Living in China: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in China

Summary: People describe life in China as vibrant, exciting, and full of opportunity. Expats love the culture, the food, the people, and the convenience of living in a large, modern city. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000 to $2,000 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. The population of China is approximately 1.4 billion people, and the largest cities in China are Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Tianjin. The cons of living in China include air pollution, language barriers, and cultural differences. Additionally, the cost of living can be high in some cities, and the healthcare system is not as advanced as in other countries.

What do I need to know about living in China?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to China, they said:

"1. Learn Chinese ASAP! 2. Remember this is a Communist Country 3. Remember you are a guest here 4. Join www.ZhuhaiNights.com It's easy to have fun and get very comfortable here. The joke is that once you've been here, you can never truly leave (my 2 week holiday to Zhuhai is in its third year now!!!) but it's also important to remember to be on your best behaviour at all times. I have never seen the inside of a Chinese jail and I intend on keeping it that way," explained one expat living in Zhuhai, China.

"Go to www.hefeiexpat.com where there is an open forum to ask anything you want to know. They are very helpful," said one expat in Hefei.

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How do I meet people in China?

When we asked people living in China about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"For newcomers in Zhuhai,I recommand to contact the ZIA Expat Club. They organize numerous activities such as coffee mornings, trips, parties etc... It was really needed here and they are doing a great job. You can find more information about ZIA on http://www.MacauZhuhai.com http://www.MacauZhuhai.com is also a very useful for newcomers in Zhuhai. They provide a lot of information about Zhuhai and Macau (expat clubs, tourism, events, news, stories and pictures!)with an excellent Yellow pages section for both Zhuhai and Macau. http://www.MacauZhuhai.com is interactive with Forums in English, Portuguese, French and German, where Expats can discuss and ask each others questions. They also have a Classifieds section, very useful for jobs or if you need to buy or sell something," remarked one expat who made the move to Zhuhai.

"GWIC-Guangzhou womens International Club, The Christian worship service (Sunday mornings at 10a.m.)," explained one expat living in Guangzhou, China.

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What is life like in China?

When we asked people living in China what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Zhuhai is a sleepy, laid-back city on the South China Sea. It's miles of coastline attract tourists the world-over, so the priority is usually to have a great time. Work does go on here though - in the form of new cutting-edge business districts, multi-national corporations and SMEs all managing to operate successfully. To be well-and-truly on the pulse of life in Zhuhai, I strongly recommend joining www.ZhuhaiNights.com," wrote one member in Zhuhai.

"Expat lives here revolve around work and socializing. Several expat sport teams have been established by a local pub called One For The Road. They have a skindiving club, soocer club, softball and golf team," remarked one expat who made the move to Dongguang.

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Is there a lot of crime in China?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Yes, crime does exist in China. As with many other countries, crime rates have increased over the years, though the government has increased security efforts in an effort to curb crime. Common forms of crime reported in China include burglary, car theft, and human trafficking. Alcohol-related violence, including domestic violence and bar brawls, is also a problem in certain areas. However, the Chinese government has taken steps to combat crime, including increasing law enforcement personnel and establishing special task forces," commented one expat who made the move to China.

"No, never have had to worry. Weird seeing police that don't look like a soldier! I did get stopped once while on my electric motorbike. for going on the wrong side of a bridge pillar. As did about 20 Chinese people. Was my fault, paid a 50 yuan fine $8.30USD same as all the Chinese people who were fined along with me," remarked one expat living in Nanning, Guangxi Provence, China.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in China accepting of differences?

"There's not a whole lot of diversity among the English-speaking expat community. There are different religions and races, but little economic diversity. I think most people are fairly tolerant," said one expat in Tianjin.

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What are the schools in China like?

"Go and see it to feel the difference with other bilingual schools. This is a caring community, it is not a machine that stamps children into the same shape and size. Teachers show genuine care and attention to individual children, most of the foreign teachers have been in China for some time and are committed. Children develop genuine respect for their teachers. Consider the Chinese element of the curriculum carefully if neither of the parents speak Chinese or just consider it a great opportunity to learn more Chinese yourself," commented one expat when asked about YK Pao in Shanghai.

"This is not a good school for a child who struggles with english. It is a high achieving environment without esl facilities," remarked one expat living in Shanghai with children attending Concordia International School Shanghai.

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Is the cost of living in China high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in China, they wrote:

"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," wrote a member in Xi'an.

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"The cost of living in China varies greatly between regions, with generally higher costs of living in the major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai in comparison to other parts of the country. Rent for a nice one bedroom apartment in China can range from US$400 to US$1000 depending on location and size, while two bedroom apartments can range from US$600 to US$1500. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in China can cost anywhere from US$15 to US$50 depending on the location and quality of the restaurant," said one expat living in China.

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What type of recreational facilities are in China?

When we asked people living in China about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"In China, residents enjoy numerous recreational facilities such as parks and gardens, picturesque lakes and rivers, movie theatres, amusement parks, carnivals, sports stadiums, shopping malls, game centres, museums, art galleries, and zoos. Residents can also take advantage of leisurely activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, and golfing. Other popular activities include visiting ancient cultural sites, spas, and public bath houses," commented one expat who moved to China.

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What is the weather like in China?

"The weather in China can vary greatly depending on which region you are in. In general, the north is much colder than the south, especially during the winter months. Northern cities such as Beijing and Harbin experience cold, dry winters and hot summers with occasional rain and thunderstorms. In the south, temperatures stay relatively consistent, but there may be more humidity due to its proximity to the ocean. Coastal cities such as Beijing and Guangzhou experience mild, humid winters and hot and humid summers. Rainy monsoon season usually occurs from May to September," remarked one expat living in China.

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Are there good restaurants in China?

"One of the most beloved restaurants in China is Restaurant 888, located in Beijing. Founded in the year 1992, this seafood restaurant was among the first wave of Chinese eateries to be awarded a Michelin star. The menu revolves around regional seafood prepared in a manner that honors the rich culinary heritage of China. Famous dishes include the Matcha Shrimp, the Chinese Noodles, and the Hong Kong Style Egg Tart. Those looking for a luxurious dining experience can opt for their exclusive Chef's Table, where they can sample rare and unique delicacies. Another popular Chinese dining establishment is the Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant. Located in Beijing, this eatery offers a variety of duck dishes, ranging from classic Peking Duck to innovative variations. Diners can also sample other local dishes, such as the five-spiced chicken and the vegetable dumplings. Da Dong's menu offers something for everyone, and its flavorful dishes and pleasant atmosphere keep guests coming back for more. Din Tai Fung is another well-known eatery in China, and it has received favorable reviews and accolades from numerous food connoisseurs. This top-tier dumpling house and restaurant offers a combination of traditional flavors and contemporary flair, allowing guests to sample time-honored recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Notable dishes include their signature soup dumplings, pork buns, and vegetable & pork fried noodles. The Shanghai-based restaurant Xian Lao Man is widely celebrated for its delicious dishes. Specializing in the popular Xi'an-style noodles and savory savory appetizers, their unique combination of spices and flavors have kept customers coming back for decades. This popular spot is always crowded, so be sure to come early or make a reservation if you want to dine here. For a consistently great dining experience, people can visit Fu Lu Shou, a Sichuan-style restaurant located in Shanghai. Fu Lu Shou is renowned for its spicy dishes, incorporating a variety of peppers and herbs to create a unique flavor profile. Diners can also find lesser-known yet equally delicious dishes such as dry-fried vegetables, fish-based soups, and their signature sweet and sour pork," said an expat in China.

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Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in China?

"People living in China can typically buy groceries and do shopping at supermarkets, convenience stores, grocery stores, open-air markets, and roadside stalls. Online shopping is also growing in popularity as more Chinese people use the internet to buy groceries and other items," wrote one expat living in China.

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What are the visa & residency requirements in China?

"To apply for a visa to China, a valid passport and other appropriate documents, such as a visa application form and a recent passport-style photograph, must be supplied. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required, such as a letter of invitation from an authorized contact in China. In general, the process of applying for a visa involves submitting the required documents, paying the associated fees and waiting for approval. Applying for residency in China requires a residence permit, which can be applied for after entering the country with an appropriate visa. A few necessary documents needed include a valid passport, a completed residence permit application form, a recent photograph, proof of legal entry into the country, a work contract or acceptance letter from the employing organization, proof of a valid residence address, and a valid health check certificate. Additional documents may be required by the local Public Security Bureau. After meeting these requirements and submitting the necessary documents, applicants normally attend an interview conducted by the local police station. Upon approval, the permit will be issued to the applicant," remarked one expat living in China.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in China?

"Health care and health insurance in China can be expensive, depending on the level of coverage and services desired. Healthcare services range from basic or public health services, to private hospitals and specialty services. In some cases, the cost of health insurance can be relatively high, due to the fact that certain services and treatments may not be covered by basic insurance plans, or due to the fact that insurance companies may charge higher premiums for certain types of care. Additionally, certain services may only be available to those with private health insurance. Still, healthcare in China is available at affordable rates, where it is possible to purchase basic health insurance or access basic healthcare services at minimal cost," remarked one expat in China.

"Men in China over 55 and woman over 50 do not qualify for National Healthcare, so employers have to pay for private insurance. However, the coverage is comprehensive. You do need to get prior approval from the insurance company, but that is to be certain you go to the proper medical facility.," wrote one expat living in Shenzhen.

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