⮪ GuidesUpdated 2/19/2025 - 5 min read

Emergency Response

Emergencies can strike without warning, and navigating them in a foreign country can be particularly challenging. Language barriers, unfamiliar procedures, and cultural differences can turn an already stressful situation into an overwhelming experience. Staying calm and knowing how to respond can make all the difference when faced with the unexpected.

General Emergency Contacts

Key Emergency Numbers

Police110警察jǐng chá
Fire/Medical119消防/醫療xiāo fáng/yī liáo
English Hotline0800-024-111外事警察專線wài shì jǐng chá zhuān xiàn
Tourist Support0800-011-765旅遊專線lǚ yóu zhuān xiàn

Medical Emergencies

In case of injury, sudden illness, or allergic reactions:

  1. Call 119 and clearly state the location, type of emergency, and the condition of the person needing help.
  2. Request an ambulance (救護車, jiù hù chē) if necessary.
  3. If you're unable to communicate in Mandarin, show emergency translations (e.g., "I need a doctor" — 我需要醫生, wǒ xū yào yī shēng).

Major Hospitals in Taipei

I need a doctor我需要醫生wǒ xū yào yī shēng
Ambulance救護車jiù hù chē
Hospital醫院yī yuàn
Allergy過敏guò mǐn
Nurse護士hù shì
Doctor醫生yī shēng

Natural Disasters

Taiwan experiences earthquakes, typhoons, and occasional floods. Stay informed and act swiftly during such events.

Strong Earthquakes

  1. If indoors, drop, cover, and hold on under sturdy furniture. Avoid windows and heavy objects.
  2. If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees.
  3. Follow emergency alerts via the National Disaster Prevention and Protection Agency app or text notifications.

Strong Typhoons

Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during emergencies. Ensure that loose items on balconies or rooftops are securely fastened to prevent accidents or damage. It's also important to stock up on essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and power banks to stay prepared.

Emergency Survival Kit

Crime or Personal Safety

Taiwan is generally safe, but if faced with crime or personal threats:

  1. Call 110 immediately to report the incident.
  2. If robbed, avoid confrontation and focus on noting the perpetrator's appearance, clothing, or direction of escape.
  3. For harassment or stalking, seek help from nearby authorities or use public spaces to stay visible.
Help!救命jiù mìng
Call the police打電話給警察dǎ diàn huà gěi jǐng chá
I've been robbed我被搶劫了wǒ bèi qiǎng jié le
I feel unsafe我感到不安全wǒ gǎn dào bù ān quán

Lost Documents or Belongings

If you lose your passport, wallet, or phone:

  1. Passport: Visit your country's nearest embassy or consulate. Bring any photocopies of your passport, visa, and identification.
  2. Wallet or ID: Report the loss to the police (警察局, jǐng chá jú) and file a report. This will be required for replacement documents.
  3. Phone: Use apps like Find My iPhone or Google's Find My Device. If stolen, report to the police and your service provider.

Key Addresses

Handling Language Barriers

Tools like Google Translate can be invaluable—use its voice or camera translation features to bridge language gaps. Carrying a translation card with essential phrases in Mandarin ensures you're prepared for common situations. When needed, the pointing can be effective: simply point to written translations or mark locations on a map to communicate clearly.

I need help我需要幫忙wǒ xū yào bāng máng
I'm lost我迷路了wǒ mí lù le
Call an ambulance叫救護車jiào jiù hù chē
Where is the police station?警察局在哪裡？jǐng chá jú zài nǎ lǐ?

Technology Tips

  1. Emergency Apps:
    • Tsunami Alert: Get real-time alerts for earthquakes and tsunamis.
    • National 119 App: Submit emergency requests in English, including location and photos.
  2. Power Banks: Always carry a fully charged power bank for your devices.
  3. Backup Documents: Scan and save digital copies of your passport, visa, and insurance information.
Insurance保險bǎo xiǎn
Lawyer律師lǜ shī
Embassy大使館dà shǐ guǎn