Health and Safety

Many big cities have foreign doctors and clinics catering to the expatriate community. These clinics charge exponentially more than Chinese hospitals, but hygiene standards are comparable to those of North America and Western Europe. Chinese hospitals, crowded and grimy, should be used as a last resort.

Petty crime is common, especially in crowded places such as train and bus stations. Travelers should use common sense and keep an eye on valuables at all times. Violent crime targeting foreigners in China is practically nonexistent, and most foreigners should feel comfortable walking around any time of day.

China maintains very lax personal safety standards, so always keep an eye on your children. Things to look out for are missing railings on stairs, protruding electrical wires, concealed potholes, poor footing, unprotected cooking implements, and hazardous traffic.