US Embassies and announcements.

[Willy The Londoner]

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has consolidated its overseas operations into several regional offices that provide a full range of SSA services for U.S. citizens residing outside of the United States.  Effective October 1, 2017, individuals residing in the People's Republic of China who require social security services or have questions about SSA benefits must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in the Philippines, rather than China.

Personal visits not essential.

Willy

[Pineau]

Message for U.S. Citizens:
23 OCT 2017
 
THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES IN GUANGZHOU IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE CONSULATE WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS IN CHINA. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD.
 
Taxis are typically a safe means of transportation in China.  However, recently there has been an increase in reports of some taxi drivers attempting to charge inflated fares for relatively inexpensive trips, in some cases resulting in verbal or physical confrontations when customers refused to pay these fares.  When using taxis, please avoid any altercations with the driver.  Rather, attempt to remove yourself from the situation.  If a driver refuses to use the meter, take another taxi.  Should you feel threatened, please make note of the driver’s name and license number and report the incident to the taxi company and/or police.  Likewise, avoid unlicensed cabs.
 
Whom to Contact
If you are a victim of a confrontation with a taxi driver, call the local police at “110” which is roughly equivalent to “911” in the United States.  Be aware, however, that very few English speakers staff this hotline.  Or you can file a complaint by calling the Mayor hotline at 12345 (press option 3 for English).  The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General have no law enforcement authority in China.
 
For Further Information
·         Visit Country Information for Chinafor additional travel & transportation safety tips (for pedestrians and drivers) for China
·         Find useful tips on packing and planning with our Traveler's Checklist
·         See our webpage on Help for U.S. Victims of Crime Overseas

[Pineau]

With the holiday travel season upon us, the Embassy would like to call your attention to the most recent worldwide caution message that the Department of State issued on Decemeber 11, 2017.  We want to ensure that all U.S. citizens are well aware of the current worldwide travel environment.  Please have a healthy and safe holiday season!
 

As part of the Department of State's continuous efforts to provide U.S. citizens traveling abroad with information about safety and security events, we are updating the Worldwide Caution with information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions, political violence, and criminal activity against U.S. citizens and interests abroad.  This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated September 14, 2017.     

 

As terrorist attacks, political upheaval, and violence often take place without any warning, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness when traveling.  To better prepare for possible emergencies, U.S. citizens are encouraged to read Country Specific Information pages, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts on travel.state.gov before planning a trip.

 

In addition to concerns stemming from terrorism, travelers should be alert to the possibility of political unrest, violence, demonstrations, and criminal activities when traveling.  Country-specific information pages and Travel Warnings should be consulted to obtain the latest data on such threats.

 

Travelers are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.  The Department uses these security messages to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc.  In an emergency, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or call the following numbers: 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.

 

U.S. government facilities worldwide remain in a heightened state of alert.  These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture.  In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.  U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

 

Terrorist groups including ISIS, al-Qa'ida, their associates, and those inspired by such organizations, are intent on attacking U.S. citizens wherever they are.  Extremists may use conventional or non-conventional weapons to target U.S. government and private interests.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack to more effectively target crowds, including the use of edged weapons, pistols, and vehicles as weapons.  Extremists increasingly aim to assault "soft" targets, such as:

 

·        high-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)

·        hotels, clubs, and restaurants

·        places of worship

·        schools

·        parks

·        shopping malls and markets

·        tourism infrastructure

·        public transportation systems

·        airports

 

In multiple regions, terrorists, guerrilla groups, and criminals seek to kidnap U.S. citizens to finance their operations or for political purposes.  The Department also remains concerned that terrorists could again seek to down aircraft using concealed explosives or hijack commercial flights

 

Private U.S. citizens should not travel to any country to participate in armed conflict.  U.S. citizens are reminded that fighting on behalf of or providing other forms of support to designated terrorist organizations can constitute the provision of material support for terrorism, which is a serious crime that can result in penalties, including prison time and large fines.

 

Below, we provide information specific to different regions and countries.  Please consult travel.state.govfor additional information.

 

AFRICA: There are terrorist, guerilla, and insurgent groups in some parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, and the potential for al-Qa'ida or ISIS-inspired attacks is high in several West African countries and countries bordering Somalia.  These groups have been known to take hostages, kill civilians, and deliberately target Westerners on occasion.  There is political instability and civil unrest in some African countries.  Under these conditions, the level of consular assistance available to U.S. citizens may be limited.

 

If you are planning to travel to any of the following countries, please read our advisories carefully:

 

BURKINA FASO

BURUNDI

CAMEROON

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

CHAD

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

ERITREA

ETHIOPIA

KENYA

MALI

MAURITANIA

NIGER

NIGERIA

SOMALIA

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN

SUDAN 

 

EAST ASIA and PACIFIC:  Armed terrorist and criminal groups are operating in the East Asian and Pacific region and may attempt to target U.S. citizens, particularly for kidnapping in the coastal areas and outlying islands of the eastern part of the Malaysian state of Sabah and the southern Philippines.  Indonesia has witnessed an increase in terrorist-related arrests and foiled plots, and several small-scale attacks and attempted attacks have occurred.  Periodic acts of violence in Thailand remain a concern.  U.S. citizens are strongly warned to avoid all travel to North Korea/the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) due to the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention under North Korea's system of law enforcement.  A travel restriction on the use of U.S. passports to travel to, in, or from North Korea became effective in early September 2017. 

 

If you are planning to travel to any of the following countries, please read our advisories carefully:

 

NORTH KOREA

PHILIPPINES

 

EUROPE:  Terrorist groups continue to plot attacks in Europe as foreign fighters return home from Syria and Iraq, while other individuals may be radicalized or inspired by ISIS propaganda.  European authorities continue to warn of additional attacks on major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers, places of worship, and the transportation sector, frequently prompting heightened security at notable public venues and coordinated counterterrorism operations. 

 

If you are planning to travel to any of the following countries, please read our advisories carefully:

 

TURKEY

UKRAINE

 

MIDDLE EAST and NORTH AFRICA:  Terrorist groups are very active in the Middle East and North Africa.  The U.S. government remains highly concerned about possible attacks against U.S. citizens, facilities, businesses, and perceived U.S. and Western interests in the region.  Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Libya are considered violent and unpredictable war zones, and there is no official U.S. diplomatic presence in the latter three countries.  U.S. citizens should avoid these areas.  Terrorist groups have demonstrated capability to conduct attacks throughout the region, posing both a direct and indirect threat to U.S. citizens.  Government officials throughout the region are concerned about the potential return of foreign fighters following ISIS's territorial losses in Iraq, Syria, and Libya.

 

If you are planning to travel to any of the following countries, please read our advisories carefully:

 

ALGERIA

EGYPT

IRAN

IRAQ

ISRAEL, THE WEST BANK, AND GAZA

JORDAN

LEBANON

LIBYA

SAUDI ARABIA

SYRIA

TUNISIA

YEMEN

 

SOUTH and CENTRAL ASIA:  The U.S. government assesses terrorist groups in South Asia may be planning attacks in the region, possibly against U.S. facilities, citizens, and interests.  U.S. citizens should avoid travel to Afghanistan, as no region in the country is immune from violence.  A number of established terrorist organizations, indigenous sectarian groups, and other militants pose a danger to U.S. citizens in Pakistan.  Extremist elements are also active in India, as outlined in a recent emergency message.  Terrorists have hit a wide variety of targets and institutions in Bangladesh.

 

If you are planning to travel to any of the following countries, please read our advisories carefully:

 

AFGHANISTAN

BANGLADESH 

PAKISTAN 

 

WESTERN HEMISPHERE:  Insurgent groups, armed criminal gangs, and indigenous terrorists remain active in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.  U.S. citizens are particularly vulnerable to kidnap-for-ransom attempts and violent crimes of opportunity while visiting a variety of countries.  Gang- and narcotics-related violence is of concern in several countries throughout the region. Political protests are common throughout the region, and in some countries they can devolve into violence.  Haiti is particularly vulnerable to violent political protest activity, some of which has directly targeted U.S. interests.  Venezuela's current political crisis has turned violent on numerous occasions in 2017, including near-daily protests between April and August that have cost more than 100 people their lives.

 

If you are planning to travel to any of the following countries, please read our advisories carefully:

 

COLOMBIA

EL SALVADOR

HAITI

HONDURAS

MEXICO

VENEZUELA

 

For further information:

 

·        See the Department of State's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.

·        Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

·        The Department of State's Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides several resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector abroad.  Additional information on OSAC can be found on OSAC.gov or by following OSAC on Twitter.

 

·        Mariners and U.S. citizens considering maritime travel should also review information at the websites of the National Geospatial Agency, the Maritime Security Communications with Industry Portal, and the U.S. Coast Guard for information related to maritime and port security globally.

[Pineau]

On Wednesday, January 10, 2018, the Department of State made changes to our safety and security information to make it easier to find, understand, and use.

 

Travel Advisories replace Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.  Every country has a Travel Advisory, which provides one of four standard levels of advice.  The Travel Advisory gives an explanation for the level and include clear actions U.S. citizens should take.

 

Alerts replace Security Messages and Emergency Messages.  Alerts follow an easy-to-understand format with clear actions U.S. citizens should take.

 

U.S. citizens who have signed up to receive updates via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP.state.gov) will automatically receive the China Travel Advisory and Alerts via email in the weeks following the January 10 launch.  They will continue to receive other messages as usual, including announcements related to voting, town halls, and administrative issues.

 

For more information about improvements to our safety and security information and to sign-up to receive a notification on launch date, visit http://travel.state.gov/travelsafely.

 

Contact information:

 

Beijing – Email: BeijingACS@state.gov, Tel: (010) 8531 4000
No. 55 An Jia Lou Road
Chaoyang, Beijing
 

Chengdu – Email:  AmcitChengdu@state.gov, Tel: (028) 8558 3992

No. 4. Lingshiguan Road

Section 4, Renmin Nanlu

Chengdu, Sichuan


Guangzhou – Email:  GuangzhouACS@state.gov, (020) 3814 5775

No.43 Hua Jiu Road

Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District

Guangzhou, Guangdong


Shanghai – Email:  ShanghaiACS@state.gov, (021) 8011-2400

Westgate Mall, 8th Floor

No. 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu

Shanghai


Shenyang – Email:  ShenyangACS@state.gov, (024) 2335 5188

No. 52, 14th Wei Road
Heping District
Shenyang, Liaoning

[Pineau]

Your vote counts!  Did you know that many U.S. elections for house and senate seats have been decided by a margin smaller than the number of ballots cast by absentee voters?  All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the absentee ballot receipt deadline.

 
Follow a few simple steps to make sure that you can vote in the 2018 U.S. elections:
 
1.     Request Your Ballot:  Complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).  You must complete a new FPCA after January 1, 2018 to ensure you receive your ballot for the 2018 elections.  The completion of the FPCA allows you to request absentee ballots for all elections for federal offices (President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives) including primaries and special elections during the calendar year in which it is submitted.  The FPCA is accepted by all local election officials in all U.S. states and territories.
 
You can complete the FPCA online at www.FVAP.gov.  The online voting assistant will ask you questions specific to your state.  We encourage you to ask your local election officials to deliver your blank ballots to you electronically (by email, internet download, or fax, depending on your state).  Include your email address on your FPCA to take advantage of the electronic ballot delivery option.  Return the FPCA per the instructions on the website.  FVAP.gov will tell you if your state allows the FPCA to be returned electronically or if you must submit a paper copy with original signature.  If you must return a paper version, please see below for mailing options.
 
2.     Receive and Complete Your Ballot:  States are required to send out ballots 45 days before a regular election for federal office and states generally send out ballots at least 30 days before primary elections.  For most states, you can confirm your registration and ballot delivery online.
 
3.     Return Your Completed Ballot:  Some states allow you to return your completed ballot by email or fax.  If your state requires you to return paper voting forms or ballots to local election officials, you can use international mail, a courier service such as FedEx or DHL, or you may also drop off completed voting materials during regular business hours at the U.S. Embassy Beijing or any of the Consulates General in China.  Place your materials in a postage paid return envelope (available under “Downloadable Election Materials” on the FVAP homepage) or in an envelope bearing sufficient domestic U.S. postage, and address it to the relevant local election officials.
 
4.  New this year – email to fax service by FVAP! - the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) will provide an email-to-fax conversion service for voters who have difficulty sending election materials to States that do not accept emailed documents.  Get more information here.
 
Researching the Candidates and Issues:  Online Resources.  Check out the FVAP links page for helpful resources that will aid your research of candidates and issues.  Non-partisan information about candidates, their voting records, and their positions on issues are widely available and easy to obtain online.  You can also read national and hometown newspapers online, or search the internet to locate articles and information.  For information about election dates and deadlines, subscribe to FVAP's Voting Alerts (vote@fvap.gov).  FVAP also shares Voting Alerts via Facebookand Twitter.
 
Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program's (FVAP) website, FVAP.gov.  If you have any questions about registering to vote overseas, please contact the Voting Assistance Officers at:
U.S. Embassy Beijing: BeijingACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Chengdu:  AmcitChengdu@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou:  VoteGuangzhou@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Shanghai: VoteShanghai@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Shenyang:  VoteShenyang@state.gov
 
Remember, your vote counts!
Be absent but accounted for!

[Pineau]

Health Alert

Location: Countrywide [China]

Event: The State Department received medical confirmation that a U.S. government employee in China suffered a medical incident consistent with what other U.S. government personnel experienced in Havana, Cuba. As a result of additional voluntary medical screenings, the Department has sent other individuals to the United States for further evaluation.

If you or members of your family experience any unusual, unexplained physical symptoms or events, auditory or sensory phenomena, or other health concerns, please contact your health care provider to determine whether a medical evaluation and/or treatment is advisable. Symptoms to be attentive for include dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, fatigue, cognitive issues, visual problems, ear complaints and hearing loss, and difficulty sleeping.

Action to Take:

·         Do not attempt to locate the source of any unidentified auditory sensation. Instead, move to a different location.
 
·         If you have concerns about any symptoms or medical problems, consult a medical professional as soon as possible.

Assistance:

·         Contact the U.S. Embassy in Beijing by email at BeijingACS@state.gov or by telephone at 010-8531-4000 or 011-86-10-8531-4000 if you are calling from the U.S.
 
·         Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu by email at AmcitChengdu@state.gov or by telephone at 028-8558-3992 or 011-86-28-8558-3992 if you are calling from the U.S.
 
·         Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou by email at GuangzhouACS@state.gov or by telephone at 020-3814-5775 or 011-86-20-3814-5775 if you are calling from the U.S.
 
·         Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai by email at ShanghaiACS@state.gov or by telephone at 021-8011-2400 or 011-86-21-8011-2400 if you are calling from the U.S.
 
·         Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang by email at ShenyangACS@state.gov or by telephone at 024-2335-5188 or 011-86-24-2335-5188 if you are calling from the U.S.
 
·         Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Wuhan by email at BeijingACS@state.gov or by telephone at 010-8531-4000 or 011-86-10-8531-4000 if you are calling from the U.S.
 
·         Call the State Department – Consular Affairs at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or Canada or 1-202-201-444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays)
 
·         Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
 
·         Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

 

[shaun]

What  is  this issue.  My wife is having these symptoms right now.  She's seen 3 doctors there and none have helped.  Do you know what it is and the course of treatment?

[Robertt S]

What  is  this issue.  My wife is having these symptoms right now.  She's seen 3 doctors there and none have helped.  Do you know what it is and the course of treatment?

Mind games or sonic weapon? US alert after American in China suffers brain injury caused by sound

WASHINGTON: A new form of hostility and warfare appears to be surfacing in the world with the Trump administration on Tuesday sounding an alarm about possible sonic attacks against its citizens after a US government employee in China reported unusual “sensations of sound and pressure,” and, on his return to America, was diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury.
 
 
The case, the first that Washington has reported out of China, is reminiscent of a wave of so-called “sonic attacks” on US diplomats in Cuba that resulted in the withdrawal of a large number of American personnel, including many who complained of symptoms like hearing loss, dizziness, tinnitus, visual difficulties, headaches and fatigue.
 
American officials said no other case had been reported from China but "the US government is taking these reports seriously and has informed its official staff in China of this event."
 
"While in China, if you experience any unusual acute auditory or sensory phenomena accompanied by unusual sounds or piercing noises, do not attempt to locate their source. Instead, move to a location where the sounds are not present," a health alert issued by the US Embassy in Beijing said, urging people with medical problems to consult a doctor.
 
The sole incident from China surfaced when a US government employee deployed in Guangzhou reported “subtle and vague, but abnormal, sensations of sound and pressure" between late 2017 through April 2018. The person was sent back to the United States and diagnosed with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) on May 18.
 
Both in the Cuba case and the current one, US officials are leery of ascribing it to the “sonic weapon” theory that is already making the rounds on social media, but the State Department said it is taking this incident very seriously and is working to determine the cause and impact of the incident. The Chinese government too has assured they are also investigating and taking appropriate measures, a State Department official told news agencies. Cuban investigators had earlier dismissed US suspicions of a sonic attack as “science fiction.”
 
The latest development came amid a ripple of mistrust between US and China illustrated by President Trump suggesting that Beijing was to blame for North Korea’s sudden backing away from the Singapore summit with US. Although he professed personal friendship with China’s President Xi Jinping, Trump said North Korea appeared emboldened to toughen its stand after its leader Kim Jong-un recently visited Beijing.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/mind-games-or-sonic-weapon-us-alert-after-american-in-china-suffers-brain-injury-caused-by-sound/articleshow/64292940.cms

[shaun]

Thanks Robert.  What I read isn't the problem.  I spoke with a rep at the Consulate in Guangzhou.  The following does not come from the rep but from a Chinese woman namely my wife and her sister.  It appears that my wife has some sort of female problem. More than I want to know.  It apparently occurs in the mid 50's and her treatments requaire IV's for 3 hours a day seven days in a row and that is way more than I want to know but she tells me it seems to be working.  What I want to hear.  It is funded by the Chinese government which is music to my ears and I thank God I am not a Chinese woman. 

[Pineau]

Weather Alert - U. S. Consulate General Chengdu, China July 10, 2018

 

Location: Sichuan Province

 

Event: Severe rainstorms have impacted significant areas of Sichuan Province, resulting in flight delays, road closures, landslides, and train service disruptions this week, with additional storms anticipated in coming days.  The China Meteorological Administration has activated a level four emergency response to the rainstorm.  Local authorities have activated a level three emergency response for the first time in five years.  Heavy rainfall is expected to continue into July 11.  The following tourist destinations are now closed:  Mt. Emei (since July 9, 2018), Jiuzhaigou (since July 1, 2018), and the Wenchuan Yanmen section of National Highway 213 (since July 10, 2018).   

 

Actions to Take:

·         Monitor local media and the China Meteorological Administration’s website (http://www.cma.gov.cn/en2014/weather/) for updates.

·         Be aware of your surroundings.

 

Assistance:

·         U.S. Consulate General Chengdu, China

·         +86 28 8558-3992

·         amcitchengdu@state.gov

·         https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/embassy-consulates/chengdu/u-s-citizens-services/

 

State Department - Consular Affairs

888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

 

China Country Information

Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

[Pineau]

Weather Alert - U. S. Consulate Guangzhou, China (September 14, 2018)

 

Location:    Guangdong Province; Hainan Province

 
Event:  Super Typhoon Mangkhut could make landfall near Guangdong and Hainan provinces, China between September 15th to September 16th.  The Chinese government has issued a warning for Guangdong and Hainan areas.  If landfall occurs, those living in impacted areas should expect extremely high winds, dangerous storm tides, heavy rainfall, and possible flooding to occur.
 
Actions to Take:

·         Monitor local media for updates.

·         Seek secure shelter.

·         Visit the Joint Typhoon Warning Center and Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) for updated storm tracking information.

 

Assistance:

·         U.S. Consulate Guangzhou, China

+86-20-3814-5775, +86-10-8531-4000 (24 hrs)

GuangzhouACS@state.gov   

https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/

 

·         State Department - Consular Affairs

888-407-4747202-501-4444

 

·        China Country Information China Country Specific Information

 

·         Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates

 
·         Follow us on WeChat: GuangzhouACS

[Pineau]

Make your voice heard! Election Day is Tuesday, November 6. If you are an overseas voter, you should mail your ballot to your local election office by this Friday, October 12. You can also drop off your ballot free of charge at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou. During business hours, the Consulate will have drop off boxes in the American Citizen Services office and at the entrance on Huajiu Road. ***PLEASE BE READY TO PRESENT YOUR U.S. PASSPORT***
 
The deadline for dropping off ballots is Monday, October 15. The Consulate will also host a presentation on U.S. midterm elections on Thursday, October 18 at 2:30 pm in the IRC conference room. The presentation is primarily for a Chinese audience, but U.S. citizens are welcome to attend.
 
*Ballots must be in either a U.S. postage paid return envelope or in an envelope bearing sufficient domestic U.S. postage. It must also be addressed to the relevant local election officials. If you will not receive your absentee ballot in time, you can use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, available online at www.fvap.gov.

[Pineau]

Security Alert-U.S. Embassy Hanoi
U.S. Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
 
Location:  Throughout Vietnam
 
Event:  The U.S. Mission to Vietnam advises U.S. citizens of the High Crime rating for Vietnam.  Recent reports of criminal activities include unwanted sexual advances, targeting children in public places for potential kidnapping, and reports of wrongdoing by taxis and ride-sharing services, including sexual harassment and theft of personal items. 
 
Actions to Take:
·        Maintain situational awareness and be aware of your surroundings.
·        Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches and keep the amount of valuables on your person to a minimum.
·        Do not physically resist if confronted by an armed or unarmed robber as robbers may resort to violence.
·        Use caution when walking or driving at night.
·        Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
 
Assistance:
·        U.S. Embassy Hanoi - Consular Annex
     From outside Vietnam: +84-24-3850-5000
     From the U.S.: 011-84-24-3850-5000
     From landline within Hanoi: 3850-5000
     From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 024-3850-5000
      acshanoi@state.gov
·         U.S. Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
   From outside Vietnam: +84-28-3520-4200
   From the U.S.: 011-84-28-3520-4200
   From landline within Ho Chi Minh City: 3520-4200
   From mobile or landline within Vietnam: 028-3520-4200S
   hcmcacsmail@state.gov 
·        State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs - 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
·        Vietnam Country Information
·        Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
·        Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 

[Pineau]

Location: U.S. Embassy in Beijing, and U.S. Consulates General in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Wuhan

Event: The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China will be closed on Dec 5th, 2018, in observance of a National Day of Mourning for Former President George H.W. Bush. 

Actions to Take: Individuals with American Citizen Services appointments scheduled on Dec 5th will be contacted to reschedule their appointments.

Assistance:

Contact the U.S. Embassy in Beijing by email at BeijingACS@state.gov or by telephone at 010-8531-4000
Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu by email at AmcitChengdu@state.gov or by telephone at 028-8558-3992
Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou by email at GuangzhouACS@state.gov or by telephone at 020-3814-5775
Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai by email at ShanghaiACS@state.gov or by telephone at 021-8011-2400
Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang by email at ShenyangACS@state.gov or by telephone at 024-2335-5188
Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Wuhan by email at WuhanACS@state.gov or by telephone at 010-8531-4000
https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/
 

State Department – Consular Affairs

888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

 

China Country Information
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

[Robertt S]

Looks like business will be limited for a few days.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/lapse-in-appropriations.html