China Travel Guide: China Travel Safety Tips
It is inevitable that you will get excited preparing for your trip abroad, particularly if it is going to be your first time to go to a foreign land. But aside from the checking that your passport is up to date and you have the necessary visas and other travel documents, and the usual packing of your clothes and accessories, you have to ensure that you will be safe during the duration of your journey so that you can fully enjoy discovering the gamut of interesting places included in your travel itinerary without any worries.
China is generally a safe place to go to but it is still a wise option to put your common sense to good use and take the necessary precautions while you plan for your trip. China is such a vast country and the language is quite difficult to handle. Couple that with the different dialects and the variations in weather conditions and climate in the country’s different regions and cities.
Travelers to China, including U.S. and Canadian citizens are required to secure a visa prior to their trip to China. The single entry visa is valid for three months. If you are planning to visit Tibet, you are required to secure a Tibet Entry Permission after you have secured your visa to China. You will need a multiple-entry visa if you are planning to visit Hong Kong and Macau for side trips and then come back to China before you fly back home. For those planning to visit Tibet and have been granted the special entry permit, do note that only Lhasa and Shan Nan are open to foreigners. Do not attempt to enter restricted areas, as you can be taken into custody and charged a hefty fine before being deported.
Have a complete medical checkup six weeks before you leave for your travel to China and check with your doctor on the types of vaccinations you will need before your trip. Check travel advisories given by your embassy to ensure that you are properly inoculated before your journey to China.
In you are traveling to China during the summer, bring lightweight clothing but it will be wise not to pack a lot, as you can buy them at low prices in China. Bring items of clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers, as temperatures in China can be quite high during summer. If you will be in the country around spring or autumn, the climate and temperature will be similar to that of Europe or the United States. Do bring a raincoat and some light sweaters and jackets. Bring a good pair of walking shoes to protect your feet, as you can expect to do a lot of walking and climbing. Be prepared for weather changes by bringing some essentials with you to protect you from the wind, rain and sun. Sunscreen, lip balms, hat, sunglasses and moisturizers are some of the essentials that you should not forget to pack. These items will greatly help protect your skin and your eyes when you visit the provinces of Xinjiang, Sichuan and Yunnan as well as Tibet where the air is very thin and solar radiation is very intense. Insect repellent is also one of the essentials that you should not forget.
Be sure to bring your phone, laptop and other chargers for your electrical gadgets with you. Know that China uses 220-volt electricity so do not forget to bring transformers with you for your 110-volt devices with three-flat prong plugs.
Do understand that while China has opened its doors to the West, there are still several restrictions that you have to closely observe, as it is very difficult to make changes on your visa. If you are a tourist, working is not allowed. If you have been granted a work visa, you should not attempt to become a full-time student as you will find it really difficult to change your visa type and you may not be able to renew your visa.
China also requires everyone who is traveling to or going to live in China for a period of time to register with the police within 24 hours upon arrival. It is a free service by the hotel you will be staying at but do be sure that they will do this for you. If you will be staying with friends, you will have to do the registration personally by bringing your passport to the local police station that is in-charge of the area where you are staying.
While it is advisable that you only carry photocopies of your travel documents with you as a guarantee against loss, you are required by law to carry your original passport and other travel documents with you when you are in China. Chinese authorities may stop and ask you for your travel documents at random so you need to have them with you. A flat, waterproof body bag that secures around your waist and under your clothing is your best option to carry your personal documents safely while you tour China. But do have photocopies of your travel documents and keep them with your valuables in a hotel safe deposit box.
China is generally a safe country for foreign travelers but it is still necessary to take precautions. There are places in China that are not open to tourists and some places are only accessible if you are part of an organized tour group. Petty crimes also exist in the country and you have to remain vigilant whenever you venture outside. Pickpockets and snatchers are common and these petty thieves loiter in sightseeing destinations, markets, airports and bus/train terminals and some even have the temerity to enter shops and restaurants. When you are outside make sure that your bag or purse remains close to your body. If you are wearing a shoulder bag, place the bag in front of you and hold it with one hand close to your body as you explore the sights and when shopping.
Be wary of con artists who play on tourists by impersonating students of English. They are usually women and couples who would invite you for a sightseeing tour and then bring you to a local teahouse or restaurant. They are in cahoots with the restaurant staff and you may become a victim of their scam and pay an exorbitant price for the food that you ordered.
Some taxi drivers are involved in scams of their own and will refuse to use the taximeter when ferrying passengers. It will be best to check with your hotel concierge on the names of reputable taxi operators or ask them to get a taxi for you. Have your destination written in Chinese so you can show it to the driver and always make sure to ask for a receipt before you pay your fare. If you are coming from the airport and have taken a taxi to your hotel, do ask the driver to remove your luggage from the trunk so you can be sure that they will not drive off with your personal belongings. Make sure that all your hand-carry bags and luggage are close to you or on your lap while you are being transported to your destination.
Remember that you may be subjected to random checks by Chinese authorities, and security personnel monitoring the movements of foreign nationals is commonplace. For your own peace of mind, make sure that you do not carry weapons, illicit drugs, propaganda materials and other documents, including significant amounts of religious materials that may be used as incriminating evidence against you and cause your deportation.
Pirated and counterfeit goods are widely available in China. They may look tempting but do avoid buying them, as you will be violating local laws and you will also not be able to bring them back home. Shop only at reputable stores or ask for recommendations for your hotel staff and/or tour guide. In the same token, do be aware that counterfeit money is getting to be a problem in China. Carry only small bills and pay the exact amount whenever possible as there have been cases of money switching where a shopper’s large bill is switched with a counterfeit one and the shop owner will accuse the shopper of giving them the counterfeit. There were reported cases when off-site ATM machines give out counterfeit money so be sure to withdraw money from those that are recommended by your hotel and from banks. Traveler’s checks are honored in China but do make sure that you only have them exchanged either at the bank or certified moneychangers. Major credit cards are also honored in large establishments in China.
Get a card from your hotel with its name written in Chinese and ask for all their contact information so you can readily call the hotel if something happens. Likewise, make sure that the hotel staff knows where you are headed for the day so that they can reach and/or locate you in case of emergency. Get in touch with them for emergency so they can deal with the local authorities for you.
And speaking of emergencies, do make sure that you take out a travel insurance that will be applicable in China and which includes medical evacuation, if necessary. Pack along a full first aid kit with your luggage to ensure that you have the right medicine and first aid for minor aches and pain. If you are using prescription medicine, pack them in your carry-on luggage in their original packaging and include your doctor’s prescriptions. Generic names should be included. Pack enough that will last for the whole duration of your trip until you get back home. There are many medical facilities in China but their standards may not be at par with what you are used to in your home country and your prescription medication may not be the same or not available.
Traffic can be chaotic in China and that safest way is to keep to the sidewalk and away from vehicular traffic while you are walking.
Photography is allowed within the country except around military installations. However, use your discretion when taking photographs, particularly of people and always ask for permission. Also heed warning signs that may be posted in some historical buildings, temples and museums. In some areas, taking photographs of people mean that you will have to pay them for posing for photographs. It’s a way of life and they are accustomed to getting paid for this type of service to foreigners. Use pedestrian crossings and footbridges to keep safe. Tipping is a way of life and generally anticipated expect to give individuals giving services anywhere from $2 to $5
Take the time to learn the value of local banknotes so you will not be shortchanged. Always carry just enough cash for the day and a bit extra for emergency but tuck it away in another bag or pocket instead of keeping it with your allowance for the day. Just like in any other country it is best not to show too much money when you are shopping or paying for your meals. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carrying several items that you may not need during your sightseeing. Keep your valuables in the hotel safety deposit box. Always be alert when you are in a crowded place and keep your bag or wallet close to your body.
These are some of the travel safety tips that will help ensure that your travel to China is enjoyable and worry free. Do remember that these are general travel tips for China and you have to check with your country’s embassy for their particular travel advisories. Keep these handy travel safety tips included in our China Travel Guide so you can refer to it from time to time. You can also look up other interesting information about where to go and what to do in some of the exciting places that you will visit in this mysterious, ancient yet modern country in Asia.
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