From the sweeping bamboo forests of Sichuan to the pulsating neon lights of Shanghai, it’s simple to see why many tourists want to cross China off their bucket list of nations. For once, the Far East does not feel very far away. Even in a country rich of renowned sites and natural beauties, you may be asking, “Is China safe for travelers?”
Although the People’s Republic of China welcomes over 100 million visitors each year, it is not immune to crime. Traffic accidents, theft, and scams are just a few of the issues that might arise throughout your journey.
If you’re coming to China, you should always come prepared. While travel insurance can cover you in most cases,
Is it Safe to Travel to China?
Traveling to the world’s most populous country offers both perks and downsides. To keep secure, all travelers should take the same measures as they would in any other nation.
Because of the country’s vast size and population, it is impossible to declare definitively if China is or is not a secure location for tourists. In actuality, many individuals visit China with no hassles all.
Accidents, however, can occur anywhere in the world.
Naturally, China is a vast country with several interesting cities to pick from. These cities and locations have differing levels of safety.
Before you plan your China trip itinerary.
The US government presently rates the People’s Republic of China as a Level-2 security threat and advises foreign people to “exercise increased caution.” Likewise, Canada and the United Kingdom have encouraged its citizens to take additional care when visiting China.
In contrast, the Australian government has only issued regional advisory warnings to individuals visiting the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region and the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Is China Safe to Visit Right Now?
The People’s Republic of China continues to draw visitors from all around the world. Safety has been more important, particularly during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Cleanup efforts in major cities have improved over time.
The reality is that China is safer now than it was in the past.
China’s economy has expanded at a rapid pace in recent decades. This results into reduced unemployment and homelessness rates, and hence a lower crime rate. Violent crimes against visitors and foreign nationals are exceedingly rare.
However, China’s air pollution in the north is a distinct issue. The Chinese government has begun enforcing harsher pollution control regulations. Although air pollution has dropped by 32% since 2014, it is still not deemed entirely healthy. Before you go, verify the air quality index (AQI) of the Chinese cities you intend to visit.
Traffic and road safety are also significant issues. Every year, more than 200,000 individuals are killed in traffic. Unfortunately, pedestrians, bicyclists, and scooter drivers face the most risk. Driving a car or even crossing the street is perilous since numerous traffic signals and restrictions are ignored.
Travel Insurance in China
No matter where you go in the globe, you should always have travel insurance. Every year, millions of travelers come to the People’s Republic of China, and many of them return safely.
However, the future is unpredictable, and plans can always go astray. In this case, you’ll be grateful for travel insurance in China.
As previously noted, pickpocketing may be a serious problem. If your camera is stolen at the Great Wall or your wallet is taken on the metro, travel insurance will cover the cost of the missing things. You can also be paid if the airline loses or damages your luggage during your travel.
Travel insurance also protects against unforeseen injuries or illnesses. To give you a real-life example, physicians discovered gallstones in my gallbladder when I was in China, so I had to go to Singapore for surgery. Fortunately, I had travel insurance, so my $8,000 medical expense was all covered.
If you need to go to the hospital when visiting other countries, travel insurance will cover your medical expenses. In truth, mishaps may occur to even the most seasoned travelers.
Common Travel Scams in China
Undoubtedly, the most serious hazard to immigrants is petty thievery. Crime might occur when you’re on a packed bus or simply strolling down the street throughout the day. Pickpockets may work independently or in groups, utilizing distraction strategies. Forced robbery is exceedingly unusual, and pickpockets often act quickly and softly.
Keep your personal items locked away or near by at all times. If you have something stolen, contact the local authorities right once. This is one case where you’ll be grateful to have travel insurance to replace the missing stuff!
Travel scams are also prevalent in renowned tourist spots. Sometimes the fraudster is attempting to sell you counterfeit goods by stating the item is genuine. Sometimes they just raise the price of tickets or merchandise because you are not Chinese.
The “tea ceremony scam” is a popular one. You are approached by a group of Chinese individuals dressed as nice students who invite you to a traditional tea tasting ritual. After being handed a few cups of tea, travelers are generally confronted with a charge for several hundred dollars.
China Safety Travel Tips by City
With over 100 metropolitan centers and 23 provinces, the People’s Republic of China is one of the world’s largest and most diversified countries. The issues may differ based on where you visit. However, there are a few crucial travel safety precautions to consider for certain locations and areas.
Beijing
Beijing, which combines historic traditions with contemporary buildings, is a must-see destination for many tourists. The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall of China are all located in China’s northern imperial capital. In addition, Beijing is one of the safest cities in China for foreign visitors. However, you need take a few measures while visiting Beijing.
Traffic accidents, while infrequent, do occur. Reckless driving may be a serious issue. Many drivers disregard traffic laws including stop signals. As a pedestrian, always cross the roadway with caution. Even if the walking signal is green, you do not automatically have the right of way.
Similarly, when riding in a car or cab, remember to tighten your seatbelt. Although taxi drivers seldom wear their own, you should safeguard yourself in the event of a car accident.
Shanghai
Shanghai, China’s cosmopolitan city, is the eastern commercial and financial powerhouse. With towering skyscrapers and colonial buildings dotting the skyline, it’s simple to understand why Shanghai attracts millions of visitors each year. Despite being a major urban metropolis, Shanghai is safe to visit.
Pickpocketing is possible in Shanghai, just as it is in most big cities. Keep an eye on your valuables while visiting prominent sights like People’s Square or East Nanjing Road. Pickpockets can thrive in crowded subways and buses.
Similarly, money frauds may pose a significant concern to international tourists. There are millions of counterfeit dollars in circulation, and if you don’t know the difference, you may be issued a phony 50 or 100 RMB note. Always withdraw money from an ATM or a trustworthy bank, and don’t be reluctant to scrutinize banknotes if they appear to be counterfeit.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou (or Canton), located on the Pearl River in the southern province of Guangdong, is a famous tourist destination. This commercial metropolis is a shopper’s dream, with markets, malls, and retail establishments on every corner.
Because Guangzhou attracts a mix of foreigners and locals, you should constantly be wary of pickpockets. Thieves not only target your bags and wallets, but they will also try to steal your purchased items in crowded shopping places.
Chengdu
Chengdu, Sichuan’s capital, is a bustling city with historic temples and soaring skyscrapers. It is also home to adorable giant pandas and mouth-numbing spicy foods. Chengdu is considered a fairly safe city, with a low financial crime rate compared to other places in the republic. However, keep your belongings close to you at all times and be extra cautious when visiting busy tourist attractions.
Xi’an
Xi’an, known for its archaeological ruins and ancient landmarks, is an excellent place to learn about China’s cultural heritage. Xi’an is not just one of the world’s oldest cities, but also one of the most secure.
Every year, almost a million people visit Xi’an to see the Terra Cotta Army, which dates back 2,000 years. Scams may be a major issue in any popular tourist site. Be wary of unlicensed advisors or ticket resellers who promise reduced costs and complimentary food. You cannot guarantee access to the burial site unless the guides are qualified.
Souvenir stores at the Terra Cotta Army site and other renowned destinations may potentially defraud you. Figurines and antiques are frequently promoted as authentic, but are actually mass-produced.
Tibet
Visiting Tibet and the Tibetan Autonomous Region is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For starters, Tibet is an excellent base for exploring the Himalayas. Furthermore, Tibet’s culture differs significantly from that of China.
Because of domestic turmoil and political upheaval involving the Chinese government, visiting Tibet may be more challenging than you realize. The only way to get from China to Tibet is on an organized trip.
During your visit, you should avoid any political protests, rallies, or demonstrations. Protests may get out of hand and get violent, and you could end up in jail. As a result, it is best to avoid war zones entirely.
Safety for Americans in China
The relationship between China and the United States is, to say the least, complicated. Centuries of political upheaval and commercial warfare have exacerbated tensions between these two great countries. Despite current economic issues and conflicts, China remains safe for American people to visit.
In early 2019, the US State Department issued a travel advice for US citizens. There have been reported cases in which US nationals, including those with visas, have been denied exit from China. These scenarios are uncommon and should not raise severe safety concerns. Nonetheless, all Americans should be aware of this when visiting the People’s Republic of China.
If you encounter complications while overseas, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. Although there is just one embassy in Beijing, consulates are located in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Wuhan.
Unlike the United States and other Western societies, China’s government severely limits freedom of speech and expression. Several themes are off-limits, including the 1989 Tiananmen Square uprisings and Tibet’s autonomy. Do not initiate political disputes or join political rallies and protests; otherwise, you may be deported, jailed, or imprisoned.
Keep in mind that US residents must get a visa to enter China. This implies that you must apply for the visa in person at one of the six United States-China embassies. If you do not reside close to one of the embassies, you must employ a passport visa agency to obtain the visa on your behalf. Visas are awarded for six months, a year, or ten years.
Are Taxis in China Safe?
Taking a cab in China is generally an inexpensive and safe mode of transportation. However, there are a few things to take in mind before flagging down the first automobile you encounter on the road.
First and foremost, only use official, colored cabs. Avoid using black cabs, or unregistered taxis, as they frequently target naïve tourists. You’ll either get billed for using a false meter or end up with a large cost at the conclusion of your journey.
Speaking of which, only take fares with meters. Some drivers may try to take advantage of you by charging a flat rate. This is unlawful and nearly always costs more than what the meter indicates. Unsure about the typical cab fare?