For personal safety, you need five “ones”
a. One insurance policy
A travel insurance policy that includes 24-hour global emergency support services is essential. With it, you can travel abroad with greater peace of mind. Because even if you’re unfamiliar with the local language, medical system, or rescue procedures, one phone call to your insurer can get everything arranged for you.
b. One emergency list
In case of an emergency and you’re taken to the hospital in an ambulance, having an emergency list kept with your passport could save your life. Let me share what’s on my list — it’s two pages, front and back, in both Chinese and English, and includes:
1. Your basic information
This should include your name, passport number, and ID number. Other details can be found on your passport.
2. Your basic medical history
Include your blood type and any allergies. If you have any chronic conditions, note your regular medications.
3. Your insurance status
Include the name and contact number of your insurance provider, your policy number, the international SOS contact number, and your customer ID.
4. Your emergency contacts
Include the contact person’s name, phone number, and relationship to you. It’s best to choose a trusted family member or friend who speaks English and inform them in advance. Ask them not to turn off their phone.
5. Address and phone number of the Chinese consulate or embassy in the destination country
Include the consulate’s phone number and address. When you encounter trouble abroad, your country is your strongest backing.
c. One emergency contact sheet
It’s not enough to just know the local emergency number or the universal global distress number 112. It’s also essential to carry a list of emergency contact numbers with you.
d. Some basic survival knowledge
When everyone else seems to be in a hopeless situation, one survival tactic stored in your mind could save not just your own life.
e. Stay in touch with family
Don’t forget to keep in touch with your family. At the very least, let them know you’ve arrived safely in each new city. On one hand, this reassures them, and on the other, if something happens, they’ll know roughly where you are.
For property safety, two “dos” and two “don’ts”
Do — Keep your pockets secure
Wear clothing with zipped pockets, and consider removing the pull tabs so you’re always reminded to zip them up. Use a close-fitting waist pouch to carry important items such as your passport, money, and bank cards, and keep it hidden under your clothes. If it’s a hassle for you to access, even the most skilled thief will be out of luck.
Do — Keep an eye on your luggage
Always carry valuables with you. Most bag-snatching or pickpocketing incidents occur because bags are left out of the owner’s sight, giving thieves an opportunity.
Don’t — Make yourself a target for thieves
Keeping a low profile is the top priority. Avoid dressing too flashy, refrain from carrying expensive electronic devices, and don’t flaunt your wealth. Remember, it’s bad enough if you attract pickpockets, but if robbers target you and try to pull you away — that’s no joke!
d,Don’t — walk in sparsely populated areas
Try to avoid alleyways and steer clear of sparsely populated areas, especially at night. If you do encounter robbers, stay calm first, look for a way to escape, and report to the police immediately. Always remember, personal safety is more important than property, no matter what.