Just got my phone stolen in a crowded market. Here's what I did next.

Kurokun

Yeah. Not fun. Guangzhou Qingping Market, super crowded, felt someone bump into me, checked my pocket 30 seconds later — phone gone.

Step 1: Find a police station
There was actually one inside the market complex. Reported it. They took my details, asked what kind of phone, gave me a case number. Very professional but also very clear that recovery chances are low.

Step 2: Lock everything remotely
Used Find My iPhone from my friend's phone. Locked it, left a message with my WeChat ID.

Step 3: Cancel Alipay and WeChat Pay
Called Alipay hotline (English available!). They froze my account within 10 minutes. WeChat Pay I had to do through the website.

Step 4: Buy a cheap Android
Went to Huaqiangbei, bought a ¥800 Xiaomi, popped in my backup SIM. Crisis management mode.

Step 5: Accept it
Phone was insured (thank god). Filed a claim. Should get partial reimbursement.

What I should've done differently:
• Front pocket, not back pocket. Obvious in retrospect.
• Phone leash/wrist strap — saw someone with one later, genius.
• Backup phone number written down somewhere (not in the phone).

China is safe generally but crowded markets are pickpocket territory just like anywhere else.

Anyone else had something stolen here? Did you get it back?