Digital Nomad Life in Qingdao, China

"The expat community is very active here. There is a newsletter called "The Qingdao Expat" that connects us. There is a weekly lunch which is a good place to start getting connected," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Qingdao.

"Expats in Qingdao can join a variety of clubs and activities such as scuba diving, rugby and basketball. There are also expat-oriented clubs such as the Qingdao International Wine Club, the Qingdao Chinese Chess Club and the Qingdao Comic Book Club. Expats can also meet people by attending international events and fairs held around the city. Additionally, there are meetup groups, language exchange groups and other social events held at bars, restaurants and cafes across Qingdao that allow expats to socialize and make new friends," explained one person living in Qingdao, China, China.

"Qingdao is a popular destination for expats and digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and convenient transportation. Expats and digital nomads in Qingdao can enjoy a wide variety of activities, from exploring the city's many historical sites to taking part in the city's vibrant nightlife. The city also offers a wide range of international cuisine, making it easy for expats and digital nomads to find food that suits their tastes. Additionally, Qingdao is home to a large expat community, making it easy for newcomers to make friends and find support. All in all, Qingdao is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an exciting and rewarding experience," remarked one member in Qingdao.

"The priority here is work. The Chinese are preparing the city for the 2008 Olympics. Sailing events will be held here in Qingdao," explained one expat living in Qingdao, China.

"One way to find a place to live in Qingdao is to contact a realtor or property management company that specializes in the local Qingdao market. Many real estate companies and websites have detailed listings of available apartments and homes for rent or sale. Additionally, local landlords and housing agencies can provide potential tenants with helpful information about available rentals, as well as advice about areas of the city and nearby neighborhoods. Lastly, China’s Craigslist-like website 58.com is a great resource for potential renters, as the website features listings from a variety of landlords and real estate companies in the Qingdao area," explained one person living in Qingdao, China, China.

"Qingdao is a vibrant city with a variety of attractions for retirees. Before retiring in Qingdao, it is important to understand the climate, cost of living and health care options. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with hot and humid summers and cold winters. Expats must consider their housing options carefully, as the cost of living in Qingdao is generally considered to be quite expensive. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the health care system, as there is no public health care in China and expats will need to arrange private medical insurance. The city has a wide range of international and private clinics, as well as a number of international hospitals, providing access to high quality medical care," said one person in Qingdao, China.

"Pick up copies of the "Redstar" magazine and "The Qingdao Expat." They will tell you where to meet other expats and what things are going on," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Qingdao.

"Expats in Qingdao appreciate the friendly and welcoming locals. They also appreciate the diversity of the city, with people from various backgrounds living together in harmony. The vast selection of restaurants featuring a variety of ethnic cuisines is also a draw for foreigners, who can find enjoyment in exploring different dishes from around the world. The beautiful scenery of Qingdao's seaside also offers a great escape for expats looking for a tranquil getaway. The city's vibrant nightlife, festivals and events are also a major appeal, allowing expats an opportunity to explore a different culture and experience something new," said one person in Qingdao, China.

"The people are friendly, the variety of cultural experiences is widely varied. Travel is cheap and the exchange rate makes my Social Security go about 5 times farther than it would in the US. I have easy access to Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Nepal, and with a bit of visa effort, Tibet and Vladivostok are accessible. I'm currently in a seafood based cuisine here but I love the access to multiple dining experiences," said one expat who made the move to Qingdao.

"Expats in Qingdao may find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Communication can also be difficult due to cultural differences, such as people’s attitudes towards hierarchical relationships, being direct and making eye contact. Another challenge is navigating the differences between Chinese and western dining etiquette, including the lack of knives and forks. Additionally, as Qingdao is a predominantly conservative city, modest dress and behavior is generally expected in public areas," remarked one member in Qingdao, China.

"I would have to say language is high on the list but a translating program is available for download on smart phones, tablets, and computers,.. and that can help when necessary. maintenance of visas takes some effort but as I approach the end of my current visa in September, I'm hoping the newly relaxed visa requirements between the US and China will make renewing my visa easier. I am constantly recruited to teach English but currently am not on a work visa. I am not sure if these are challenges or simply items to which I have focused too little effort," explained one expat living in Qingdao, China.

"In order to stay in Qingdao for a while, you will need to obtain a Chinese Residence Permit or visa. This can be obtained through your local Chinese embassy or consulate. Depending on your purpose of staying in China, you may be eligible for a Work Permit, Student Permit, Dependent Permit, Family Reunion Permit or a Senior Citizen Permit. For those who hold a valid foreign passport, the application process generally requires a completed application form, a passport photo, travel documents and other identification papers," explained one person living in Qingdao, China, China.

"It is important to be respectful and mindful of the culture and customs of Qingdao when visiting. In general, avoid engaging in public displays of affection, such as hugging or kissing, as this is considered inappropriate. Furthermore, be sure to remove your shoes before entering a home or a place of worship, and never pass items directly between people with one hand, as this is considered rude. Additionally, it is important to be polite and courteous when speaking to others, and to avoid talking too loudly or excessively. Finally, be sure to avoid discussing sensitive topics, such as politics and religion, as this could evoke strong emotions," explained one expat living in Qingdao, China, China.

"Thankfully, I'm somewhat insulated from severe blunders by being in the company of English speaking Chinese friends in most social situations. The word for beer is frightfully similar to the word for buttocks and I must confess I did once order a cold butt when trying to order a cold beer," said one person in Qingdao.

"Qingdao offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals and clinics. The public hospitals are generally well-equipped and offer a range of services, including general medical care, emergency services, and specialist care. Private hospitals and clinics offer a more personalized service and often have shorter waiting times. In addition, there are a number of traditional Chinese medicine clinics offering treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage. Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city, providing both prescription and over-the-counter medications," said one member in Qingdao.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Qingdao appreciate the city's stunning coastal scenery, vibrant nightlife, and delicious seafood. They also enjoy the city's low cost of living, which makes it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads find the language barrier and lack of English-speaking locals to be a challenge. Additionally, the city's air pollution can be a source of frustration for some," said one foreigner in Qingdao.