Guangzhou
Local Services Guangzhou 4 min read
Practical Services in Guangzhou
Payments, SIM, English-speaking clinics, and the numbers every Guangzhou traveler should save.
Payments
Cashless city — Alipay and WeChat Pay everywhere. Link a foreign card before you fly; carry some cash for small snack stalls.
Internet & SIM
Excellent 4G/5G. A foreign eSIM works on arrival; for a local SIM, China Mobile stores need your passport and take 20 minutes.
Medical
Guangzhou has several international hospitals (United Family, CanAm) — the best English-language care in southern China. Travel insurance is recommended.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 120
- Tourist hotline: 12301
Canton Fair
If attending, register online with your passport weeks ahead — on-site registration queues are long.
Locals' Tip
Save 12301 (tourist hotline) — they mediate disputes with hotels, shops and tour operators in English.
Locals' Crowd