Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tanks; and people tampering with parked cars only to then demand a “help” fee to fix it
when you return. Counterfeit money is also sure to fall into your hands on the odd occasion,
particularly the RMB100 notes.
When violent crimes against foreigners do happen, most occur around bar areas, such as
Sanlitun. These are fueled, of course, by alcohol, but also by the waves of xenophobia that
occasionally ripple through China. Among other crimes, reports of black-cab and rickshaw
drivers turning violent when foreigners won't pay the extortionate price they're demanding
are also of concern. Bouncers and security guards can also provoke violence, occasionally
grabbing people unnecessarily and using excessive force.
If you are the victim of theft, report it at the nearest police station within 24 hours, and
make sure you get a police report if you intend to make a claim for it on your insurance.
Expats have mixed experiences with police. In some cases the response service will be bet-
ter if the police are aware that a foreigner is involved, yet in other cases, they may act more
harshly. The legal system in many aspects is unreliable, and often the police will take mat-
ters into their own hands, negotiating a deal between you and the other party for financial
compensation. People can be jailed for up to 15 days without so much as a phone call to a
lawyer or a charge.
If you are arrested, you'll be taken to the Public Security Bureau (PSB), where you'll be
questioned and possibly fined, jailed, or even deported, never to return. The list of offenses
of detained foreigners is wide, and includes prostitution and certain religious activities. Pen-
alties for crimes are often much stricter in China than elsewhere in the world, and include
long prison sentences without parole as well as the death penalty.
Foreigners involved in traffic accidents may in many cases be accused of being at fault,
even if they're not.
Do not
get involved in an argument with the other party, but instead try
to diffuse any anger and sort it out in a safe location.
One of the greatest road dangers in Beijing is pedestrians, both being one and those
around you. It seems that roads and road rules have developed faster than many people can
develop road awareness, and it's shocking to watch many pedestrians and cyclists blindly
step out onto the road or enter an intersection without looking. As a pedestrian yourself,
you may be tempted to cross with the crowd. At times this works, but for some motorists
the little green man is more a symbol for them to lay on the gas than the brake. Try to retain
