Safety & Health
Health and safety for foreign tourists in China. Tap water is not drinkable, hospitals in tier-1 cities have international wings (United Family, Parkway Health), travel insurance is strongly recommended even for short trips, and pollution levels in Beijing peak November to February. Notes on solo female travel safety, common scams around Wangfujing and the Bund, and emergency contact numbers (110 police, 120 ambulance).
4 answers
What should travelers know about drone regulations before flying in Chengdu?
Register every drone above 250 grams on the CAAC UOM platform; a Chinese mobile number is required and most tourists cannot complete it remotely.
Are 'zero-dollar' or free tour packages in China safe for elderly travelers?
Reject every China tour priced under 200 USD all-inclusive — the math only works through forced shopping commissions, not legitimate margins.
What are the risks of refusing to pay a restaurant bill in Hong Kong?
Stay seated and contest the bill in writing — walking out triggers a Theft Ordinance arrest with fines and possible imprisonment for serious cases.
What are the jaywalking rules and fines I should know about in Hong Kong?
Crossing against the red signal in Hong Kong carries a HKD 2,000 fixed penalty, around USD 255, with no on-the-spot cash option.