Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To avoid stomach complaints, eat at places that look busy and clean and stick to fresh, thor-
oughly cooked food. Beware of food that has been pre-cooked and kept warm for several
hours. Shellfish is a potential hepatitis A risk, and best avoided. Fresh fruit you've peeled
yourself is safe; other uncooked foods - salads and the like - may have been washed in un-
clean water. It's not a good idea to drink local
tapwater
, and as such it's usually best to avoid
locally made ice drinks.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE
For emergencies, the
FriendshipHospitalForeigners'Service
has English-speaking staff
and offers a comprehensive (and expensive) service at 95 Yongan Lu ( 010 63014411).
Ambulances
can be called on 120, but taking a taxi will be cheaper and probably quick-
er.
Hospitals, clinics and pharmacies
Medicalfacilities
in Beijing are adequate: there are some high-standard international clinics,
most big hotels have a resident doctor, and for minor complaints there are plenty of phar-
macies that can suggest remedies. Most doctors will treat you with Western techniques first,
but will also know a little
traditional Chinese medicine
(TCM). If you don't speak Chinese,
you'll generally need to have a good phrasebook or be accompanied by a Chinese-speaker.
Pharmacies
are marked by a green cross. There are large ones at 136 Wangfujing and 42
Dongdan Bei Dajie (daily 9am-8pm) or you could try the well-known
Tongrentang Phar-
macy
on Dazhalan for traditional remedies. For imported non-prescription medicines, try the
various branches of Watsons strewn across town.
