Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Zhuhai, China, China

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

Zhuhai, China

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

English can be a significant challenge for expats in Zhuhai, as almost all public signs and directions are written in Chinese characters. Additionally, since Zhuhai is a small city, many services and procedures rely heavily on personal connections, which can be difficult for foreigners to access. Foreigners may also find it difficult to adjust to the lack of personal space, as people in Zhuhai are more physical and interactive than Westerners are used to. Finally, the bureaucracy in China can be especially daunting for expats, with lengthy paperwork and processes for even the simplest of tasks.