{"id":417,"date":"2022-10-27T09:15:27","date_gmt":"2022-10-27T09:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/?page_id=417"},"modified":"2022-11-06T12:52:09","modified_gmt":"2022-11-06T12:52:09","slug":"moving-to-china","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/moving-to-china\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to China: Full Guidance to Relocate Smoothly"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With its rich economic, cultural, and geographic diversity, China is a modern <\/span><b>financial powerhouse <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with firmly rooted traditional values. This makes it an incredibly interesting destination to relocate to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you desire to broaden your understanding and gain additional justification for relocating to China, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IMovingTo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is here to provide all the necessary guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-457\" src=\"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/nanchang-sceneryview-from-the-tengwang-pavilionChina.jpg\" alt=\"nanchang scenery,view from the tengwang pavilion,China\" width=\"815\" height=\"544\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/nanchang-sceneryview-from-the-tengwang-pavilionChina.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/nanchang-sceneryview-from-the-tengwang-pavilionChina-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 815px) 100vw, 815px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What You Should Know About China Before Relocation?<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With <\/span><b>3.6 million<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> square miles of breathtaking scenery, <\/span><b>thriving cities,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>unique culture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, China is an eternally fascinating country for newcomers to explore. The potential of moving up the professional ladder and expanding into new areas is also attractive.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to drive in China, you need to obtain a <\/span><b>Chinese driver&#8217;s license<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Driving in China with a foreign or international driver&#8217;s license is prohibited, even for visitors. Compared to the rest of the world, China has similar traffic laws.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although there is a very visible <\/span><b>language barrier,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> locals will generally welcome you with smiles and attempt to speak with you. They may even ask to take photos with you at tourist attractions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With buses and railways connecting the entire country, China has an <\/span><b>excellent public transportation system. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you consider the distances involved, the trains are incredibly efficient, cutting-edge, and also a good value.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many expats are unaware that there are many stunning beaches throughout China&#8217;s <\/span><b>18,000 km <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of continental coastline, even in densely populated areas like Hong Kong.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cost of Living in China<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average salary for foreigners in China is between <\/span><b>\u20ac1500-2000<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, living expenses are not pricey. As a matter of fact, living costs in China are generally lower than in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/moving-to-usa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">USA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the majority of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/moving-to-europe\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Europe<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For example, food in China is often quite affordable, especially fresh fruit and foods sold by street vendors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, China&#8217;s residents generally pay <\/span><b>low taxes,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which enables them to enjoy a high standard of living at reasonable prices. Even though the majority of expats prefer to live in large cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Tianjin, you should be aware that Beijing and Shanghai are among the most expensive places in the world to reside.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One-bedroom apartment in the city center: <\/span><b>\u20ac659.95<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One-bedroom apartment outside of the city center:<\/span><b> \u20ac354.78<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basic bills (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) for a small apartment: <\/span><b>\u20ac52.07<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monthly transport pass: <\/span><b>\u20ac22.65<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three-course meal for a couple in a mid-range restaurant: <\/span><b>\u20ac28.31<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cinema ticket: <\/span><b>\u20ac6.58<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulations Regarding Visa Types<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whatever visa is suitable for you, there is plenty of paperwork that needs to be submitted with your application. A health certificate and an employment license from the appropriate authorities in China are <\/span><b>2 important requirements.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> After arriving, you will need to register with the <\/span><b>local police department<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>public safety office.<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those moving to China for commercial and business concerns should apply for a <\/span><b>business visa.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Student visas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> come in <\/span><b>2 forms: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">X1 and X2. Generally, X2 is offered for single-entry and is valid for no more than <\/span><b>6 months.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You will have access to multiple entries and an extended presence in China with X1 if you choose to enroll in a bachelor&#8217;s or master&#8217;s program at one of the local universities.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those with <\/span><b>work visas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who are moving to China should request a work permit from their company. To obtain a work visa, you should also register with the police station.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Move Your Household Belongings in China<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expats who are permitted to reside in China for at least a year should submit a written application to the <\/span><b>Chinese customs office<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to import their household belongings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of this complication, you need to take advantage of the services offered by reputable <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/international-moving-companies\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">international moving companies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that will handle all the formalities on your behalf by giving the required permission. Consider that they often provide <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/international-packers-and-movers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">international moving and packing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> services as well. But first, let&#8217;s look at some essential details regarding importing your possessions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only a limited number of personal items for personal use may be imported <\/span><b>duty-free.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If allowed to import a vehicle, expats should pay taxes, which forces many of them to buy a car in China or rely on other means of transportation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, any personal items brought into China by non-Chinese citizens should be priced at no more than <\/span><b>2,000 CNY<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to avoid a <\/span><b>20% tax. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are, however, certain exceptions to this rule. In particular, long-term non-residents who are importing personal belongings and making a first-time application for customs clearance are exempt from duty.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthcare System &amp; Insurance<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>The social insurance system <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in China provides <\/span><b>free public healthcare<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the vast majority of locals and, in most cases, expats as well. Generally, the healthcare system provides fundamental coverage, but it will depend on the area in which you live. For instance, in <\/span><b>Shanghai<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, expats are not eligible for free healthcare.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In China, the average cost of <\/span><b>private health insurance <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is rarely within the means of those who earn the average salary. Moreover, since local insurance companies offer their services only in Mandarin, it&#8217;s pretty uncommon for an expat to find a customer care service that will assist in English.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, you can select one of the local insurance companies if you are familiar with the language or have a <\/span><b>consultant<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who can help you with the <\/span><b>insurance application procedure. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting one has the advantage of providing you with a more comprehensive package, which should provide you with wider options when choosing your doctor or hospital.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Take Care of Your Taxes &amp; Finances<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though creating a bank account is generally straightforward, managing taxes can be challenging, particularly if you&#8217;re self-employed or own your own business. Along with your income, it takes into account how long you&#8217;ve been in China. Depending on your income, the tax rate in China can range from <\/span><b>3% to 45%<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but expats do have a higher non-taxable income than Chinese citizens.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;ll need to provide identification, confirmation of residency, money to deposit, and your work visa or student visa to open a bank account.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, you&#8217;ll need to have China&#8217;s mobile payment apps <\/span><b>AliPay<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>WeChat Wallet,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which enable you to link your bank card, send money to friends and purchase train tickets. You can pay for your food by scanning a <\/span><b>WeChat QR code, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">even at some of the smallest restaurants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting an Accommodation in China<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By far, Ziroom is the easiest way to find a place to rent in China. The reason is that the <\/span><b>Ziroom App <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allows users to sign contracts and pay rent, deposits, and utility bills. Otherwise, getting assistance from coworkers or friends to connect you with an agent could be your best option. To pay for a deposit, you will need to have some savings available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to the rent, new tenants should budget for a deposit, monthly utilities, and a realtor&#8217;s commission. When migrating to China, hiring a realtor is a wise investment. They can assist new immigrants and visitors with navigating the city and translate contracts, which are always written in Chinese<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since purchasing real estate in China is neither simple nor inexpensive, you will probably need to obtain a <\/span><b>mortgage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You should indeed raise at least <\/span><b>30%<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the purchase price on your own, though, to qualify for one.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social Life, Communication &amp; Laws to be Aware Of<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China uses the <\/span><b>hukou system<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is a national database of every individual. The law, which was largely responsible for establishing a caste structure in the nation, was influenced by old Chinese customs. Every household is required to register details such as its field of employment, legal address, religion, physical description, and urban or rural status.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your <\/span><b>passport<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> close to hand at all times. Police conduct <\/span><b>sporadic inspections, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">particularly during times of increased security and significant athletic or political events. A fine or jail may be imposed for failing to provide your ID.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your knowledge of Chinese is quite low or nonexistent before arriving in China, you might consider downloading the <\/span><b>Pleco Chinese dictionary app <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">as well as translation apps like <\/span><b>Baidu<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>Google translate.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Numerous websites and social media platforms, including Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are restricted in China. You will need to log your IP address in a different place if you want to access them. A <\/span><b>VPN<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be used for this.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on your smartphone and\/or network operator, there may be a slight difference in the criteria for using your phone with a <\/span><b>Chinese SIM card. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, in general, you might need to contact your network provider before visiting China. Or you might be able to unlock your phone using a professional&#8217;s unlock code.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best Places to Live in China<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shanghai<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the greatest cities in China is <\/span><b>Shanghai<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is a major <\/span><b>business center. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is home to the first commercial maglev train line in the world and has a sizable metro system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shanghai residents have access to great dining establishments, nightclubs, caf\u00e9s, pubs, and shopping. However, Shanghai&#8217;s cost of living can be high, much like in other well-known international locations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guangzhou<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most highly advanced cities in China is <\/span><b>Guangzhou<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a dense megacity with a long history of economic prosperity. Guangzhou is a great place for expats who are constantly looking for urban adventures and who thrive in a huge, <\/span><b>bustling metropolis.<\/b><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qingdao<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a long history of foreigners living in Qingdao. In the late <\/span><b>19th century,<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/moving-to-germany\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Germany<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was given a lease on this <\/span><b>commercial port city<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and ever since, a considerable expat population has called it home. It is obvious why so many foreigners fall in love with this city, with its <\/span><b>wide-open lakes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and buildings in the German style.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beijing<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beijing is China&#8217;s political, cultural, and intellectual capital. <\/span><b>Beijing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one of the best cities in China to live in because of its unique blend of culture, history, and <\/span><b>modern architecture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The Great Wall of China, the Summer Palace, and the Forbidden City are just a few of the <\/span><b>UNESCO World Heritage Sites <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in Beijing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros &amp; Cons of Moving to China<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outstanding gastronomy\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You probably already know what a massive <\/span><b>gastronomic powerhouse <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China is if you&#8217;re a dedicated gourmet and have explored the cuisine of your specified location. Furthermore, because this culture is so focused on cuisine, excellent food is available all the time. Living in China has several benefits, one of which is experiencing its diverse cuisine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extensive expat community\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than <\/span><b>500,000 foreign teachers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reside in China due to its reputation as a desirable teaching destination. Living in China has its advantages, and one of them is the tight expat communities you&#8217;ll find there.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This means that your new circle of friends can be exciting and diverse. When homesickness and culture shock begin to become a little too intense, fellow expats may be a fantastic source of support and can show you the basics of Chinese life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excellent travel opportunities\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China is a country that is centrally located in Asia, making it the ideal place from which to take a weekend trip overseas. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/moving-to-thailand\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thailand<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Laos, and Vietnam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as well as<\/span><b> Japan <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and <\/span><b>South Korea<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, are highly popular travel destinations. Moreover, if you keep going east, Hong Kong and Taiwan are right there, and they will easily reach Tibet and Nepal to the west.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cultural shock\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From clearing one&#8217;s throat in the morning to teaching a child to use the restroom in public, smoking everywhere, and shouting at the top of one&#8217;s voice to obtain a waiter&#8217;s attention in a restaurant, many behaviors are unconscionable. Confusing things in China do take some time to get used to.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Air pollution\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite China&#8217;s best efforts, pollution remains a serious issue in its largest cities. Not every day of the year, but often enough for residents to buy an air purifier for their apartments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take advantage of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/relocation-services\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">international relocation services<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at <\/span><b>IMovingTo<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and plan everything with our best international moving practices to relocate to a country that is characterized by breathtaking scenery, thriving cities, and unique culture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, wish you luck with your relocation to China!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With its rich economic, cultural, and geographic diversity, China is a modern financial powerhouse with firmly rooted traditional values. This makes it an incredibly interesting destination to relocate to. If you desire to broaden your understanding and gain additional justification for relocating to China, IMovingTo is here to provide all the necessary guidance. What You [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/417"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=417"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/417\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":459,"href":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/417\/revisions\/459"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=417"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}