SAFETY
- Petty crime occurs. Criminals target travellers in crowded areas, including on public transport. Resisting can lead to violence.
- Scams targeting travellers can lead to loss of money, violence and serious assault. Report scams to the nearest police station.
- Armed attacks are a risk in remote border regions. Be careful if travelling in these areas.
- The Chinese Government strictly controls demonstrations. Authorities may arrest protesters. Avoid protests and large gatherings. Don’t photograph or video protests.
Increased security measures are in place in Xinjiang. Be ready to show photo ID if asked. - There’s civil unrest and political tension in Tibet. Get permission from Chinese authorities before you go. You can only travel to Tibet as part of an organised tour.
- Call “110,” the local equivalent to “911”; however, very few English speakers staff this hotline.
HEALTH
For the latest health advice for visitors to China go to the CDC website:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/china
Quality of Care: The standards of medical care in China are not equivalent to those in Western countries. Even in private hospitals or public hospitals with well-equipped wards, English-speaking patients frequently encounter difficulty due to cultural, language, and regulatory differences. Rural areas have rudimentary facilities and inadequate staffing. Additionally, Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain; the blood type of the general Asian populace is Rh positive.
Payment and Insurance: Chinese ambulances are often slow to arrive, and most do not have sophisticated medical equipment or trained responders. Cash payment for services is often required prior to treatment, including emergency cases. Travelers will be asked to post a deposit prior to admission to cover the expected cost of treatment. Hospitals in major cities may accept credit cards.
Malaysia Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
| Diphtheria | Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Yellow Fever | No, unless travelling from a county with Yellow Fever |
| Typhoid | Yes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Rabies | Yes |
- COVID-19 remains a risk in China. Mass testing may be imposed in areas where COVID-19 cases have been detected. If you’ve been in these areas, your Chinese Health App may also change from ‘green’ cleared to another colour that will only change once you have complied with testing requirements and received a negative COVID-19 test result.
- Access to medical facilities and services may be disrupted during lockdowns.
If you test positive for COVID-19, or are deemed a close contact, you could be subject to quarantine in a designated government facility. You will not be able to leave the hospital isolation ward until you meet discharge requirements. There have been cases where medical facilities have not permitted parents to accompany minors who are COVID positive and require medical treatment. Consult local health authorities and websites for the latest information. - Tap water in China may not be safe to drink. Drink only bottled water with intact seals.
- People have died from bird flu in China. Stay away from live poultry. When preparing food, handle poultry properly and make sure it is thoroughly cooked.
- HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in China. Take precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection. Ask for sterilised equipment when receiving medical treatment.
- Animal and human rabies and hand, foot and mouth disease are common. Be careful with both wild and domestic animals in China. Wash your hands carefully and regularly. Take other hygiene precautions.
- High pollution levels are a problem in major cities. Follow advice from local authorities on days with bad pollution.
