China

Chinahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/chinaChinahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/is-china-safe-for-travelersJoanna Tovia shares her tips to keep you safe and informed while exploring the Middle Kingdom.2020-01-22T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/is-china-safe-for-travelershttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#visas">Visas and registration </a></li> <li><a href="#tips"> 9 important safety tips for China </a></li> <li><a href="#disasters"> Natural disasters in China </a></li> <li><a href="#surveillance"> Surveillance in China </a></li> <li><a href="#corruption"> Police corruption in China </a></li> <li><a href="#penalties"> Death penalty and laws in China </a></li> <li><a href="#activities"> Banned activities in China </a></li> <li><a href="#scams"> Top 10 tourist cons in China </a></li> <li><a href="#guide"> Download our free guide to safety in China </a></li> <li><a href="#podcast"> Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: China </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="visas">Visas and registration</h2> <h3>Before you leave – visas for China</h3> <p>Planning ahead is wise when it comes to travel, but there is such a thing as planning too far ahead if you’re going to China; apply too early for your visa and it will run out before you have a chance to use it. </p> <p>Apply for your visa about a month prior to departure and keep in mind that the ‘valid until’ date indicates the date by which you must enter the country for your visa to remain valid.</p> <p>A tourist visa generally allows you to spend up to 30 days in mainland China, but if you’re planning on coming and going from Hong Kong, Macau or elsewhere, you’ll need a double – or multiple – entry visa. A detailed itinerary and hotel booking confirmation, or a letter of invitation from a family member or friend living in China (along with a copy of the information page in their passport) will be required as part of your application.</p> <p>Plans can change once there, of course, but it isn’t difficult to organize a short visa extension on a single-entry tourist visa. The Foreign Affairs Branch of the local Public Security Bureau is your friend on this one. Just make sure you apply at least a week before your visa is due to run out, and make sure you have at least six months remaining on the validity of your passport from the date you intend to leave.</p> <p>Whatever you do, don’t overstay your visa. If you can’t avoid it, expect fines of up to ¥500 a day and a potential ban from returning for up to 10 years. If you happen to be arrested and detained while you’re there, visa overstay fines will still apply.</p> <h3>When you get there – registration in China</h3> <p>China takes security threats seriously, and officials like to keep an eye on where travelers go and what they’re doing while they’re there. Fingerprinting visitors on arrival has been standard procedure since 2017, and every visitor to China must register their place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours.</p> <p>This is a simple process if you’re staying at a hotel – it’s part of check-in – but if you’re staying at an Airbnb and your host doesn’t take care of this for you, you’ll need to pay a visit to your nearest police station to do so yourself.</p> <p>Be sure to download the Google Translate app before you go (you won’t be able to download it once in China) in case there isn’t an English speaker at the police station.</p> <p>If it seems a little extreme to have to register every time you travel on to a new town or city within China, avoid the temptation to skip this necessary procedure. Failing to register could land you with a fine or an unpleasant stay in detention.</p> <h2 id="tips">9 important safety tips for China</h2> <h3>1. Dealing with crowds</h3> <p>Almost 1.4 billion people call China home, so get ready to <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-is-overpopulated-here-s-some-rules-to-help-you-cope" target="_blank" title="How to Cope in Crowds">rethink your boundaries around personal space</a>. Elbowing, pushing and cutting in line can be confronting to visitors, but try to accept it as part of the Chinese experience.</p> <p>Rest assured that ‘actively encouraging’ you to step aside isn’t intended to do you harm. Stand your ground if someone’s trying to cut in front of you in line, and have fun being a little pushy in return if you’re trying to navigate a crowd.</p> <h3>2. Petty crime</h3> <p>There’s a reason organized tours are the preferred way of seeing the highlights of this fascinating country – getting around as a group delivers safety in numbers.</p> <p><a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-crime" target="_blank" title="5 Types of Petty Crime to Look Out for In China">Travelers are easy targets for pickpockets, bag snatchers and thieves looking to steal passports, phones, cameras and laptops</a>. Avoid carrying anything in your back pockets, carry handbags across your body, and wear backpacks on your front.</p> <p>Train and bus stations, busy shopping hubs, public toilets, and popular eating and drinking precincts in major cities are especially prone to petty crime. Trying to thwart a robbery has been known to lead to violence and injury, so it’s best to do what a thief asks if you find yourself an unlucky victim. Carrying valuables such as passports inside your clothing is a smart move.</p> <p>Report stolen items at the nearest Foreign Affairs Branch of the Public Security Bureau to make a claim on your travel insurance.</p> <h3>3. Road safety in China</h3> <p>Although you are unlikely to drive yourself around in China (international drivers’ licenses aren’t recognized), <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-traffic-chaos" target="_blank" title="Traffic Chaos in China: What You Need to Know">traveling by road does not come without risk</a>. The World Health Organization estimates there are at least 600 traffic deaths per day in China. The sheer number of vehicles is one contributing factor, but so is driver inexperience and a flagrant disregard of traffic laws.</p> <p>Making matters worse, there aren’t likely to be seatbelts on long-distance buses, and don’t expect to find them in the rear seats of taxis either.</p> <h3>4. Pedestrian smarts</h3> <p>The biggest danger visitors are likely to face in China is in <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-traffic-chaos#pedestrian-safety-in-china" target="_blank" title="Pedestrian Safety in China">crossing the street</a>. Road rules are often ignored, and pedestrians are expected to get out of the way – even if they’re crossing the street on a green walk sign.</p> <p>Beware of cyclists in a hurry. A bicycle may round the corner at speed when you least expect it, piled high with precariously balanced goods. Shouted orders to get out of the way may give you the warning you need to step back – or not. Rely on your eyes more than your ears to check the coast is clear. Electric cars can be almost silent when they approach.</p> <h3>5. Beggars in China</h3> <p>Be alert to beggars who ask you for money then pursue you or <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-crime#aggressive-beggars-in-china" target="_blank" title="Aggressive Beggars in China">become aggressive if you ignore them</a>. They are common throughout China but are especially concentrated in Beijing’s Silk Alley, the Forbidden City, and other areas that attract crowds of visitors.</p> <p>Child beggars can pull at your heartstrings and be as pushy as adults, but resist the urge to open your wallet or you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by others hoping for a hand-out. Also, giving to beggars encourages the practice, so don’t do it.</p> <p>In restaurants, staff will usually assist in encouraging beggars to leave you alone, as will police in crowded spots such as public parks. Otherwise, it will be up to you to dissuade them.  </p> <h3>6. Passport protection </h3> <p>Leave a copy of your passport and visa with a trusted friend or family member before you depart, and take an extra copy to carry around with you. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask the staff to also photocopy the page showing your entry stamp. The easier you can make it to replace your visa and passport, should it be lost or stolen, the more grateful you’ll be that you took these precautionary steps. </p> <p>Passports are valuable everywhere, <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-crime#passport-safety-in-china" target="_blank" title="Passport protection in China">but in China they are especially sought after by shady individuals looking to commit crimes using your identity</a>. If it does go AWOL, alert your embassy and contact local police to obtain a loss report. This is essential when checking in to a new hotel or applying for a replacement passport.</p> <p>Carry your passport with you rather than locking it in the hotel safe. Police are known to carry out random checks and you’ll need it to enter many tourist attractions and museums.</p> <h3>7. Mobile payment apps</h3> <p>Traveling as part of a tour group has its benefits, and the limited payment methods available in many bars, shops and restaurants can make it challenging to venture off on your own. WeChat and Alipay apps are now used by most Chinese to make payments, but these require you to have a Chinese bank account.</p> <p>Calling ahead to check if a restaurant accepts credit cards or cash will save you time and disappointment – an increasing number accept neither form of payment.</p> <p>If you’re keen to live like a local and go cashless, it is possible to use an overseas credit card to make payments via WeChat, but you can’t top up your account or retrieve unspent money without a Chinese bank account or phone number.</p> <p>Watch this space, though, as this may change. China may be the e-commerce capital of the world, but it remains to be seen whether foreign visitors will be allowed to join their digital revolution.</p> <h3>8. Is China safe to travel for people of color?</h3> <p>Despite a growing number of people visiting from across the world, anyone who looks a little different to the Chinese norm tends to stand out like a beacon. This doesn't have to be a bad thing. If you find yourself attracting attention (some people may even form a circle around you to gaze at your intriguing features), why not use it as an opportunity to interact with the locals? </p> <p>Chances are high that their interest in you isn’t coming from a place of malice or prejudice. They may simply never have come across someone quite like you before. This applies as much to people of ethnically African origin as it does someone with pale blonde hair and skin. Just don’t be surprised if you get asked to pose for photos. Lots of photos.</p> <h3>9. Is China safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?</h3> <p>Although homosexuality has been legal in China since 1997, same-sex marriage remains illegal and there aren’t any anti-discrimination laws in place. Strident censorship laws include LGBTQ+-related content, which means tour companies and other organizations can’t openly promote themselves as being LGBTQ+-friendly. </p> <p>Although there is a range of views on homosexuality within the country – how could there not be, with a population so large – travelers are unlikely to encounter hostility. It’s customary for friends of the same sex to walk along hand-in-hand, so displays of affection such as this won’t attract any attention.</p> <p>There’s no need for concern when it comes to accommodation either. Same-sex couples booking a room in a high-end city hotel won’t raise an eyebrow, and the polite and reserved nature of the Chinese people generally means surprise is unlikely to be expressed at the smaller hotels, hostels, or guesthouses either.</p> <p>If you’re looking for a more sociable holiday, connecting with open-minded travelers is possible but make sure you’ve set up a high-quality VPN on your phone before you leave home. This will protect your privacy and ensure you can still access apps and websites that allow you to connect with others.</p> <h2 id="disasters">Natural disasters in China</h2> <p>Just what you don’t need on your travels. Fortunately, the chances of your plans being <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/china/weather-and-when-to-travel-china" target="_blank" title="Climate and Weather: Planning Your Trip to China">disrupted due to major weather-related incidents are slim in China</a>. The following natural disasters are the only ones that could disrupt your plans, however unlikely.</p> <p><strong>Typhoons:</strong> between May and November, typhoons (mature tropical cyclones) occur along China’s south and east coasts. Keep an eye on weather reports (and your weather app) for typhoons in the region; they can change in direction and strength without much warning. </p> <p><strong>Earthquakes: </strong>China is in an active seismic zone but earthquakes typically occur in the remote and mountainous non-tourist areas of western China. A magnitude-5.9 earthquake struck Sichuan province in 2019, and this occurred in an area visited by tourists, so don’t completely disregard it as a possibility.</p> <p><strong>Flooding:</strong> there are distinct rainy seasons in China that can lead to flooding. Between May and September, rural areas along the Yangtze River are particularly prone to flooding.</p> <p><strong>Landslides: t</strong>he mountainous areas of southwest China can be affected by landslides in the rainy season. Between May and September, Sichuan province (home of the giant panda), Yunnan province and Tibet are more likely to face heavy rain and landslides.<strong> </strong></p> <h2 id="surveillance">Surveillance in China</h2> <p>Surveillance is not new in China – it began as a method of social control under Chairman Mao’s communist party in the 1920s – but, visitor or not, technology now enables your every move to be tracked and recorded. </p> <p>Surveillance smarts and artificial intelligence are becoming so sophisticated that, as well as dramatically improving the odds that you’ll be caught if you step out of line, your next move may be anticipated before you’ve even decided what that next move is.</p> <p>With the government reportedly spending more on surveillance than national defense, and pilot programs in place to rate each citizen on a social credit system, China is on its way to becoming a digital dictatorship.</p> <p>High-definition cameras (at least 200 million of them) with facial recognition, directional microphones, night vision and motion tracking are installed not just on lamp posts and buildings, but also cars, buses, drones, markets, schools and the jackets of police officer uniforms.</p> <p>The degree to which visitor movements are being tracked is anyone’s guess, but don’t rule it out. Mandatory registration every time you check in to a new hotel is one way to monitor your movements, of course, but it pays to expect the unexpected when it comes to Chinese security measures.</p> <p>Entering Xinjiang by land from Central Asia, for example, may mean you have to hand over your smartphone (and passcode) before you’re allowed in. An app may then be installed that collects data such as contacts and text messages and checks whether the content on your phone triggers any of the 73,000 red flags that indicate you’re a security risk. Geotracking is also likely to have been enabled by the app when it’s returned to you.</p> <h2 id="corruption">Police corruption in China</h2> <p>Where there’s money to be made, corruption follows and that’s certainly true in China. Bribery of police is common, and foreign visitors can be targeted in elaborate set-ups designed to extract money from their families overseas.</p> <p>One such incident involved an attack on a young male visitor outside a nightclub in Beijing. Police detained the foreigner, rather than his attackers, and forced his family to pay large sums of money before allowing him to leave the country.</p> <h2 id="penalties">Death penalty and laws in China</h2> <p>Drug offenses and crimes such as murder can lead to the death penalty, no matter where in the world you’re from, and even minor drug-related offenses are taken very seriously. Penalties are severe for drug use, possession, distribution, or trafficking. Even small quantities of ‘soft’ drugs such as marijuana don’t escape police attention, and laws are strictly enforced.</p> <p>Children over 14 are tried as adults in China and subject to the same conditions in detention. Consular assistance will be of limited use if a crime has been committed in China, and you won’t be allowed to leave the country until any legal matters are resolved. Less than 1 percent of cases tried in Chinese courts result in a not-guilty verdict.</p> <h2 id="activities">Banned activities in China</h2> <p>Activities you might take for granted might be viewed as national security threats in China. Taking part in any of the following banned activities will land you in serious trouble:</p> <ul> <li>You won’t find any poker machines or casinos in China, but illegal gambling does go on. If you find yourself invited to play cards or Mahjong – and money is involved – it’s wise to walk away. Even online gambling is considered a breach of the law</li> <li>Taking photos of military or government buildings. Many tour operators also warn visitors against asking political questions when visiting sites such as Tiananmen Square. The site’s 1989 student protests and subsequent massacre is still one of the most censored topics on the Chinese internet</li> <li>Prostitution</li> <li>Organizing a demonstration without getting government approval</li> <li>Taking part in preaching, distributing literature or associating with unapproved religious groups</li> <li>Participating in Falun Gong activities. Although devotees consider Falun Gong a spiritual practice involving meditation and compassion, the Chinese government sees the movement as an evil cult and has actively been working to stamp it out since 1999.</li> </ul> <h2 id="scams">Top 10 tourist cons in China</h2> <p>Criminals with faulty moral compasses are adept at coming up with novel ways to fleece the unsuspecting visitor. <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/cons-scams-and-counterfeit-money" target="_blank" title="Scams in China">Here are 10 common scams to watch out for</a>: </p> <ol> <li><strong>Taxi scams:</strong> your driver insists you pay a higher fee than the price you agreed on before you left. To reduce the likelihood of this happening to you, stick with licensed, metered taxis arranged through your hotel. Avoid riding in pedicabs and motorized three-wheelers, as they are far more likely to overcharge you for their services. If you’re traveling for more than an hour in a taxi, it’s not uncommon for a driver to arrange to meet another driver halfway. If the drivers attempt to split up your party into two taxis (thus doubling the total cost), refuse.</li> <li><strong>Shopping scams:</strong> even in large shopping malls selling high-end goods, ignore offers of special deals to be had on ‘designer’ items held in a back room. If you do go, don’t be surprised when the door is locked behind you and you are prevented from leaving until you’ve made a purchase.</li> <li><strong>Left with the check:</strong> Disheartening it may be, but invitations to take part in a tea ceremony or to join someone for a meal so they can practice their English are often ploys for con artists to get fed for free. At the end of the meal, they up and leave you with a hefty bill.</li> <li><strong>Special massages:</strong> foreigners are lured into a building with the promise of a cut-price massage (an enticing offer if you’ve been on your feet seeing the sights all day), only to be assaulted by a group of thugs and robbed.</li> <li><strong>Switched goods:</strong> beware the last-minute switcheroo if you’ve made a purchase at a market or store. Keep a watchful eye as your goodies are bagged lest what you end up with is different to what you paid for.</li> <li><strong>Fake products:</strong> poor-quality designer knock-offs are pedaled to foreigners at inflated prices, complete with assurances they are the real deal. Have your wits about you and inspect goods closely before haggling for a better price. Nanjing Road in Shanghai and Beijing's Silk Alley are notorious for knock-offs.</li> <li><strong>Counterfeit currency:</strong> pay the exact cost of an item or bill whenever you can to avoid ending up with counterfeit notes as change. Most shopkeepers use cash detectors or hold money up to the light to check yuan is real before accepting them for payment. To conduct your own check, hold a note up to the light and look for a metal ribbon that runs from top to bottom.</li> <li><strong>Stranger danger:</strong> refuse offers of food, drink or transportation from anyone you don’t know. Reports of visitors being drugged and robbed are more common than you might think.</li> <li><strong>Art exhibitions:</strong> students are known to coerce visitors into viewing a free art exhibition at their school, only to find they’ve done you a drawing while you’re there and push you into paying for it.</li> <li><strong>Fake ATMs:</strong> try to only use ATMs at your hotel, a bank or shopping center. Otherwise, you risk using an ATM machine that takes your card or issues counterfeit notes.</li> </ol> <h2 id="guide">Download the free guide to staying safe in China</h2> <p>Our common-sense guide to travel safety is a reliable, trustworthy source of up-to-date advice so you can bravely explore the world.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/china/download-our-free-guide-to-travel-safety-in-china-world-nomads.jpg" alt=""The" front="" page="" of="" world="" nomads="" travel="" safety="" guide="" to="" china="" /> <figcaption>Download your free copy of <a href="/explore/guides/china-travel-safety-guide" target="_blank" title="Download now">China: The Travel Safety Guide</a> now. </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="podcast"></h2>Stocksy/Bo Bo 01115895 Stocksy Danxia Landform Geological Park In Gansu, China

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/travel-alertsWhat are the issues affecting travelers to China? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2020-06-18T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/travel-alertshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Listen to the World Nomads Podcast: COVID-19</h2> <p>In this episode, we address FAQs about the virus and how it affects your travel and tips to survive self-isolation.</p> <iframe width="100%" height="190" src="https://webplayer.whooshkaa.com/episode/596586?theme=light&enable-volume=true" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay"></iframe> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Previous travel alerts</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h3>Sichuan Earthquake – June 2019</h3> <p>A magnitude 5.9 earthquake has struck Sichuan province. Several aftershocks have been felt following the earthquake. 11 people have been killed and dozens injured in Gongxian and Changning counties.</p> <p>Infrastructure has been damaged and services have been cut to the area.</p> <p>The tremors have been felt in major regional cities such as Chengdu and Chongqing.</p> <ul> <li>Keep updated with local news and government travel advisory information if you are currently in China</li> <li>Always exercise caution while traveling</li> <li>Be aware of your surroundings</li> <li>Carry your personal ID with you at all times.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>Getty Images/Gassen 1865308880 Getty Images Chinese Flag on the Great Wall

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/cons-scams-and-counterfeit-moneyDon't get conned in China. Here's how to stay alert and avoid getting scammed.2020-01-22T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/cons-scams-and-counterfeit-moneyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Avoid scammers in Shanghai, Beijing and throughout <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/china/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-china">China</a> with these tips. Here are some of the <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/travel-scams-101">most common scams</a> in China.</p> <h2>1. The Practice English Scam</h2> <p>One of the most common scams involves a traveler being invited to dinner by a stranger to dinner so they can "practice their English". However, the only practice you are likely to get will be mathematical, as you could be left to calculate the expensive dinner bill left behind when the con artist leaves you with the receipt.</p> <p>A similar scam involves couples who invite you to a tea tasting ceremony, but they leave you the check when it comes. </p> <p>Be wary of who you eat or drink with. If you sense a scam, politely decline the offer.</p> <h2>2. The Free Exhibition </h2> <p>Not so much a scam as a hustle, beware art students who approach you and invite you to a "free" art exhibit at their school. When you accept, they try to get you to buy something after they have explained their hard work, and made you a calligraphy picture. This is most common around Tiananmen Square in Beijing.</p> <h2>3. Counterfeit Chinese Money</h2> <p>Counterfeit notes, especially ¥50 and ¥100 bills, were once widespread throughout China, including Hong Kong and Macau.</p> <p>Fake notes are in circulation despite the Chinese Government making attempts to stamp out the issue, and newly minted notes have decreased the probability of this scam. Part of the problem is that many of the fake notes are of such a high quality, it's hard to detect them, which is why many shopkeepers still use cash detectors and hold notes up to a light. Some merchants will exchange a large bill with a fake and claim you were the one who handed over the counterfeit.</p> <p>Try to carry smaller denominations or only pay with exact change to avoid getting fake money in return. If you only have ¥50 or ¥100 bills, record their serial numbers so you know if they have been switched with a counterfeit.</p> <p>Beware that ATMs have also been known to issue counterfeit notes.</p> <h2>4. Fake Goods in China</h2> <p>Throughout China, there are many fake, or at least grossly overpriced, souvenirs.</p> <p>Nanjing Road in Shanghai and Beijing's Silk Alley are hotspots for locals selling poor-quality products or services to travelers for jacked-up prices.</p> <p>Watch transactions carefully and inspect all items that you buy, to avoid ending up with something other than what you paid for in your shopping bags.</p> <p>Be careful when booking shopping tours in Beijing. Most often, the prices for travelers are inflated and the tour guides will push you to buy, as many guides get a commission off the sale.</p> <p>Your best bet is to stick to larger shopping malls and traditional retail outlets for higher-priced items, and avoid buying fake goods on the streets.</p> <h2>5. Employment scams</h2> <p>If you are going to China for work, carefully research the company which offers you a job before you accept the work. While most are reputable, there are some dodgy operators who try to take advantage of travelers and expats with employment scams. Most of these involve teaching English.</p> <p>Australian travelers have reported misrepresented living and employment conditions, and contract disputes leading to eviction from university housing or threats of physical violence. <br /><br />Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises meticulously researching the work opportunity and necessary visa requirements.</p> <p><a href="https://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/visa/work.htm">Working visas are usually Z-class</a> and require a residency permit. Penalties for the wrong visa or for overstaying your visa are harsh and could result in jail time.</p> <p>Legitimate employers will never ask to keep your passport or specify that you forfeit a return plane ticket or pay if the contract gets terminated prematurely.</p> <p>If intending to work in China, contact the embassy in your home country to check on visa and other requirements.</p> <p>Several forums on teaching English have ongoing discussions about fraudulent work offers. Some say scammers tried to get individuals to enter China on L-visas, which are tourist visas, and accept unlicensed teaching positions.</p> <p>Potential teachers should talk to the person hiring and other employees, in addition to visiting the school and watching classes.</p> <p>Government schools seem to be the most credible, and problems that arise with working conditions can be sorted by the Foreign Experts' Office of the provincial education ministry.</p> <p>Some red flags that could indicate something dodgy about an English teacher position include an ad with inflated language explaining all the perks of the job, vague descriptions of job duties and inconsistent information.</p> <p>One teacher pointed out that many of the work scams center on private language schools that are fooling clients as well as teaching applicants. He suggested asking about the curriculum to prove the school is legitimate.</p> <h2>Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: China</h2> <iframe width="100%" height="190" src="https://webplayer.whooshkaa.com/episode/426698?theme=light" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe>Getty Images/Cuellar 1130010796 Getty Images Nanjing road in rainy day in Shanghai

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/chinese-flu-and-other-diseasesPoor hygiene, pollution and diseases to be aware of – here's how to stay healthy while traveling in China.2020-02-02T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/chinese-flu-and-other-diseaseshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Here are just some of the potential health risks facing travelers to China, and how to protect yourself. </p> <ul> <li><a href="#spitting-in-china">Spitting in China</a></li> <li><a href="#tap-water">Can I drink tap water in China?</a></li> <li><a href="#bathroom-hygiene-in-china">What to expect from toilets in China</a></li> <li><a href="#china-pollution-alerts">Pollution in China</a></li> <li><a href="#poor-building-safety-in-china">Poor building safety in China</a></li> <li><a href="#disease-epidemics-in-china">Vaccinations and diseases in China</a></li> <li><a href="#podcast"> Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: China </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="spitting-in-china">Spitting in China</h2> <p>Chinese medical practice advises that swallowing phlegm is unhealthy. The Chinese Government has made several attempts over the years to curb spitting, and the SARS outbreak of 2002 decreased its incidence in major cities. However, it remains a common occurrence throughout the country; on the streets, in restaurants, on buses and planes, and you may hear a Chinese person coughing up regularly into a napkin. Sneezing without covering noses and mouths is also common.</p> <h2 id="tap-water">Can I drink tap water in China?</h2> <p>Always boil water before drinking or brushing your teeth – tap water is not safe to drink in China. Instead of purchasing plastic water bottles, pack a water bottle with a filter. Avoid ice at restaurants, and ask for a sealed bottle of juice rather than a glass of juice – it may have been diluted with tap water.</p> <h2 id="bathroom-hygiene-in-china">What to expect from toilets in China</h2> <p>You’ll need to keep your sense of humor when you visit some of the toilets in China, whether they’re western-style toilets or not. Outside of your city hotel, squat toilets are standard across the country, and they are usually neither clean nor tidy. </p> <p>Carry your own toilet paper or tissues around with you, tossing the used ones in the bucket next to the toilet when you’re done. If you forget or run out, you can buy toilet paper from shops, restaurants and bars.</p> <p>Soap may not be provided either, so carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you. Public toilets are free or attract a small fee.</p> <h2>Download our free guide to staying safe in China</h2> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/china-travel-safety-guide" target="_blank" title="Download now">Our common-sense guide to travel safety is a reliable, trustworthy source of up-to-date advice so you can bravely explore the world</a>.</strong></p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/china/download-our-free-guide-to-travel-safety-in-china-world-nomads.jpg" alt=""The" front="" page="" of="" world="" nomads="" travel="" safety="" guide="" to="" china="" /> <figcaption>Download your free copy of <a href="/explore/guides/china-travel-safety-guide" target="_blank" title="Download now">China: The Travel Safety Guide</a> now. </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="china-pollution-alerts">Pollution alerts in China</h2> <p>Asthma sufferers will want to plan ahead before arriving in China, as pollution is a serious problem. China's cars, population and many areas of construction account for it being home to 16 of the world's 20 most polluted cities, according to the World Bank. Those with allergies, skin conditions and problems with their throats may feel sick.</p> <p>Efforts are being made to create vast green corridors in many cities, and China is leading the way in a quest to become the world’s renewable energy superpower. In the meantime, high levels of pollution affect cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu because of the sheer number of cars, and the incredible amount of manufacturing and construction activity going on.</p> <p>Authorities issue red alerts if pollution levels are especially bad, and you can check <a href="http://aqicn.org/city/beijing/">Air Quality Index</a> or <a href="https://air-matters.com/">Air Matters</a> for real-time pollution readings.</p> <p>If you do want to venture out on high-pollution days, do what the locals do and wear a mask. Be aware that flights in and out of cities can be canceled when pollution affects visibility.</p> <h2 id="poor-building-safety-in-china">Poor building safety in China</h2> <p>Your health might also be compromised by unsafe building work, including improperly constructed, uninsulated apartments, office buildings and more.</p> <p>In November 2010, a fire at a 28-story Shanghai apartment building killed more than 50 people and injured 90 more. Unlicensed welders were charged with accidentally starting the blaze.</p> <p>The incident came a year after another 13-story apartment building collapsed while still undergoing construction, killing a worker. The cause was a pile of excavated dirt next to the building.</p> <p>In recent years, Shanghai, in particular, has experienced a sharp improvement in construction standards. The city built new subway lines for the 2010 World Expo, and there have been renovations to highways, the two airports and high rises.</p> <p>Be mindful of areas undergoing construction, and be aware that fire codes are not always in place, which might include the absence of fire exits (or blocked exits), escapes, smoke detectors and sprinklers.</p> <h2>Health and hygiene in China</h2> <p>Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to complete all the recommended vaccinations before leaving for China.</p> <p>Rabies is a growing problem in China, and more than 2,000 people die from it here each year. If an animal (typically a dog) with rabies licks or bites you, treatment is much more of a hassle if you haven’t been vaccinated. Either way, seek medical treatment as soon as possible after contact with an animal you suspect is infected.</p> <p>Medical facilities of an international standard are expensive (be sure to take out travel insurance) but available in major cities. In other areas, it can be a bit of a lottery and you may have to pay cash before any treatment is carried out.</p> <p>Hygiene practices can be questionable, as can the level of medical training staff members have received. On a recent trip to China, one visitor on an organized tour reported having to get stitches at a local (and not terribly clean) medical center after having a fall. The doctor stitching him up was eating his lunch at the same time!</p> <p>Here are some of the other health risks to watch out for: </p> <h3>Bird flu</h3> <p>Strains of the avian influenza virus continue to circulate in chickens. The only way to minimize your risk of exposure is to avoid live poultry markets in rural areas.</p> <h3>HIV/AIDS</h3> <p>Apart from taking obvious precautions during any sexual encounters, be sure to request the use of sterilized equipment if you need medical care outside major cities and insist on the use of new syringes (even if you have to pay for them).</p> <h3>Japanese Encephalitis (aka Encephalitis B)</h3> <p>This mosquito-borne illness is endemic in rural areas of southern China between June and August. Make sure this is one of the vaccines you get before you travel.</p> <h3>Malaria and dengue fever</h3> <p>The risk of contracting malaria is highest if you’re traveling to rural areas during the warmer months. Consider taking preventative medicine before and during your trip. Wearing long sleeves and using repellent and mosquito nets will reduce your risk of dengue fever.</p> <h3>Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease</h3> <p>HFMD outbreaks occur most commonly between March and October, and usually affect children less than 10 years old. Careful and frequent hand washing is the best prevention. </p> <h3>Typhoid</h3> <p>This serious bacterial infection spreads via contaminated food and water. Be sure you’ve been vaccinated against typhoid and take extra care with food and drink to be on the safe side. Drink only bottled water, eat only freshly cooked food (avoid buffets), and choose busy restaurants over quiet ones.</p> <h3>Hepatitis A</h3> <p>This virus infects the liver and can’t be treated. Pre-travel vaccination will give you effective protection.</p> <h3>Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia)</h3> <p>Avoid swimming in fresh water around the central Yangzi River (Cháng Jiāng) basin. If infected, symptoms may not show up for months or years, by which time internal organ damage is irreversible.</p> <h2 id="podcast">Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: China</h2> <iframe width="100%" height="190" src="https://webplayer.whooshkaa.com/episode/426698?theme=light" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe>Getty Images/Jianhong Yin 1965644408 Getty Images Food at a market in China

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-traffic-chaosTackling the traffic in China is a challenge. Here's how to navigate it safely if you plan on driving or taking a road trip around China.2020-01-22T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-traffic-chaoshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><strong><a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/travel-alerts" target="_blank" title="Travel alerts for China">TRAVEL ALERT</a>: The <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus" target="_blank" title="World Health Organization">World Health Organization</a> declared a <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/30-01-2020-statement-on-the-second-meeting-of-the-international-health-regulations-(2005)-emergency-committee-regarding-the-outbreak-of-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)" target="_blank" title="WHO: Update">global public health emergency</a> on January 30 2020 due to <a href="https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/novel-coronavirus" target="_blank" title="WHO">Coronavirus</a>, which originally emerged in Wuhan, China.</strong></p> <p>According to WHO, <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/1952218/traffics-toll-road-accidents-kill-700-people-day-china" target="_blank">more than 700 people are killed in road accidents across China every day</a>. This is what you need to know about safety on the roads.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#new-drivers-in-china">New drivers in China</a></li> <li><a href="#traffic-disobedience-in-china">Traffic disobedience in China</a></li> <li><a href="#pedestrian-safety-in-china">Pedestrian safety in China</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="new-drivers-in-china">New drivers in China</h2> <p>Part of the problem is that many Chinese didn‘t drive until the 1990s. There was a massive increase in the number of passenger vehicles on the road from 10 million in 2000 to 70 million in 2010, however, the average Chinese driver has fewer than five years‘ experience.</p> <p>Many drivers are unlicensed and those who do have permits are not required to go through any rigorous practice or coursework to get clearance to drive legally.</p> <p>Rules of the road are largely ignored, and the most followed of all traffic behaviors is simply getting out of the way when a car bigger than the one you're in barrels down the road.</p> <p>Many drivers expect pedestrians to move out of the way, and carelessly run red lights.</p> <p>Seatbelts are not always installed in vehicles and even if they are, are rarely worn, not even by children.</p> <p>If you do get into a traffic accident, don‘t lose your cool, and stay where you are until the police arrive. Things can get out of control easily and a crowd will gather around you and the other party. Some onlookers may even try to determine who is at fault and what the penalty will be, even suggesting that the "wrong" party, often the foreigner, pay a fee up to 1,000 RMB. Locals might bargain over costs owed for damages at an accident scene.</p> <h2 id="traffic-disobedience-in-china">Cyclist disobedience in China</h2> <p>It‘s not just powered vehicles you should look out for; Chinese cyclists can be just as dangerous. </p> <p>It‘s common to see a pack of cyclists flying through a red light or turning across pedestrian crossings. Some cyclists will scream at you to get you out of their way.</p> <p>Many Chinese pile their bikes high with boxes of produce and other wares. Colliding with one of these could lead to serious injury.</p> <h2 id="pedestrian-safety-in-china">Pedestrian safety in China</h2> <p>Crossing the street with a pack of people is probably the best way to stay safe as a pedestrian; never dart across the intersection alone, as bikes and cars can come from anywhere.<br /><br />Most drivers honk horns or ring bike bells to alert you of their arrival. If you try to cross against the light, you risk a fine. </p>Getty Images/Wenjie Dong 1871129616 Getty Images Traffic in Beijing

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-crimeHere's how to protect yourself from pickpockets, aggressive beggars and petty criminals in China. 2020-01-22T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-crimehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#petty-crime-in-public-areas-in-china">Petty Crime in Public Areas of China</a></li> <li><a href="#packs-of-pickpockets">Protect Yourself From Pickpockets in China</a></li> <li><a href="#passport-safety-in-china">Passport Safety in China</a></li> <li><a href="#aggressive-beggars-in-china">Aggressive Beggars in China</a></li> <li><a href="#child-exploitation-in-china">Child Exploitation in China</a></li> <li><a href="#podcast"> Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: China </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="petty-crime-in-public-areas-in-china">Petty crime in public areas of China</h2> <p>Transportation stations attract petty criminals, often at the ticket booth, as do overnight train carriages and Trans-Siberian Express lines.</p> <p>Visitor attractions, Beijing International Airport, expat bars at night, street markets and Yuyuan Garden, a major tourist and shopping area in Shanghai, are other hotspots for theft.</p> <p>Attempts at camera theft have also taken place along the Bund and at a bus station in Shanghai.</p> <p>Guangzhou, Xian and Guiyang are all hotspots for pickpocketing.</p> <p>Reports of petty crime seem to rise in February, during Chinese New Year. On rare occasions, incidents can turn serious, with reports surfacing every now and again of violence or wiorse committed against visitors.</p> <h2 id="packs-of-pickpockets">Protect yourself from pickpockets in China</h2> <p>Pickpockets frequently operate in packs by having one member distract you while another steals your wallet or purse.</p> <p>A rule of caution when traveling anywhere applies doubly in China: don't leave anything valuable in your back pockets, and if you realize someone is trying to steal from you, make a lot of fuss and noise to attract attention and, hopefully, the police.</p> <p>Thieves in China also like busy restaurants, so keep your bag securely on your lap.</p> <h2 id="passport-safety-in-china">Passport safety in China</h2> <p>One particularly tricky issue is that you are required to carry your passport with you at all times when you travel in China, as visitors are subject to random checks. This means that your passport has a greater likelihood of getting stolen.</p> <p>Make sure that you store your passport, and any other relevant paperwork, in front pockets or in a bag or pack secured at the front of your body.</p> <p>The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office reports that theft of British passports, in particular, has increased in big cities. Make sure you also travel with a copy of your passport just in case.</p> <h2 id="aggressive-beggars-in-china">Aggressive beggars in China</h2> <p>Beggars are common throughout China with some becoming aggressive or following you a few blocks down the road, even if you try to ignore them.</p> <p>Beijing's Silk Alley is well-known for beggars because of its high concentration of visitors shopping, as is the back end of the Forbidden City.</p> <p>More beggars roam from Xi Dan to the third ring.</p> <p>If a beggar or homeless person asks for money at a restaurant, or crowded public place like a park, the staff or police will often intervene quite aggressively. One traveler to Shanghai recalled a police officer pushing a beggar away when he asked for money in popular Peoples Park and a waiter at a restaurant on the Bund doing likewise with another vagrant.<br /><br />Try waving beggars or hagglers away, or say "Bu Yao," which means "Go away."</p> <h2 id="child-exploitation-in-china">Child exploitation in China</h2> <p>Child begging is a problem in China, and many suspect the country's high rate of missing children is tied to this practice. Some beggars use their own, or possibly kidnapped, children to up the emotional appeal. </p> <p>The children can be as pushy as the adults, and giving money to one child will often draw out a pack of additional kids hoping to collect.</p> <p>Some people have reported seeing adults hiding behind nearby taking the money you've just given to a child. Never give money to children, ever.</p> <h2 id="podcast">Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: China</h2> <iframe width="100%" height="190" src="https://webplayer.whooshkaa.com/episode/426698?theme=light" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe>Getty Images/SHX 1167061967 Getty Images View above a night market in Shanghai

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-is-overpopulated-here-s-some-rules-to-help-you-copeWith a brewing population of almost 1.4 billion people, here's how to deal with overcrowding while sightseeing in China.2020-01-22T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-is-overpopulated-here-s-some-rules-to-help-you-copehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>The Chinese are experts at calmly navigating crowds, and you should expect to cop an elbow or a shove here and there while traveling here.</p> <p>Queuing is not the norm in China – it really is every person for themselves. But, amid the chaos, there are a few rules for effective crowd navigation.</p> <h2>Elbowing is a part of Chinese history</h2> <p>There's a historical bent to the tendency to elbow your way through a crowd, as one American living in Shanghai explains.</p> <p>"Traveling here requires patience because it is so overcrowded. They feel like they must rush, push, eat fast, or they won't get where they need to go, or they won't get the food."</p> <p>While the Chinese may find it culturally acceptable to push and shove, you might not think it's very polite.</p> <p>The shoving is usually not overly violent, just enough to move you out of the way. Places notorious for this behavior include on trains, buses and metro stations, at both the ticket counter and the stop.</p> <h2>Stay calm</h2> <p>Being in a tight crowd can produce panic and claustrophobia in some visitors, so remove yourself from the chaos by leaning against a wall or ducking into an alleyway.</p> <p>Or, act like a local and stand your ground by refusing to let anyone past you in the queue or shoving back those that shove you.</p> <h2>Forget about personal space</h2> <p>This Western cultural tendency doesn't exist in China. If there is an empty seat beside you in a restaurant, expect it to be filled by a local, even if you make it clear you just want to sit with your group. If there's an available nook or cranny, people in China will attempt to fill it.</p> <p>This diluted concept of personal space can also take on a tender aspect, as it's common to see people holding hands or hooking arms while walking down the street.</p> <p>It is also normal for Chinese people to stare. It's not out of rudeness as much as curiosity, especially if you are blonde, have red hair or <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/asia/china/black-tourist-china/" target="_blank" title="What It's Like to Be Black in China">if you are a person of color</a> – something many local people don't often see.</p> <h2>Tourist crowds in China</h2> <p>Time off work is scarce in China, so many people travel during the few holidays they can, such as Chinese New Year.</p> <p>This means high-touristed areas become even more packed during peak holiday times. </p> <p>It will be impossible to avoid the mad rush in many places. If you are visiting popular sites like The Great Wall, either reconsider your travel dates or, if that isn't possible, get away from the crowds by going further up the landmark, where there will be fewer people. <br /><br />Travel off-peak and go out when there are fewer people (late afternoon for lunch instead of 1pm, when everyone is having lunch), and you'll be fine.</p>Getty Images/Didier Marti 11093079042 Getty Images Crowd of Chinese tourists in the Shichahai Old Town area in Beijing