For those of you who are planning to Moving to China, you’re one of the millions of people who decide to make this move every year. It can be a long and complicated process, but it’s definitely worth it! China is an incredible place to live. It’s full of character and culture, and you’re bound to have an incredible time living there.
However, there are a number of important considerations that you everybody should take before moving to China.
Keep Your Finances in Check while Moving to China
The cost of living in China might be cheaper than you think. Of course, it depends on where exactly in China you decide to live, but compared to nearby counties like Japan and South Korea, China has relatively low living costs. You can find decent accommodation on a budget, and your weekly spending shouldn’t be too high if you’re sensible.
Registering with the Police
Chinese immigration laws require you to register with the police within 24 hours of arriving in China as a new resident. If you fail to register, you could be charged a hefty fine. Make sure you head down to the police station with the following documentation
- Passport
- Residence permit
- Leasing agreement
Setting Up a Bank Account
Although your card will likely work in China, it will be more convenient to open up an account at one of the four major banks.
- Bank of China
- China Construction Bank
- Agricultural Bank of China
- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
Simply head down to one of the above and it should take no more than half an hour to register. Remember to take your passport, visa, and residence card as proof of identity.
Using Social Media in China
Alongside Google, there are several social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, that are inaccessible in China due to its high internet restrictions. However, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access them. VPNs include NordVPN, SurfShark, and ExpressVPN. Consider it before Moving to China.
Trying the Cuisine
Chinese cuisine is a favorite of many in the Western world. However, you might find a number of brand-new dishes to try when you’re in the country itself. There will be some incredible specialty dishes for you to try, so be adventurous! while Moving to China.
Traveling in China
Didi Chuxing is China’s version of Uber. It is a taxi service that will get you anywhere you need to go. Most taxi services are now using the app, so if you want to travel with ease around the country, you’ll likely have to download the app. Note that most of the drivers won’t speak fluent English, so write down your destination or use the Pleco app to help you translate it.
Learning the Basics of the Language
Mandarin is a tough language to learn, especially as the written letters are completely different from the alphabet used in English. There are several apps, such as Pleco, that can be used to translate Chinese letters so you can communicate more easily. Consider it before Moving to China.
