Shanghai Safety Tips – The Safety Guide for Shanghai Visitors

Shanghai Safety Tips – I’ve been in Shanghai for the past few years and I do not have many complaints about the safety here. In my opinion, compared to Kuala Lumpur where I came from, Shanghai is relativelybetter.

However, I am still cautious when I get around the city as it’s always better to play safe. Through the locals, I do learn from them what I should do to avoid being the target of crimes.

As I am a Malaysian Chinese (my forefathers are from China), I have lesser problems compared to the foreign Caucasian tourists, especially for petty crimes like pick-pocketing, touts and more.

In addition to petty crimes, being safe in Shanghai (or China in general) means other things too. And usually, it is due to our cultural differences (especially to first-time Western tourists) that attracts unwanted attention and communication breakdown.

One has to have an open mind when traveling in China. One must not forget that it is a place with thousands of years of history and culture.

One cannot expect China to change overnight to adapt to Western lifestyles. Admittedly, as tourists and guests of China, one should learn about the culture to avoid unnecessary problems which could be avoided.

I will be giving you some tips that you’ll find useful while in Shanghai and China.

In China, I tend to avoid talking about China’s political issues with locals. Some really sensitive issues include pro-Taiwan, pro-Tibet independence and anything that is considered insulting to the Chinese government.

However, I need to tell you that the local Chinese love to ask for your opinions on such issues.

What do I do?

Well, I usually side-track the issues by saying that China has improved greatly and blah…blah…blah.

Please be forewarned that saying things that are politically incorrect may land you into serious problems. Why take the risk? Enjoy the sights Shanghai has to offer to you!

I’ve been lucky not to have faced any situations of conflicts that I cannot handle in Shanghai.

I learnt this from a local Shanghainess that if a foreigner finds himself in a conflict situation, it’s always better to move away from the conflict. If you want to insist your rights, please do not raise your voice but to calmly persist.

Remember, you are a foreigner and you’re probably outnumbered. So, be wise and move away. There’s no need to be a Rambo here and end up spoiling the nice trip that you’ve planned in Shanghai.

Here are two more safety tips that you need to be aware of in Shanghai and China, in general: FAKE MONEY & ATTRACTIVE CON-WOMEN.

Please read them HERE.

For More Shanghai Safety Tips:

• Shanghai’s Increasing Crime Rate: Another Perspective from a Contributor
• Is Shanghai Water Safe for Drinking?
• Shanghai Toilets: Ugh!