China is a country that is increasingly becoming a welcoming destination for international travelers, and while there are certain precautions that you need to take, in most cases visitors will enjoy a safe and enjoyable visit. One of the biggest challenges for most visitors is the language barrier, so it is worth learning a few basic phrases in the local Chinese dialect for the area of the country you're visiting, especially how to ask for help.


While many people in China may have learned some English in school, it will usually be younger people who have recently graduated from school that will be able to converse in English if you do need to find help urgently.

 

Use Your Common Sense

One of the great features of visiting China is that despite being quite intimidating to begin with, it is actually a very safe country for male and female solo travelers, with the local laws meaning that many crimes against visitors are treated particularly harshly. However, this doesn't mean that you should completely let you guard down, and trying to avoid walking around by yourself late at night is certainly a good idea. Try and use registered taxis where possible instead of cabs that you stop on the street, and avoid drinking too much alcohol as this can make you stand out as vulnerable and a potential target.

 

Be Aware Of Common Scams That May Target Travelers

While most parts of the country are very safe, there are some gray areas in the law where tourists can be targeted by conmen, particularly in popular tourist areas.

One of the most common is when the tourist, usually a solo traveler is approached by a local wanting to practice their English, and they then suggest going for a cup of tea to continue practicing, but by the time the hefty bill that wasn't discussed arrives, their new friend has moved on to the next mark. Counterfeit money scams are also possible when dealing with unlicensed moneychangers, while it is also worth taking a close look at the menu in bars, as the prices in English are often significantly higher than those in Chinese. In China, it is not considered rude to say no and just walk away if you aren't comfortable talking with someone.

 

Drink Bottled Water

While this may be quite a simple tip, it is vital if you are traveling to China as the tap water is not drinkable without being boiled in advance, so be prepared to buy bottled water or wait for the boiled water to cool down for drinking. There are several types of bacteria that can be present in the water before boiling, and although rare, it is possible to catch Hepatitis A and typhoid fever, although in most cases the worst you will get will be bacterial diarrhea. When buying bottled water from a shop or at a restaurant, make sure that the seal on the bottle hasn't already been broken, as this can be an easy way to save money for an unscrupulous retailer that will put you at risk.

 

Make Sure Your Vaccinations Are Up To Date

While most visitors to China won't experience any problems with diseases, it is best to discuss your trip with a doctor before traveling, and to take any vaccinations that they recommend. Being ill in China while traveling solo is certainly not an enjoyable experience. Most travelers will need to get a vaccination for Hepatitis A and Typhoid, while other vaccinations such as Polio, Hepatitis B and Malaria may be appropriate depending on the part of the country you will be visiting.

 

Give Yourself Plenty Of Time To Reach Your Next Stop

While there are plenty of good transport options in China, it is usually best to give yourself plenty of time for each stage of the trip, particularly if you are traveling by public transport. Try to avoid traveling late at night, as although China is generally a very safe country to visit, more crime tends to happen at night, when visitors will be more vulnerable.