Moving to China

"I have lived overseas twice, once as a kid with my parents, and, now as a middle-aged woman. I have learned that for preparing to move abroad, as with any new adventure or venture, as prepared as you might think you are, you are never fully prepared for what you will find yourself immersed in. That is part of the adventure!! BUT, as with any game, the best offense is a good defense or as good a defense as you can prepare. Here is a very short list based on my experiences and screw-ups of things that can help guide you and, perhaps, avoid some of the frustrations and pitfalls that might await you on your new life in a far away land. 1.) Network as much as possible, either by Internet or letters with those ex-pats that have already resided for a time in the area where you will be moving to. They will prove to be your most valuable source of information of do's and dont's, especially on what to bring and not bother buying and packing up to take to your new home. 2.) As with most endevors, organization and staying organzied is 75% of the game and will help keep you focused and might just save your sanity in this process of getting all ready for the move. 3.) Set your mind that this move is only temporary (even if it is for up to four years) not permanent and treat it like a big adventure, not a prison sentence. If you have the proper mindset then the transition will be that much easier to make. You just might have a wonderful surpise and find that you really love your new, temporary home and regret that you didn't move sooner!! 4.) Don't wait to the last minute to get ready for this move. As soon as you make the commitment to make the move, start making the master list of things to be done and things to be purchased for the move. (This tip should really be attached to #2) 5.) Don't take items of your present home that are of priceless value with you but do take some personal items, such as personal photos of your family and a few favorite knickknacks that you have always liked to be part of your home. 6.) When time allows in between getting ready for this great adventure, read as much as possible about the cuture and the people of the place you are moving to. By all means DON'T FORGET to log onto expatexchange.com to ask questions or ask for help in this move. It is a tremendous resource - use it! I am presently living in Tianjin, China where my husband is working on a joint venture project. We expect to be here a total of four years but, as one of the common sayings expats working all over the world learn to live by states, "stay tuned."," remarked one expat in Tianjin, China.

"Before moving to China, expats should take the time to research the language, laws, customs, and visa requirements. They should also research the cities they might be living in, to learn about the cost of living, availability of housing, and other pertinent details. It may be beneficial to have access to or create a social or professional network prior to making the move. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with medical and medical insurance options, in case of any medical or health issues," said one expat in China.

"I came here to move in with my BF and he's been living here for few years already," remarked one expat who made the move to Beijing.

"If you are looking for a place to live in China, there are several options available to you. You can look online and search through various real estate websites that list rentals and properties. You can also contact a real estate agency, which often knows of listings that are not advertised online. Additionally, you can visit local newspapers and magazines in China to search for listings. Finally, you can contact friends or family who may have information about available houses, apartments, or other rental properties," explained one expat living in China.

"I live on the 23rd floor of what is known as a fully-serviced apt building. Fully serviced means that they provide housekeeping six days a week. My apt is a modest sized three bedroom/2 bath place.No dishwasher or garbage disposal but does have access to western TV programming which is banned to the Chinese locals. It is centrally located so I can walk to many places I want to go to or easily flag down one of the little red suicide taxis that play road chicken games all over town. Like most Chinese made buildings, this place while only five years old is already showing signs of falling apart," remarked one expat in Tianjin, China.

"Expat homes and apartments in China are typically spacious, comfortable and modern. They generally have high ceilings, wooden floors, and plenty of natural light, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. Many expats choose to live in gated communities, which offer more security, amenities, and recreational options. In the larger cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, apartments often have nicely appointed, modern kitchens and bathrooms, as well as other amenities such as swimming pools and gyms. Expats looking for a more traditional experience may opt for traditional hutong-style apartments, which have been popular for centuries," said one expat in China.

"The cost of housing in China varies widely depending on the city or region, however the average cost globally is generally considered to be moderately priced. Generally, the cost of renting an apartment or house in China is relatively low and prices are continuing to increase due to the influx of people and businesses moving to cities," commented one expat who made the move to China.

"Lower - average cost of local housing for locals is around U$150, for expat housing is around U$3,000 to U$50,000 a month," remarked one expat in Beijing, China.

"I've lived in Shenzhen for 8 years, and as with any city, location determines cost. Anyway close to the metro, in a modern residential complex, with good facilities will usually average out at about 120RMB per month per sq metre. So a good 75-90 sqm 2-3 BR apartment will set you back between 8-11k a month for an average apartment. Budget another 400-700 per month for management fees, power, water, and gas. Another 150 for Internet. Budget for up front costs of 2 months rent in advance, and 50% of a months rental for agency fee, if using an agent. Obviously, sharing with another expat will halve everything, so a good option to consider. Another option is to look at renting a spare room in an apartment that expats currently rent. You can often get these for 2-3k a month, including all utilities and wifi," said one expat in China.

"Buying a home in China is a major decision and investment and should be carefully considered. Buying a home in China can be a great long-term option and cost saving if you plan to stay in the area for several years, as mortgage rates and property appreciation both tend to be attractive investments. On the other hand, renting in China may be a better option if you plan on staying in the area for the short-term, as it can provide greater flexibility and may cost less in the short-term. Ultimately, it is up to you to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both buying and renting a home in China and then decide which option is best for your individual situation," remarked one expat in China.

"My wife owns a condo which is basically what many Chinese own in liu of Americans buying a house. Many more rent apts/condos from others," said one expat in Xi'an.

"When packing for a move to China, it is important to prepare for the weather and culture of the new destination. Consider packing clothing items such as sweaters, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and an umbrella or raincoat. If moving to an area in northern or western China, a winter coat and other cold-weather wear may be necessary. Additionally, practical items like an adapter for electronics and a water filter for tap water may be needed. Toiletries, medicine, shoes, and a backpack or suitcase will also come in handy. Lastly, do not forget important documents like passports, visas, and birth certificates," said one expat in China.

"Wish I brought my dog, some clothes and photos. Wish I didn't bring some clothes, junk and more junk...," remarked one expat who made the move to Beijing.

"I had very good handlers so I did not commit any big mistakes. But I saw others do so. One example came when we went out to dinner with a large group of friends and family. The man who invited us, American, wanted to split the bill at the end of the night. This is NEVER done in China. I told him this but he didn't listen. He insisted that we calculate the bill at the table and came up with what he thought everyone should put in. From that day on he was branded a cheapskate and shunned by almost everyone. The word spreads quickly in China and in a few days all of the extended families and friends turned a cold shoulder to him in every way. In China the one who invites, or even suggests, going to a restaurant pays the entire bill, the wives of girlfriends will scrutinize it for any possible errors. It should be paid with no fanfare once the women OK the amount," said one expat in China.

"When visiting China, it is important to respect their culture and traditions. Avoid public displays of affection, as physical expressions of love between couples are considered rude in Chinese culture. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the behavior that is considered polite; slurping while eating is considered a compliment, whereas blowing your nose in public or speaking too loudly is not appreciated. Furthermore, try to show respect to those of higher status, such as elders and people in positions of authority. Lastly, it is important to be aware of the Chinese taboos; avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and death," remarked one expat who made the move to China.

"There are a number of factors that attract expats to move to China. One of the main attractions is the range of opportunities available in the country due to its rapid economic growth and development, with both salaries and career possibilities proving highly attractive. Additionally, the lifestyle and cultural experience on offer, from cuisine to historic sites, makes it an exciting place to live, as does the convenience of an extensive public transport system for getting around. Moreover, being one of the world's most populous countries, it constitutes a potential hub for networking and expanding one's business prospects," commented one expat living in China.

"Healthcare services in China are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and provides basic medical services to citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies from region to region, but generally it is considered to be of a good standard. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in China can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for certain services. In addition, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," offered one expat living in China.

"It is IMPERATIVE that you speak Chinese or else you need to take someone who is FLUENT in Chinese as interpreter. Some doctors speak English (or rather Chinglish) and communication is critical in receiving appropriate medical care. Also, be aware that the average Chinese person most likely will not have the medical vocabulary, so unless you have a medical interpreter communication will still be challenging, but it will be better than nothing," wrote one expat living in Shenzhen.

"Medical services in China are generally of a high standard, with a wide range of modern facilities and equipment available. Many hospitals in China are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, providing a range of services from general practice to specialist care. Chinese hospitals also offer a variety of traditional Chinese medicine treatments, such as acupuncture and herbal remedies. In addition, many Chinese cities have international hospitals that provide medical services in English and other languages," offered one expat living in China.