Safety

Safety Tips for Traveling in China

Essential safety information for travelers in China. Learn about common scams, health precautions, emergency contacts, and how to stay safe during your trip.

Safety Tips for Traveling in China

China is generally a safe country for travelers, but like anywhere, it’s important to be aware and prepared. This guide covers essential safety information.

General Safety

Overall Safety Level

China is generally very safe for travelers:

  • Low violent crime rates
  • Safe public transportation
  • Well-lit streets in cities
  • Helpful locals

However: Petty crime (pickpocketing, scams) can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Safe Areas

  • Major cities: Generally very safe
  • Tourist areas: Safe but watch for scams
  • Public transport: Generally safe
  • Hotels: Very safe

Areas to Be Cautious

  • Crowded markets: Watch for pickpockets
  • Tourist areas: Scams more common
  • Late night: Be more cautious
  • Remote areas: Less help available

Common Scams

Tea House Scam

How it works:

  • Friendly locals invite you to tea house
  • Expensive bill presented
  • Pressure to pay

How to avoid:

  • Politely decline invitations from strangers
  • If you go, check prices first
  • Don’t feel obligated to pay excessive amounts

Art Student Scam

How it works:

  • Students invite you to art gallery
  • Pressure to buy expensive art

How to avoid:

  • Decline politely
  • If interested, research prices first

Fake Taxis

How it works:

  • Unlicensed taxis overcharge
  • May take longer routes

How to avoid:

  • Use official taxis or Didi app
  • Agree on price for long distances
  • Use meter in official taxis

Counterfeit Money

How it works:

  • Receiving fake bills as change

How to avoid:

  • Check bills (feel texture, check watermark)
  • Use reputable establishments
  • Get change from banks when possible

Overcharging

How it works:

  • Higher prices for foreigners
  • No price lists

How to avoid:

  • Know approximate fair prices
  • Ask prices before ordering
  • Use translation apps
  • Bargain in markets

Personal Safety

Valuables

  • Don’t flash: Keep expensive items hidden
  • Hotel safe: Use for passports, extra cash
  • Split money: Don’t keep all in one place
  • Copies: Keep copies of important documents
  • Insurance: Have travel insurance

In Crowds

  • Watch belongings: Especially in markets, metros
  • Front pockets: Keep wallet/phone in front
  • Backpack: Wear in front in crowded areas
  • Be aware: Stay alert in crowds

At Night

  • Well-lit areas: Stick to well-lit streets
  • Avoid isolated areas: Especially alone
  • Transportation: Use official taxis/ride-hailing
  • Tell someone: Let someone know your plans

Solo Travel

  • Generally safe: China is safe for solo travelers
  • Stay connected: Keep phone charged
  • Share itinerary: With family/friends
  • Trust instincts: If something feels wrong, leave

Health & Medical

Food Safety

  • Street food: Choose busy stalls with high turnover
  • Water: Drink only bottled water
  • Ice: Avoid in drinks (outside major cities)
  • Fruits: Wash or peel before eating
  • Hot food: Prefer freshly cooked
  • Gradual introduction: Don’t overdo spicy food immediately

Air Quality

  • Check AQI: Air quality can be poor in some cities
  • Masks: Consider N95 masks if sensitive
  • Indoor: Air quality usually better indoors
  • Sensitive groups: Take extra precautions

Medical Care

  • Hospitals: Modern facilities in major cities
  • International clinics: Available in big cities
  • Pharmacies: Widely available
  • Insurance: Essential - medical costs can be high
  • Medications: Bring prescription medications

Vaccinations

  • Routine: Up to date on routine vaccinations
  • Hepatitis A & B: Recommended
  • Typhoid: Consider for longer stays
  • Check: Consult doctor before traveling

Common Health Issues

  • Traveler’s diarrhea: Common, be cautious with food
  • Altitude sickness: In high-altitude areas (Tibet, etc.)
  • Pollution: Can affect respiratory health
  • Sun exposure: Use sunscreen

Emergency Contacts

Important Numbers

  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance/Fire: 120
  • Fire: 119
  • Tourist Hotline: 12301 (some areas)

Embassy/Consulate

  • Register: With your embassy before traveling
  • Keep contact: Save embassy number
  • Location: Know where embassy is
  • Lost passport: Contact embassy immediately

Travel Insurance

  • Essential: Have comprehensive travel insurance
  • Coverage: Medical, evacuation, theft
  • Keep details: Have policy number and contact
  • 24/7 helpline: Know how to contact insurer

Transportation Safety

Trains

  • Very safe: High-speed trains are very safe
  • Secure luggage: Keep valuables with you
  • Watch belongings: Especially on long journeys

Taxis

  • Official taxis: Use official taxis or Didi
  • Share trip: Share trip details with someone
  • Seatbelts: Wear if available

Metro/Buses

  • Watch belongings: Especially in crowds
  • Rush hours: More crowded, more risk
  • Stay alert: Be aware of surroundings

Natural Disasters

Earthquakes

  • Rare but possible: Some areas are seismic
  • Know procedures: Basic earthquake safety
  • Stay informed: Check local news

Weather

  • Typhoons: Coastal areas (summer/autumn)
  • Flooding: Some areas prone to flooding
  • Extreme temperatures: Summer heat, winter cold
  • Check forecasts: Before outdoor activities

Laws to Know

  • Drugs: Strict penalties, avoid completely
  • Photography: Some areas restricted (military, etc.)
  • Protests: Avoid political demonstrations
  • Respect: Follow local laws and customs

If You Have Problems

  • Stay calm: Don’t panic
  • Contact embassy: For serious issues
  • Local police: For crimes or emergencies
  • Travel insurance: For medical/legal help

Technology Safety

Internet

  • VPN: May need for some websites (check legality)
  • Public WiFi: Be cautious, use VPN
  • Banking: Avoid on public networks
  • Social media: Some platforms blocked

Phones

  • Keep charged: Always have charged phone
  • Backup: Backup important data
  • Local SIM: Consider for better connectivity
  • Emergency apps: Download useful apps

Women Travelers

General Safety

  • Generally safe: China is safe for women travelers
  • Solo travel: Very feasible
  • Respectful: Most locals are respectful

Tips

  • Dress appropriately: Respect local customs
  • Trust instincts: If uncomfortable, leave
  • Stay connected: Keep phone charged
  • Share plans: With family/friends

Cultural Considerations

  • Modest dress: In temples, rural areas
  • Eye contact: Moderate (not too much/little)
  • Personal space: May be less than expected

LGBTQ+ Travelers

  • Not illegal: Homosexuality not illegal
  • Limited rights: Limited legal protections
  • Acceptance: Varies by region and generation

Tips

  • Discretion: Public displays may draw attention
  • Urban areas: More accepting in big cities
  • Research: Check current situation
  • Respect: Local customs and laws

Insurance

Essential Coverage

  • Medical: Comprehensive medical coverage
  • Evacuation: Medical evacuation coverage
  • Theft: Coverage for stolen items
  • Trip cancellation: For unexpected events

What to Have

  • Policy number: Keep with you
  • 24/7 helpline: Know contact number
  • Documents: Keep copies of policy
  • Claims process: Understand how to claim

Preparation Checklist

Before traveling:

  • Travel insurance purchased
  • Embassy registered
  • Emergency contacts saved
  • Important documents copied
  • Medications packed
  • Health checkup (if needed)
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Research common scams
  • Learn basic safety phrases
  • Share itinerary with family

Remember: China is generally very safe, but preparation and awareness are key. Most travelers have trouble-free trips. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and enjoy your journey!

Key Safety Principles:

  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Keep valuables secure
  • Use common sense
  • Have travel insurance
  • Know emergency contacts
  • Stay connected
  • Trust your instincts