Hey everyone! Amber here.

I recently told my parents about my decision to save up money and go to China next year. The only thing they had to say was, "It's not very safe there. You have no rights." I did my best to convince them otherwise, since I have not seen anything on the contrary. I would like to know though, how safe is it really? I've heard some stories about ipods, wallets and other such items being stolen, but that happens anywhere. My mom says she has a friend who lives there and has practically no outside connection with the world since arriving there.

Feel free to post your experience and any rumors/stories you might have heard. I look forward to reading what you all have to say!

-Amber

sorry replied in the wrong place , anyway

from my own experience traveling in china , I was always able to MSN whenever I can get an internet connection . sure some places you have slower connection than the others . internet cafes are quite plentiful . I've seldom lost handphone signal even on a 36hr train ride . if there should be an area in which communication is cut off from the rest of the world , it would probably be a remote place . therefore , communication is very much dependent on the area/place you decide to settle in . big cities in china are just as well connected as you would in any other major city in the rest of the world .

Thanks for your replies!

I've heard ways of getting around the internet restrictions. I was worried about my cell phone, but I've seen threads on here about getting a Chinese SIM, so I guess I'll have to wiat until I'm in China to figure that one out. I'll be sure to let my parents know they have nothing to worry about.

Right now I'm paying for me and my mom. When I go to China, what happens to my contract here? Do I need to cancel it?

You will need to cancel your contract and depending on the phone, get it unlocked so you can use any SIM. I have never felt safer than I do in China, though like Steve I am in a small city.

Agreed. China is almost certainly safer than the UK.

Your mums friend who has lost contact with the rest of the world is clearly retarded on the techno front, and your mobile phone will work fine on a chinese sim as long as it's unlocked. I also had to cancel my contract in the UK (costs money though).

You have most of the rights you have in the UK as long as you are not some far out activist, and the internet restrictions are easy to get around, too.

I would say your parents have a very old fashioned view on the country, but maybe they have their reasons.

Thanks guys!

Yeah, I think my parents just aren't up to date with things especially when it comes to other countries.

I live in the states though, so I'm pretty sure anywhere is safer than here. Lol. I have an android phone with Verizon which doesn't require a sim. Will I still be able to get a Chinese sim or will I have to get a new phone??

Probably. It's not illegal to carry firearms as long as you have a license, but many people don't. I think the US is probably the most unsafe country which is why I don't get why my parents are afraid of me going to China. A friend said it's because China is communist so my parents don't really understand it.

"Granted there are daily attempts on my life but they are on the road and that is down to the fact that the majority of Chinese simply have no idea!"

HA-HA! True... :D

@Amber, Ignore your parents. You'll be fine. :)

Thanks gcsmacker!

I read this post to my parents today at lunch and they thought that tidbit was funny as well. They seem to be okay with it now. Thanks a lot!

hey Amber,

I know that a lot of people may sometimes have a special relationship with their phones, but I recommend you get a phone in China, because you need to be able to have a phone that can support Chinese characters.  Why?  For the simple reason that taxi drivers need a Chinese address in order to get you where you need to go, and often times someone has to text it to you so you can show them.  It just makes life a lot easier. 

Of course if you can see Chinese characters on your phone, then disregard what I have said :)

Thanks!

Yeah, I spent a lot of money on my phone and I love it! My phone does support Chinese characters, so I think I'm good. I even have it set up to where I can text in English and in Chinese. I sometimes even do it on accident.

hi Amber,

I am just wondering are you in China already since it's almost one year this thread was created? I am from Singapore and my dad is really worried about the safety in China too. Not just about the internet, but also crime rates and such. He thinks I shouldn't go alone as a girl. I told him he was being ridiculous.

There is no facebook for instant messaging your friends, but I regularly talk and text my Chinese students on SKYPE with no problems at all...

Plus, there's always Chalkboard instead of Facebook :)

Hi Grace! You won't be alone when you're there, you'll be surrounded by friends and co-workers etc who will take you under their wing, pretty soon you'll be showing any newbies around and reassuring them about the same things you and your Dad are asking about now :) whereabouts are you thinking of going to in China? Have you had a think about location at all? Katie

This topic is old by now, but for future reference for other people, I'm an 18 year girl, living with another 18 year girl in a town in China. I go out at night by myself and I feel so much safer that I did back home in the UK! I've been here for 4 months, including doing some travelling, and I've had nothing stolen. If you're strong enough to shoo beggars and desperate over-priced taxi drivers away, you'll be fine! :)  

These are a interesting read, a bit worried now. http://www.chinaforeignteachersunion.org/    http://www.chinascambusters.com/