Personal Safety

China is considered one of the safest countries in the world for personal security although petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching has increased in recent years, especially in and around the major cities. Be careful in crowded areas such as stations, markets, shopping areas, sightseeing destinations, etc. The following precautions will help avoid potential problems:

• Keep your money out of site when in public and make sure you know the values of the currency to avoid being deceived. Keep just what you need in your pocket and leave the rest in a safety deposit box at your hotel
• Never wear your bag on your street-side shoulder to avoid the "snatch-and-ride" opportunist.
• Always keep your passport/visa, credit cards, traveller's cheques or other travel documents in a safe place.
• Keep your hotel or guides informed about where you are going on your free days during your stay and do not travel to any areas or sites that are restricted areas for foreigners
• Avoid quarrelling with anyone, and report any disputes to your local guides for resolution.
• Respect local customs.  

What to do in an Emergency 

If you should be unfortunate enough to have an emergency whilst in China the following tips may be helpful.
Public safety and order is the responsibility of the Public Security Bureau (Police). As well as traditional policing, the Bureau issues visa extensions if you should need to stay longer than you anticipated.

Any loss of property should be reported at once to your hotel, tour group leader, transportation authorities and/or the police. Lost or stolen travelers checks should be reported to the issuer as soon as possible. For more serious matters you could contact your embassy and/or consulate.

Lost passport must be reported as soon as possible to the nearest Public Security Bureau (Police) and to your country’s embassy or consulate. A Police report about the loss or theft is necessary to obtain a new visa from the Chinese authorities.
For other emergencies, contact your hotel staff for assistance or the emergency services on the following numbers.

Emergency calls
 

Police	110
Fire	119
Ambulance	120
Traffic Police	122
Foreigners Section of the Beijing Public Security Bureau	6525 5486
Tourist Hotline	6513 0828
International SOS Assistance Top	6590 3419