Health
Vaccinations Hepatitis A and B are strongly recommended when travelling into China. A booster vaccination for Diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis may also be needed if you had them longer than 10 years ago.
Do make sure that you visit your GP before travelling, as depending on how long you plan to stay in China you could need either rabies, Tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis or Typhoid fever vaccinations. You will need to have the vaccinations between 6-8 weeks in advance of travel. If you are travelling from countries with yellow fever you will need to produce a yellow fever certificate on arrival in China.
Be conscious of food and water hygiene in China, particularly in rural areas. You should always drink bottled water in China, and it may not be advisable even to brush your teeth with tap water in some areas. Boiling water or taking water purification tablets is another option, and avoid ice in drinks. Food in China is delicious and diverse but make sure everything you eat is properly cooked and in hygienic conditions. Street food is exciting and often freshly cooked but if you have any doubts about hygiene, steer clear!
Safety
If you’re planning on trekking the Great Wall of China then it’s advised that you go with an organised tour, as isolated areas can be risky.
It’s also recommended that females avoid walking alone at night – take a taxi instead!
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
Petty theft is the most common crime in China so keep an eye on your valuables. If travelling to rural areas you may need to carry more cash, but make sure you keep it secure. In cities, it is advisable to change cash as you need it so you are not carrying too much at one time.