Travel Safety in China
Essential safety tips, emergency contacts, and cultural insights to travel confidently through China
Emergency Contact Numbers
Memorize these numbers - they work nationwide and can be called from any phone
110
Police
Report crimes, request police assistance
120
Ambulance
Medical emergencies, ambulance services
119
Fire Department
Fire emergencies, rescue services
Important
These numbers work from any phone, even without a SIM card or credit. English-speaking operators may be limited in smaller cities, so have your location written in Chinese.
Transportation Safety
Navigate China's transportation systems safely and confidently
Metro Safety
- Use official metro apps for route planning
- Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM)
- Keep bags closed and in front of you
- Watch your step on escalators and platforms
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
- Use official apps: Didi (Chinese) or Uber (limited)
- Verify license plate before entering
- Share your ride location with friends
- Have destination written in Chinese
High-Speed Trains
- Book tickets in advance via Trip.com or official railway app
- Arrive 30 minutes early for security checks
- Keep passport accessible at all times
- Watch your belongings in crowded areas
Food Safety Guide
Enjoy China's incredible culinary scene while staying healthy
Street Food
- Choose busy stalls with high turnover
- Watch food being cooked fresh
- Avoid raw vegetables and peeled fruits
- Check that meat is thoroughly cooked
Restaurants
- Look for health inspection grades (A, B, C)
- Popular local spots are usually safe
- Carry restaurant card in Chinese for allergies
- Bottled water is safest to drink
Critical Warning
Never drink tap water in China. Always use bottled water, even for brushing teeth. Bottled water is inexpensive and available everywhere.
Common Tourist Scams
Stay alert and avoid these common scams targeting foreign visitors
Tea House Scam
Friendly strangers invite you for tea, then present an enormous bill (hundreds of dollars).
Prevention:
Politely decline unsolicited invitations. If you want tea, go to well-reviewed establishments.
Art Student Scam
Students ask you to view their art exhibition, then pressure you to buy overpriced pieces.
Prevention:
Avoid following strangers to secondary locations. Visit galleries on your own terms.
Fake Officials
People claiming to be officials ask to check your passport or wallet.
Prevention:
Real police will have proper identification. Never hand over your passport on the street.
Taxi Overcharging
Drivers take long routes or claim the meter is broken.
Prevention:
Use ride-hailing apps with fixed prices, or insist on the meter being used.
Cultural Etiquette & Respect
Understanding local customs helps avoid misunderstandings and shows respect
Photography
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Avoid photographing military installations or government buildings
- Some temples prohibit photography inside
- Be respectful at religious sites
Social Norms
- Use both hands when giving/receiving business cards
- Avoid pointing with your index finger (use open hand)
- Public displays of affection are uncommon
- Remove shoes when entering homes
Dining Etiquette
- Wait for the host to start eating
- Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral rite)
- Tipping is not expected and can be confusing
- Leave a small amount of food to show fullness
Emergency Chinese Phrases
Essential phrases for emergency situations - save these offline
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 救命 | Jiùmìng | Help! Emergency! |
| 警察 | Jǐngchá | Police |
| 医院 | Yīyuàn | Hospital |
| 我迷路了 | Wǒ mílù le | I'm lost |
| 我需要帮助 | Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù | I need help |
| 请叫救护车 | Qǐng jiào jiùhùchē | Please call an ambulance |
| 我的护照丢了 | Wǒ de hùzhào diū le | I lost my passport |
| 我不舒服 | Wǒ bù shūfu | I'm not feeling well |
Essential Safety Apps
Download these apps before you travel for a safer, smoother experience
Didi Chuxing
Ride-HailingChina's version of Uber. Essential for getting around cities safely.
Available: iOS & Android
All-in-one app for messaging, payments, and services. Almost essential in China.
Available: iOS & Android
Pleco
TranslationBest Chinese-English dictionary with camera translation feature.
Available: iOS & Android
Alipay
PaymentMobile payment platform needed for most transactions in China.
Available: iOS & Android
Trip.com
TravelBook trains, flights, and hotels with English-language support.
Available: iOS & Android
Google Translate
TranslationDownload Chinese offline pack for use without internet.
Available: iOS & Android
Frequently Asked Questions
Is China safe for Western tourists?
Yes, China is generally very safe for Western tourists. Violent crime against tourists is rare. However, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, and tourists should be aware of common scams targeting foreigners.
What emergency numbers should I know in China?
Memorize these three essential numbers: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), and 119 (Fire). These work nationwide and can be called from any phone without SIM card or credit.
Can I drink tap water in China?
No, tap water in China is not safe to drink. Always drink bottled water, which is inexpensive and widely available. Even locals boil tap water before drinking.
Do I need to worry about language barriers affecting my safety?
While language can be challenging, it rarely affects safety. Download translation apps like Pleco, carry your hotel's business card, and have important addresses written in Chinese.
Is street food safe to eat in China?
Street food is generally safe if you choose busy stalls with high turnover. Ensure food is cooked fresh and served hot. Avoid raw foods and peeled fruits from street vendors.
What should I do if I lose my passport?
Immediately call the police at 110 to file a report, then contact your embassy or consulate. Carry photocopies of your passport separately from the original.
Ready to Explore China Safely?
Now that you're prepared with essential safety knowledge, discover our detailed city guides for Chengdu, Chongqing, and Hangzhou