Special Travelers & Travel Safety in China

Travel with Children

 Tickets:

For an infant younger than 2, the fare for flights is 10% of the full fare. However, the infant may not occupy a seat and must be accompanied by an adult. If the child is between 2 and 12 years of age, the fare is 50% of the full fare.

Children who are between 1.1-1.4 meters (about 3.61-4.59 ft) high can buy train tickets at half price. An adult can take one child below 1.1 meters for free; if an adult takes more than one child, the additional child must have a half price ticket. Children who are more than 1.4 meters in height are not eligible for discounted tickets.

 Hotels and Restaurants: Most hotels and restaurants in China do not provide childcare facilities; it is advisable to bring your own. Some objects in the hotel room such as ashtrays, shampoo and tables may injure children by accident; keep an eye on your children.

 Traveling
While traveling, it might be difficult to feed infants. Take additional water and food when traveling in rural and remote areas; in addition, bring extra diapers and toilet paper. 

Accessible/Disabled Travel

More and more people come to visit China in recent year, including some disabled travelers. China is trying to improve the facilities for disabled travelers. The following are some tips:

1 Before traveling, inform your agent of the physical condition so that they can make proper arrangements.

2 Consult your doctors about the trip. Make sure to bring enough medicines and your adaptive aids such as a wheelchair.

3 Note the telephone number of the hospital in the place you are planning to visit.

4 Make sure your health insurance provides cover for your overseas visit. Alternatively, will your travel insurance will cover it.

5 Most airlines and airports in China can provide facilities for disabled travelers. Ask the staffs for assistance if you are in difficulty.

6 Most modern hotels have special service for disabled customers.

 Travel Safety in China

Because of the strict gun control and protection from terrorism, China is one of the safest countries in the world. Although the crime rate in China is lower than most, petty crime often occurs in some places. Pick pocketing and purse snatching are quite common in some crowded areas such as railway stations, shopping centers, sightseeing destinations, busses and so on. So when you are traveling in China, you are advised to take safety precautions:

Do not show your money or purse in public. You'd better have small bills (CNY5, CNY10 and CNY 20) in your pocket so that you don't need to open your purse.

Leave your valuables in a safe place such as the hotel safe. Do not leave them in your room or take them with you.

Do not open your door unless you know the person.

Do not eat or drink the food and water a stranger provides for you.

Do not stay until closing at bars or nightclubs as you may become involved in some disputes.

Be cautious when you are wearing a bag or purse. Keep your eye on them at all times.

Put your passport/visa, credit cards, traveler checks or other travel documents in inner pockets, as they are safer.

It is illegal to exchange currency with others; you must use banks, hotels or other official exchange offices.

Always inform your guide or hotel of travel plans on your free days during the tour.

Avoid traveling in any areas that are not opened to foreigners.

Respect local customs and avoid dissension with people.

Abide by Chinese laws and rules while you are in China.

 Emergency

While traveling in China, you may come across some emergencies. Once you are in trouble, do not hesitate to call 110 for the police or 120 for an ambulance. Also, make note of the telephone number of your guides, tour group leaders, hotels and even your embassy and consulates. If you lost your credit cards or traveler checks, inform the issuer as soon as possible. If you lost your passport, you must report to the nearest Public Security Bureau and explain what has happened. Contact your embassy or consulate as well, applying for an exit document with a certificate issued by the local Public Security Bureau.