An Expat Talks about Living in Beijing, China, China

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Beijing, China

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Before retiring in Beijing, an expat should research potential healthcare options, as international health insurance may not be accepted or comprehensive enough. A residency permit is also necessary to stay long-term in Beijing, and the process to obtain one can vary. Cultural barriers can also present a challenge; expats should look into classes or language exchanges to help them build a community. Additionally, expats may need to learn how to use common Chinese payment methods, such as WeChat Pay or Alipay, in order to make purchases and pay bills. Finally, expats should consider their air quality needs, as Beijing is known to have high smog levels throughout the year.