China : Safety by City
China - safety as a countryShenzhen is a major sub-provincial city on the Pearl River estuary on the east bank on the central coast of southern Guangdong province, People’s Republic of China. It forms part of the Pearl River Delta megalopolis, bordering Hong Kong to the south, Huizhou to the northeast, and Dongguan to the northwest, and shares maritime boundaries with Guangzhou, Zhongshan, and Zhuhai to the west and southwest across the estuary.
Warnings & Dangers in Shenzhen
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Shenzhen is one of the safest cities in its region. Petty theft, fraud, and deception can happen here. But usually, all this happens on a small scale.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport is accessible and safe. If you use a taxi for transportation, choose only licensed services. Taxis without a license are illegal and not safe.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Shenzhen is a popular tourist city that attracts a lot of scammers. Watch your pockets, especially in shopping malls and crowded places. Don't carry a lot of cash and expensive items. Leave the original documents in the hotel safe.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW
There are no major natural disasters in the region. Floods and earthquakes are sometimes possible, but the risk is small. Study the weather conditions before your trip here.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
The risk of serious robbery and armed attack in Shenzhen is shallow. Avoid communicating with suspicious individuals and not walking late at night in remote areas from the city center.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
The risk of terrorism is low in Shenzhen. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
The most common scam in this city is a counterfeit money scam. You can be given them for change in shops and cafes. Also, in unlicensed taxis. Be careful, double-check everything, and use non-cash payments where possible.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Women traveling alone can feel quite safe in Shenzhen. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions and monitor your surroundings.
How Safe Is Shenzhen for Tourists?
Shenzhen is considered a fairly safe city.
The crime index is low here; the main problems are associated with petty theft and corruption.
The crime rate in Shenzhen is much lower than in a typical western city.
It is enough to use common sense in Shenzhen to avoid getting into trouble.
The city is quite popular with tourists, so pickpocketing in crowded places is not uncommon here.
In the central part of Luohu District, especially in areas near the border checkpoint opposite Luo Wu (e.g., Luohu Commercial City, Shenzhen Railway Station, Shenzhen Bus Station), pickpocketing, prostitution, drug trafficking, fraud, and sale of counterfeit banknotes common.
Avoid interaction when someone calls you with a flyer.
Luohu also needs to be careful as they sell substandard knockoffs at inflated prices.
Before getting into a taxi, make sure he has a taxi license prominently displayed in a plastic holder designed for this purpose on each cab’s right dashboard.
Taxis without a license are illegal and all too often have unscrupulous drivers.
Using an unlicensed taxi increases the likelihood that you will incur problems.
Beggars are commonly held in places such as border crossings, underpasses, Shekou, and Christian churches.
Avoid communicating with them.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Shenzhen?
Visitors to the mainland of the People’s Republic of China must obtain a visa from one of the Chinese diplomatic missions unless they come from visa-exempt countries. The two Special Administrative Regions – Hong Kong and Macau – maintain their own independent border control policies and thus have their own separate visa requirements.
Which Currency Is Used in Shenzhen?
China’s official currency is the Renminbi (RMB or CNY) or in Chinese “Ren-min-bi.” The basic unit is the yuan, which equals 10 jiao (or “mao”), divided into 10 fens. Paper currency comes in 1.2,5,10,50 and 100 yuan notes.
How's the Weather like in Shenzhen?
In Shenzhen, the wet season is hot, oppressive, and overcast, and the dry season is comfortable, windy, and mostly clear. The best time to visit Shenzhen is from October to December.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Shenzhen?
For domestic and international flights, Shenzhen Baoan International Airport is 50 minutes away from Shenzhen by the metro. Major airports that can be used as an alternative when coming to Shenzhen are Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, and Hong Kong International Airport, among many others.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Shenzhen?
The City is known for its shopping destinations, including Luohu Commercial City, a massive mall with vast wares, from tailors’ custom clothing to faux designer bags. The city also features contemporary buildings, such as the 600m-tall skyscraper Ping An International Finance Centre, and several amusement parks.
Is the Water in Shenzhen Safe to Drink?
The tap water in Shenzhen is drinkable thanks to advanced water treatment and modern infrastructure.
Is Uber Safe in Shenzhen?
There is no Uber taxi in Shenzhen. You can use any other local taxi services.
