What to do when stranded in China?

[Pengyou]

A couple of years ago, while in Beijing, my wallet was stolen, leaving me stuck. Fortunately I keep my passport and a very small amount of money in a second wallet. It was 11 pm, I also lost my cell phone...so I ended up staying in an internet cafe for the evening.

Are there other options for emergency accomodoations? Some Chinese friends have mentioned something about bath houses....

[Xiwang]

Apparently, you are allowed to sleep in some 24-hour chain fast food restaurants as long as you don't lie down.

http://shanghaiist.com/2010/05/31/shanghais_mcrefugees.php

[Jane_PA]

I am confused... You mean that you still have money for internet cafe, but no money for going back to your apartment/hotel? If you have a friend, you probably can find a nice person who let you to make a free call to your friend...

[GreenArrow45]

I don't know about everywhere, but, here there are massage parlors that you can spend 20 RMB for a nights stay (you don't get a massage or any special treatment).

Another option, so long as you knew where it is, whatever your embassy is may allow you to stay there if you tell them your story. I could be wrong, but has generally been my impression that part of an embassy's purpose is to provide support to its citizens when in a foreign country.

Hope that helps

[Pengyou]

Most internet cafe's have an all night deal (midnight to 6 or 7 a.m.) for 10-12 rmb. There are times when I am traveling to do something other than to see a friend. Also, as I think about this, it would be a nice option to have when I need to catch a 4:30 a.m. train, to be able to "park" myself somewhere for 4 hours or so and take a long nap while waiting.

[Xiwang]

I could be wrong, but has generally been my impression that part of an embassy's purpose is to provide support to its citizens when in a foreign country.

This is what we see on fictional television shows. If you're just an average individual citizen, the reality is usually quite different.

[doraemon]

I think you should just go to the police station or the embassy. They seem like 'secure' places where they will take responsibility for you.

[aristotle1990]

This is what we see on fictional television shows. If you're just an average individual citizen, the reality is usually quite different.

I've found that the smaller countries' embassies will help you do things -- lend you a suite, have an overnight stay, etc -- but that the larger countries couldn't care less about you.