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An Expat Talks about Retiring in Xi'An, China

Submitted by rainbowrider

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

Xi'An

Why did you choose to retire abroad?

My wife is Chinese and we love life here in Xi'An China.

Are you retired abroad all year or part of the year?

part of the year, soon to be permanent

Why did you choose the country you retired to?

See above and I really enjoy and love the Chinese culture. I consider myself fortunate in being an American who will be able to enjoy the best of two wonderful countries.

Did you ever live abroad before you retired abroad?

Yes. I lived in 3 different countries for a total of about 3 years

How long have you lived abroad since you retired abroad?

in the process

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How many countries (other than your home country) have you lived in as a retiree?

1

What have been the most challenging aspects of being retired abroad?

language

What would you do differently if you were just starting the retire abroad process?

Bring extra, socks, underwear, shirts and anything you think you might need to replace, ie. worn out jeans etc. as they are expensive here and probably will not have your size anyway. Exception-walking/hiking shorts river hiking style ab. $10-16 if you shop around a bit. fairly easy to find. Bring extra toothpaste, deodorant, dental hygiene products; floss, dental brushes and picks for cleaning between the teeth neither of which are available here as far as I can see and they are very handy whether using here or in USA.

What is life like for a retiree in your city and its surroundings? (Is there an active expat community? Cultural Attractions? Recreation? Nightlife?)

Yes to all of the above, although at my age i will not be frequenting the night clubs here too often. My wife did attend one very exclusive one with my Chinese step-son and his friends and other family members. Very exciting and much cheaper than most American clubs or ordinary bars for that matter. We spent ab. $80 U.S. on 8 of us and had a great time. very safe with helmeted guards, pat downs and metal detectors. 12 guards inside and out and a very posh setting. Travel is cheap either by bus .15 or taxi ab. .80 depending on how far and if you have a Chinese friend to negotiate price-for taxi that is-bus will be same price for all. TerraCotta Army nearby. One big savings, don't hire a translator as every sign inside is in English and Chinese. Bring your own water and snack as most of the kiosks are overpriced but still cheap by U.S. standards.

What residency documents or visas did you need to obtain to retire in your host country? How difficult was this process? (Please describe)

permanent residency card. easy

Did you buy a home or apartment, or rent one? Is this a difficult process? (Please describe)

My wife owns a condo which is basically what many Chinese own in liu of Americans buying a house. Many more rent apts/condos from others

Financially, has living abroad in your host country met your expectations? Exceeded them?

Even though prices have risen dramatically here according to my wife's family, they are still very cheap by American standards, the exceptions being housing (buying) and clothing. No sales tax. No income tax. No tipping-although when not embarrassing to family, I do tip our waiters

What are the most important financial considerations for retiring to your host country?

see other boxes Basically the dollar still goes along way here. 4 of us ate a big lunch here today for $7 incl. 4 Hans beers .35 each.

How much can a retiree live on comfortably in your host country?

In Xi'An $1,600 a month easy including rent, $500 2brm, 2 ba apt. Hans (Think Heineken flavor) qt. size beer here .35 made by Ting Tao. We have eaten multi-course meals here for 4 people for under $30 with beer or Chinese vodka incl. at nice restaurants. Be aware that prices change dramatically for foreigners. I've gotten in the habit of staying out of sight while my wife shops at little kiosks (they're everywhere). Major dept stores are better, prices are marked. Carry a calculator to do exchange rate bec. no matter how smart you are, one slip or momentary lapse can cost you $.

Shop around as prices from one street vendor to another may vary dramatically. And even though it may seem like a good deal by American standard prices, just shop around a lil bit first. And one imp. thing, walking away from a vendor does not mean that they will call after you and lower the price as in some other countries. It does not mean the first price they gave you is the lowest and a good price. That being said, we had someone call after us and lower the pricetowhat we thoguht was a good price only to find the same item later at less than half that price. hence, know your prices.

Do you have access to quality medical care? (Please describe - is it close? Expensive?)

Yes and not as expensive as US. Must go to major hospital for clean facilities and care. One hospital we visited an old family friend in was comparable to what i would expect to find in a poor part of Tijuana, Mexico. I had 3 crowns and a root canal done on my teeth for $1,200 total and that was a month ago and everything is fine.

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Is there a lot of crime where you live? (Please describe)

In spite of numerous warnings and concern for my safety by my Chinese in laws, I actually feel safe here than I do at home in the US. Many people walk at night as families, couples and groups and individuals. I consider it risky behavior where I come from in USA. Madera and Fresno California and most any city in US as far as that goes. A lot of crime here? Not that I'm aware of, but you must use common sense. Be aware of your surroundings, be very cautious of overly friendly strangers even if fellow expats. having said that, I've seen ten yr. old girls, women with babies and singly walking down dimly lit streets late at night. Still lots of people walking around and some sidewalk shops still open late. I always take a sideways glance and look behind me as I pass anyone on the street late at night just to make sure I don't get blindsided and I never travel alone and always carry a walking cane as an emergency defensive device.

Describe available transportation where you live. Do you need a car? Is there access to safe public transportation?

Taxis and buses abound as well as little Tuk-tuks like mini golf carts. 15 cents for the bus for ab. an 8 block ride.

Is there high-speed internet access where you live?

Yes

Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share about retiring abroad?

If you have favorite items like the 8 packs of lint remover rollers I buy at Costco, buy, but 10 of them. These were such a big hit with my Chinese relatives that I have given all of mine away. They don't have them here and I'll be bring back a resupply when I make a return trip to USA shortly. Stock up on meds if you take any. Stock up on allergy meds and eye washes as Xi'an at least, is windy at times.

My wife and I did buy a few packages of babywipes from the 99 cent store and they have been very useful in our travels in cleaning our hands.

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