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Overall China is a safe country. Vast majority of people you will meet
and deal with in your trip are going to be friendly, honest and
trustworthy. However, while traveling in China, what you are in is an
environment that is completely new and strange to you. So it would be
wise to stay alert.
Handling Possible Crimes in China
By large China is safe, but petty crime is on the rise and tourists are
particularly vulnerable. It is important for the tourists to take
precautions and use common sense, especially at night particularly
around the around crowded areas like attraction and markets.
Try not to carry large amount of cash or obvious symbols of wealth; keep
your wallet or purse out of sight, certainly not in the back pockets.
Pickpockets tend to operate in crowded areas, so make sure to carry your
bags in a way that you can always watch out. The backpack, even a small
day pack, is extremely vulnerable. Wallets, mobile phones, cameras,
jewelry and laptops are tempting targets for thieves. Do not flash a
wallet around when paying for purchases. Carry some small changes for
beggars.
Be alert of some common scams. Be cautious if somebody approaches you
and invite you for a drink at a tea house or bar nearby to "practice
English". There have been reports of tourist being ripped off in this
way. Do not pick up so called “fortune money” found on streets. ATM
crimes are growing in the recent years. There are frequent reports of
ATM scams including using fake ATMs or other means to steal bank cards.
You are advised to use the ATM during daytime and preferably having
someone with you.
Handling Important Documents in China
It is critical for a tourist while traveling to take extra care of the
travel documents such as passport, tickets and visa. You should always
carrying them with you, preferably in a pocket that is not directly
exposed or in a small travel bag attached to you belt. Never leave
valuables lying around your hotel room or in a vehicle even if it is
chartered by you. Even when you stay in the hotel, make sure to use
in-room safe to keep your important travel documents. You should also
keep an Xerox copy of your passport in a separate place so you will
something to work with in case the original one got lost.
Observing Local Laws in China
It is important for a tourist to observe local laws, regulations and
penalties for violations. All local laws and regulations, including
those that may seem harsh by the standards of your home country, do
apply to you. For instance, there are strictly enforced laws that
prohibit demonstrations without prior government approvals. Penalties
for drug trafficking and other serious crimes are extremely severe,
including possible death penalty in some big cases.
Handling Natural Disasters in China
The rainy season occurs every year between March and April in southern
and eastern China, from June until August in the west, and between May
and September for the areas near the Yangtze River . During these
periods severe rainstorms can cause landslides in Shangri-La and remote
areas in Tibet, which may interrupt tourist services in the region. The
rural areas alongside the Yangtze River may be subject to flooding
during the rainy seasons. Typhoon, which is very much similar to the
Hurricane, frequently visit the costal areas in south and east China.
As a tourist, you should always pay special attentions to weather
reports for where you are and where you will be. In case a natural
disaster occurs, you should follow the advice of the local authorities.
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