safety-summary

Many international visitors experience trouble-free trips in China, but normal travel precautions still matter. Here's what you need to know about staying safe during your visit.

General Safety Overview

Violent crime affecting tourists is uncommon, while petty theft, traffic risk, scams, and crowding are more practical concerns. Conditions vary, so follow local notices and your government's current travel advice.

Day-to-Day Safety Tips

Personal Belongings

  • Carry your passport or other legally accepted identification when required; a photocopy may not satisfy an official document check
  • Keep secure digital and paper copies of your passport and visa separately
  • Keep valuables close, especially in tourist spots
  • Most payments are made through mobile apps, so carry minimal cash

Public Transportation

  • Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
  • Keep your belongings close on public transport
  • Save your hotel address in Chinese characters

Health and Safety

  • Drink bottled or boiled water (tap water is not safe to drink)
  • Be careful when crossing streets
  • Follow local traffic rules
  • Keep emergency numbers handy:
    • Police: 110
    • Medical Emergency: 120
    • Fire: 119
    • Traffic Accident: 122

If you plan to take a mainland domestic flight, ensure your power bank has a clear CCC mark and confirm that its model and batch have not been recalled.

Bring prescriptions or doctor certificates for important medications, save travel insurance assistance contacts offline, and carry your original passport if you need to register at a hospital.

Travel Essentials

Keep moving through the setup

These guides follow the order in which a first-time visitor normally needs them. Use the First Trip hub when you need the complete sequence and fallbacks.

First Trip? Start Here