China is truly a beautiful and interesting country. Considered the heart of Asia, China has been a major force in culture, warfare, and industry for thousands of years. China is one of the most popular destinations for expats interested in exploring the orient. It is quite difficult for foreigners to live in China long term. There are also many barriers that make it quite difficult to enjoy the treasures of this beautiful country. However, China is the ultimate destination for anyone looking for adventures and challenges.
Climate
China has one of the largest land masses in the world, so the climate tends to vary depending on the region. South China tends to be warmer and is often characterized by tropical weather. To the north, the climate can be bitterly cold. However, most of the inland cities have seasonal distinctions.
Monsoons are also a big part of China’s weather. The monsoons bring the rainy season which is from May to September. China’s capital city of Beijing has continental weather. Cold Siberian weather causes China’s winters to be dry and cold. A Chinese summer is characterized by warm, wet weather and monsoons. China receives 40% of its rainfall in June, July, and August.
Government
China is a Communist Country. Life under communist rule is far different from what U.S citizens are accustomed to. The Chinese government has absolute control over many areas of Chinese culture and society. For instance, the government has placed restrictions on the press, religion, and other types of social movements. These restrictions, although noticeable to Westerners, does not detract from the joy, culture, and wonderful people that China has.
To find out more about the government of China from a U.S.-centered point of view, check out the U.S. embassy in Beijing. The embassy has alot of helpful information regarding visas, U.S citizen services, U.S policies/ issues, and resources for individuals who want to do business with the Chinese or start a business in China.
Tax System
China is a global powerhouse and has the second largest economy in the world. However, most Chinese people are rather poor. While it might be fairly easy for expats to teach English or provide other essential services in healthcare or IT, it is generally difficult to start a business in China.
It can take a little over a month to start a business and entrepreneurs can run into many unexpected hurdles because of China’s lack of transparency and standardization. China’s tax rate is high in comparison to the United States’. For instance, the top tax rate is 45% for individuals and 33% for corporations. Besides income taxes, there is also a VAT (value added tax) and a real estate tax on most types of property.
Information about how to prepare taxes as an expat from the United States can be found at IRS: International Taxpayer and China Double Taxation Prevention Treaties.
Medical Care
Medical care in China has dramatically improved as a result of China’s economic growth. Although rural areas of China may not have adequate health care available, medical care and emergency services are easily accessible in the larger cities and more populated areas.
For instance, regardless of one’s location in China, one can contact emergency medical personnel by dialing 120. Although emergency assistance is immediately available, the reality is that patients who have non-emergency ailments may become frustrated by the Chinese medical system.
Expats can use the same hospitals and even pay the same amount for care as Chinese citizens. There are a few Westernized medical centers that charge much more for care, but for the most part, expats have to rely on normal Chinese healthcare services.
Many hospitals are not as clean, well lit or comfortable as most westerners are used to. In fact, many westerners refuse to return after waiting for hours, dealing with rude nurses and doctors, and experiencing many other language and cultural problems.
Real Estate
China’s real estate market is not very friendly to foreign investors. While renting an apartment or house is pretty simple, purchasing property can be quite confusing, difficult or even impossible. Investing in real estate is quite risky as there are not many property rights in China and the judicial system can be quite inconsistent and partial. The Chinese government began curbing real estate investments in 2006 . The most realistic option for anyone who is interested in spending a few years or more in China is to rent. The Beijing local government has made it mandatory for all foreigners to receive a permit before renting.
Shopping
China’s visitors will definitely enjoy the shopping there. China is legendary for its beautiful products including high quality silks, embroidery, antiques, jade, and porcelain.
There are shopping areas all over the country. Visitors can find many items to browse through and buy whether they are in the city or rural areas. Chinese flea markets are filled with almost every item. Although shopping is more expensive in the cities, visitors will still be getting great bargains.
Anyone who purchases antiques should ensure that the shop’s red seal is included with their purchase. This allows buyers to transport the antique out of the country with little or no problems.
China has many eateries to enjoy. Chinese cuisine varies and some of their food may not suit western taste. However, visitors will not have any difficulty finding restaurants that are up to U.S standards. Many large Chinese cities have fast food eateries such as McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and KFC.
Cost of Living
China’s cost of living is very low, and unfortunately, so are the wages. Most items are very affordable. For instance, a McDonald’s Big Mac is about 80 cents and clothing only costs a few dollars. Electronics similar to those in the U.S. are fairly cheap, and may even cost 10 to 20% less. Groceries are cheaper as well. Housing is also inexpensive, especially in the rural areas. However, properties in major cities like Beijing are rather expensive.
Web Sites for Expats in China
Beijing Community Forum
Beijing Expat and Chinese Community Forum.
enterShanghai
Posted to Shanghai? Preparing your relocation to Shanghai? Living and working in Shanghai? This is the site for expatriates prior to and long after their arrival in Shanghai.
Expat Shanghai
Shanghai’s Number One Guide to ‘The Pearl of The Orient’. If you are English Speaking and you either live in Shanghai, work in Shanghai or are just thinking of visiting for business or for pleasure, it always helps to know what to expect and know what there is to see and do in this Wonderful City.
Blogs from Expats in China
China Blog List
The China Blog List (CBL) is a collection of links to English language weblogs focused on China. The CBL plays an important role in providing the rest of the world with convenient access to firsthand accounts and independent views of China.
Map of China
June 3, 2010 at 5:42 pm
We are moving to Kunming from Chicago. We keep hearing how it’s a hard adjustment from the states, but are not given any concrete answers. What are the major differences?
June 4, 2010 at 12:59 pm
A lot of this depends on what kind of person you are and were you currently live in the United States.
Kunming has a population of almost seven million. Are you used to living in a city of that size? Are you comfortable with the traffic, noise, and pollution that accompany high population densities?
Being a large and fairly modern city, Kunming has supermarkets and malls which will be able to fulfill most of your shopping needs. You may need to adjust to local shopping customs, which largely involve tough and sometimes dishonest negotiation tactics. Get ready to pay “foreigner prices” and deal with hard-sell sales techniques.
You will have to adjust to being behind China’s Internet firewall. You may not be able to access many of your favorite web sites after your move. You must also be careful not to say or write anything critical of the government, even in private correspondence. Telephone calls and emails are routinely intercepted by the Chinese government.
One of the hardest things for me to adjust to is the large divide between the rich and the poor. American standards for equality are not accepted in China. As an American you will be granted almost instant membership in the upper social classes of Kunming. Watching how your local peers treat poor people can be very uncomfortable for an American. China’s Per Capita GDP is $6,600/yr, but this is distributed far less evenly than it is in the United States. Be prepared to deal with extremes of wealth and poverty which may make you uncomfortable.
June 5, 2010 at 6:27 am
Thanks for the info. My hub and I are from CHicago and will be teaching in Kunming for two years. My background is a mix of being a writer/creative director and working with the urban poor. I am used to gross inequality but have found that the less money someone has the more happiness they can find. We were supposed to be teacing in Bangkok but the political situation there really unnerved us.
I am wondering what sites will be blocked on the web. I can live without tweets and FB updates, but life without online banking and bill paying might cause a bit of havoc.
I am searching for a yoga studio. That is my life line.
June 5, 2010 at 8:33 am
It shouldn’t be hard to find a yoga studio in Kunming. YogaFinder lists four of them. Of course, the issue will probably be how far from your apartment the nearest one is.
I wouldn’t worry about online banking and bill paying, it’s political sites that the Chinese government is mostly worried about.
If you’re from Chicago, you should be used to noise, pollution, and traffic over long distances. From Chicago, almost every place seems like an improvement. (Sorry
)
September 13, 2010 at 6:34 pm
The best things there are the weather and the people. Both are very nice. Been there quite a few times. If you see soldiers posted anywhere, just don’t go past any yellow lines and you’ll be fine. (Not too many such places, so don’t sweat it) They have Walmart, McDonald’s, and some other familiar sights and a whole lot of great stuff you’ve never thought you’d see. It’s the home of the Flying Tigers back in WW2 and there is a pretty big expat contingent down on XiChang street.
February 8, 2011 at 10:02 pm
China is good if you will come just sightseeing and stay for few days ,but i think its not a nice idea to live in china for long term because you will see the real face of what china is and their people.
March 1, 2011 at 10:51 am
I am an Enrolled Agent in California and I specialize in preparing taxes for my clients who work overseas.
Can anyone tell me how most Expats file their U.S. tax returns? Do they use software and where do they buy this software? Or do they use local (in Beijing) tax preparers? Or do they utilize tax preparers in the U.S.?
Thanks,
Ric