China

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on China for information on U.S. - China relations.

Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Rules, regulations, and conditions vary greatly throughout China, but a general rule of thumb is that traffic safety is poor and driving in China can be dangerous.

Traffic can be chaotic and largely unregulated and the rate of accidents in China, including fatal accidents, is among the highest in the world.  Motorcycle and bicycle accidents are frequent and often deadly. Pedestrians do not have the right of way, and you should show extreme caution when walking in traffic, even in marked crosswalks. Child safety seats are not widely available.

Traffic Laws: You may not drive in China using a U.S. or international driver’s license.  If you have a resident permit, you can apply for a Chinese driver’s license, although regulations for obtaining a license vary from province to province and passing the test can be very difficult. 

If you are involved in a traffic accident, even a minor one, stay calm; road altercations can turn violent.  The safest course is to call and wait for the police.  Even minor traffic accidents can become a major public drama quickly.  If there are no injuries and damage is minimal, the parties often come to agreement on the spot.  The police may mediate or conduct an on-site investigation and require those involved to sign statements at the local police station.  Unresolved disputes are handled by the courts.  In cases involving injuries, the driver whose vehicle is determined to have inflicted the injury will often be held at least partially liable for the injured person’s medical costs even if the victim caused the accident.  Sometimes, the police may hold your passport until the other parties are satisfied with the compensation they receive.    

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  Also, we suggest that you visit China’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Public Transportation:  China has a rapidly growing public transportation sector-- including subways, trains, and buses -- with a generally positive safety record.  Mass transit is widely available in major cities, and is generally safe, although individuals on crowded buses and subways are often targeted by pick-pockets. 

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of China’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of China’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

For most visitors, China remains a very safe country.  Petty street crime is the most common safety concern for U.S. citizens.  Take routine safety precautions, pay attention to surroundings and report any concerns to the local police.  The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in China is “110”; however, very few English speakers staff this hotline.

Violent crime is not common in China; however, demonstrations which may quickly turn violent can start without warning.  While comparatively rare, acts of domestic unrest and even terrorism do occur in China, particularly in areas heavily populated by ethnic minorities. Remain vigilant around large gatherings and crowds.

Business disputes between U.S. citizens and Chinese business partners can sometimes  result in physical confrontation or kidnapping.  If you feel your safety is threatened, consider going directly to a police station or relocating to a public place where local police would be compelled to act should there be a public disturbance. The Chinese authorities are responsible for the safety and security of all residents in and travelers to China.  Training, capability, and responsiveness of Chinese authorities varies.  The U.S. Embassy and consulates general have no law enforcement authority. 

Con artists are known to target visitors at popular tourist sites.  Common scams include young Chinese inviting visitors out to tea and leaving them with an exhorbitant bill or callers posing as police officers and requesting a funds transfer to resolve an identity theft or money laundering investigation. In these cases, DO NOT WIRE any money.  If you receive any suspicious calls or requests, contact the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) to verify the caller’s identity.  If you already have been victim of a scam, catalogue as many details as possible, including names, telephone and bank numbers, and email and IP addresses; file a police report, and inform the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. consulate.  Please see the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Be cautious when using taxi services, especially at airports. Avoid unlicensed “black cabs,” insist that the driver use the meter,  and get a receipt.  Have the name of your destination written in Chinese characters and ask the driver to remove the bags from the trunk before you get out of the taxi and before you pay.

Counterfeit currency is a significant concern in China.  Carrying small bills or using exact change, particularly in taxis, can help protect you.  Use only ATMs at trusted financial institutions.

Victims of Crime:  If you are the victim of a crime, contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate.  We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends on your behalf
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Lost or Stolen Passports:  If your passport is stolen, you must apply for both a new passport at the U.S. Embassy or consulate, and a new Chinese visa.  File a police report at the nearest police station right away. You may also be directed to file a report at the local Exit/Entry Bureau.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or consulate for assistance. Domestic violence in China is rarely recognized as a crime.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
• Check the latest Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• Find useful tips on packing and planning with our Traveler's Checklist