China Vs Thailand For Expats part 2 – Part one is here.

Overview of the Pros and Cons of Living in Thailand

Thailand is filled with opportunities as well as obstacles. There are several pros and cons to living there, which can be a great deal or a not-so-great deal depending on the person. Some people choose to live in Thailand because many items such as electronics and clothes are much cheaper. Well, let’s quickly take a look at the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

The Food

There are so many different types of food in Thailand. For someone who enjoys trying new things, this is a great place to live. There are the usual dishes that much of the world loves, such as Pad Thai and Kung Pao Chicken, but there are also more unusual delicacies such as insects and bugs.

The People

Thai people are some of the friendliest and most hospitable in the world. They will go out of their way to help you, even if they do not know you that well. Much Thai culture revolves around “Jai Yen,” which means roughly “cool heart.” It is seen as a positive trait to be friendly and helpful without expecting anything in return.

The Weather

The weather in Thailand is perfect for most of the year, with hot and sunny days and cool evenings at night. It only rains a few times per month, typically in the late afternoon or evening, so it will not interfere with your daily activities. Rains often last for a day or two, and they clear up quickly to sunny skies.

The Dining Options

With so many people coming from different parts of the world to live in Thailand, there are many options for dining out with friends and family. You can find almost any type of food you want, from traditional Thai dishes to different types of ethnic cuisine.

The Activities

Active people will be happy living in Thailand. There are many activities throughout the country to keep you busy and entertained. You can go walking, hiking, or biking through national parks and wildlife preservation areas. There is also lots of live entertainment and movies to see at night and sports events.

Cons

Cost of Living

Not only is the cost of living much higher in Thailand than in your home country, but it also changes. When I moved to Thailand for an extended stay about 3 years ago, 1,000 baht per day was considered a good budget. Nowadays, that amount wouldn’t even cover my hostel room for one night. Luckily, the cost of living in Thailand is still much lower than most European and US countries.

Expensive Public Transportation

The public transportation is good, but it’s expensive compared to taking a motorcycle or even a tuk-tuk. When you go on a trip outside the city using public transport, be prepared to spend a lot of money.

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks are similar to motorcycle taxis, but they charge more and often drive like madmen/women (they’re the same thing, really). If you can get away with taking a motorcycle taxi instead of a tuk-tuk, do it. The only exception is having tons of luggage or a big group of people.

The Weather

The weather isn’t too bad in Thailand, but the humidity gets to everyone eventually. In addition, it’s difficult to escape from the heat and sweat while waiting for a bus, going on a hike, etc. Basically, wherever there is no air conditioning, it will be a hot and sticky situation.

The Monsoon Season

The monsoon season lasts from approximately July to October each year. During this time, the rain comes down non-stop every day, flooding happens quite often, and those who don’t have air conditioning can expect their electricity to go out daily.

Which One Is The Best, Thailand Or China?

Are you planning to travel to Asia? But do not know which country you should choose China or Thailand? This has been one of the most common dilemmas among travelers. They often ask whether it is better to visit China or Thailand first before they embark on their Asia tour. Well, this might be quite a difficult decision to make.

In reality, China and Thailand are both worth the visit. The truth is that there are a lot of similarities between these two countries. They have a rich culture and history which tourists from all over the world go gaga about. But at the same time, there are quite a fair number of differences.

So before you make your decision, here are some facts that might help answer which one is the best. First of all, it is very important to understand that China and Thailand are two different countries. Although they both share the same part of the world, each has its own culture, tradition, and language. So be open-minded.

Thailand’s culture is mostly influenced by India, while the West greatly influenced China. This means that Chinese people are well-known for having big eyes and yellowish skin, which Asians call ‘slanted.’ They also like to drink tea. On the other hand, Thais have dark brown skin with a perfect, blemish-free complexion. They also love to eat spicy food, just like Indonesians.

Chinese people are more reserved than Thais when interacting with strangers. This is especially true with the women since they are very conservative with their modesty and etiquette. But Chinese men are known to be friendly and open once you get to know them better.

On the other hand, Thais are very friendly and approachable people. They are known to smile easily and laugh even at the smallest things. Nonetheless, we will tell you to consider China if you’re coming to the country for the first.

Interesting Facts about Living in China

China is well-known for its rich history, customs, and culture. Many interesting facts about China sometimes don’t make it to the history books or make headline news. You can learn about living in China by reading through some interesting facts about Chinese life. Well, let’s quickly take a look at the interesting facts about living in China.

Chinese New Year

While many countries have a New Year’s holiday, China has two: Spring Festival and Chinese New Year. While Spring Festival is technically the first day of the lunar calendar, it is celebrated as a week-long festival from January 31 to February 5.  During that week, you can expect fireworks at midnight most nights, family dinners with a lot of meat, and a public holiday from work.

Chinese New Year is celebrated in China at the turn of the lunar calendar.  Called ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai,’ it begins on January 23 and ends on February 19.  This period includes a week-long vacation from work, fireworks every night for at least two weeks, and eating a ‘reunion dinner’ with family twice a day.  For an insight into the food consumed during this period, check out last year’s article on Chinese New Year Food.

The Great Firewall of China

The internet is not particularly free in China; the Great Firewall blocks many websites.  For example, any news article about North Korea is blocked in China for fear of ‘bad’ ties.  The list of blocked websites is long, but you can find an up-to-date list here.

The United Front Work Department

China has a department dedicated to spreading the Party’s influence to all levels of Chinese society.  This group, called the United Front Work Department, has a long history and is used to extend the Communist Party outside of mainland China.

The goals of this department are to maintain control and extend their power into many aspects of life: media, businesses, etc.  To accomplish this, United Front infiltrates these organizations and spreads the Party’s values until it is indistinguishable from the original.

Chinese Democracy

Though China has elections at many levels of government, they are not democratic in the western sense.  Even though there are multiple parties to choose from, candidates have already been picked by the Party’s internal process.  For instance, in local elections, I can choose between five candidates, but four of the five are running unopposed.

The only party not associated with the Communist Party is called ‘the China Democratic League’: a group of intellectuals and professionals formed in 1941 by Chinese emigrants (mostly businessmen) in the US.  Though this party seems to be independent, it has never won a local election outright and has always been under Party control by either direct membership or indirect infiltration.

Eating Dog

Not everyone in China eats dogs, but many do.  There are three theories as to why people eat dog meat: first, it was an easy protein source before the domestication of cows; second, they ate the meat to ward off summer heat; third, the dog is a delicacy reserved for special occasions.  Whatever the reason, dog-eating is a common practice in China and other countries that have been influenced by Chinese culture.

Is China Better Than Thailand For Expat?

In the past decade, there have been a massive amount of people from countries all around the world moving to China in hopes of achieving their goals. Is China more suitable than Thailand for expats? Of course, China has more opportunities, but it’s good to weigh your options before choosing.

Conclusion

Which country is better to go to, Thailand or China? This question depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. Well, if you take a look at the benefits above, you can choose the one suitable for your need. Nonetheless, China has some excellent ancient history and culture that goes back thousands of years, and it is also the world’s superpower.

China Vs Thailand For Expats part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

If you’re new to Asia, chances are you’ve heard of both China and Thailand. But which one should you choose? China is the world’s most populous country and growing fast. It’s home to many of the world’s top companies, such as Alibaba and Tencent, and it is also the number one manufacturer in the world.

The main language (Mandarin) and currency (Yuan or Renminbi) is Chinese. That being said, Thailand is a smaller country in South-East Asia and the world’s top tourist destination, with about 32 million international visitors each year.

However, these countries also have their downsides. For example, China is quite polluted, and Bangkok can be extremely hot and humid. It’s also important to remember that Thailand has its language (Thai), so many locals may not speak English.

The food in China is also very different – rice is more popular than noodles which are more popular than dumplings, for example. On the other hand, the food in Thailand is extremely delicious, although it’s worth keeping an eye on street food to make sure you don’t get any stomach issues.

All things considered, both countries are good choices for new expats! Wherever your adventures take you, be sure to check the pros and cons. Today, we will walk you through everything needed to choose the right one suitable for expat. Not only is that, but we have compiled interesting facts and many other things to back up our explanations.

Cities Comparison

The capital cities of Beijing and Bangkok are both attractive destinations for expats. While there are many similarities, there are a few key differences. Beijing is far larger than Bangkok, with almost 20 million more people.

This means that exporters’ business opportunities in China are greater and more diverse. Another important difference, though, is that due to its recent growth, Beijing has been experiencing some air pollution problems. In addition, language barriers can make it difficult for expats to make friends and learn about their new surroundings.

The capital and largest city in Thailand, Bangkok, is a modern and attractive place with many impressive buildings and skyscrapers. The language barrier can be challenging, as English is not widely spoken here. Expats will want to master some Thai phrases if they are looking to make local friends.

China has an impressive transportation infrastructure, which is why Beijing has the fifth largest number of Fortune 500 companies in the world. The cost of living in China is much higher, however. Housing values are roughly half that of Bangkok’s.

Overview of the Pros and Cons of Living in China

Living in China can be a wonderful experience for foreigners, but it does have its drawbacks. If you’re looking to set up a home here in China, then read on to discover what they are. We’ll also look at some of the pluses that make life here worthwhile.

Pros

Education

One of the main reasons many foreigners choose to live in China is education opportunities. The education system meets or exceeds all international standards and is inexpensive compared to other countries such as the United States, Great Britain, France, and Canada.

PISA scores (a standardized test comparing 15-year-olds from different countries) place China’s students at number one in the world, with students from other countries such as the United States falling behind. International students are also given visas to study in China for three years.

Low Living Costs

China has an extremely low cost of living compared to most other first-world countries because, even though it is growing rapidly, China is still considered an ’emerging economy’ and the country’s currency is not as strong as currencies for first world countries like Australia, United States, Canada, Japan, Great Britain, etc.

A meal at a restaurant costs around 50-100 Yuan (roughly $8-15), which equals around 40-80 Yuan per person. Rent per month is also inexpensive, at around 500 Yuan per month. For those who like entertainment, movies cost around 30 Yuan to see in theaters, and concerts are usually less than 100 Yuan.

The People

The people of China are friendly and kind towards foreigners, especially when you can speak their language. They will go out of their way to help you if they can, especially when needed.

Even if you cannot speak Chinese or Mandarin, they will still treat foreigners better than other countries in Asia would because China is generally considered a peaceful country – unlike many other Asian countries, which are known for their ‘loud’ people! Also, learning the language is straightforward, with many different online resources available for free.

The Food

Not many foreigners like Chinese food, but if you can get past the fact that it has different flavors than what you’re used to (many people are surprised by this), there are so many delicious foods to try!

Of course, if you have an allergy or are vegetarian, special arrangements can be made for you. Popular dishes include dumplings, noodles of all kinds (Sichuan is also popular), hotpot, eggplant/tofu dishes, and more!

The History

China has one of the most interesting histories in the world that spans thousands of years. Many foreigners are amazed by attractions such as the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Summer Palace, etc. Also, as a bonus, there are many scenic places to visit.

The Shopping

China has the world’s busiest shopping street – Nanjing Road in Shanghai! There are also other famous spots such as Huaihai Road and The Place. China is known for its range of products, from cheap plastic knick-knacks to expensive jewelry and brand-name clothing and fake products.

The Nightlife

As cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou become more developed, their nightlife industries thrive! There is an abundance of bars, restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops that stay open late into the night. Clubs are also very popular with young people who can dance all night long.

Work Culture

China’s work culture is much more relaxed than many other first-world countries, where employees work long hours for little pay. In China, you can expect a salary and an annual leave system based on Chinese standards, which usually consists of 376 days and 30-42 days (varies per year) off (if you are lucky enough to get the 30-42 days off like some lucky foreigners).

Cons

Pollution

There’s no way to sugarcoat it: pollution is a big problem in China. There are days when the smog is so thick that you can’t see past your nose and other days when the sun has taken on a shade of yellow as if it were suffering from jaundice.

Public campaigns have been launched, and laws have been passed to combat pollution, but it continues to be a problem the country is struggling with. This resulted in over 20 percent of China’s citizens relocating from cities to more rural areas.

Monsoons

Another natural disaster that China has to deal with is monsoons, which usually occur twice a year and last a few weeks. These immense storms can cause major flooding and mudslides, as well as transportation disruptions. Floods have killed hundreds of people throughout the years.

Expensive Prices for Basic Necessities

If you’re one of those people who tries to make ends meet each month, then China might not be the place for you (at least in the beginning). Even though China’s economy is growing, inflation has dramatically increased the price of food, transportation, clothing, and medicine. Unless you have a lot of money saved up, it won’t be easy to get by here on your own.

Badly Developed Infrastructure

Although China prides itself on having one of the largest economies in the world, the country’s infrastructure is poorly developed. Roads are crumbling, trains are overcrowded and delayed, the internet is slow, and everything from booking a hotel reservation to purchasing train tickets can be very frustrating. The concept of customer service here is also nonexistent.

Cultural Challenges

It’s not uncommon for people who move here to feel alienated since they cannot connect with locals on a meaningful level. Chinese society is characterized by a “you don’t bother me, and I won’t bother you” attitude, making it difficult to open up.

There’s also the strict hierarchy ingrained in Chinese culture that makes foreigners feel as if they’re lagging. This can be not very encouraging for those looking forward to making friends and networking outside of the workplace.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

China is a wonderful place to live and work. And for many reasons, its extensive cuisine, deep and alluring history, thriving economy, and unparalleled natural beauty is a great thing to explore. And having lived in the country for many years, we’ve taken our experiences to compile a guide to help you.

If you really care about the country, it’s high time you learn more about its language. Besides, you can be living in China and working in Chins with glee and an easy time. Similarly, if you have a business idea, relocating to China should be among your plan. So, are ready to explore the whole city of China in a day?

Of course, you may find it hard to explore the whole city in one day. However, China tends to be an expensive country for expat services, and you must be ready for it. Moreover, if you can live like a local, traveling to China would seem relatively easy. Guess what! The ability to survive here is fine, unlike other countries in the world.

So, if you’ve been surfing the internet to get the right information about relocating to China as an expat, worry less, as we’ve got you covered. China is a vast and diverse country made up o 26 provinces steeped in local traditions and customs. Explore this page to learn more about the standard of living.

On the other hand, we will walk you through the benefits of living in China as an expat. Not only that, but we have compiled some interesting facts about this country. And with such facts and advantages, you’ll understand what it takes to become a Chinese man. Does that sound interesting? Read further!

Chinese Visa for Expats

There are three main types of visas for expats who want to live long-term in the country. The first one is the work visa, the study visa, and the private visa. Moreover, the study visa is given to those who a Chinese college or university would have admitted for study. It’s also known as the X1/X2 visa type.

To break down this X1/X2, you should understand the fact that the X1 visa is for students who plan to study in China for more than six months, and it can be issued multiple times or entries with a validity of up to five years. Meanwhile, the X2 visa is meant for students who come to China to study for less than six months and is single-entry only.

Furthermore, the work visa is issued to those who have obtained employment in China. However, a private visa is issued to those who intend to go to China to live with an immediate family member working or studying in China. This immediate family member refers to parents, daughters under the age of 18, sons, spouses, and many others, to mention a few.

Also, always know that a visa is required for entry into China. While there are also business and tourist visas, obtaining a visa to visit the country is tricky and time-consuming, and it requires documentation of where you plan to stay and what you plan to do in the country. Again, in order to get a visa in China, you should be ready to appear in person at the visa office.

This way, you’ll need to plan ahead and ensure you have the proper documentation, money for fess, and a plan to get either yourself or a representative to your assigned visa office. Well, that’s just a glimpse of understanding what visa collection or application is likely to be in the Chinese world.

Interesting Facts about Living in China

China is the world’s third-biggest country by territory, and it has the largest population in the world. Aside from this fact, it’s one of the longest-running civilizations on earth with its unique and attractive culture. Not only that, but it has developed at record speed to become the second-largest economy. More so, china holds innumerable attractions for tourists to explore. Below are the interesting facts.

Plenty of Ethnic Groups in China

It’s no doubt that about 56 ethnic groups are living in China today. Most minority groups have their own distinctive culture, and some even have their own language and writing system. Moreover, the largest group, the Han, occupies almost 91 percent of the whole population in the country. Also, among the 55 minority groups, Zhuang, Manchi, Hui, and Miao have the largest population.

China Enjoys Great Language Diversity

Chinese is the origin of the only surviving pictographic writing system in the world. It is often believed to be the world’s most spoken and most difficult-to-learn first language. Meanwhile, Mandarin is the official Chinese and is taught in schools all over the country. But there are many dialects to the language.

This is because; some regions have their own distinct languages. For example, Cantonese is spoken in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Amazing Destination for Expats

China is one of the best countries and expat destinations for individuals that want to experience world trade and its culture. The largest collection of 2,000-year-old life-size figurines, the Terracotta Army, and the world’s largest ancient palace are in the country. Not only that, but there are also beautiful Guilin, the renowned Yellow Mountains, the splendid Yangtze river, the lovely pandas, and the beaches at Sanya.

Chinese Use Sticks (Eating)

Oftentimes, you’ll see that the Chinese use sticks to eat. This system was invented during the Shang Empire times (1600-1046 BC). And at first, Chopsticks were generally kitchen utensils, but they became the common way to eat meals in the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1644. Meanwhile, one is the funniest things to do in China is trying all the different kinds of authentic Chinese food, and it’s even more fun when you try to eat like the natives.

Kites were Invented in China

If you’ve wanted to know the origin of kites, look no further! Research made it known that the Chinese have been flying kites for nearly three thousand years. Also, it’s said that two philosophers invented them in the 5^th century BC. They have Silk fabric, and it was sewn on bamboo frames. And that’s why you too can enjoy flying kites with Chinese kids and adults.

Chinese Invented Soccer

Research has revealed that the first kind of football was invented in China. According to FIFA (Federation International de Football Association), football, the most popular sport in the world, was invented in China over two thousand years ago during the Han Dynasty in the second and third centuries. The sport was refined during the Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty. Also, professional players entertained the imperial court, and it was called cuju back in those days.

Chinese People Draw Pictures

Another interesting fact about living in China is that the people write by drawing pictures in this country. Moreover, their characters are known as hanzi, and it’s a pictographic writing system. It’s also the oldest continuously used writing system in the world. Again, its history is dated back to as far as the Shang Dynasty when they were inscribing ideographs on oracle bones. Meanwhile, research revealed that Chinese characters are used by more than a billion people.

Home to the Funniest Place

Guilin is the funniest place to visit because you can get out into the striking limestone countryside and enjoy recreational activities such as river rafting, seeing villagers and staying in villages, biking, and many others, to mention a few. Moreover, Yangshuo is especially a favorite town for young people and backpackers, with its exotic countryside resort feel.

Chinese Restore Their Virginity

Have you ever heard of Chinese virginity restoration before? Well, if your answer sounds like a No, we’ve got you covered. Moreover, restoring virginity is possible and quite popular in China. Also, it’s a plastic surgery that has a medical name called hymenorrhaphy. With that being said, Chinese women pay a lot of money for reconstructing their hymens before the wedding night. And they just want their future husbands to find out that they are not virgins anymore.

Weird Table Manner in China

China is one of the countries that you’d likely experience the weirdest table manners. This is because; the behaviors that are considered rude in China are greatly acceptable in the country. Some of these unlikely behaviors include spitting, yawning, burping, and grunting. After spending more time in the country, I didn’t really know how to behave but later understood that they have weird table manners.

Benefits of Living in China Today

If you found yourself on this platform, you’re probably thinking of visiting a country or precisely China. And you want to know the kind of life to expect in a Chinese city. Well, we have compiled the pros and cons of living in China that can give you a sneak peek. Without further ado, let’s quickly take a look.

Cheaper Living Expenses

If you’ve ever been looking for a country with cheap labor and living expenses, China is the first on the list, and this is one of the biggest advantages of living in the country. Even though the housing price in Tier-one cities such as Beijing and Shanghai is notoriously high, the living expense, on average, is relatively low. The train system is as well different from other countries because of the country’s population.

Convenience in China

As we said in our previous point, the high-speed rail system in the country will easily take you from one city to another city in a very short period of time. Meanwhile, the trains can reach the speed of more than 300 km/hr between the major cities. Apart from inter-city traffic, the public transport systems within each city have unique features too. And it’s fun to take a bus tour in Beijing or Chengdu.

Additionally, technology adds another layer of convenience to live in China. In all cities, everything can be done and paid for on the phone through apps or even Wechat built-ins. Moreover, there’s absolutely no cash involved, and you don’t need to take any physical money when you go out o the city or anywhere in the country.

Absolutely Super Safe

China is absolutely super safe compared to any other countries you might think of. During my life in other countries, including London and France, I never stop keeping an eye on my belongings and watch my back. Even with this level of cautiousness, my phone was stolen one night outside a bar in London. However, this kind of scenario would be much rarer to happen in China.

This is due to the fact that there are no robbers in the street at night because a lot of police officers are patrolling the streets to ensure safety. With that being said, there are plenty of street cameras with facial recognition systems. And of course, we won’t guarantee absolutely no crime, but statistically speaking, the crime rate in China is very low compared to other big cities in the world.

More Opportunities and Huge Demands

Of course, there are plenty of opportunities for expat living in China. Apart from being n English teachers, foreigners have tons of options as well. And since more and more expats are needed, the policy regarding visas and working permits is getting more supportive. Moreover, you can come to the country to study, work as a foreigner or help several companies break into the Chinese market.

Excellent Salaries

The financial advantage of living in this country is unquestionable. In fact, English teachers are so in demand right now that schools and institutions are offering sensationally attractive packages, including a tax-free housing stipend, top-notch health insurance, visa-cost reimbursements, and a load of extra perks. More so, for intrepid teachers who want it all, China is quite unbeatable.

High Standard of Living

While there’s a high standard of living in the country, the cost of living is on the low side. And for this fact, it’s a winning combination, coupled with the high salaries that make China such an appealing teaching destination. Besides, life in China is inexpensive, even in megacities. And when compared to most of Europe, North America, and definitely Australia and New Zealand, there’s a ton of options to keep.

Independence and Freedom

The irony of expat living in China is that, despite what you have read, you’ll have a lot of freedom living in the country. Also, parents, in particular, find it liberating to be in a culture that doesn’t judge parenting styles. Yet, for every foreigner, it can be as simple as not having family and friends around expecting you to work and live a certain way. Besides, this is one of the most revered benefits of living in the country.

Cons of Living in China as an Expat

China Cultural Shock

While moving to china can relatively be easy, you may find it hard to adapt to cultures and traditions. From spitting out chicken bones on the floor of a fancy restaurant to the morning throat clearing practice, the toddler toilet-training in public, the smoking everywhere and the yelling at the top of one’s voice, to get a waiter attention, and many others, China could be very tiring for the first time.

Also, it certainly takes a while to get used to seeing certain things. But, in China, their house is their rule. Plus, add to that the language barrier, and it’s a whole new level of culture shock indeed.

Social Isolation and Loneliness

Traveling to those idyllic rural areas is very wonderful, but living here could somewhat be boring and very isolating. In fact, even a new life started in a big city can be lonely if you don’t have family or friends living around. But thankfully, there are many ways to combat loneliness as an expat in the country.

Homesickness and internet Restrictions

Homesickness could be a natural consequence of all the above pros and cons of living in China. Inexpensive international flights notwithstanding, it’s not like you can o home whenever you choose to. But your teaching commitments will likely not leave you with a lot of free time to head back to the country for a visit. And this is where those comforting expat social networks become your lifeline.

On the flip side, internet restriction is prominent in China. Of course, it’s a bummer, but there’s nothing that a hardy VPN can’t fix. In the long run, you can refer to this platform to know more about China and its internet restriction policies.

Tough Language to Learn

If you’re planning to live in China, always prepare for a tough language. A big part of being an expat in a foreign land includes the frustrations, trials, and joys of learning a new language. However, understanding the Chinese (Mandarin) dialect spoken in most large cities is known to be a challenge to emigrants.

Primarily, the entirely different and unreadable alphabet will be the first barrier to a native English speaker. Also, multiple uses of the very similar sounding syllabus will be the next, and these two together can often be enough for people to throw in the towel. Yet, simple grammar and verb conjunctions make life easier, as does the fact that many Chinese people speak very good English.

Pollution and Rising Cost

Although improving each, pollution in China can be quite bad. And this is because; there are tons of manufacturing companies in the cities. Thankfully, the pollution is not as bad out in the country or some less populated cities. However, as with everywhere, China is experiencing rising costs, and no one could predict those rising costs wills top.

Cost Of Living in China

The cost of living in China is such a broad and subjective concept that it is hard to know where to start.  This is because; a suitable home for one person is an impossible shoebox for someone else. And in China, the variations of expats and incomes are so broad, and your location will largely determine where to stay. This also determines how much rent you’ll need to pay in the long run.

Now, the actual paperwork of visa will cost you nothing less than 3,000 RMB, transportation cost on average could be 25 RMB, health and fitness can vary. In comparison, education costs more than 6,000 RMB depending on your choice of schools and other educational facilities. You can check our blog post for a more detailed description of China’s living costs for expats.

Frequently Asked Questions about China

Is it worth learning the Mandarin language?

The main language in China is Standard Chinese or Standard Mandarin, which is based on central Mandarin. So, the decision is yours to take advantage of the opportunity to learn the language. Moreover, Cantonese is mostly spoken in Hong Kong, Macau, and the Guangdong Province.

How’s life in China for expats?

There’s more to explore in China, but there can be a strong gender stereotype in the country. And often, it’s difficult for women in a managerial positions to mend with the rules and regulations. More so, a bad dating scene for women is usually a popular topic of discussion on expat different expat forums.

Is China safe for foreigners?

Of course, yes! As mentioned earlier, China is a safe expat destination. Meanwhile, one of the largest dangers to expats is food safety, as many people suffer from disease and bacteria resulting from unclean or improperly cooked foods. Besides, pollution is another safety hazard that can affect expats, especially those with underlying respiratory issues.

Can foreigners live in China?

Yes, foreigners can definitely stay in china only if they can adapt to the cons mentioned above. Also, expats living and working in China are mostly found in cosmopolitan cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. All this, coupled with the vivacity of regular life, boosts one to stay in the country for long.

Where can I move to in China?

There are many places suitable for expat to live in china. People often get nervous at the thought of living in china but worry less. Some of the best places for expat include Shenzhen, Beijing, Chongqing, and many others, to mention a few.

Conclusion

To live and work in China, you need to obtain a valid Visa card. Because of the large number of people living in this country, we advise you to make excellent research before relocating. And that’s why we’ve compiled this article. Refer to this guide for more information about moving to China today.