Making the decision to pack up and move to China is a huge step so before you take it and begin your expat life and career in the most populous country in the world, there are a few things you need to know.
As a foreigner coming from a western culture, you’re bound to experience a cultural shock, but this is where the expat community can provide help and support, so it’s smart to make contact even before you arrive, if possible.
The first thing to bear in mind is that the living standard of most of the population is quite low even though the cost of living in major cities has been on the increase which puts them high on the list of most expensive cities to live in.
From a medical standpoint, all expats coming to China have to be vaccinated for DPT, MMR, polio and hepatitis A. As for visas, there are about 10 types in China based on the length of your stay, what you plan to do and how many times you plan to leave and come back again. It’s best to start your visa application process about one month before your trip as the process may take up to two weeks and visas remain valid for up to three months.
Even if you don’t have a job waiting for you in China, with its booming economy, you’ll find lots of opportunities for employment. It’s a common social interaction to share business cards so by making new friends and socialising with other expats, you’re bound to find a job soon.
One profession that is always in demand is teaching English as a second language and as an expat and native speaker, you have high chances of securing that position. By enrolling a Monkey Tree TEFL course, you’ll obtain the necessary certificate to start teaching as well as the teaching skills and language knowledge to become a great educator.
If you already have a developed business and you’re looking for ways to relocate it to China that too is an option. The vast Chinese market is constantly expanding allowing room for many professions and business to thrive and develop.
There are many aspects to consider when relocating businesses but if you’ve already received and offer or you have a partner who has settled their business at location, it’ll make things much easier when you move and bring your business with you.
In order to find the most affordable and suitable accommodation in China, you should begin your search at least a couple of months before the move. Although it’s possible to find short-term rentals, these usually include premium rates.
An average apartment price varies significantly depending on the location and type so for instance, a one-bedroom flat in Beijing or Shanghai expat area will cost around 1,100 USD whereas in Guangzhou, it’s around 500USD. These rental costs don’t include the deposit, utilities or the realtor’s commission so for a furnished flat, expect to pay in total around 10-20% more.
Education is a serious topic in all of China and their students prove to be top performers in PISA ratings. The choice of schools is very important, starting from the earliest age of six all through to the university. The pressure for high academic achievement is strong and with the different teaching styles and language barriers, it may mean you’ll have to enrol your children to international schools. This could smooth their transition as the children will not experience any language barriers and will be in the company of their classmates who are of similar experiences and backgrounds.
With rents in Chinese cities being so high, it comes as a surprise that public transport is quite cheap which means it’ll be very easy for you to get around the city. The public transportation runs non-stop so you can always catch a train home, no matter how late it is. All you need is a multi-pass that you can regularly top up. Also, taxi rides are quite cheap as well with the tip included but if you prefer to rent a car and drive yourself, you’ll need to get a Chinese licence.
China is a vast and amazing country that offers many opportunities both for business and living and if you have a sense of adventure and a desire to experience and learn new things, you’ve picked a perfect destination!
Tags:Expat Rants & Advice
