Qingdao, China
Qingdao, China
Last updated on Mar 10, 2023
Summary: The population of Qingdao, China is 9.2 million people. Qingdao is a vibrant coastal city with a unique blend of modern and traditional Chinese culture. Expats love living in Qingdao for its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and friendly locals. The weather in Qingdao is generally mild with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (10-25 Celsius). The average cost of living in Qingdao for an expat is around $1,000-$1,500 USD per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is around $500-$700 USD per month, and a two bedroom apartment is around $700-$1,000 USD per month.
What do I need to know about living in Qingdao?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Qingdao, they said:
"Pick up free copies of The Qingdao Expat (Crowne Plaza Business Office) and Redstar magazine (many locations)," commented one expat who made the move to Qingdao.
"Pick up copies of the "Redstar" magazine and "The Qingdao Expat." They will tell you where to meet other expats and what things are going on," remarked one expat living in Qingdao, China.
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What do I need to know before moving to Qingdao?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Qingdao, they said:
"Qingdao is a large coastal city in Eastern China with a wide variety of activities and attractions. Expats should learn basic Chinese to navigate the city and understand the local culture. They should also research the climate and transportation system, as weather and air quality can fluctuate greatly during the year and the public transit system is extensive. Expats should also have a good understanding of Chinese bureaucracy and visa regulations, as they are essential for having a legal and smooth stay. Finally, it's important to be aware of the cost of living in Qingdao before relocating as it can be more expensive than expected," remarked one expat living in Qingdao, China, China.
How do I find a place to live in Qingdao?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"One way to find a place to live in Qingdao is to contact a realtor or property management company that specializes in the local Qingdao market. Many real estate companies and websites have detailed listings of available apartments and homes for rent or sale. Additionally, local landlords and housing agencies can provide potential tenants with helpful information about available rentals, as well as advice about areas of the city and nearby neighborhoods. Lastly, China’s Craigslist-like website 58.com is a great resource for potential renters, as the website features listings from a variety of landlords and real estate companies in the Qingdao area," said one expat who made the move to Qingdao, China.
What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Qingdao?
"In Qingdao, many expat homes and apartments are modern and come with a good range of amenities. Most expat homes are in residential compounds with facilities such as swimming pools and gyms, as well as conveniently located close to city attractions. Apartments tend to be either fully furnished or semi-furnished, with some providing additional services like house cleaning and laundry. Moreover, the apartments usually have solar hot water, air conditioning, and free internet access. Overall, Qingdao is a great place to live for foreign expats, with plenty of modern and comfortable options available," remarked one expat living in Qingdao, China, China.
What is the average cost of housing in Qingdao?
If you are thinking about moving to Qingdao, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The cost of housing in Qingdao can vary greatly depending on the type of housing and the area. On average, studios and apartments are the most popular and cost anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 RMB per month, depending on size and location. Townhouses and villas can be more expensive and cost anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 RMB per month," wrote a member in Qingdao, China.
How do I meet people in Qingdao?
When we asked people living in Qingdao about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"The expat community is very active here. There is a newsletter called "The Qingdao Expat" that connects us. There is a weekly lunch which is a good place to start getting connected," commented one expat who made the move to Qingdao.
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What should I bring when moving to Qingdao?
People living in Qingdao were asked what three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They wrote:
"When moving to Qingdao, it is important to pack clothing suitable for the climate, as Qingdao's summers are hot and humid and winters can be cold with some snow. Layering is always helpful in any climates. Bring some rain gear in case of unexpected downpours. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential since Qingdao is great for exploring and walking around the city. Other essential items to pack would include toiletries, a first-aid kit, medications, and any important documents you need. Electrics such as an adapter and power banks with multiple ports may also come in handy," explained one expat living in Qingdao, China, China.
Where should I setup a bank account in Qingdao?
We asked expats in Qingdao what banks they use and there advice about banking. They advised:
"Expats who are considering retiring in Qingdao should be aware that health insurance is mandatory and they will need to apply for it at the local government office. Additionally, expats should ensure that their visa is updated every year and should apply for residence permits in order to be able to stay in Qingdao for longer than six months. English is not widely spoken in Qingdao, so expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, Mandarin Chinese. Finally, expats should factor in the cost of living in Qingdao, as prices are higher than the national average," explained one expat living in Qingdao, China, China.
Will I be able to find a job in Qingdao?
When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Qingdao, they reponded:
"For expat spouses, many job opportunities exist for teaching English and other languages and the pay is good. Jobs are found by looking in English publications and applying in person at schools," commented one expat who made the move to Qingdao.
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What is life like in Qingdao?
When we asked people living in Qingdao what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Being the home of the 2008 Olympic Sailing Regatta, Qingdao's numerous outdoor activities include sailing, wind surfing, kayaking, hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, skiing, body surfing, mountain biking, paint ball, bird watching, basketball, tennis, volleyball, golf, football, and the list goes on. If you are an outdoor sports enthusiast, Qingdao is the place for you," said one expat who made the move to Qingdao.
"The priority here is work. The Chinese are preparing the city for the 2008 Olympics. Sailing events will be held here in Qingdao," explained one expat living in Qingdao, China.
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What do expats in Qingdao appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Qingdao appreciate the friendly and welcoming locals. They also appreciate the diversity of the city, with people from various backgrounds living together in harmony. The vast selection of restaurants featuring a variety of ethnic cuisines is also a draw for foreigners, who can find enjoyment in exploring different dishes from around the world. The beautiful scenery of Qingdao's seaside also offers a great escape for expats looking for a tranquil getaway. The city's vibrant nightlife, festivals and events are also a major appeal, allowing expats an opportunity to explore a different culture and experience something new," said one expat who made the move to Qingdao, China.
"The people are friendly, the variety of cultural experiences is widely varied. Travel is cheap and the exchange rate makes my Social Security go about 5 times farther than it would in the US. I have easy access to Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Nepal, and with a bit of visa effort, Tibet and Vladivostok are accessible. I'm currently in a seafood based cuisine here but I love the access to multiple dining experiences," explained one expat living in Qingdao, China.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Qingdao may find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Communication can also be difficult due to cultural differences, such as people’s attitudes towards hierarchical relationships, being direct and making eye contact. Another challenge is navigating the differences between Chinese and western dining etiquette, including the lack of knives and forks. Additionally, as Qingdao is a predominantly conservative city, modest dress and behavior is generally expected in public areas," remarked one expat living in Qingdao, China, China.
"I would have to say language is high on the list but a translating program is available for download on smart phones, tablets, and computers,.. and that can help when necessary. maintenance of visas takes some effort but as I approach the end of my current visa in September, I'm hoping the newly relaxed visa requirements between the US and China will make renewing my visa easier. I am constantly recruited to teach English but currently am not on a work visa. I am not sure if these are challenges or simply items to which I have focused too little effort," wrote one member in Qingdao.
Is there a lot of crime in Qingdao?
We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:
"Compared to many other large cities around the world, Qingdao is relatively safe and crime levels are generally low. Although some petty theft and opportunistic crime can occur, violent or organized crime tends to be rare in this city. Visitors and locals are encouraged to practice common safety precautions, such as avoiding dark alleyways, avoiding leaving valuables in public view, and traveling in groups when possible," explained one expat living in Qingdao, China, China.
Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Qingdao accepting of differences?
"Qingdao people are very open and friendly but also relatively traditional. They are always willing to help or chat, and will often offer assistance if they see you struggling with something. But watch your own valuables on the bus! As far as diversity, there is a huge foreign population in Qingdao given its importance for trade and shipping, and many more foreigners visit every year as tourists. The Korean community alone is estimated to number over 100,000. Foreigners do not often get funny looks from locals. Also, the city is getting ready to take the 'world stage' in 2008 as it cohosts the XXIX Olympic Games with Beijing. Test regattas are going on each summer before the games, drawing huge numbers of tourists from around the world," commented one expat who made the move to Qingdao.
"The Expat community is quite diverse. If you get a chance to meet some of the locals, you will not be disappointed. Most people are friendly and kind," remarked one expat living in Qingdao, China.
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What are the schools in Qingdao like?
"Qingdao United International School is one of the best international schools in Qingdao. Established in 2015, it offers a comprehensive international education through the IB curriculum, focusing on developing every student’s global citizenship. The school strives to foster an inclusive and nurturing environment that encourages collaboration among students, faculty and staff. It also offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes and sports activities, as well as a range of other extracurricular activities designed to foster a sense of community and to inspire the children to aim high. Qingdao No.10 High School, one of the best bilingual schools in Qingdao, provides students with a solid foundation of bilingual education and teaches them in both English and Chinese. It also offers high-level specialties such as high-tech industrial design, international business and engineering. It has a high literacy rate and focuses on providing students with a well-rounded education. The school also has International A Level and Chinese GAOKAO Examination courses, which can help students further their studies at higher educational institutions around the world," remarked one parent with kids at in Qingdao, China.
"The classes are small and the teachers gladly meet with parents to help the children be placed academically and socially in the correct class. Please tell the staff of any concerns you have as they have been very helpful in resolving the concerns we had. Older students are available for tutoring at a reasonable cost if needed. As the other poster mentioned, this is a college prep school and most of the students are highly motivated, especially in the high school. This can prove challenging at time for some 'average' students. This school also offers many AP courses for high school students," explained one expat living in Qingdao, China.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Qingdao?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Qingdao responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Qingdao appreciate the city's stunning coastal scenery, vibrant nightlife, and delicious seafood. They also enjoy the city's low cost of living, which makes it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads find the language barrier and lack of English-speaking locals to be a challenge. Additionally, the city's air pollution can be a source of frustration for some," said one expat.
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What type of social life can someone expect in Qingdao?
When we asked expats and global nomads about their social experiences in Qingdao, they replied:
"Expats, retirees and digital nomads living in Qingdao typically have an active social life. There are many opportunities to meet people from all over the world, as well as locals, through language exchanges, meet-ups, and social events. Expats often join local clubs and organizations, such as the Qingdao International Club, which offers a variety of activities and events. Digital nomads can also find a vibrant community of like-minded people in Qingdao, with many co-working spaces and cafes providing a great place to network and collaborate," said an expat in Qingdao.
"Qingdao is a vibrant city with a lively social scene. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore, as well as a variety of cultural activities and events. The city is also home to a number of universities, which provide a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Additionally, Qingdao is known for its beautiful beaches, which are popular spots for socializing and relaxing," wrote one expat living in Qingdao.
What advice to expats in Qingdao have about housing?
"Expats in Qingdao recommend researching the area thoroughly before committing to a rental agreement. It is important to check the quality of the building and the neighborhood before signing a lease. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding rental agreements. Expats also suggest negotiating the rent and other terms of the agreement with the landlord before signing the contract. Finally, it is important to be aware of the potential for scams and to be sure to use a reputable real estate agent when searching for a place to live," remarked one expat in Qingdao.
What are medical services in Qingdao like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Qingdao, they replied:
"Qingdao offers a wide range of medical services, including both traditional Chinese medicine and modern Western medicine. The city has a number of hospitals and clinics that provide comprehensive medical care, including general practice, specialist care, and emergency services. Many of the hospitals and clinics are equipped with the latest medical technology and offer a range of services, from diagnosis and treatment to preventive care. In addition, there are a number of pharmacies and health food stores that provide a variety of products and services," mentioned an expat living in Qingdao.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Qingdao?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Qingdao can be expensive, depending on the type of care and insurance coverage needed. Public healthcare is generally more affordable than private healthcare, but the quality of care may not be as high. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it can provide more comprehensive coverage and access to higher quality care. Additionally, some employers may offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of healthcare," mentioned an expat living in Qingdao.
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Is the cost of living in Qingdao high?
We asked people about the cost of living in Qingdao, they wrote:
"The cost of living in Qingdao is generally considered to be quite affordable. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Qingdao is typically around $400 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is usually around $600 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Qingdao typically costs around $10 USD per person," remarked one expat living in Qingdao.
What are the visa & residency requirements in Qingdao?
"To apply for a visa to Qingdao, applicants must submit a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-style photograph, and proof of legal residence in the country of origin. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the visa will be issued and the applicant will be able to travel to Qingdao. To apply for residency in Qingdao, applicants must submit a valid passport, a completed application form, a recent passport-style photograph, and proof of legal residence in the country of origin. Depending on the type of residency, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be issued a residence permit and will be able to live and work in Qingdao," said one expat.
Why do people move to Qingdao?
When we asked people why foreigners move to Qingdao, they responded:
"Qingdao is an attractive destination for expats due to its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and excellent job opportunities. The city is home to a number of international companies, making it an ideal place for those looking to work abroad. Additionally, Qingdao boasts a low cost of living, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money. The city also offers a wide range of leisure activities, from beaches and parks to shopping and nightlife. With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and excellent job opportunities, Qingdao is an ideal destination for expats looking to experience a new culture and lifestyle," said an expat in Qingdao.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
