On many levels China appears to be a dichotomy; on the one hand it’s a communist state whose citizens generally consider themselves as belonging to a group rather than being individual thinkers, and on the other hand the country is quickly embracing capitalism and advancing economically. 

Therefore it’s little wonder that the fundamentally confusing picture that China presents results in expatriates living and working in China often suffering from severe culture shock upon first arrival!  This is an introduction to living and working in China to lessen the culture shock for anyone considering making the move.

One of the best pieces of advice seasoned expatriates give to those newly arrived in China is to throw themselves in at the deep end and to be as flexible and adaptable as possible because almost every aspect of life and every ‘thing’ is done differently in China!  Those who are patient and considerate, flexible and who retain a sense of humour but also a sense of respect will quickly adapt and embrace life in China.

‘Respect’ is a word which needs to be repeated because those coming from a western and democratic country have a lot to learn about the politics and way of life in China; the best way to approach learning about the country is to respect its citizens and ways and never to publicly criticise the state, the people, colleagues, friends or the way things are done.

The pace of life in China is also a confusing conundrum – from the outside it seems frenzied, rushed and at times frantic.  City centres buzz with life, market places hum with activity…but step away from the public face, and the private face of life in China is generally unhurried – a fact that becomes apparent when trying to get anything done!  It can be an almost painful process trying to achieve the simplest of things like converting money, getting travel documents or any form of visa or permission from state offices – but those who prepare for a long wait will quickly adapt.

The cost of living in China when compared to the cost of living in the majority of western countries is far cheaper.  Eating out is inexpensive in local restaurants, services and amenities as well as taxis and travel are down right cheap.  The majority of western expatriates get their salary paid into a local bank account therefore one of the first things to do upon arrival is open an account.  As to which bank to choose from, well it comes down to personal preference.

China remains a cash economy; credit cards aren’t accepted everywhere and where they are accepted charges levied can be quite high.  Accommodation is often supplied by employers of expatriate staff – for example a great number of expatriates go to live and work as teachers in China.  Often these individuals are employed by an international or language school and they live in staff accommodation.

If accommodation is not supplied by an employer then it’s usual for expats to seek flats or flat shares in the main cities around China; serviced apartments are particularly popular among single professional expatriates.  Naturally enough rental rates vary massively from city to city and district to district and depending on the accommodation type, but cities like Shanghai and Beijing have rapidly rising rental rates which are increasing in line with demand.

In terms of living and working in China and gaining entry to the country all foreign nationals require a Chinese visa for entry, exit and transit.  The most common types are L, F, Z and X.  An L type visa is for tourists, an F type is a business visa, a Z type is for foreigners and their families who have a contract of employment from a Chinese firm and an X type is granted to students travelling to study in China.  All visas should be obtained prior to travel and those with firm offers of employment are usually assisted by their employer with their visa application. 

As China continues to further embraces capitalism and adopt western ways so life in China becomes a little less alien to western nationals almost daily, but there are still certain traditions and certain types of etiquette to remember and abide by.  For example if you are invited to a restaurant your host will pay, subsequently if you invite someone out you will pay, do not tip and if you’re invited to someone’s house never turn up empty handed.  Business cards, also known as name cards are used widely…get lots printed and give them out when you meet new people.

Other than that advice consider bringing some of the following items with you when moving to China because some are difficult to source and other items are expensive: - a torch and batteries, medicine (from prescription drugs that you require to basic medicines for coughs and colds for example), coffee – coffee can be bought in China but it tends to be expensive, passport pictures – you will need lots of these for all sorts of reasons, photocopies of all your important documents including your passport, driving licence and any school or professional qualifications and don’t forget deodorant!  Other than that many expatriates bring with them badges, stickers and small items of interest from back home that they give to host families if invited out for a social occasion.  These are also very popular items for children and teachers should bring a whole host of such items to give to their students!

Those who make the smoothest of transitions into their new life in China join in from the word go and are tolerant from the outset – and one final word of advice, be prepared to be stared at!