banking
• internet
• landline phone
• mobile phone

Quarantine

Quarantine rules vary throughout different parts of China. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of China for details.

See Health.

Driving permit

All drivers must hold a valid Chinese driver's licence.

Foreign driver's licences and International Driving Permits aren't valid in mainland China.

Long-term residents can apply for a Chinese driver's licence at their local Vehicle Management Office.

If you're going to China on a visa with less than 90 days validity, you may be able to get a provisional driver's licence. This will be valid for the length of your visa.

If you're hiring a car in China, check driving licence requirements with your car-hire company.

Age and health restrictions apply, and vary depending on the class of driver's licence.

Road travel

Travel by road is dangerous because of:

• poorly maintained roads
• aggressive driving

You're 4 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in China than in Australia.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

To ride a motorcycle, you must hold a valid Chinese motorcycle licence.

Australian motorcycle licences and International Driving Permits (IDP) issued for motorcycles aren't valid in mainland China.

Rules for applying for a motorbike licence, including a provisional motorcycle licence, are similar to those for cars. Contact your local Vehicle Management Office.

You don't need a licence to ride an electric bike.

Check your insurance covers you for riding all types of motorised bikes.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only licensed taxis or limousine services with a good reputation, preferably those arranged through your hotel.

Always insist that the meter is used.

Most taxis in China don't have seatbelts.

Taxi drivers may swap legitimate RMB100 notes for fake notes. They will then return the fake note and refuse to accept it as payment because it’s counterfeit.

Ridesharing apps are widely used in major Chinese cities.

Public transport

Tour operators, public buses and ferries might not meet safety standards, especially in rural areas.

Transport operators may not:

• provide adequate safety equipment
• maintain vehicles and equipment
• have safety precautions in place

Always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets or seatbelts.

If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely
• Travelling by boat

Air travel

Many airlines have temporarily reduced or stopped flights to China. Further travel restrictions can come into effect at short notice.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check China's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Contact your airline or travel agent for up-to-date information on domestic and international flights and transport options.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 119.

Medical emergencies

Call 120.

Police

Call 110.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your travel provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular services in China, contact the Australian Embassy in Beijing or our Consulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou or Chengdu.

Australian Embassy, Beijing

21 Dongzhimenwai Dajie
Sanlitun, Beijing 100600
Phone: (+86 10) 5140 4111
Fax: (+86 10) 5140 4292
Website: china.embassy.gov.au
Social media: WeChat

Australian Consulate General, Chengdu

27th Floor, Square One
18 Dongyu Street, Jinjiang District
Chengdu 610016 
Phone: (+86 28) 6268 5200 
Fax: (+86 28) 6268 5222
Email: consulate.chengdu@dfat.gov.au
Website: chengdu.china.embassy.gov.au

Check the relevant website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate General, Guangzhou

12th Floor, Development Centre
No. 3 Linjiang Road
Zhujiang New City
Guangzhou 510623 
Phone: (+86 20) 3814 0111 
Fax: (+86 20) 3814 0112
Website: guangzhou.china.embassy.gov.au

Australian Consulate General, Shanghai

Level 22, CITIC Square
1168 Nanjing Xi Lu
Shanghai 200041 
Phone: (+86 21) 2215 5200
Fax: (+86 21) 2215 5252
Website: shanghai.china.embassy.gov.au

Australian Consulate-General, Shenyang

Level 19, China Resources Building, Tower A
286 Qingnian Avenue
Shenyang, 110004
Phone: (+86 24) 8610 6100
Fax: (+86 24) 8163 0288
Website: shenyang.consulate.gov.au
Email: shenyang.consulate@dfat.gov.au

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 9225 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia