Q：Are there any legal and safety tips that can help international students better integrate into life in Changsha?

A：

Dear international students, welcome to Changsha! To help you quickly adapt to life in Changsha, the Population and Exit-Entry Administration Division of the Changsha Municipal Public Security Bureau has prepared a detailed legal and safety guide for your time in China, ensuring a safe and worry-free stay.

Understanding the Exit-Entry Administration Law 

According to the Exit-Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China, students holding an X1 visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival in order to legally reside in China.

Visa and Residence Permit: The X1 visa is issued to students for long-term study in China. Upon arrival, you must visit the Population and Exit-Entry Administration Hall with a school official to apply for a residence permit. Ensure timely application and renewal to avoid overstaying, as this could negatively affect your studies.

Residence Registration: If you choose to live off-campus, you must register your residence with the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. For students living in hotels, the hotel will handle this, but you must ensure the registration details are correct.

Off-campus Internships: According to Chinese law, international students in China must apply for permission before engaging in off-campus internships. Unauthorized work will violate visa conditions and may result in the cancellation of your residence permit or fines.

Legal Liability: Violations such as overstaying, illegal work, or failure to register residence on time can result in substantial fines, detention, or deportation.

Traffic Safety Tips 

Changsha's transportation system is advanced, and following traffic rules is essential to ensuring your safety:

Right-hand Traffic: China follows a right-hand traffic system for motor and non-motor vehicles. Students riding electric bikes or other non-motor vehicles must ensure their vehicles have been registered to legally operate on the roads.

Legal Transportation: To ensure safe travel, use licensed taxis or public transportation. When taking taxis, make sure to board at designated spots at the airport or station to avoid unlicensed vehicles.

Public Transport Etiquette: Board buses through the front door and exit through the rear; avoid loud conversations or eating on the subway. These details help you integrate better into local life in Changsha.

Preventing Telecom Fraud 

Telecom fraud is on the rise globally, and international students are especially vulnerable in unfamiliar environments. Remain vigilant:

Protect Your Personal Information: Don’t share personal details like your passport number, bank account, or address easily. Be cautious of suspicious calls or texts, especially those claiming to be from the police or bank.

Avoid Fraud: If you receive suspicious calls or emails requesting personal information, verify their authenticity through official channels. For requests for money transfers or passwords, contact Changsha police or seek help from your school.

Anti-Drug Policy 

Changsha police maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs. Possession, use, or trafficking of drugs will face severe criminal penalties:

Strict Punishments for Drug Crimes: Any involvement with drugs, including possession, use, or distribution, will result in serious legal consequences like imprisonment, fines, or even deportation. Avoiding drugs is essential to ensuring your safety in China.

Stay Alert: Be cautious during social activities and avoid associating with drug-related behavior or people. Changsha police are dedicated to maintaining public safety and ensuring the security of international students.

Everyday Safety Tips 

In Changsha, everyday safety is just as important:

Food and Water Safety: Choose restaurants or cafeterias with good hygiene conditions, and avoid buying food from unlicensed street vendors. Especially during the hot summer months, pay attention to food and water safety to avoid health problems caused by spoiled food.

Healthy Routine and Exercise Safety: Maintain a healthy routine, avoiding late nights and exhaustion. Warm up properly before exercising and take appropriate safety precautions to prevent injuries.

Emergency Help and Reporting 

In Changsha, if you encounter any emergency, you can call 110 for assistance. When reporting, clearly describe the location, time, people involved, and nature of the incident. If you are unfamiliar with your surroundings, you can provide nearby landmarks to help the police locate you.

The Population and Exit-Entry Administration Division of Changsha Public Security Bureau will always be available to assist you, ensuring your safety during your stay in Changsha.

We hope these legal and safety tips will help you better integrate into life in Changsha. Wishing you a pleasant and fulfilling experience during your stay! 

Changsha Municipal Public Security Bureau, Population and Exit-Entry Administration Division