Important documents and phone numbers

Documentation

Foreigners are required to carry their passports at all times; failure to do so could lead to unnecessary delays if you are stopped by police or other security personnel.

The FCCC advises correspondents to carry media credentials, preferably the Foreign Ministry-issued press card or another press card with a Chinese translation.

Some reporters covering dissidents or politically sensitive issues have been asked to show their residence registration certificate, provided by the local police. Hotels should be able to provide this to visiting journalists.

If you are covering a sensitive issue you may want to carry copies of your documentation so that police cannot “detain” you by taking away your documents.

It is also a good idea to carry a copy of the Chinese regulations on foreign journalists, to show to local officials who may try to stop you.

Useful phone numbers

Carry a 24/7 mobile number for your embassy’s press attaché.

Foreign Ministry media hotline numbers:

• Spokesperson: 010-6596 3342, Mobile: 1391 086 9861
• Tang Rui: 6596-2232, 1371 850 4926
• Ren Yuhong: 6596-4338, 1368 108 7660

International Press Center:

• Cong Wu 6596-3313, 1355 209 8629

Emergency numbers:

• Police: 110
• Ambulance: 120