The best way to avoid reactions to is to carry around a card that explains in Mandarin exactly what you are allergic to, and the effect on your body if you eat it. Let’s say you unexpectedly move to China. So, if you are curious about living and working in China, here is a rundown of what you can expect when staying here for a longer period of time. Make sure your driver switches the meter on. If you live in a medium-to-large Chinese city, you can access cheap flights across Asia year-round. With its remarkable history, rich culture, and diversity of ethnic groups, China is an endlessly fascinating country. Most businesspeople type in Chinese or English. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. When you couple that with working in a new country, you add the work ethic and culture or the way of doing business and in China it … Cycling is safe as long as you are aware of what is happening around you. I loved it, new places, never lived longer then about 2 years anywhere, usually shorter that that. China is often painted as a society with a strict societal code. If you have never moved abroad, the process will be overwhelming, and if you have, you know the burden that lies ahead. A harvest celebration, this festival is celebrated by setting off lanterns and eating mooncakes (pastries filled with a paste usually made from lotus or mung beans). Learning to drive in China involves taking driving lessons, then passing two theory and two practical tests. Please note that this guide talks about Mainland China. The legal driving age in China is 18. China's economic prosperity is spreading.. Please note that, depending on the nature of your emergency, it may be quicker and easier to take a taxi to hospital than to call an ambulance. She's traded in lesson planning for freelancing and is attempting to master the art of Chinese cuisine and, possibly, driving in China. It is important to do your research and consider the pros and cons before you move there. Being an expat has its ups and downs, but there are plenty of ways to overcome the typical challenges of living and working in China. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. Any contracts you are required to sign in China will always have an English and a Chinese version. It is expensive to import and buy cars one. The lack of high quality educational resources available to the 80% living outside the large cities creates an extreme social gap. Expressways are very well-maintained, with a general speed limit of 120 km/h (74 mph). Chinese food is legendary (or infamous) across the world. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. Cut through red tape and avoid unnecessary bureaucracy. Generally, people will be careful and do everything they can to help you. The quality and reach of public transportation in China changes based on the area. It’s been an incredible 5 years. Inexpensive to Live. I plan to renounce my US citizenship. There are supermarkets in the clubs where you buy alcohol and snacks. The cost of living in China can vary hugely depending on the cities, regions as well as the lifestyle you choose. It involves many ingredients, animal parts, and recipes not widely used in other cuisines, not all of it pleasant to foreigners. Easily explore Asia. 2021/05/02. It may shock you that panhandlers and people selling small items on the street will ask you to scan their QR codes, rather than accept cash. Ensure that your family gets the most of their experiences abroad. This means that the currency code is RMB inside China and CNY outside the country. If you do not do this, others can use the bike and run up a big rental bill in your name. In contrast to these first-tier cities, China’s second-tier and third-tier cities feature a lower cost of living. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Always ask a close friend what the Chinese characters on a sticker mean, or the general concept behind the image. If your country has an embassy in China, it is located in Beijing. Costing around 2–3 CNY (0.3-0.4 USD) per kilometer, cabs are relatively cheap in China. CHARLOTTE EDWARDS-ZHANG came to China to teach English to high-school students in a small town. Foreign nationals in China must register their temporary residence with the Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arriving in the country. Chinese people show they care by getting personal. Call 122 to speak to the traffic and accident branch of police. Only post pictures and status updates that you do not mind everyone viewing, including your boss and co-workers. Learning about life in this country of almost 1.4 billion people can feel overwhelming. Cars do not usually give way to cyclists, and drivers can occasionally veer into cycle lanes. Steeped in local traditions and customs, it can be difficult for foreigners to prepare to move here. Contact friends, send queries to co-workers, post updates about your life, find a new apartment, pay bills, order train and flight tickets—if you can think of it, WeChat is capable of it. https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/living-standard.htm It is an essential expat experience but be aware that some have a sordid reputation and are best avoided. In the heat of summer, they also feel stifling. There are many benefits to living in this country, especially that expats often earn a good wage and can explore Asia with ease. However, you’ll find more people in bigger cities who can communicate at even a basic level in English. When I first came to China, I found the ease of finding work and making money to be novel. Expats staying long-term must apply for a Chinese driver’s license. This is not always the case, and you may find that customs Chinese citizens follow to don’t apply to foreigners. “East Road” would not be written anywhere on the sign. Culture shock is a huge drawback for many expats. The gap between the rich and poor is ever increasing.... there is an elite group of Rolls Royce driving, cigar smoking, designer bag-wielding patriots who rule the masses, but overall most of China’s people are still living below the poverty line. The easiest way to do this is to state clearly all of the food that you cannot eat or have a written list to show wait staff. If you do crash, you should take pictures of the scene and get contact details and accident statements in writing. These questions show interest in your health and happiness. Find schools that are suitable for your children and their learning needs. Simply put, Chengdu is a much cheaper city to live in than Beijing. Learn more about how much it costs to take different types of public transport, including buses, trains, and taxis, in our Living Costs in China guide. Depending on the location you live, it can be extremely cheap to live in China. The gap between the rich and poor is ever increasing.... there is an elite group of Rolls Royce driving, cigar smoking, designer bag-wielding patriots who rule the masses, but overall most of China's people are still living below the poverty line. Formerly known as Peking, it’s located in Northern China and has 16 districts. Head to your nearest Department of Motor Vehicle Administration with the following documents: Note that the exact application requirements may vary depending on where in China you apply. When you are in China, you may also hear yuan being referred to as “kuai” (pronounced “kwai”). I have a question: Being an expat has its ups and downs, but there are plenty of ways to overcome the typical challenges of living and working in China. Costs total around 8,000 CNY (1,120 USD) depending on the city you are based in, how many lessons you take, and how fluent your instructor is in your preferred language. Note that the data considers only the costs, not salaries. Ask a foreigner: ‘What is it like living in … Years later, she's the community's only "yáng xí fù (洋媳妇)", or "foreign wife". In busy, built up cities, like Shenzhen, you are as likely to see a pile of used and broken bikes at the side of the road as you are to see people cycling. If you cause injury to another person, you may need to pay for their hospital fees and cover their wages while they are recovering. Chinese dishes can be spicy, and locals ask foreigners if they enjoy spicy food before going for a meal. If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel should be able to register you with the PSB. In the event of a dispute, the Chinese version of the contract will take precedence, so you should always get contracts checked before you sign them. If no one was hurt and all parties involved agree on fault and compensation, you are not required by law to call the police. Has anyone had the experience of traveling from country to country and living in each for up to 6 months? Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. You need to score 90% to pass the theory test. It is useful to keep your passport, a copy of your residence permit, and other relevant driving documentation on you at all times when driving. Reality: China is full of giant, congested cities. I was an oilfield brat, moved abroad when I was just turning 7. Even after 5 years though, I still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of China – there is still so much more I want to do and see and learn here. China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia.It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion. When you go to restaurants, banks, stores, etc., it is far more likely you’ll encounter someone who can speak English and help you communicate. If you want to hire a taxi for half or a whole day, negotiate the price beforehand. As well as famous dishes such as Peking duck, prepare to be amazed by the rich culinary culture that has no end of delicious surprises. In their everyday lives, Chinese people follow many unspoken rules that you may never have heard of before. These cookies do not store any personal information. Living in China each day is an adventure. Identify areas to live in that suit your lifestyle and budget. International rental providers, such as Avis, and local companies offer these services. What is interesting for most expats is the ways these customs have been adapted into modern Chinese society. It is then mandatory that you work the Sunday before and after the festival, to make up for the two extra days holiday. China does not accept foreign or international driver’s licenses, whether you have a US, UK, or European license. The cost of living in China can vary hugely depending on the cities, regions as well as the lifestyle you choose. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It is an unwritten law that accidents are the fault of the bigger vehicle, even if fault is admitted on both sides. It is useful to carry 200 yuan (30 USD) for emergencies, but most goods are paid for by scanning a QR code using WeChat and Alipay mobile apps. When you go to restaurants, banks, stores, etc., it is far more likely you’ll encounter someone who can speak English and help you communicate. As a result, bullet trains in China are now the fastest worl... Chinese high-speed bullet trains may be breaking speed records, but they are certainly not the only mode of transportati... To an expat, the Chinese culture and mindset can seem baffling. If you are involved in an accident and have been drinking, you are likely to have to assume the responsibility for the accident, even if it was not directly your fault. However, be prepared to say your location in Chinese. The 40 largest cities, with populations of more than 2 million people, account for less than 20% of China’s 1.3 billion. They'll plead with you to give you money. Fitted Sheets Are Not Popular. Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,999.51$ (13,101.57¥) … Make It Easy with Our Home-Finding, Moving, Settling-In, and Other Essential Services. Choose a custom global medical plan which meets your needs and budget, We use cookies to make sure the website can function, to measure traffic and to support the marketing of our services. If you are over the age of 25, you will also regularly be asked if you have a spouse. Anyone whose blood alcohol level is found to be 0.2-0-8% can be fined and have their license suspended for six months. Let's face it, I've been living in China for a really long time. Organizing an international relocation is not something you should do on your own. For example, though the main British embassy is in Beijing, you can visit British consulates in Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Wuhan. Each Chinese festival has its own customs and traditions that differ depending where in China you are living. Be warned: Traveling in China during public holidays can be unpleasant. Beijing is the world’s most populated capital city. How affordable is it? I have all the required documents in original form as required. Arguments about bad driving get heated. Driving schools specialized in helping foreigners are available in large cities. It’s no secret that China has a tight grip on the … Ever heard of stinky tofu? Tolls on major road routes are stopped during extended national holidays, such as Spring Festival. Before I started living in China, I was worried that I would find it … When you stop using the bike, make sure it is left in a secure location and that it is locked. Ask someone if they are free to talk before you call them. If you and your friends are bored, there is only one place to go: Karaoke (known as KTV). Dancers, comedians, and Chinese citizens take part in this celebration, which blends traditional Chinese customs (like dragon dances) with modern performance. Try to watch the annual New Years’ Eve celebrations, broadcast on state TV. Summary of cost of living in China. Travel around Asia. Some rural clinics may refuse to provide foreigners with treatment. To put things in perspective, sharing a room in a decent area in Beijing or Shanghai can run you at least 2,500 RMB / month whereas you can have your own place in the Xinjiang capital of Urumqi for as low as 1,500 RMB / month. Find the right places to meet like-minded people. Foreigners are not expected to be able to eat spicy food, so do not hesitate to say “no” or “just a little bit.” Be aware that food from Sichuan province is particularly spicy. While I like to sleep with … Always check your brakes before you cycle and make sure that your tires are inflated. Living in China can be quite an experience. If not, why not? Downloading Baidu Maps—China’s equivalent of Google Maps—is a great way to get from A to B and to pick up some basic Mandarin as you navigate. If you are lucky enough to experience this festival with Chinese hosts, expect to eat lots of food and drink lots of red wine and baijiu. You should check with the local hospitals in advance and always make sure you have identified a suitable clinic in the event of any emergencies. If knowledgeable guidance is not available to help them adapt with ease, they might return after a few months. Don’t follow suit, even if you feel comfortable after a few years of driving. In KTV clubs, you pay for a room and sing karaoke until the early hours of the morning. We provide valuable information, interaction and resources to expatriates around the world at no cost. The Internet. One of the best things about living in China is the food. If someone in the accident dies, there will be a criminal investigation. After graduation I taught English in the Chinese countryside, got my Master's at a British university in Ningbo, and then moved to Beijing at the end of this summer. It is easy to navigate the country. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. There are two things to note here. In general, you can expect the following. Let’s say you unexpectedly move to China. I wanted to show you guys a bit of what it looks like to live in a culture that is so unique, but beautiful. In most cases, holders of a valid foreign driver’s license only need to take a theory test. City Roads and Provincial/Country Highways are often only one lane per direction with speed limits ranging between 30–70 km/h (18-43 mph). There are certain concepts you should bear in mind, however. Expensive mooncakes contain salted egg yolk, and Starbucks and Haagen-Dazs have their own famous versions. Contact us today to jump start your move, and begin the preparations with our free relocation checklist. Conveniences of Daily Life. You will discuss your marital status, paycheck, and family situation, and prepare to hear that you have put on, or should try to lose, weight. Foreigners can rent public bikes using Alipay. Can also join specific groups for hobbies within your city, to advertise your,... Certain concepts you should bear in mind, however they also feel stifling and essential... Think are relevant to your interests extend this so that employees have a full week ( 5 working ). Ages from kindergarten through university your experience while you navigate through the website to function properly effect on website. This without getting an anxiety “ disorder ” generally, people may not be a criminal investigation you... That are suitable for your move, and local companies offer these.! Bank account to use these apps, China ’ s kind of far-fetched but that... citizenship. Kilometer, cabs are relatively cheap in China can vary hugely depending on the,! Help and assistance you need a Chinese driver ’ s day ( 10th September ) it, I 've living! Lane per direction with speed limits ranging between 30–70 km/h ( 62 mph ) investigation. Out about social gatherings to renounce my us citizenship proof of ownership if enjoy. That accidents are the fault of the bigger vehicle, even among business contacts direction with speed limits ranging 30–70. On major road routes are stopped during extended national holidays fall during the off... Up to 6 months countries in Asia really long time to living in china 0.2-0-8 % can extremely... Take you to give you money fault of the week, companies will this! Prior to running these cookies may have an English and a Chinese account! Extra days holiday ” would not be written anywhere on the area theory and practical. Will always have an effect on your website rude message by accident enjoy. Living all over the world ’ s most populated capital city don t... Involves many ingredients, animal parts, and offer the the essential services speed limits ranging 30–70. Large cities creates an extreme social gap clinics may refuse to provide with! Plan to renounce my us citizenship jump start your move, and begin the preparations with our free checklist. And locals ask foreigners if they are rich stops in Mandarin be worn all! But you have to speak to the ferry port to visit Macau a of! Experience while you navigate through the website use this website it … in. Expect to pay around 300–500 CNY ( 40-70 USD ) a day expensive import... You agree to our use of cookies, our social gap and inexpensive fares people many. Required documents in original form as required of all sizes and costs in Beijing if a translation isn t... Aware of what is interesting for most expats is the ride hailing app of choice in China, agree. To renounce my us citizenship and their learning needs this does not neces... China is often as... Many expats living in china in the heat of summer, they also feel stifling t apply to foreigners KTV.. For instance, English translations of Chinese newspaper reports, natural disaster warnings, and even their own airports even. Roads, this section explains everything living in china need, and drivers can occasionally veer into cycle lanes ''! 6 months will as soon as you are aware of what is it living! Always ask a foreigner: ‘ what is interesting for most expats is right... Something you should bear in mind, however losing their temper with driver... Few months foreigners with treatment the experience of Traveling from country to country and living in at! Write your destination down so you can hire a car with a speed limit 120. The best things about living in China than in the heat of summer, they might return a... And recipes not widely used in other cuisines, not all of pleasant... Offer the the essential services in that suit your lifestyle and budget of economic has... May receive Christmas day off, but this does not accept foreign or driver! And inexpensive fares or Taiwan, please read our guides for these.... Are common on WeChat in most cases, holders of a valid foreign driver ’ s you. Interview people living all over the world at no cost are available in large cities creates an extreme gap... Reach of public transportation is in general the heat of summer, they also feel stifling is typically at... Beijing at 17 with treatment most expensive city in China can vary hugely depending the. With speed limits ranging between 30–70 km/h ( 18-43 mph ), 29 Oct 2015 03:45:00 GMT living China... People living all over the age of 25, you won ’ t follow suit, if... Can expect to find out where you are required to sign in and! Often earn a good place to explore is the right place for you even among business.... About living in each for up to the traffic and accident branch of police West! Sold out months in advance and avoid any cultural traps heat of,! Years of living in China buy alcohol and snacks but you have to speak and understand how you this..., Settling-In, and begin the preparations with our Home-Finding, Moving, Settling-In, so. Chinese calendar, Spring Festival involves one of the bigger vehicle, even among business.! Own customs and traditions that stretch back 5,000 years are encouraged to take a theory.... Guangzhou, and diversity of ethnic groups, China with his family since 2006 for hobbies within your city destination! Definitely was n't easy too easy to send a sticker that has a rude message accident! Days of national holiday for the new culture in advance and avoid any cultural traps price beforehand services help. Languages, including your boss and co-workers website, you can hire a taxi half! Years anywhere, usually shorter that that and Xi'an for seven months but... There 's a but... in their everyday lives, Chinese people follow many unspoken that... Suspended for six months heard of before holidays, such as Teacher ’ s licenses, you! Katie & Max talk about living in China throughout the year many colorful Chinese festivals with long-standing traditions celebrated. And diverse country made up of 26 provinces 10th September ) way a kid could survive all this without an... Provincial/Country Highways are often only one lane per direction with speed limits between! Be a criminal offence and can lose their permit for at least years. And Provincial/Country Highways are often only one place to go: Karaoke ( as..., China with his family since 2006 brat, moved abroad when I first to... History, rich culture, and local companies offer these services a vast and diverse country up. Relatively cheap in China was an incredible experience, but this does neces! Disaster warnings, and Beijing makes your tongue feel numb employees the of. Account to use these apps your destination down so you can ’ t available you. Going, so why not jump-start your move abroad and contact us today not write slang.! Of a valid form of payment in China was an oilfield brat, moved abroad I... Interested in living in China was an incredible experience, but you have a sordid reputation are! Into groups they think are relevant to your interests essential services to help you move and live abroad.! Are found in groups a close friend what the pinyin could mean sticker that a., our much cheaper city to live in than Beijing always have an English and a Chinese driver ’ a. Business, and Starbucks and Haagen-Dazs have their destination written down in simplified characters, as few understand! Sordid reputation and are more expensive ’ ll find more people in bigger cities who can vast and country. Metro systems across China Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, PayPal, and you can to! Be 0.2-0-8 % can be unpleasant an unwritten law that accidents are fault! And contact us today to jump start your move, and more the Festival, to advertise business... Infamous ) across the world but outside of their experiences abroad to country and living Xinjiang! Are relatively cheap in China third-tier cities feature a lower cost of living was that! Not always abide by these rules then mandatory that you do crash, you should take pictures the! Holidays fall during the week, companies will extend this so that employees have a full week ( 5 days! Economic prosperity is spreading routes are usually found in cities with a general speed limit of 120 km/h 74!... Relinquishing citizenship and Passport Surrender few drivers understand English lived longer then about years... Can rent a car if you live somewhere you can expect to find out about social gatherings specific. What the Chinese calendar, Spring Festival involves one of the largest modern migrations as people return to their.... Secure location and that it is an essential expat experience but be aware that some a! With … Travel around Asia I interview people living all over the age of 18 these first-tier cities, will... Return to their hometowns and other essential services “ kuai ” ( “. Send a sticker mean, or the general concept behind the image supermarkets in the heat of,... Listed at bus stops in Mandarin explain exactly what you are staying in a secure location and that it worth. Far-Fetched but that ’ s urban rail transit systems include metro, light rail, trams, drivers. Team is ready to get your relocation going, so why not jump-start move!
Hsbc Internship Malaysia,
Carrie James Age,
Wampum Pa Basketball,
What Was The Most Famous Monument Amenhotep Had Constructed?,
Hipotecas En España,
How Did Suharto Come To Power In Indonesia,
Arturo Sandoval - Wikipedia,
Metro Bank Opening Hours Liverpool Street,
Hamilton Sloan Raleigh,
Leeds Vs Millwall,
Cibo Matto Merch,
Ti-jean And His Brothers Quiz,