Security

Personal ID

One of the most frustrating laws in China is that foreigners are required to carry their passport on them at all times. They haven’t realized that our most valuable document is our passport and should be kept in a safe secure place. Unfortunately, foreigners do not have a credit card sized I.D. card that fits nicely into a wallet like Chinese citizens do. So, you have to make a choice, carry your passport on you all the time when you go out and risk losing it, having it damaged or stolen, or you can leave it somewhere safe in your apartment and risk a fine. To be fair, it’s very rare that you’ll ever get asked for it. It’s not like there are spot checks or anything, but if you happen to be involved in an incident where the police are involved and you don’t have it on you, they may fine you. I’ve only personally heard of this happening a couple of times in the six years I’ve been here in Tianjin. If you choose to take the risk of going out without your passport, then at least make sure you can remember your passport number or have it written down on you.

Q: What should I do if I lose my passport?

A: Losing your passport in a foreign country is a scary prospect, but don’t panic and definitely do not postpone dealing with it—the longer you delay, the bigger the hassle later on. As soon as you realize you’ve lost your passport, immediately report it to the nearest police station. They will issue a case report certificate that you must take, along with any personal identification, employment or lodging documents and a passport-sized photo, to the Public Security Bureau (PSB). The PSB will then provide you with a “Statement of Loss of Passport” that you can take to your embassy or consulate and apply for a replacement passport. The Tianjin Public Security Bureau address is:

English: 19 Shou’an Jie, Hebei District, Tianjin

Chinese: 天津市河北区寿安街19号

Apartment

Lock your apartment’s door whether you are at home or are going out. Although Tianjin burglaries are less common than in other cities, they still occur. I have heard of expat friends who have been burgled in their sleep. So, once again make sure your front door is locked whether you are home or not.

Pickpockets

Always be careful when on buses, subways and in crowded areas on the street and in shopping centers and supermarkets as well as when you are lining up. These are the most likely places you’ll find pickpockets waiting for their opportunity to steal wallets and cell phones.