Safety in China — Practical Guide for Au Pairs & Students

Overall, China is a safe country for travelers, au pairs, and students, with relatively low violent crime. Like anywhere, staying safe means being prepared, staying aware in crowded places, and knowing how to get help quickly. This guide covers emergency numbers, common scams, transport, health, housing, and legal essentials.

Emergency Numbers & Useful Apps

Tip: Learn to say your address in Chinese or keep it written in characters on your phone.

Personal Safety & Common Scams

• Pickpocketing: Stay alert in busy metros, stations, and tourist streets. Use zippered bags worn to the front.
• Payment scams: Scan only official QR codes; avoid “helpful” strangers asking to use your phone for payments.
• Teahouse/arts invite scam: Decline unsolicited invites from strangers to “special shows” with inflated bills.
• Fake taxis: Use licensed cabs (metered) or reputable ride-hailing apps; avoid unmarked cars.
• Nightlife: Watch your drink, stay with friends, set a meeting point, and plan your ride home.

Transport Safety

• Metro & buses: Safe and well-staffed. Keep bags closed; let people exit before boarding.
• Taxis & ride-hailing: Check plate numbers, sit in the back, and share your trip with a friend on WeChat.
• Road crossing: Look both ways for e-bikes in bike lanes; use pedestrian bridges and crossings.
• Late hours: Prefer official transport; avoid walking alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas.

Health & Medical Care

• Water: Drink bottled or boiled water; many homes boil water daily. Avoid raw tap water.
• Hospitals: International clinics exist in major cities. Bring your passport and payment method; keep insurance details on your phone.
• Air quality: Check AQI on your weather app; consider a mask on high-pollution days.
• Medicines: Carry basic meds from home if you’re particular; pharmacies are common but brands differ.
• Vaccinations & medical check: Follow your program’s guidance; some visas require health exams on arrival.

Housing & Fire Safety

• Exits & alarms: Identify stairwells, extinguishers, and emergency exits in your building.
• Electrical safety: Don’t overload adapters; unplug high-watt devices when not in use.
• Locks: Keep doors/windows locked; don’t buzz in unknown visitors.
• Earthquake note (West China): Know assembly points and follow building guidance if alarms sound.

Legal Essentials

• Carry ID: Keep your passport with you or carry a high-quality copy; police may ask for identification.
• Address registration: Hotels register you automatically; private stays must be registered with local police (often within 24 hours).
• Visa compliance: Track visa dates and residence-permit steps; overstays have serious penalties.
• Zero tolerance: Avoid illegal drugs and controlled substances—penalties are severe.
• Respect local norms: Be mindful at religious/cultural sites and government buildings.

Money, Phones & Digital Safety

• Payments: Mobile pay (WeChat/Alipay) is common; add a card or use cash where needed.
• ATMs: Use machines inside banks/shopping centers; shield your PIN.
• Connectivity: Save offline maps and key contacts. Keep your phone charged; carry a small power bank.
• Backups: Photo your passport, visa, insurance, and emergency contacts and store them securely in the cloud.

Women’s Safety — Extra Tips

• Choose well-lit routes at night and share live location with a friend.
• In crowded venues, keep bags closed and phones zipped away.
• If you feel uncomfortable, move to a staffed area and call 110.

Quick Safety Checklist

FAQ — Safety in China

Is China safe for solo travelers?
Generally yes. Use the same common-sense precautions as in any big city.

Can I call emergency services in English?
Availability varies by city. Speak slowly; use a translation app and share your location.

What should I do if I lose my passport?
Report to the police (get a report), contact your embassy/consulate, and inform your program/host family.

Do I need travel/health insurance?
Yes—strongly recommended. Carry your policy number and 24/7 assistance phone.