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This week’s blog considers what teachers can do, and precautions to take, to stay safe and healthy once you have arrived in China.

For information on Medical Checks before and after going to China, check out our guide here.

First up, familiarise yourself with local services

On arrival, take the time to check out the local medical facilities, dentists and hospitals – fellow teachers and your school’s HR team will be able to help. Make a note of any emergency numbers and write addresses in Chinese so that you know where to go should there ever be an issue.

Emergencies

Ensure you know what to do, and who from your school to contact in an emergency . It’s also advisable to make a note of your nearest embassy or consulate, in case you ever find yourself in a situation which may need assistance from your home country

Important Phone Numbers throughout China:

Police: 110

Fire Department: 119

Ambulance: 120

Traffic Police: 122

Sticking to the Law

About Local Laws and Customs While travelling, you are subject to the local laws. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own and it is very important to know what’s legal and what’s not. If you break local laws while abroad, your passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution, and your Embassy cannot get you out of jail.

Use Common Sense!

When walking around, be careful with your belongings, stay on main roads in well-lit areas, and know where you are going. If in doubt, get a taxi, and where possible if late at night try to travel

Alcohol

It’s fairly typical for lots of alcohol to be served at business dinners and celebrations in China. Do not be pressured to join in if you don’t want to, it’s never an issue to politely decline. Watch out for ‘fake’ spirits, which could make you very ill – and never drive or ride after consuming alcohol; as you’d expect, it’s a criminal offence. Also, do not accept a drink from a stranger – although in most cases this will be a friendly gesture, it may be drugged, so again best to always politely decline.

It’s fairly typical for lots of alcohol to be served at business dinners and celebrations in China. Do not be pressured to join in if you don’t want to, it’s never an issue to politely decline. Watch out for ‘fake’ spirits, which could make you very ill – and never drive or ride after consuming alcohol; as you’d expect, it’s a criminal offence. Also, do not accept a drink from a stranger – although in most cases this will be a friendly gesture, it may be drugged, so again best to always politely decline.

Drugs

To point out the obvious, drugs should never be consumed by teachers, and those who do so will lose their job. Consuming or selling drugs is prohibited in China, and can result in very harsh consequences including a large fine, and detention.

Pick- pockets and Scams

As in most countries, when in crowded areas be very careful with bags and other personal belongings, as someone who stands out from the locals can make an easy target. China also has some common scams, for example being taken to a tea house and being charged a huge sum of money, being ‘sold’ an item by a fake monk, and tours which turn out to be a forced shopping experience. If you’re ever in doubt, just walk away, and always be aware of your surroundings and on guard. Locals will be able to tell you about some of the common scams in the area.

Prostitution

Prostitution is widespread in China, and despite some hotels, bars and restaurants being frequented by prostitutes, it is illegal. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation then remove yourself from that situation immediately.

Safety on the roads (and pavements!)

If this will be your first year in China, our advice would be to not even consider driving, as roads are hairy at best. If you do decide to brave it, a valid residence permit is required to drive a car in China and you will have to pass a driving test and get a Chinese driving license. A license is also required for motorcycles but not motor scooters.

It’s also a good idea to be cautious when using the pavements, as pedestrians can also be harmed in accidents. Be alert, and only walk where you can be seen – drivers often follow their own rules, so be very careful!

Taxis

Taxis and services such as Uber and Kuaidi are cheap, and it’s an economical and quick way to get around. Barely any English is spoken by drivers so try to have your destination printed in Chinese characters to prevent misunderstandings (which can be frequent!).

Make sure you only take official taxis, which should have a meter and registration documentation, and be sure the driver starts the meter – don’t negotiate a fare in advance! If you request a receipt, if you leave something in the back of the car then you’ll be able to track it down via the taxi number printed on this.

If you’re looking for information on precautions to take BEFORE you head to China, make sure you check out our first blog on Staying Safe and Health in China