How to Prevent Theft While Traveling in China (Personal Belongings Safety Guide in Crowded Places)

1. Basic Prevention Measures

1. Management of Personal Items
2. Backpack Selection: It is recommended to use backpacks with anti-theft zippers (hidden or double-headed lock zippers), avoiding single-shoulder bags or open handbags.
3. Storage of Valuables: Wallets, passports, and mobile phones should be kept in close-to-body pockets or chest bags, not in back trouser pockets or outer coat pockets.

4. Distributed Storage: Cash and credit cards should be stored separately, for example, some cash in the backpack compartment, some in a close-to-body waist bag.

5. Heightened Caution in Crowded Areas

6. Scenic Spots and Transportation Hubs: Such as the Forbidden City, the Bund, subway stations, and train stations, special attention should be paid to abnormal contacts during crowded times (such as being bumped into or distracted).
7. Night Markets and Markets: Like Wangfujing in Beijing and Chenghuang Temple in Shanghai, avoid opening your backpack or leaving your phone unattended while shopping.

8. Public Transport: On subways and buses, try to keep your backpack in front of your chest, and avoid standing near doors (high-risk areas for pickpockets).

9. Safety of Electronic Devices

10. Mobile Phones and Cameras: Use theft-prevention lanyards or wristbands, and avoid exposing devices for extended periods when taking photos.
11. Power Banks and Cables: Avoid leaving your phone unattended at public charging outlets.

2. Scene-Based Response Strategies

1. Accommodation Safety
2. After checking into a hotel, immediately use the room safe to store your passport, backup cash, and valuables.

3. When leaving the room, confirm that all windows and doors are locked, and avoid leaving valuables in conspicuous places (like bedside tables).

4. Transportation

5. Taxis/Ride-Sharing Services: Check the seat and floor before getting out of the car to avoid leaving items behind.
6. High-Speed Trains/Trains: Keep luggage within sight, and carry valuables with you when briefly leaving your seat.

7. Airport Security Checks: Pay attention to retrieving your wallet and mobile phone after placing them in the security tray, to avoid them being taken advantage of.

8. Nighttime Activities

9. Avoid walking alone on deserted streets, use reputable ride-hailing apps (such as Didi Chuxing) and share your trip with friends or family.
10. In bars or night markets, don't leave your phone or wallet casually on the table.

3. Practical Tools and Techniques

1. Recommended Anti-Theft Equipment
2. Invisible Waist Pouch: Can store your passport and cash close to your body, suitable for long outdoor activities.
3. Anti-Theft Alarm: Hang it on the backpack zipper, which emits a high-decibel alarm once opened (available online or at large supermarkets).

4. Luggage Locks: Used to secure backpack zippers or hotel luggage.

5. Electronic Payments Instead of Cash

6. Activate WeChat Pay or Alipay (linked to overseas credit cards) in advance to reduce the frequency of cash usage (over 90% of scenarios in China support mobile payments).

7. Small cash reserves: Prepare 100-200 yuan in small change for separate storage, avoiding exposure of large bills.

8. Document Backups

9. Scan your passport and visa pages and upload them to cloud storage (such as Google Drive), and carry paper copies at the same time.
10. In emergencies, contact your country's embassy or consulate in China to reissue travel documents.

4. Emergency Situation Handling

1. Process for Lost Items
2. Report immediately to the police (dial 110) and obtain a case receipt (required for insurance claims or document replacement).
3. If your passport is lost, contact your embassy or consulate (save their contact information in advance).

4. Freeze bank accounts: Call the bank customer service hotline (for foreign cards, activate international roaming if necessary).

5. Common Emergency Numbers

6. Police: 110
7. Medical Emergency: 120
8. Traffic Accidents: 122
9. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Consular Protection Hotline: +86-10-12308 (24-hour English service)

5. Cultural Habits and Precautions

1. Maintain a Low Profile: Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, designer bags, or large amounts of cash in public.
2. Trust Boundaries: Be cautious about help offered by strangers (such as giving directions or purchasing tickets on your behalf).
3. Language Assistance: Download translation software (such as Google Translate) in advance and learn key phrases: "Please stay away" ("Please do not come close to me" - Qǐng bùyào kàojìn wǒ).