Safety Travel Destination for Tourists in China

Overall, China is a safe destination for tourists. No official health advisories, travel advisories, terrorism or warnings from China were displayed by the American government at this time. Before you go, always check with the State Department and the CDC to ensure that these conditions have not changed. In addition, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office of the British government provides excellent travel tips. During 2003, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been hotbeds of concern in Hong Kong and other parts of China. Be sure to check with the CDC on health issues before you go. The overseas State Department's Citizens Services 1-888-407-4747 call center can respond to requests for information on the safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except holidays U.S. federal). Callers are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from abroad, can obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444. When visiting a foreign country, avoid public events (whatever its cause) and do not broadcast your opinions either public or your nationality. Security personnel may place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security can lead to problems with the authorities. American visitors to China should bring their passports with them out of reach of pickpockets. If you have an emergency in China, dial: 120 for emergencies, 110 for fire, 110 for police and 122 for road accidents. It is unlikely that you will find an operator who speaks or understands English. Emergency numbers in China are being standardized on 110, but the process will take until 2007. Americans living in or visiting China are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the United States Embassy in China and to obtain updated information on travel and security within China. The United States Embassy is located at No. 2 Xiu Shui Dong Jie, Chaoyang District, Beijing, the American Citizen Services can be reached at 0086-10-65323431, ext 5648, 5344, 5028 and 5609 (8 :30-12: 00 am and 2:00-4:00 pm, Monday through Friday), after hours 0086-10-65321910. The United States Embassy is the web address http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/ and the e-mail address is AmCitBeijing@state.gov. See our article on how boards can help US Americans abroad. See bottom of the page for a complete list of consular offices of the United States in China When planning your trip, be sure to review the planning guides ThereArePlaces travel for ideas on how to "travel well" and "travel safely".