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.

China New Expat Teacher Laws Explained part 2 – Part one is here.

5 Challenges Every Expats in China Faces

Every expat faces challenges in China, whether learning the language, living there for a short time, or raising a family. Now, while many of these challenges are standard to expats worldwide, some specific aspects of Chinese culture create issues that might not be present in other countries.

• The food
• Learning Mandarin and speaking Chinese
• The pollution
• Staying safe
• Dining etiquette

The Food

Western expats in China often complain about eating Chinese food every day. I can tell you from experience that it isn’t all bad: there is a large variety, and much of it tastes great! However, some take issue with the fact that they cannot find ‘proper’ western food anywhere. To this, many Chinese people might reply, “You were the one who came to China; we didn’t ask you.”

What many expats do not realize is that restaurants serving ‘western’ food in China are often heavily adapted and sometimes entirely different dishes. For example, if you order spaghetti bolognaise in China, you might be served something else. Evidently, this is not spaghetti bolognaise. It may still be tasty, but it looks and tastes different. 

Learn Mandarin and Speaking Chinese

Learning the language of your host country is a very good idea for any expat, as well as their children if they are attending school there. In China, however, knowing some Mandarin is not enough. Whilst over 80% of all Chinese people can understand Mandarin, very few can speak English.

This means that unless you know how to ask for the bus number or where the toilets are in Chinese, you will struggle to communicate with locals and may end up feeling excluded from local life and culture.

The Pollution

China has some of the worst air pollutions in the world, with only a few cities being less polluted than Beijing. However, expats are not allowed to complain about this issue. Virtually everybody in China has grown up with it, so they’re used to it, and instead of complaining, people take preventative measures. For example, many will wear face masks when outside.

In addition, expats living in China need to be aware that the pollution is much worse outside than when at home. What might be light smog in your home country could well be a thick fog in China. This means you will struggle to see further than a few meters ahead of you and may find it difficult to breathe. Much like the food, it’s something new expats have to get used to.

Staying Safe

China is a very safe country for visitors and expats alike. Although petty crime does exist in Chinese cities, the threat of violent crime is rare, and arrests are usually made quickly after a crime has been committed.

Furthermore, China has a strict policy on guns and knives, and most people do not own them. Every day, hundreds of thousands of people work in cities across China without any fear of violence.

However, expats should still take precautions when they travel around China. The easiest thing to do is simply follow your instincts: if you get the feeling that someone is suspicious or wanting to cause trouble, then you should avoid them.

Just like anywhere else in the world, if somebody approaches you and asks for money or tries to convince you to get into a car with them, don’t do it! Expats should also take care when traveling outside of their city, as Chinese police are not keen on foreigners getting lost in their areas, and they will often not speak English.  

Dining Etiquette

Many expats feel like eating out in China is a hassle because of the lack of rules around dining etiquette. For example, it can be difficult to find cutlery when eating most Chinese dishes; instead, you are expected to use chopsticks. Furthermore, if you are eating with Chinese people and ask them to share some of their dishes, it is customary to agree, even if the food does not look appealing.

If you go to a western restaurant in China, expect things to be slightly different. Many will have English translations of traditional Chinese dishes, which you might not recognize, as many Chinese people simply don’t eat these dishes. Also, even though some items on the menu might be familiar such as spaghetti bolognaises and steak and chips, they may not taste or look like you expect them to!

Integrating into life in your host country is a big part of being an expat. Seeing new sights and visiting interesting places are a must, as well as experiencing different cultures and cuisine.

However, you should also be aware of local customs and procedures so that you do not offend people or inadvertently break the law. China has strict rules about what you can and cannot do in public, from smoking cigarettes on the street to being too close to monks at a temple. Expats should learn about the country’s customs to avoid getting into trouble while living in China.

7 Jobs for Expats in China Aside from Teaching

In China, as an expat, you have a lot of options to earn money and gain valuable experience. Before, there was always the opportunity for employment as an English teacher, but the new law has changed the whole process. However, if you’d love to live in China as an expat, other options are to look for. They include the following.

Freelance Writer

China is experiencing an awakening of its creative energies, which can be beneficial for companies seeking to commission freelance writing – or other types of creative work. For example, one expat in China has taken the opportunity (even while still working at a school) to write articles on culture and travel, which are very popular with visitors to the country.

The demand for original content is so high that this expat has reduced his hours at work and supplemented his income by working just a couple of days per week.

Interpreter

The fast-paced changes in China’s political system have led to many areas of potential growth, including for interpreters. An expat living in China with experience in a particular field, for example, finance or oil and gas, can supplement their income by interpreting at meetings between Chinese officials and businesspeople looking to expand their investments.

Cook

Expats seeking to make extra money while in China could consider starting up a small catering service. This can be particularly easy for those living in an apartment complex with their own kitchen. One expat has done this successfully by offering home-delivered dinners to residents of her apartment complex.

Tour Guide

China is a country that offers many types of tours, and hence the opportunity for expats to supplement their income by becoming tour guides. Expats in China interested in pursuing this opportunity should research what types of tours are most popular with tourists.

Software Engineer

China is well-known for its strong education system and hence the opportunities for software engineers. Many expats in China have combined their profession as software engineers with teaching part-time at a school by giving lessons in their spare time. This is convenient for them because they can earn extra money while simultaneously not giving up their day job.

Corporate Trainer

One advantage of living in China is the opportunities for expats to work alongside Chinese people in a professional environment. Consequently, there are excellent prospects for those with experience in corporate training from their home countries and wish to ply their trade abroad.

One expat has successfully pursued this opportunity by working at a multinational company delivering training courses.

Freelance Photographer

China is a country that has a rich history and an evolving culture. Consequently, there are many opportunities for freelance photographers in China to capture these images and sell them to local or international companies that wish to market their products abroad. One expat has been able to supplement her income while living in China.

General Conditions Required For a Foreigner to Work

A foreigner must:

• have a bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant teaching experience, or an associate degree and two years of relevant teaching experience
• Be able to produce verified transcripts from their home institution(s) showing that they meet these criteria
• Possess a valid passport, or be able to produce an official photocopy of their passport (including the photo page and Chinese visas)
• Possess a valid “Z” work visa before beginning employment;
• Hold at least one Mainland state security clearance. This is not required for foreign citizens who are Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan residents, except for foreign teachers at private schools.
• Have a clean police record from their home country and/or other countries where they have lived for a significant length of time.

FAQ about Expat Teacher’s Law in China

Can I live in China without a permit?

No, you cannot. According to China’s law, you must have a valid permit from the Public Security Bureau before living in China. That’s why, as an expat teacher, you should apply for a Z VISA as soon as possible before moving. If you already live in China, do not run away from the authorities! It may cause legal consequences to you and your family back home.

What kind of visa is a “Z” visa?

The “Z” visa allows foreigners to stay in China for work or study purposes or to visit family members. Z visa holders are permitted to take jobs with Chinese companies and enroll in regular academic programs.

Can I be penalized as an expat?

There are several risks for expats living in China. If you want to avoid any legal complications, it’s better if you contact our law firm. For example, one of the most common offenses is driving under the influence, which is considered an act of public endangerment.

Conclusion

With expats teachers being unable to work as a result of the new law in China, expats are struggling to find a solution. In fact, it’s considered illegal to teach English in China today. Nonetheless, if you’re considering teaching as an expat, it would be better to check other options stated above. Refer to this guide for more information.

China New Expat Teacher Laws Explained 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

China is well known for being a “fast-paced” country, where new laws are made daily. One of the most recent modifications in Chinese legislation has modified how expat teachers can work in China. This will impact all international schools’ hiring policies because of the new law that started in 2021.

Expats hailing from non-native English-speaking countries can no longer work as English teachers in China. This modification comes after the new law went into effect on July 24, when the Chinese government issued a policy to rein in the multibillion-dollar academic tutoring industry and turn it into a not-for-profit sector.

Besides, the policy also leaves tens of thousands of American and Canadian teachers without a job. Commenting on the situation, a famous teacher from Boston said: “I feel bad for all of us who have been working as teachers in China and who were planning to stay here for many more years. And I also feel bad for our students that will not be able to benefit anymore from our expertise.”

The Chinese government has been promoting its own national English program, which is less effective than hiring an international teacher. Also, the new policy will reduce the number of Chinese students who can receive tuition in English because they will go back to studying in Mandarin.

So, as an expat, what’s the next step? How would you cope with such an amendment in Chinese policy? What are the implications? Do you need to understand the new policy from the Chinese government? Well, this article is for you! Today, we all walk you through everything you need to know. Read Further!

Overview of New Expats Teacher’s Law

China is both incredibly modern and old-fashioned. This dichotomy can be seen everywhere, including the country’s education system. One of the most glaring examples of this is the English Language being taught by foreigners.

In recent years, news about China’s academic tuitions has been worldwide, and for bad reasons: it has affected expat teachers in the country. However, despite being so prevalent in China’s society, academic tutoring online is one of the new normals for kids. Now, VIPKid makes learning English fun in the country.

However, certain insights are needed for expats in China to understand the laws correctly. While some parents may request private teachers, it can be difficult for other expats to teach English legally. In this section, we have reasons for banning expat teachers legally in China. Without further ado, take a look at it below.

Imbibing Religious Practice While Teaching English

One reason why the Chinese government bans foreign English teachers is because of religion. China has different values, including religious values, compared to Western countries. The country does not want its academic tutoring to be contaminated by anything that can change them (for example, Christianity or atheism, which are both banned legally in China), even though freedom of religion is supposed to be allowed. Even if it is just a little bit of religion, the Chinese government will not allow it and enforce its rules and laws regarding this matter.

Teach the Wrong Political Rhetoric of China

The second reason why expats are banned from teaching English legally in China is that they teach incorrect political ideals of China to students. The Chinese government wants to indoctrinate its own children with the political ideas of China, and they do not want foreigners to infuse their children’s minds with any political beliefs that are not familiar.

Teach Students to Oppose Authority

The third reason why expats may be banned from teaching English legally in China is that they teach students that it is okay to oppose authority, and this can lead to protests and demonstrations that disrupt society. China does not want its children to think that protesting the government is okay, so it will prevent any English teachers from teaching students such persuasion tactics against authority.

Imbibe Western Values on Their Children

The fourth reason expats are banned from teaching English legally in China is that they can imbibe Western ideals on children. While it is important to be accepting of other cultures, this means being accepting of all the good and bad aspects of the culture.

China does not want its children being taught Western values or having them go against Chinese values, so any foreign teachers are banned from teaching English legally there.

Duration of the Job Exceeds a Limit Set by Law

Another reason why expat English teachers are banned from teaching English legally in China is that there is certain duration for being an English teacher, and this duration can be exceeded. The government has determined how long foreigners can teach their own language. Any foreign teachers who exceed this duration will be banned from teaching English legally because it is against the law.

Interesting Facts about Living in China

Living in China as an expat is a unique experience with new customs and practices. As an expat, it can be challenging to adjust to living in China. However, there are many interesting facts about living in China for one to learn. Check it out below!

1.    Use of Chopsticks

If you are new to living in China as an expat, you will quickly learn that chopsticks are the primary eating utensil. Chopsticks are also used for other tasks like mixing tea, stirring the fiery hot pot, and rearranging broiled items on a barbecue. Chopsticks should be held with the top one-third gripped between the thumb and fingers while resting on the palm.

If you need to hold them in a different position, it is best to cross the top chopstick over the bottom one-third of the chopstick when placing back on the table. Also, remember never to stick your chopsticks upright in rice, as this resembles incense at a funeral.

2.    Toilet Paper is Rare

When one first learns that toilet paper is rare in China, one may wonder how the locals do their business. If you are new to living in China as an expat, you will quickly discover that anything goes when relieving oneself. Most major hotels provide a small roll of toilet paper for their guests; however, in local restaurants and public restrooms, toilet paper is rarely available.

If you are caught without toilet paper, it is common to go into the nearest establishment and ask if they have any extra rolls you may purchase. Also, there are many inventive alternatives for cleansing oneself, such as water bottles, bidets, newspapers, magazines, corncobs, sugar cane, and even small corn stalks.

3.    Business Etiquette is Crucial

When doing business in China, it is important to follow proper etiquette to avoid offending or causing impropriety. When meeting individuals, wait for them to offer their hands before shaking hands. Also, two hands should be used when shaking hands, and it is advised to keep your hand lower than the others so as not to appear dominant.

When meeting a larger group of people, no single person should be singled out as this can be offensive or show favoritism. Remember that business is all about transactions and bargaining until you agree that you both will stick to it during its execution.

4.    There are No Free Refills

Similar to the US, in China, it is common for beverages like soft drinks and beer to be sold by the bottle. However, when living in China as an expat, you quickly discover that there are no free refills. If you order a beverage during your visit to China, be prepared to pay for each bottle individually or purchase multiple bottles for discounts.

5.    Tipping is Not Expected

Since living in China as an expat, you quickly discover there are no free refills, it should also be noted that tipping is not expected like it is in other countries. Tipping can even be offensive to locals; however, if you decide to leave a tip, it is best to leave small change or give the money discreetly.