【Life】Is China Actually Safe?
Source: Joshua Boyer, KeyToMainland
CET Academic Programs—a company that sends roughly 650 study abroad students to China every year—thinks a lot about safety in China. Many of the threats to American students in China are the same threats foreign residents and visitors face. In an effort to provide safety tips for tourists and business people in China, CET surveyed staff members who have lived in China for two or more years, some since the 1980s.
Most interviewees felt that China was safer than the United States in terms of violent crime, but that living in China posed other risks, particularly in terms of food safety, traffic safety, and petty theft. While most colleagues reported feeling some threats—mostly minor—to health and well-being, one respondent indicated she had never had a safety issue in one and a half years living in Beijing.
FOOD
To reduce the risk from unsafe food, it's recommended to avoid the cheapest restaurants, such as food stands, and bars with suspicious drink specials, such as “foreigners drink free,” which is a red flag for counterfeit alcohol. Hotel buffets, where food can sit out for a long time, should also be avoided. Seafood can be risky as well, due to improper food handling techniques. Cooking at home can eliminate the risk of ingesting fake or toxic foods. Always wash fruits and vegetables before peeling, cutting, or eating.
ROAD AND TRAFFIC SAFETY
Traffic safety can be a major concern for foreigners living in China. According to a 2011 New York Times article, China has nearly double the number of traffic-related deaths per year compared to the United States—despite having about one-third the number of vehicles on the road. Vehicle-based accidents happen, so it's always important to be careful when on the street - whether in a car or on foot.
To reduce the risk of traffic accidents in China, always wear seatbelts in cars that have them and helmets on bikes or scooters. Stay alert at all times on the roads, whether driving or on foot. Visitors and expats in China may want to avoid motor scooters or overnight buses to reduce the risk of being involved in a traffic accident.
THEFT
Petty theft of items such as bicycles and wallets is one of the most common crimes in China, but visitors and business people can take steps to reduce risk of theft. On many occasions, people have reported personal items stolen while living and working in China, including wallets, scooters, bicycles, and phones. Both scooter and bike can be taken despite being locked. Petty theft can be prevented by keeping personal affects in front pockets instead of back pockets and never slinging bags over backs of chairs or out of sight. The taxi meter scam—when a taxi driver “forgets” to turn on a meter—can be avoided by always taking official taxis and making sure the meter is running. Bike thefts can be difficult to avoid, but residents can reduce thefts by using multiple locks or keeping their bicycles parked in sight when possible.
HEALTHCARE
Nowadays, major cities in China have expatriate hospitals with international standards; those uneasy about local medical facilities can access an international hospital in most cases. Even in areas without western-style medical services, generally there are no issues with the care or services provided.
POLLUTION
China’s air pollution is a growing concern both among Chinese citizens and foreign residents. In large cities, various people suffer from asthma or other lung related illnesses, due to the poluttion. However, this is not much of a concern outside the large cities, and there are ways of managing your exposure. Ways to lessen its effects include avoiding outdoor exercise on the worst days, wearing a face mask, and purchasing an air filter for one’s home.
SUMMARY
China remains a relatively safe country, but visitors and residents should remain cautious in certain situations. It can be easy to adopt a false sense of security in China. Foreign residents and visitors should always be prepared and aware. Limit drinking while in unfamiliar settings and avoid going out alone at night. It's also advised against taking specific safety concerns in China and applying them widely. Life in China is generally safe as long as one is knowledgeable about potential safety issues. Every city is different, from the culture and even the food, so always reflect on your situation personally. Stay aware, stay safe, and have fun!
This article was originally written by KeyToMainland, and updated by Joshua Boyer.
KeyToMainland, is a news and article service operated by Guangzhou Firebird Consult Co., Ltd which focuses on Visa, Foreign Life and Company Registration. Their service is located in Guangzhou, and has been operating since 2007. You may contact them at http://www.chinavisa.pro or +86 13926104319.
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