A move to a new country is exciting, challenging, and can even be intimidating. When that move involves a change of cultures, different languages, and rapid adaptation to an unfamiliar environment, this can be a lot to take on. When first making your new home in China, a host of new and fascinating experiences awaits you on arrival.
It’s always mesmerizing, intriguing, and really rewarding when you step out from an airplane into the great unknown of somewhere totally new and different.
In this article, join me on a virtual tour of what life in China is really like, as we consider everyday experiences, and how these affect you when you decide to live in China.
To keep this write-up interesting and informative, I’ll be reviewing the most important aspects of daily life in China from a new arrival’s point of view. Any newcomer is soon going to realize that there's a big difference between being a tourist and being a resident.
What's So Different About China?
First and foremost, China is a very big country in terms of territory and population (current population size: 1.3 billion individuals).
It also benefits from more than five millennia of a continually evolving civilization. This rich heritage has helped foster a resilient history, and a diverse culture mix of 56 ethnic groups.
Developments have increased in pace tremendously across the last two decades; China opened itself up to the world, and in so doing opened itself up in turn to unprecedented economic growth. International investment has promoted a staggering boom in development, as China’s economy makes a play for pole position in the global competitiveness index.
Education
The number of private schools in China is increasing, providing the best option for incoming families wanting to continue with schooling. Public schools must accept scholars of foreign origin provided their residence status is in order. At present there are more than 70 schools approved by China’s Ministry of Education to provide education for foreign students. Keep in mind that schooling for foreigners attracts an annual tuition fee; this varies according to the facility used, with fees starting at around ¥30,000.
If you'll be living in Beijing, see our article on Beijing international schools
for more information on these.
Driving in China
I wouldn’t recommend this until you have acclimatized to the local style and mannerisms. In any event, a regulation introduced around two years ago requires any newcomer to have been resident for at least a year before being licensed to drive. Even then, in some places (like Beijing), this only qualifies you to enter a lottery for a chance to own a license plate – and that’s new or old by the way.
In China, you must pass a driver’s test before getting behind the wheel; so-called international licenses are simply not recognized.
This is probably fair because driving styles vary from one country to the next and even from town to city. Who in their right mind would drive immediately in the likes of New York, London, Paris or Rome? Incidentally, traffic in China follows the right-hand-drive option, whereas Hong Kong follows the British left-hand system.
City Cycling / Scootering
I say “city”, as I assume you will likely be settling into a metropolitan rather than a rural environment. Certainly, a bicycle is a more sedate way of exploring your new surroundings, and there is no shortage of this mode of transport and it is affordable too. It has to be, because it’s for the people! Mopeds and electric scooters are extremely common in Chinese cities, and are relatively affordable, too - the battery-powered variety can often be purchased for as little as ¥700 used. However, those batteries are heavy, and you'll need to remember to carry the battery home and recharge it every day. Gas-powered bikes - while pricier - are faster and have larger ranges (and don't require you lug heavy batteries around).
You’ll need some riding mitts for northern cities (like Beijing),
though... it gets cold, and
that wind shear doesn’t help.
Once again, I would not recommend jumping on a
bike the first day you arrive in the country; it’s
important to get a feel for what traffic is like in your city of choice
first (in Korea or Japan, for instance, drivers will slow down and stop
if you walk out of them; in China - because driving culture is newer
and drivers have not acquired many rules of the road yet - it can often
seem like drivers are hitting the gas instead).
Public Transport
Depending on where you decide to live in China, you’ll find many out-of-town housing schemes offering cheap of free shuttle services to the city center. Travel by taxi is also relatively inexpensive.
You can use extensive bus routes once you are familiar with your location, and in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, the subway lines are expansive and growing. Throughout China, bullet trains offer an inexpensive and speedy city-to-city travel alternative to domestic plane flights, too.
Banks
The general rule is to keep your foreign bank account wherever you are living at present. Speak to your account manager. Explain that you are going abroad indefinitely, and that you will need a globally recognized charge card that you can use in most places in China. Traditionally speaking, China has been a cash society, but credit cards are taking off big time. Always flash your card to the vendor just to make sure that they accept this method of payment.
If you will be working for a Chinese firm, or a multinational firm
that pays in renminbi, you will probably need a Chinese bank account.
Ask a friend or someone from your office to go with you to translate
the bank account contract you'll sign to set this up; once everything's
set, you'll find having a local bank account is rather handy, as your
bankcard (with UnionPay) is accepted as payment at many places that
still do not accept international credit cards.
Local Currency
It’s called the renminbi (RMB), and this translates to “people’s currency.” The yuan makes up the basic unit and notes are available in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 denominations. There are coins in circulation as well.
Fake ¥100 notes are somewhat common; however, if you’re getting your
money out of the ATM, you won’t have much to worry about there. It’s
good to get a sense for what the real thing looks and feels like - the
paper it’s printed on, and the strip inside the middle of the bill.
Energy
Think
carefully if you are bringing American equipment to China (though
you'll be fine from most anywhere else). The system in use is a 220
volt, 50-cycle system, which means buying expensive
transformers (unless you buy local appliances). The latter may prove a
wise choice because they come supplied with the correct adaptors for
connecting to wall sockets.
Wall sockets in China are typically the two-pronged sockets seen
throughout much of the West (and compatible with your Western plugs),
and a three-pronged socket (see graphic on right) for heavier dutier
appliances.
Domestic Help
Many expats employ domestic helpers called ayis (Mandarin Chinese for “auntie”) to work through household chores. Expect to pay ¥2,500 a month for full time assistance, as in Monday to Friday. Don’t forget to factor in a bonus at the time of the Chinese New Year.
Cost of Living
Considering its size, and compared to international standards, China is high up in the cost-of-living league tables. That said, locals quickly learn where to shop for bargains, on the basis that the more you explore, the better it gets. Just like living anywhere else, it’s all down to lifestyle and choices. Of course, the amount of income you earn will dictate just how much you can spend. It boils down to cutting your cloth according to your means!
Food Affordability
You will find plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, chicken, and fish at the local markets – don’t forget Peking duck! Be careful, you are a stranger after all, so shop around, preferably with someone well experienced in the direction of food shopping. Select supermarkets have departments dedicated to imported food and goods, and some supermarkets are exclusively dedicated to Western fare.
Chinese street food is also quite tasty, extremely affordable, and generally available wherever in China you are.
Depending on the town, you’ll also tend to find a wide selection of Chinese and Western restaurants, fast food places, kebab stands, pizza parlors, and more. We reviewed eating out in Beijing in a recent article, so if you’re in town, make sure you check out “ 25 Best Beijing Restaurants to Dine At.”
Arts & Crafts
Keep an eye out for monthly periodicals (in Beijing, these include Time Out Beijing and The Beijinger) at shopping centers, or check out their websites. These provide news of upcoming events in your area. Turning to entertainment, as in any large metropolis you will soon find something to suit your fancy.
If in Beijing, there are a number of theaters and art houses in town; 798 art district is home to a great deal of art, as is the Ping Guo art area in Shuangjing.
If in the mood for a show, check out the National Grand Theatre - I talked about it some in a previous article here: 8 Things to See in Beijing.
Languages
Putonghua – originally based on the Beijing dialect of Mandarin
Chinese – is known as “Standard Chinese” and is the People's Republic
of China's official language. General Mandarin is spoken by 2/3 of the
nation's inhabitants, although with many different regional dialects.
English is not as commonly understood in China as in some other places in Asia; you won't be communicating with taxi drivers in English, for instance (and if you try, they'll just wave you off). However, most service industry staff (hotels, restaurants, etc.) in the major cities will be able to understand enough to help you in most cases. When in doubt, hand gestures are ever useful... and of course, learning some common Chinese words for things like food, sleep, toilet facilities, and directions is a great idea, especially when you plan to stay on a while.
As in any country, the people of China hold any foreigner able to communicate in the local language in great respect. After-hour classes are widely available for anyone wanting to learn to speak, write and read any of the main Chinese tongues.
Medical Care
The provision of medical and dental care is improving all the time in China, particularly in the larger city areas. However, it makes good sense for new arrivals to insure against medical emergencies before landing, and for as long as possible during their stay.
Once in the country, ask for recommendations and register with qualified practitioners in advance of actual treatment, or ask to be pointed toward Western hospitals if you want to be sure to avoid any language barriers. It also helps to know how and where emergency services work – all part of being ready to live in China and deal with anything that comes up.
Medication
This is always a potential concern while living and working abroad anywhere, but there’s no real need to worry. Living in any large city allows access to limited over-the-counter prescription medication at a number of outlets (Watson’s for example). For more sophisticated or expensive treatments, rather bring a supply with you until you settle, and source the equivalent as you acclimate to life in China.
Incoming contact lens-wearers’ should make sure that they have a backup set to cover them in the event of loss. The same applies to spectacles - bring along a spare set or two, and don’t forget a copy of your last eye test. You might be surprised, but glasses and lenses aren’t any cheaper in China than they are back home, and you’ll need someone who speaks Chinese to help you get them.
Climate
As China covers such an expansive territory, the climate you will experience depends entirely on where you plan to settle. You need to research this so that you arrive properly prepared for the seasonal weather changes.
Since many expats head straight for Beijing, they can expect to find a temperate, and often very dry, climate with well-defined seasons. There is no getting away from a hot summer and conversely a cold and dry winter. This means bringing a variety of clothing along to be sure to cover up as appropriate.
If moving to Shanghai, located more southerly than the Chinese
capital, you’ll find milder and moister climes than up north in Beijing.
Postage
The system works well. It is trustworthy as well as reliable; if you prefer to use direct services, you’ll find local representation of international all courier services.
Beloved Pets
Just like in every other country, China has rules and regulations in place covering the importation of domestic pets. Be sure to understand the requirements and don’t assume they are the same as back home. The best advice I can give is to liaise with specialist carriers, and let them do the research for you. Moving pets is not going to be cheap, so don’t fall foul of the regulations and incur heavy expenses in the process. Your pet may need to spend time in quarantine on arrival if bringing one over.
Buying pets once in China is not terribly hard - you can buy pedigreed animals, or sometimes adopt a kitten or puppy saved from a litter of street cats or pups if you don’t mind mixed breeds. People in the cities love their pets as much as Westerners do, and there are plenty of pet stores all over the major towns.
Worship
Chinese authorities monitor religious gatherings, although these days there is a more relaxed approach to worship, especially for the expatriate community living here.
Preaching a religion outside a state-approved religious building is
against the law in China - so do be warned, if you had any intentions
of proselytizing!
TV
You need to check with the accommodation you are moving to. Most expat facilities offer a reasonable array of channel choices using satellite technology.
Safety
China is no different to any international destination; never take safety and security issues for granted. Thankfully, crime here is petty and low key, but added security is available on a 24/7 basis. It all depends on your personal needs. The general rule is not to lay temptation in the path of others.
Entry Formalities
Any plan to live in China begins with a full understanding of formalities that you have to follow and abide by. In the article on finding work in Beijing, I reviewed the key points in the job-seeking and immigration processes. It’s essential to understand statutory regulations insofar as they apply to you before making application.
As with most official
matters, it is also advisable to seek professional assistance in the
application process (there are often travel agencies that can advise
you on getting the right Chinese visa). This can make it easier to get
a better visa with multiple entrances and longer periods of stay, for
instance.
Life in China
If China is your first home abroad, or your first home in the Orient, be prepared to see things you're not used to seeing, do things you're not used to doing, and learn how to live a little differently than you're used to living. In the major cities you can find expatriate neighborhoods that are all but Western-transplants, of course; so how different (or not) your experience is is quite dependent on how different an experience you want.
But, while you're here, I encourage
you to get out, explore the country, and see what it's really like to
live in China - real China. Immersing yourself in a new
and different culture is one of the few great adventures left in a
mapped-out and urbanized world - don't be afraid to try things a bit
different from what you're accustomed to!
Cordially,
Cerise Bai
Add new comment