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Emergency Language Cards

Show these to locals when you need help

Before You Land

Set up all apps and accounts before arriving in China. Download Alipay, WeChat, and Amap. Register with your passport and credit card. It's much harder to do this after you land.

See all essential apps →

📱 Save for Offline Access

Take screenshots of these cards or print them out. You might not have internet when you need them!

请帮助我

Qǐng bāngzhù wǒ

Please help me

我要去火车站

Wǒ yào qù huǒchē zhàn

I want to go to the train station

请带我去机场

Qǐng dài wǒ qù jīchǎng

Please take me to the airport

我不会说中文

Wǒ bù huì shuō Zhōngwén

I don't speak Chinese

请给我看菜单

Qǐng gěi wǒ kàn càidān

Please show me the menu

这个多少钱

Zhège duōshǎo qián

How much is this?

请不要放肉

Qǐng bùyào fàng ròu

Please no meat (vegetarian)

不要太辣

Bùyào tài là

Not too spicy

Print these cards and carry them with you for emergencies

Using These Cards Effectively

1. Show Your Phone or Printed Card

Simply point to the Chinese phrase on your screen or printed card. Most locals will be happy to help once they understand what you need.

2. Use Translation Apps as Backup

Download Google Translate or Baidu Translate offline packs before your trip. These can help with more complex conversations.

3. Learn Basic Pronunciation

The pinyin (romanized Chinese) helps you attempt pronunciation. Even if your accent isn't perfect, locals appreciate the effort!

4. Add Hotel Business Card

Always carry your hotel's business card. Show it to taxi drivers or ask locals to help you find your way back.

🚕 Taxi Card — Show to Drivers

Your hotel name in Chinese is essential for taxi drivers. Screenshot or print this before your trip.

北京

Beijing

上海

Shanghai

西安

Xi'an

成都

Chengdu

杭州

Hangzhou

重庆

Chongqing

Write down your hotel address in Chinese

Before you leave, write down or screenshot your hotel name and address in Chinese characters. English names often don't match what taxi drivers know, and pronunciation won't help.

Practical Phrases

How much?

多少钱？

duō shǎo qián?

Too expensive

太贵了

tài guì le

I don't want spicy

不要辣

bù yào là

A little spicy is OK

微辣

wēi là

Where is the bathroom?

洗手间在哪里？

xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ?

Can I pay with Alipay?

可以用支付宝吗？

kě yǐ yòng zhī fù bǎo ma?

I need a receipt

我要发票

wǒ yào fā piào

Please take me to the airport

请带我去机场

qǐng dài wǒ qù jī chǎng

Stop here please

请停在这里

qǐng tíng zài zhè lǐ

Thank you, delicious!

谢谢，很好吃！

xiè xie, hěn hǎo chī!