Tips for Safe Travel to China
China attracts millions of tourist each year that go to visit such ancient attractions as The Great Wall, Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses and the Yangtze River as well as enjoy spectacular shows and exquisite cuisine in the thriving cities of Beijing and Shanghai.
Travel to China, as is the case with any destination, comes with certain risks and challenges. To minimize these risks and to increase your chances of a safe and rewarding trip, take note of the following tips.
Over 1,200 cities and areas in China are open to visitors without special travel permits, including most major scenic and historical sites. However, you should be aware that Chinese regulations strictly prohibit travel in “closed” areas without special permission. Check to make sure you won’t be entering a restricted area. If you have plans to visit a “closed” area, obtain permission from the appropriate authorities.
Get your passport and China travel visa if you don’t already have them. Be sure to start the process early. Passports usually take 6 weeks or more to process. Make a couple of copies of your passport data page. Take one with you but keep it separate from your passport. Leave the other with a friend or relative. Take extra copies of your passport photos in case your passport is lost or stolen.
If you plan to stay a month or longer, register at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate general. They provide a variety of services to U.S. citizens. Keep the location and telephone number with you at all times.
China has a low crime rate; however crime has increased in the past few years, principally in the major cities. U.S. citizens and other foreigners have seldom been victims of violent crime. However, always use good common sense to avoid putting yourself at risk unnecessarily.
Exercise caution and carefully obey local laws. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.
If you plan to do business in China, be vigilant in investigating the companies you plan to work with to ensure they are reputable or to learn whether a prior history of disputes exists.
Tourist travel in China can be extremely strenuous and may be especially debilitating to someone in poor health. Tours often involve walking long distances and up steep hills. All, especially those with a history of coronary/pulmonary problems, should have a complete medical checkup before making final travel plans. It is very important to schedule rest periods during your touring activities.
SOS International, Ltd., operates clinics and provides medical evacuation and medical escort services in several Chinese cities. For medical emergencies anywhere in mainland China, Americans can call the SOS International, Ltd., 24-hour “Alarm Center” in Beijing at (86-10) 64629100 or in Shanghai at (86-21) 62950099 for advice and referrals to local facilities. SOS International Alarm Centers can also be contacted in Hong Kong at (852) 24289900 and in the United States at (1-800) 523-6586.
Travelers are encouraged to travel to China with both health insurance and medical evacuation insurance (often included in so-called “travel” insurance and provided as part of a tour group package).
Don’t forget to verify your return flight 72 hours before the departure date. International flights departing China are routinely overbooked. If you don’t verify your flight, you could have your name stricken from the list of passengers. If this results in your remaining in China beyond the date on your visa, you could be fined or, even, detained.
Remember, if you plan to travel to China you need to get your passport and China travel visa.