Be Safe in Shanghai

You will be pleased to hear that Shanghai is a reasonably safe place to visit compared with many American and European cities. The crime rate is fairly low and most people you meet will be friendly, honest and trustworthy.

Safety

Shanghai is a pleasantly safe place to visit and most visitors should have a problem-free trip. You should still take extra precautions, as you would do when visiting any place for the first time.

The main annoyance you are likely to encounter is from scam artists, who target tourists. They come in several forms, but are usually overly-friendly Chinese men or women who seemingly only want to chat, but will then steer you to cafés and restaurants to purchase overpriced drinks, for which they receive a cut from the management. They will also use the same trick to direct you to shops and art galleries, where you'll likely end up buying overpriced goods.

You should also be wary of the street vendors who sell phoney designer bags and watches along Huaihai Road and other areas where foreign visitors can be found. Another scam you should be aware features the people on the street side who offer services of money exchange. The best advice is to ignore them and use a reputable bank. 

Most parts of the city are safe to walk around, but be vigilant if you are in the seedy red-light district or near the main train station, where many migrant workers end up scraping a living until they get better jobs. Be particularly careful at night and try to stick to busy, well-lit places at all times.

Traffic can be very dangerous in Shanghai, especially the mopeds and bikes that weave up and down the pavements dodging pedestrians. Make sure you take extra care when crossing the street and don't expect any vehicle to stop for you. The police in China are generally very friendly, though most of them speak very little English.

Police:  110

Health

The incidence of many epidemic diseases has dropped considerably, and some endemic diseases are now under control. Immunisation against cholera, Diphtheria, Tetanus, hepatitis A and B, Japanese B Encephalitis, polio, rabies and typhoid is recommended. Your doctor can provide you with full details of the vaccinations required and up-to-date information on the status of any outbreaks of disease in China.

Medical facilities in Shanghai have improved considerably and there are western-style hospitals with international and local staff. There are also some foreign-operated medical providers who cater to expatriates and visitors.

Most hospitals and medical facilities will require either a deposit or payment up front. Some of the hospitals accept credit cards, but others may insist on cash. Not all establishments will recognise foreign medical insurance. It is advisable to check your insurance policy carefully before you leave to confirm what you may be able to claim on your return home.

Ambulance: 120