Compared with many of the world’s large cities, Shanghai is very safe for women. It is not uncommon to see women walking or taking public transport alone at night. Local men often stare at women but rarely do anything worse, and women shouldn’t feel the need to dress modestly to ensure their safety. That’s not to say women shouldn’t be vigilant. There have been claims that the use of date-rape drugs is on the rise, especially in Shanghai’s high-end bars. More recently, several women have reported being attacked by groups of female beggars while withdrawing money from ATMs late at night. If you feel that you have been seriously threatened, immediately contact the police by dialling 110 and consider writing to the editor of a local expat magazine or website, who may publish your story as a helpful warning to others (see p.50).­