Essential Services in Guangzhou
Everything visitors need in Guangzhou — from emergency numbers, consulates, and airlines to payments and currency exchange.
emergency Emergency Numbers in China
Save these numbers before you travel — they work free of charge from any line in China, around the clock.
If you don't speak Chinese, ask anyone near you for help contacting emergency services. Most emergency operators do not speak English.
Hospitals near Xiaobei and Tianhe
account_balance Diplomatic Consulates
Contact your consulate in emergencies, to renew documents, or if you lose your passport.
Consulates in Guangzhou
The Kingdom's consulate provides consular services to Saudi citizens in southern China.
open_in_new Visit websiteThe UAE consulate serves the country's citizens in southern China and issues official documents.
open_in_new Visit websiteThe Qatari consulate handles services for Qatari citizens in the southern China region.
open_in_new Visit websiteThe Kuwaiti consulate provides comprehensive consular services to its citizens in southern China.
open_in_new Visit websiteEmbassies in Beijing
Countries without a consulate in Guangzhou can be reached through their embassies in Beijing.
The information here is for general guidance. Always check the official consulate websites before visiting to confirm working hours and the latest updates.
flight Arab Airlines in Guangzhou
Offices of Arab airlines in Guangzhou — for tickets, changes, and direct assistance.
No direct office in Guangzhou — contact the regional offices or use the official website.
payments Paying in China
China relies almost entirely on digital payments. Here is what visitors need to pay with ease.
WeChat Pay
WeChat Pay is one of the most widely used payment methods in China. Foreign visitors should set up the account before traveling or right after arrival by linking an international card such as Visa or Mastercard, completing identity verification, and uploading a photo of their passport during registration or activation for security verification. Once activated, you can pay via QR Code at many stores, restaurants, and services.
- Open WeChat
- Go to Me → Pay / Wallet
- Choose Cards or Add Bank Card
- Link your international card
- Complete your identity details
- Upload a photo of your passport for security verification
- Try a small payment after activation
Alipay (支付宝)
Alipay is a very important option for visitors in China. You can link an international card such as Visa or Mastercard in the app, complete your identity details, and upload a photo of your passport during registration or activation for security verification. Once activated, Alipay can be used to pay via QR Code at stores, restaurants, transportation, and services.
- Open the Alipay app
- Add your international card
- Complete your identity details
- Upload a photo of your passport for security verification
- Try a small payment after activation
UnionPay
UnionPay is a widely used Chinese payment network. Some banks outside China offer cards that support UnionPay, which can be used at many supporting ATMs and stores. Availability, fees, and limits vary by bank, card type, and country.
- Check with your bank before traveling
- Make sure the card is enabled for international use
- Can be used at supporting stores or ATMs
- Fees and limits vary by card, bank, and country
Cash and ATMs
Although digital payments are widespread in China, it is best to keep a small amount of cash for emergencies or for small shops. Some international cards can be used at ATMs, but acceptance, fees, and withdrawal limits vary by bank, card type, and country.
- Keep a small amount of cash as a backup
- Make sure your card is enabled for international use
- Try withdrawing from supporting ATMs
- Don't rely on cash alone
Important tip: Before traveling, activate WeChat Pay and Alipay, link your international card, complete identity verification, and upload a photo of your passport for security verification. Also keep a small amount of cash for emergencies, as card acceptance, limits, and fees may vary by bank, country, and card type.
currency_exchange Currency Exchange in Guangzhou
Where can you exchange your currency at the best rate in Guangzhou? Here are the main options available to visitors.
Currency converter
Convert Gulf currencies and the US dollar to and from the Chinese yuan using automatically updated exchange rates.
Exchange rates are estimates and are updated automatically; they may differ from bank and exchange-office rates. Rates By Exchange Rate API
Where can you exchange your currency?
Avoid exchanging money with street vendors or people offering you a tempting rate — scams are common in tourist areas.
Explore Guangzhou with confidence
Discover featured restaurants, markets, mosques, and hotels in Guangzhou