Beijing - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Other than routine traffic safety concerns, Beijing is one of the safest cities on the planet. You can’t walk more than 10-15 feet in any direction without passing a security camera, law enforcement, or a private security guard – so street crime is almost non-existent. Police typically allow law-abiding foreigners to live their day-to-day routine without undue harassment, but there’s always a risk of capricious exceptions (a risk that increases for those of Asian heritage and/or diplomats working on more sensitive portfolios). Private expats should also be mindful that any legal misstep, no matter how small, can result in prosecution and a protracted judicial process. - Nov 2024
Aside from the constant silent presence of the governing security apparatus looming overhead, I've never once felt unsafe. - Nov 2021
No. But you'll have zero privacy, they are always watching. - Nov 2020
There are no particular security concerns that you wouldn’t find in any other major city, but the Chinese government creates an environment with unique challenges. Expect to be followed, to have your devices hacked, and to have people enter your home while you’re away. Although anti-American has definitely increased, you can still generally go about your daily life without any issues. - Aug 2020
You will have no personal privacy and will be constantly surveilled, which entails a whole host of frustrations and challenges. However, partly as a result of this perhaps, you will also be extremely safe. Probably one of the safest cities I've ever been to. Do watch out for the traffic, though. - Jul 2020
China is super safe. - May 2020
None because I feel as though you are always watched, followed or listened to. - Nov 2019
This is the safest place we have ever lived--including the U.S. - Oct 2017
The Chinese government is hostile to western governments which can present challenges. Chinese cities are incredibly safe, though. There are occasionally incidents in which westerners that are clearly dating/married to people of Chinese descent are attacked, but these are rare. - Dec 2015
Not really. You are always being watched so no need to worry! - Apr 2015
No crimes. However, living in a communist country, expect your home to be entered by unknown people when you're not home. These people go through your stuff and do things to your computers. Supposedly, they look for whatever spies look for. My apartment has been invaded five times that I know of. Two of those times, I was actually home but because I always use a door latch so they could only open the door for a couple inches and by the time I came out to see, they had already taken off. When I checked with the front desk, the typical answer I got was security people were checking the lock. My neighbor said on one occasion, they were just talking among themselves about some problem with their unit, then a short time later, the repair people came to fix it even though they had never put in a complaint with the maintenance people. So you can assume they have some listening device too. How else would they know. - Aug 2014
I feel very safe here. I do think pickpocketing/stealing exists, as it does in any big city, but I think it remains relatively rare. I've also heard of some break-ins in the housing, but those are not a common thing either. - Jul 2014
No, pretty safe. - Jun 2013
Depends on what you consider a concern. You are under constant surveillance by the Chinese government. But because of the tight control, crime is low -- and petty when it occurs (pick pockets, tea house scams, etc.). - Aug 2011
It is the safest place I've experienced thus far on planet earth. Just be careful to keep an eye out on those taxi drivers. They love to see if they can rip you off. - Apr 2011
Beijing is the capital city of the world's largest population and second largest economy. There are definitely special security concerns, but they generally won't affect you. The Chinese government maintains excellent security in Beijing. I feel safe everywhere here. That being said, petty crime and small-time scams can be a problem in tourist areas. - Jan 2011
There is very little crime against foreigners, other than the occasional purse-snatching. But you will feel "watched" all the time. - Apr 2010
Depends on your point of view. There is not much crime as it is heavily policed, but the downside is your lack of access to outside information i.e. internet. - Jan 2010
