Living in China can be a life-changing experience. I know because I’ve been there. When I first stepped off the plane in Beijing as a fresh-faced college student in 2004, I was full of excitement, but fairly clueless about what lay ahead. I stumbled my way through culture shock, being lost in translation and many unexpected challenges. While I eventually found my groove, you don’t have to learn the hard way. Instead, read this comprehensive guide to preparing the perfect China expat experience.

These 10 essential tips will provide you with practical, actionable strategies for a smoother transition into your China life.

1.Do Your Homework Before You Get There

China’s vast size and cultural diversity mean that no two cities offer the same experience. Preparation is key.

• Understand Your Destination: Are you heading to a bustling metropolis like Shanghai or Beijing? Or maybe you will be located in a smaller city like Kunming or Dalian?

• Cost of Living: Rent in tier-1 cities can rival New York or London, while smaller cities are significantly cheaper. Do your research on housing, food, and education costs to avoid surprises.

• Climate: From Harbin’s icy winter to Guanzhou’s tropical humidity, learn what clothing to pack and what weather to expect.

• Local Culture: Each part of China has its own dialect, cuisine, and customs. Try contacting people who have been to your destination to understand your future home’s quirks. This will ease your transition.

• Visa and Work Permit Requirements: Chinese bureaucracy can be daunting, but it is indispensable that you get it right. Work with your employer or a visa agency to gather all the right documents. Double-check everything - laws and regulations can and will change (sometimes at the drop of a hat). Remember to register with the local police within 24-48 hours of arrival. Ask your company’s HR or your landlord to help with this if you are unsure how.

The better you prepare, the fewer headaches you’ll have once you arrive.

2.Learn Basic Mandarin (Or At Least Key Phrases)

The importance of basic language skills for day-to-day interactions in China cannot be overstated. Even a little effort goes a long way when trying to communicate with colleagues, shopkeepers, and drivers.

Why learn Mandarin?

• Day-to-day Interactions: From ordering food to haggling at your local wet market, basic phrases will make your life much easier.

• Cultural Connection: Trying to speak Mandarin shows your respect and fosters deeper relationships with the people you encounter.

• Navigation: Street signs, menus, and bus schedules are often in Chinese. Especially once you leave the mega-cities and the coastal area.

Start Small

You do not need to be fluent to make an impact. Even if you do not consider yourself a gifted language learner, consider trying to master at least the following:

• 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello

• 谢谢 (Xièxiè) – Thank you

• 对不起 (Duìbùqǐ) – Sorry

• 请问…在哪里？ (Qǐngwèn… zài nǎlǐ?) – Excuse me, where is…?

• 多少钱？ (Duōshǎo qián?) – How much does it cost?

• 我不会说中文 (Wǒ bù huì shuō zhōngwén) – I don’t speak Chinese.

• 可以帮我吗？ (Kěyǐ bāng wǒ ma?) – Can you help me?

• 我要这个 (Wǒ yào zhège) – I want this one.

• 可以用翻译APP吗？ (Kěyǐ yòng fānyì A P P ma?) – Can we use a translation app?

• 洗手间在哪里？ (Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is the restroom?

Apps like Duolingo, HelloChinese, and Pleco are amazing resources for beginners. Check out our article about Fun and Effective Ways to Learn Chinese for more tips.

3.Find the Right Home

A homey accommodation is one of the most important aspects of expat life, but the process of finding the perfect home can be very different from what you’re used to.

Options to Consider

• Serviced Apartments: These fully furnished lodgings often include various utilities and add-on services from having a concierge to dedicated cleaning staff and dine-in options, making them a hassle-free option for new arrivals.

• Expat Compounds: most cities will have housing communities where expats flock together. Many of these gated compounds boast amenities like gyms, or international schools and day care centers.

• Local Rentals: For a more authentic experience, some expats decide to rent an apartment in a predominantly Chinese neighborhood.

Tips for Success

To make your house hunt go from stressful to successful, consider

• Working with Reliable Agents: Choose agents who specialize in expat housing if possible. If those are unavailable, at least ask expats already living in your location for recommendations to find agents who have dealt with foreigners before and understand that their needs often differ from local renters.

• Negotiating: Right now, the Chinese housing market works in the renter’s favor, as there are many more empty apartments than people willing to rent. Make use of this to get better terms on your rental agreement. Landlords may be willing to adjust the rent, change/add/remove furniture, or be flexible with lease terms.

Also, note that rent tends to be paid in 6 or even 12-month installments - so be prepared for this upfront cost. Unless you have managed to negotiate that requirement away, that is.

4.Navigate Transportation Like a Pro

Getting around in China is an adventure in itself. But it does not need to be a scary one - if you know what you are doing.

Transport Options

• Subways: They are clean, efficient, and English-speaker-friendly. Most major cities have well-established metro systems. Beware of huge crowds during rush hour, though.

• Buses: They are your cheapest transportation option (other than walking, that is). But also a lot harder to navigate if you don’t read Chinese characters. Apps such as Apple Maps can help, with real-time schedules in English.

• Ride-hailing Services: DiDi, the company that bought Uber out in China, is a lifesaver for many an expat as its user interface can be switched to English. It gets you from point A to point B without having to verbally interact with anyone.

• Taxis: They are your transportation/tutor option, as conversing with cab drivers can be a wonderful listening comprehension and speaking skills exercise.

• Cycling: Shared bike services (i.e. by Alipay, Meituan, or DiDi) are your option of choice for short trips. Scan the code while in the app or the WeChat mini-program, and go. Returns of bikes are possible at any of the myriad bike parking spots throughout the city.

• Walking: Street signs often include cardinal directions, making navigation easier for pedestrians.

• Driving: For more independence, consider getting a Chinese driver’s license (mandatory for those in the country for more than 6 months who want to drive themselves). Check out my account of how I got mine in this article. Be aware that cars - even second-hand ones - and the attending insurance are expensive. For occasional road trips, a rental car may be the more cost-effective option.

For long-haul travel, trains and planes are your best bet. Navigating those is a whole different chapter, though.

5.Explore Chinese Cuisine and Grocery Shopping

China's rich culinary culture spans thousands of years, with each region boasting its own distinctive flavors and specialties. This makes eating in the Middle Kingdom a great joy, turning every meal into an adventure.

Must-try Dishes

Most of the dishes listed below can be found all over China and promise an epicurean delight.

• Hot Pot: A social dining experience where foodies gather around a big pot of bubbling broth to boil pieces of food inside. Comes in countless varieties and is a perfect treat for cold nights.

• Dim Sum: These bite-sized delights hailing from the South of China are often served in steamer baskets. Dim sum is the Cantonese collective name of these steamed or sometimes fried dishes and literally translates to “touch the heart”.

• Beijing Duck: Absolute classic dish native to the country’s capital. And wrapping the crunchy skin in paper-thin pancakes with condiments and extras is fun to boot!

• Street Food: Every region has its street food, and in many places, most of China will be represented at night markets or street food stalls around subway stations. Try them all, from 煎饼 (a savory type of filled crêpes) to 臭豆腐 (stinky tofu, an acquired taste) or 包子 (filled dumplings that exemplify Northern Chinese cuisine). The options are almost endless. And once you’ve tried them all, you simply start all over again with your favorites.

Tips for Grocery Shopping

Getting the ingredients you are used to cooking with may be a bit tricky sometimes. So, have a look at your options below.

• Wet Markets: They offer fresh, affordable produce and meats/fish/seafood and often have better quality than many supermarkets.

• Supermarkets: International chains like Costco, Sam’s Club, or Metro cater to expat needs and Chinese who have either traveled extensively or lived abroad.

• Online Platforms: Apps like Taobao (huge selection, delivery speed varies), JD.com (comparatively good selection and mostly overnight delivery), or Meituan (limited selection, but 1h delivery) carry everything from groceries to specialty items.

Bonus Tip for Eating Out in China: If you have dietary restrictions, carry a translated allergy card to ensure safe dining experiences.

6.Take Care of Your Health

Staying healthy is essential for feeling at home in China, and preparation is key to navigating the healthcare system effectively. Here are some resources to help you manage this topic.

Healthcare Options

• Public Hospitals: They are affordable but super crowded and may require translation help as well as someone who knows the system. Understanding where to queue, pay, and sign up for specialist services is no easy feat.

• Private Clinics: Offer English-speaking staff, but come at a premium. Often, the nurses will accompany you to the public hospitals for further tests or specialist consultations and help you decode the results.

• International Insurance: Essential for comprehensive coverage, including dental and emergency care. Check the policy for the extent of coverage provided and loopholes.

• TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine): TCM can be a great alternative for some chronic ailments. Consult your primary medical provider before embarking on a TCM treatment journey and choose reputable TCM clinics.

Also consider the following tips for a healthy expat life in China:

Everyday Health Tips

• Invest in air purifiers for your home, especially in polluted cities. Check the AQI levels before stepping out and wear a mask if necessary.

• Drink bottled or boiled water, as tap water is non-potable. Consider investing in a water purification system for your tap water for convenience and to reduce plastic waste.

• Take mental health seriously. Homesickness and culture shock are normal but may need treatment. English helplines and online mental health services exist and can be life savers. Use them.

7.Manage Financial and Banking Matters

Money management in China is unique, but once you understand the system, navigating it is pretty straightforward.

Banking Basics

Here are some recommendations for dealing with banking matters in China.

• Open a Chinese bank account as quickly as possible to access mobile payment platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay.

• WeChat Pay is used on its platform and JD.com, while Alipay powers Taobao and Alibaba services. When out and about, one or the other, sometimes either, can be used to pay in shops or at wet markets, at vending machines, for car parking, and more.

• To open the bank account, bring your passport, proof of address, and a Chinese phone number. And at least 1 RMB for your initial deposit.

Tax and Social Security

Knowing which taxes you have to pay and how China’s social security system works can keep you from defrauding the system without knowing you are. So, do your homework!

• Learn about China’s tax system, and find out whether your home country has a double taxation treaty.

• Use online tools like Direct HR’s tax calculator to know how much you owe.

• Familiarize yourself with mandatory social insurance contributions (五险一金). Also find out whether your home country and China have a social security treaty, as that may mean you are exempt from contributing to some of them.

8.Build a Support Network

Moving to a new country can be isolating, but you don’t have to go it alone.

Find Expat Communities

• Join WeChat groups tailored to your interests. If you don’t know how to access those groups, add julie_marx on WeChat - I’ll be happy to help!

• Check out Facebook groups for your city, and check out platforms like Internations or Meetup for events there.

Connect Locally

• Try making friends with Chinese colleagues and neighbors. They can provide invaluable insights and support.

• Most locals are incredibly welcoming and eager to share their culture and help you solve newcomer problems.

9.Embrace Cultural Differences

China’s culture is rich, fascinating - and vastly different from the West. Familiarize yourself with at least the basics of the national culture.

Etiquette Basics

• Avoid gifting clocks, knives, or white flowers.

• Address people by their last name and title (e.g. “Director Wang”)

• At banquets or business dinners, seating arrangements and toasts have hidden meanings - follow your host’s lead.

Festivals and Traditions

• Participate in celebrations like Chinese New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival whenever possible. Be curious about why certain things are done on those occasions.

• Use these experiences to bond with locals and deepen your understanding of Chinese culture.

10.Stay Adaptable and Open-Minded

Living in China will stretch your comfort zone, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

Overcoming Challenges

• Build resilience by viewing setbacks as learning experiences.

• Stay connected with family and friends back home through video calls and messages.

• Try being in tune with your state of mind. Practice self-care and intentional rest when needed.

Professional Support

If you are struggling, consider working through things with a coach.

Coaching:

• Lets you navigate the ups and downs of expat life with clarity and confidence.

• Turns tough experiences into a resilience boot camp to make you stronger and stronger.

• Helps you by providing an unbiased supporter who is completely in your corner and wants you to succeed.

Contact us if you are interested in a coaching quote.

In conclusion, living in China is a journey of discovery - of the country, the people, and yourself. With these tips and strategies, you are well-equipped to make the most of this adventure.

Do you have questions or additional tips to share? Let us know in the comments, or explore the other resources on the website. We are here to support you every step of the way

Need Help?

Thinking about taking the plunge but unsure where to start? Need help setting or sustaining your language-learning goals? Consider working with a coach. If you’re curious about coaching, check out our article, “What is Coaching,” and book a free needs assessment call.