🛡️ Safety in China

Your comprehensive guide to staying safe and secure while traveling in China

🚨 Emergency Numbers

👮‍♂️

Police

110

For crimes, theft, and general emergencies

🚑

Medical Emergency

120

Ambulance and medical emergencies

🚒

Fire Department

119

Fire emergencies and rescue services

🚗

Traffic Police

122

Traffic accidents and road incidents

Fire truck

📱 Emergency Call Tips

• All emergency numbers are free from any phone
• Some operators speak basic English
• Have your location ready in Chinese characters
• Use translation apps if needed

🏥 Healthcare & Medical Safety

🏥

International Hospitals

• 🇬🇧English-speaking staff
• 💳International insurance accepted
• ⭐Higher quality facilities
• 💰More expensive than local hospitals

💡 Major Cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen have excellent international medical facilities

🏨

Local Hospitals

• 💰Much more affordable
• 🇨🇳Primarily Chinese-speaking
• 📱Translation apps essential
• ⏰Longer wait times possible

💡 Tip: Bring a Chinese-speaking friend if possible, or use professional translation services

🌟 International Hospital Features

🇬🇧English Service

💳Insurance Direct Billing

🏆International Standards

📞24/7 Hotline

Hospital lobby

🚫 Common Scams to Avoid

⚠️

Stay Alert

While China is generally very safe, tourists can be targets for specific scams. Here's what to watch out for:

🍵

Tea House Scam

High Risk

How it works:

Friendly locals invite you to a "traditional tea ceremony" that ends with an extremely expensive bill (¥1000+).

🛡️ Prevention:

• Decline invitations from strangers
• If you go, ask for prices upfront
• Leave if pressured to stay

🎨

Art Student Scam

Medium Risk

How it works:

"Art students" approach tourists to buy overpriced artwork or visit expensive galleries.

🛡️ Prevention:

• Be wary of unsolicited art offers
• Research gallery prices online first
• Don't feel obligated to buy

💆‍♀️

Massage Parlor Overcharge

Medium Risk

How it works:

Advertised cheap massages turn expensive with hidden fees and "premium" services.

🛡️ Prevention:

• Agree on total price before starting
• Use reputable spa chains
• Read reviews beforehand

Tourist areas

🎯 Common Scam Locations

📍 Tourist attractions

📍 Shopping districts

📍 Train stations

📍 Airport areas

🚇 Transportation Safety

🚇

Subway/Metro

Excellent

✅ Safety Features:

• Security cameras everywhere
• Platform screen doors
• Security checkpoints
• Emergency communication systems

💡 Tips:

• Keep belongings secure during rush hour
• Stand right on escalators
• Let passengers exit first

🚖

Taxis & Ride-hailing

Good

✅ Recommended Apps:

• Didi (滴滴) - most popular
• Official taxi apps
• Hotel-arranged taxis

💡 Tips:

• Share trip details with someone
• Verify license plate matches app
• Sit behind the driver

🚌

Buses

Good

✅ Safety Features:

• CCTV monitoring
• Emergency exits
• Driver safety barriers

💡 Tips:

• Hold handrails securely
• Watch for pickpockets
• Have exact change or use transit card

🔒 Subway Security

📱 Ride-hailing Safety

📹 Bus Monitoring

🌃 Personal Safety Tips

☀️

Daytime Safety

👥Stay in crowded, well-lit areas

📱Keep phone charged and accessible

💰Don't display large amounts of cash

🎒Keep valuables in front-facing bags

🌙

Nighttime Safety

🚖Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps

🍺Limit alcohol consumption

👫Travel with others when possible

📍Share location with trusted contacts

👩

Women's Safety

🚇Use women-only subway cars when available

🏨Choose reputable accommodations

👗Dress conservatively in rural areas

📞Keep emergency contacts easily accessible

📊 China Safety Facts

2nd

Safest country globally

0.6

Homicides per 100k people

98%

Tourist satisfaction rate

🏛️ Legal Considerations

⚖️

Important Legal Reminders

China has strict laws that may differ from your home country. Here are key points to remember:

🚫

Drug Laws

Zero Tolerance

Extremely strict: Even small amounts can result in severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking.

⚠️ Advice: Avoid any involvement with drugs entirely

📸

Photography Restrictions

Be Careful

Avoid photographing military installations, government buildings, or sensitive areas.

💡 Tip: When in doubt, ask permission or avoid taking photos

🌐

Internet Usage

Generally Safe

VPN usage is common but technically restricted. Avoid accessing or sharing sensitive political content.

💡 Tip: Use VPNs discretely and avoid political discussions online

✊

Political Activities

Strictly Prohibited

Any form of protest, political demonstration, or activism is strictly prohibited for foreigners.

⚠️ Advice: Avoid all political activities and discussions

China city skyline

📋 Legal Compliance Checklist

✅ Carry passport at all times

✅ Register accommodation within 24 hours

✅ Respect photography restrictions

✅ Avoid political activities

✅ Follow local customs and laws

📱 Essential Safety Apps

Emergency SOS

Built-in iOS/Android

• Quick emergency calling
• Location sharing
• Medical ID information

Translation Apps

Communication

• Google Translate (with camera)
• Baidu Translate
• Youdao Translator

Navigation

Essential

• Baidu Maps (most accurate)
• Amap (Gaode Maps)
• Offline map downloads

Transportation

Safety Features

• Didi (ride-hailing)
• Trip sharing features
• Driver verification

🆘 What to Do in an Emergency

1

Immediate Response

• 🆘 Call appropriate emergency number (110, 120, 119)
• 📍 Know your exact location in Chinese
• 🗣️ Speak slowly and clearly
• 📱 Use translation apps if needed

2

Contact Support

• 🏛️ Contact your embassy/consulate
• 🏨 Notify your hotel/accommodation
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Inform family/friends
• 💼 Contact travel insurance provider

3

Documentation

• 📋 Keep records of all interactions
• 📸 Take photos if safe to do so
• 📝 Get police report numbers
• 💾 Backup important documents

United Nations Flag

🏛️ Embassy Emergency Contacts

🇺🇸

US Embassy

Beijing: +86-10-8531-3000

🇬🇧

UK Embassy

Beijing: +86-10-5192-4000

🇨🇦

Canadian Embassy

Beijing: +86-10-5139-4000

🇦🇺

Australian Embassy

Beijing: +86-10-5140-4111

💡 Cultural Safety Tips

🙏

Show Respect

• Bow slightly when greeting elders
• Remove shoes when entering homes
• Use both hands when giving/receiving business cards
• Avoid pointing with your finger

💬

Communication

• Avoid sensitive political topics
• Don't discuss Taiwan, Tibet, or Hong Kong politics
• Be patient with language barriers
• Smile and show appreciation for help

🤝

Public Behavior

• Keep voices down in public transport
• Don't show excessive public affection
• Queue properly and wait your turn
• Dress modestly, especially in rural areas