Go with a plan.
Numbeo's Safety Index puts Guangzhou at 72/100 for crime — that makes it read safer than China's national picture overall (64/100 vs 62/100).
City page · part of China
The one number a country page can't give you
What people who actually live in Guangzhou report
Numbeo aggregates thousands of resident-submitted perception surveys into a per-city Crime Index (higher = worse) and its inverse, a Safety Index — the only real city-granularity crime signal feeding this page, alongside China's national advisory, political, health, and police-trust data.
Crime Index
28.4
Safety Index
71.6
Sub-scores
Same real inputs as China's national page, with crime swapped for Guangzhou's own Numbeo number above.
Local know-how
Staying safe in Guangzhou, specifically
- • Guangzhou, which was the first open port in China, is generally tolerant of different cultures.
- • Despite its reputation among the Chinese for being crime-ridden during the 90s, Guangzhou's crime rate compares favorably with any Western city of similar size, and violent crime is very rare.
- • As the capital of the richest province of China, it has attracted an enormous number of immigrant workers from other provinces and some other developing countries.
- • Guangzhou hosts the largest African population in China, mostly concentrated in Sanyuanli (三元里) in Baiyun, and Xiaobei (小北) and Guangyuanxi (广园西) in Yuexiu.
- • Traffic conditions in Guangzhou have drastically improved and rules are practiced - relatively.
- • Emergency numbers are: Police: 110; Fire: 119; Medical: 120; Traffic accident: 122. If you're not sure which to call, 110 is always the first choice.
Legal status (national law)
Legal since 1997
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country →Pack this, know this
The little things that trip people up
Plug & voltage
A / I · 220V
Driving side
right
Emergency
police: 110 / ambulance: 120 / fire: 119
Tipping
As a general rule, tipping is not practised in China. When leaving a tip on your table, it is common to see a waiter chase after you to return the money you "forgot" to take.
SIM / Data
Mobile phones offer good service in China, with strong 4G and 5G networks. International roaming is expensive (¥12–35/min), but roaming data is uncensored. Check rates with your provider or consider a prepaid Chinese SIM card if staying for more than a few days. SIM cards usually require a passport and registration at the provider's main office.
Cash vs. Card
Outside of star-rated or chain hotels, major supermarkets, and high-class restaurants, foreign credit/debit cards like Visa and MasterCard are generally not accepted and most transactions will require cash or mobile payments. Many department stores and large grocery stores have point-of-sale terminals for Chinese bank cards, but most foreign cards are not supported.
How this compares to China
Numbeo's Safety Index puts Guangzhou at 72/100 for crime — that makes it read safer than China's national picture overall (64/100 vs 62/100).
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