Things You Should Know Before You Travel to China
If you have never visited China, you may be surprised by what you discover when you land at the country’s airport. For one, you may be asked for your Chinese name. You should also know the laws and practices surrounding citizenship in China. In any case, if you are unsure, consult a lawyer or contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic or consular office. But before you book your flight, take a look at the following tips.
As with any other country, China is relatively safe. Though crowds and crowded public areas should not scare you, there are some risks. Petty theft, pickpocketing, and robberies are commonplace, especially in touristy areas and train stations. Be sure to always carry your passport with you, as thieves are known to prey on travelers. Even if you plan to travel by taxi, consider renting a self-drive car instead. If you can’t afford to rent a car, ride-sharing services are another option.
Incoming travelers can also receive a medical clearance from the Chinese government by passing the necessary tests. A massive vaccination campaign was initiated in September 2010 and resulted in a decrease in the number of cases. Still, there are outbreaks in other countries after travelers have returned from China. Rubella is also a potential risk. Although China’s national immunization program has been relatively lenient in the past, the incidence is high in many parts of the country.
While travelers’ diarrhea risk is low in deluxe accommodations, it is still important to practice good hygiene and food safety practices. Acupuncture needles can cause bloodborne infections, so it’s better to opt for acupressure or other noninvasive treatment methods. You should also be aware that the water is not safe for drinking, even in urban areas. Most hotels provide bottled water, which should be sufficient to stay healthy and well. As for food safety, undercooked meats, and unpasteurized milk should be avoided.
If you’re a family member of a Chinese national or a foreigner who has a permanent residence permit in China, you may be eligible to enter on a Q1/Q2 visa. “Family” refers to spouses, parents, children, grandchildren, and siblings of an eligible applicant. To obtain a Z visa, you must show that you’re in need of a medical care, medical treatment, or resuming a business enterprise in mainland China.
Before leaving, make sure to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This program will allow you to receive consular assistance in case you’re detained. This is especially important if you’re a dual citizen. Consular access to dual nationals is limited, and the Chinese judiciary lacks independence from political influence. Be aware of the high level of scrutiny from state security and law enforcement agents while abroad.
The most recent China Travel Sentiment Survey polled people of all ages to gauge their attitudes towards travel in China. Almost half of those surveyed indicated that they planned their next leisure trip in four months. Most young respondents expressed a strong willingness to travel in the next four months. Furthermore, 77 percent of elderly respondents said that they were open to traveling to China. However, they were hesitant to travel to some places because of a lack of information.
Canadians teaching English in China should be aware of the laws regarding teaching in China. They have reported that their employers are often not willing to honor their contracts or assist with the Chinese employment visa. Some Chinese employers require you to carry medical insurance coverage worth 400,000 renminbi. It is important to confirm all the requirements before leaving Canada. Also, it’s illegal to work on a tourist visa or a Z visa, as you’re tied to your employer. As a result, many Canadian teachers have been arrested or pushed out of the country.
A number of countries have temporarily banned travelers from entering China. Some countries are considering a complete ban on Chinese tourists, including the UAE and the United States. Others, however, have suspended their flights to China and other countries affected by the ban. You may wish to consult a travel advisor before booking your trip. However, it’s always wise to follow safety precautions before embarking on your trip to China. You may want to consider visiting China before or after a ban on travel.