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Hotel safes---safe?

Replies: 16 - Last Post: 25-Sep-2007 05:04 Last Post By: r4e

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zebec

zebec avatar

08-Sep-2007 12:10
Posts:  897

Hotel safes---safe?

We'll be staying in a variety of lodgings in China, from 2 to 4 star. Will our tech toys and valuables be safe in the room or the hotels' safes or room safes? Would leaving camera and i-pods/portable speakers be safe with hotel management in most cases?

gonezen

gonezen avatar

08-Sep-2007 16:41
Posts:  170

1

I have heard people suggest this (in room safe) was not safe, but I've never had a problem. If in doubt, leave your things in a box with reception.

"Freedom lies in being bold." Robert Frost

guenovnd

guenovnd avatar

08-Sep-2007 19:19
Posts:  212

2

I have traveled extensively alone and with my family throughout China. We have used hotel safes for everything from passports, airplane tickets to even laptop (based on whether the safe dimensions allow). Based on that experience, I would suggest that the hotel safes are OK to use.

ChinaTravel

Spoerle

Spoerle avatar

09-Sep-2007 00:01
Posts:  363

3

I never take any "valuables" when travelling. The most importent things (Passport, money, credit card, return ticket) will be carried next to my skin, in a way no one can recognise it.

westwood

westwood avatar

09-Sep-2007 01:59
Posts:  10,544

4

The "important" things as #3 says, should always be carried with you.

We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

ChinesePumpkin

ChinesePumpkin avatar

09-Sep-2007 04:37
Posts:  10

5

This is a very safe country to travel. From a very proud Chinese

I can move anywhere, fall in love wth nyone and start a new life of any kind.

Samsalami1

Samsalami1 avatar

09-Sep-2007 06:27
Posts:  108

6

Some hotel safe allow you to use your own personal padlock, that's why I always carry one with me. If you have to use the main lobby's safe where you have to hand in your stuff to the manager then I suggest you itemize every item and show it to him. Your passport should always be with you at all time.

willyz

willyz avatar

09-Sep-2007 08:49
Posts:  367

7

In my opinion, it is not whether Hotels in China or any particular hotel is safe. It all depends on the staff at the time you are staying. I have stayed at the same hotel in Bangkok on and off over 6 years without a problem. The last time my Canadian money ( $150) was taken from a sealed envelope in the hotel safe. Cash, credit cards, passport, etc.. are not heavy, carry them with you.

ellyse

ellyse avatar

09-Sep-2007 09:22
Posts:  8,932

8

Why are you carrying around so much expensive stuff? What are you needing them for... work trip?
Cheers!

myobie

myobie avatar

09-Sep-2007 22:04
Posts:  474

9

"Why are you carrying around so much expensive stuff? What are you needing them for... work trip?
"

Please!

thats like saying I have a nice car, but i dont drive it because it will wear it out.

IPOD - perfect use is on those 12+hour bus/train journeys that you would never do at home.
CAMERA - soley used to ensure the locals know youre a tourist, as i can remember everything in my head anyway... :P
LAPTOP - are you going to sit down at the end of your holiday and edit your pictures.. all X,000 of them?

1000 Day Holiday || World Nomads Promotional Code: GOPACK = 7% Discount || Get your Travel Gopher Here

zozzen

zozzen avatar

09-Sep-2007 22:44
Posts:  107

10

haha, camera and mp3 players are no valuables but necessity for travelling. I brought pocket pc phone (US$900), camera with wide lens ($1200), NDSL ($120), and a lot of gadgets. How could we avoid them?

And to OP, petty crime in hotel is not unheard, most crimes are lockpicking room locks, but i haven't heard a problem with hotel management. I'd put all gadgets in a Packsafe netted lock, tie it together with a chair, table or cabinet when asking a stranger to look after it.

ellyse

ellyse avatar

09-Sep-2007 23:02
Posts:  8,932

11

Well, personally I would never take a laptop when I'm backpacking in China. I DO come home and edit all the photos then.
IPod and MP3 players are small enough to be carried around even when you're not using them. You should be bringing your camera almost everywhere you go anyway.
Cheers!

woolf135

woolf135 avatar

10-Sep-2007 00:40
Posts:  1,610

12

interesting how safes in English are called "safes", while in Chinese they call them "dangers"

Ruth_in_Canada

Ruth_in_Canada avatar

11-Sep-2007 22:58
Posts:  7,207

13

My husband kept all of his photos on his iPod. It worked VERY well.

cheers from Ruth

bulbul2

bulbul2 avatar

12-Sep-2007 21:53
Posts:  270

14

Hi,
I know the hotels in Kashgar, Urumqi, Hoten, Yarken, Kucha, Tashkurgan. Hotels are safe and with very good services. Have nice trip in China. abdulcafe@gmail.com

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