Street harassment and catcalling is virtually unheard of for foreigners, and streets tend to be well lit at night. A tombstone was also discovered in Yangzhou, in the name of Catherine de Villioni, daughter of Dominici, who died there in 1342. Pads are also a nuisance in China. Summary about cost of living in China: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,018.62$ (13,138.18¥) without rent. Thankfully, most of us are a little more educated nowadays. While I've eventually found it at certain stores, the bottle tends to be very small and is super pricey. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Don't stand in Tiananmen Square with a "Free Tibet" sign. Well, that's one option, but I prefer the white 3M construction masks. Westerners scarcely think of China at all and can be dismissive — small, hard working but uncreative about sums it up, along with accepting of being patronized. Free VPNs Will Not Cut It for Internet Usage. While I scoured the internet for information and read just about every blog I could find, I still had so many questions! Only 63.7 percent of China’s rural population has regular access to improved sanitation facilities, … Sunscreen isn't too common in China. When you see images of very polluted days in China, they're often accompanied by photos of people in surgical masks. Your eating habits can also weigh heavily into your overall cost of living in China. The Chinese think highly of the West and admire its culture and wealth. We provide valuable information, interaction and resources to expatriates around the world at no cost. relocate efficiently and effectively with minimum stress. Being a Westerner in China, in general, makes it relatively easy to get to know new people and make new friends. Young educated Chinese are eager to have foreign friends for a variety of reasons: curiosity about foreigners, an opportunity to practice English, gain exposure in dealing with foreigners, learn things from foreigners, and perhaps make a friend who could be helpful if the opportunity to move to a Western country arises (many young, educated Chinese would move to a Western country if given a chance, … Don't forget WeChat Wallet, where you can set up your bank card and transfer money to your friends with just a text message. Our mission is to empower human connection through perspective-changing travel. I never really thought twice about my sheets. You have to give up the Greek... Having lived in London for 5 years and being a Greek, I have come to the conclusion it is not Greece that has the most notorious system. You can also download WeChat on your computer and use it like AIM, or send actual documents as attachments. While there are a lot of things I wish I knew before coming to China, I think the surprise of discovering new things every day has made my life here an adventure. However, the word is not perfect, and I have agonized over it a good deal while writing and proofreading. Next to every toilet you'll find a small basket where you can throw your paper. In my opinion Shenzhen is an amazing modern city with futurist tall buildings, well designed family friendly apartment blocks, wide tree lined avenues, lush vegetation, relaxing parks and a vibrant economy to compete with any western city. While my favorites have changed over the years, here's a current list of the best VPNs on the market. Chinese pipes aren't equipped to handle non-organic waste, so you may find your toilet clogged if you try flushing your paper one too many times. Many public restrooms also don't have toilet paper or soap, so you'll probably want to bring some hand sanitizer from home and pick up a mini pack of tissues when you arrive. 11. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Anti-Western sentiment has been increasing in China since the early 1990s, particularly amongst Chinese youth. Checks/cheques are not generally accepted as a valid form of payment in China. You can even buy plane and train tickets on the app! While I like to sleep with soft and comfortable blankets, my bottom sheet never concerned me all that much. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This is where you're spending the majority of your time, and studies show that when it's polluted outside, it's usually just as polluted indoors. China is so large and complex, discovering new aspects of life and culture are just part of the fun! Here is another perk about staying here. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. It depends on how long you will live there. If you want to access sites and apps like Facebook, Google, Gmail, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, Snapchat, Netflix, Tinder, and more, you'll need a VPN. While I first came to China to learn Chinese, I can't tell you how many expats I've met who think they can just pick up the language living abroad. My friends… These are difficult but not insurmountable IF you have the right bilingual partner and if you're willing to live with this significant impediment. Don't worry though, there are plenty of affordable Mandarin classes and private tutors all over the country! Any contracts you are required to sign in China will always have an English and a Chinese version. Don’t have any cash on you? Whilst healthcare in the cities is readily available. In 1339 a Venetian named Giovanni Loredano is recorded to have returned to Venice from China. But let's be honest, the best mapuo dofu has ground beef sprinkled on top. You've been warned. I've been living in China for three years, and the only time I was hospitalized with food poisoning was from a bacon cheeseburger. Editor's note: While many articles have been written about cross-cultural misunderstandings and miscommunications between foreigners and Chinese, often times, these articles are written from the perspective of the expat.The following article, which recently appeared on wenxuecity.com, follows similar ground but from a Chinese perspective, and for a Chinese audience … Invest in an unlocked smartphone when you come to China because WeChat is your life. This outstanding standard of living causes a lot of Chinese people to ‘worship foreign goods and ideas.’ So they are especially interested in white people,” said Dora Chen. While at first, I was very nervous about the product bleaching my skin, I eventually learned that "whitening" is either code for "contains SPF" or the product acts as a mild exfoliate akin to anti-aging spot removal creams in the West. That said, you can't drink the water. WeChat is the Chinese version of Whatsapp, but that’s just the beginning. This is exactly what happened to me when I first moved to China in 2013. It is the UK and the USA. “The Western countries are more developed than China. Are there any prejudices if so please give me an example? The government couldn't care less that you have a VPN or that you say negative things about China on your personal blog. The first time I came to China, I used my university's … I was also surprised to find how expensive tea is in China! A gas mask? Growing up, I was obsessed with Chinese food. We use cookies to make sure the website can function, to measure traffic and to support the marketing of our services. While you may be able to pick up some survival Chinese, if you want to actually be able to speak the language, you'll need to take a class. or talk about the NBA. Or if you live in a touristy town like Hangzhou or … While sometimes I do hear negative comments about American politics and culture, these criticisms almost never come from Chinese people. They might ask what the average salary is back home, or how much it costs to buy a house per square meter. Want to avoid getting arrested? Yep… they don’t take Chinese credit or debit cards, but they have their own QR code so you can pay with your phone. A good deal of more mature women, even previously married ones, are dating foreign men because, with them, they have another chance at love. Notions of “out-of-bounds” behaviour do not necessarily match. Well, over my lifetime I've become very accustomed to fitted sheets, and I was shocked to find that China does not share my love for a bottom sheet that doesn't move around while you're sleeping. The going rate tends to be about $50-$100 USD per year for a functioning VPN. Be aware that most places won't automatically serve it to you, and you'll have to ask for it. Population: 8.7 million. Ladies, if you want tampons in China, you're best off bringing them from home along with some other packing essentials. However, the Western media and even the Chinese government have done a horrible job teaching people how to protect themselves. Chinese is unlike any other language you've probably ever learned. Just like any cultural difference between … While China is definitely the Mecca of tea, I wasn't expecting it to be so pricey. You may be able to find cheap loose leaf tea at the grocery store, but Chinese people head straight to the tea store for the best stuff. The lack of fitted sheets bothered me so much, I actually brought a set with me from America this year. Register for a gap year fair to learn about eligible programs! Finally, don't forget to register at the police station every time you re-enter the country. If you want cold water, you'll need to purchase a water bottle instead. Thanks to China's tariffs, you can expect to pay up to two or three times the original price for items like coffee, cheese, peanut butter, and cereal. A single person estimated monthly costs are 553.70$ (3,603.75¥) without rent. 30 Western video bloggers happily living in China A list of all the pro-China expats. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, the owner of Expatinfodesk.com does not accept any responsibility for any loss suffered by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of relying upon its contents. They may also yell "Obama!" Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. When I moved to China four years ago, I had no idea what the pollution level was. Well, as someone who has now been living in China for three full years, today I'm going to give you the advice I wish someone told me. If you're curious how to drink the tea without swallowing the leaves, use your teeth to block them! Don't be too worried about meat and seafood either. What websites are blocked in China in 2021 (March Update) This is a question that gets asked a lot, particularly among people who are planning to travel or move to China. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. As the typical meal at restaurants in China is comparably cheaper than in Western countries, it is overly tempting to eat out for the majority of your meals. Other Venetians lived in China, including one who brought a letter to the West from John of Montecorvino in 1305. Then I have an American-German friend who have grown up in China. Living in China for over three years, I've become a VPN master. It may be helpful to read up on common Chinese social customs, though. I also understand that non-Chinese living in China, as well as my readers, come from all over the world. Most of them are very large and aren't as sleek as brands like Always. Shanghai was named the most expensive city in China at position 16, followed by Beijing at 17. Some of my favorite dishes in China are things I would have never eaten back home. I was shocked to find eggplant and tofu as staples. I had an accident on January 21,... western union is reasonable i send money all the time via western union to my spouses family in the philippines directly to their bank account, Relinquishing Citizenship and Passport Surrender. I'm sure you can also find them online or possibly at IKEA, but you will not find them in the grocery store: not even at Walmart, TESCO, and Carrefour! Whenever I say I'm from the US, most Chinese people exclaim "Oh, America is good. The grammar is extremely different, the tones and pronunciation are so difficult, and it will take you years of study to become proficient. What is it like for a westerner to live in China? None of us had apps on our phones, and we didn't wear masks either. Find the right places to meet like-minded people. I would like to spend some time living in China, either as an English teacher or just perfecting my Chinese as I believe the best way to learn a language is to be around fluent speakers. By clicking on "Allow" or using the website, you agree to our use of cookies, our. Originally Answered: What's it like living in China as a foreigner? The Chinese people are conservative by nature and this should be understood by western visitors, so as not to offend. It was one of the best expat decisions I have ever made! Not all Chinese (or Westerners) think this way, but these are observed tendencies.. Not everyone thinks we're "Number One.". I would like the opinion of some westerners living in China. Not only is tea rarely included, most restaurants don't even serve it! It's hard not to have sticker shock when you can buy an entire meal for half the price of your tiny latte. What Kind of Working Holiday Jobs Are in Australia & New Zealand? Here are the fifteen things I really wish I knew before moving to China: Let's be honest, most educated Americans realize that we're not the most loved country on the planet. While these masks are great for keeping yourself from getting sick on a crowded subway, they will not work for the pollution at all. We can’t afford the investors visa but have enough to live there. But I recommend learning some Mandarin, though, to have more a uthentic interactions with locals. So what do they give you instead of tea? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Being a Western woman in China is a topic I’ve thought a lot recently, I realized I don’t really know many other Western women living in Guangzhou. While it worked, my internet was ridiculously slow and streaming Netflix or uploading photos to Facebook was near impossible. The Western male, Chinese female relationship is quite common in major cities, and you'll also find that the couples aren't just young twenty-somethings. Rent in China is, on average, 60.61% lower than in United States. Seriously, even locals don't do it. I was absolutely shocked to find that free tea does not come with every meal in China. What do you need to protect yourself then? Identify areas to live in that suit your lifestyle and budget. Richelle has been living, working, and teaching in China for the last four years, from high school English teacher to college admissions consultant. Notable incidents which have resulted in a significant anti-Western backlash have included the 1999 NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, the 2008 demonstrations during the Olympic torch relay and alleged Western media bias, especially in relation to the March … In the event of a dispute, the Chinese version of the contract will take precedence, so you should always get contracts checked before you sign them. Coffee is also seen as a luxury in China, and many coffee shops price the drink accordingly. In my opinion Shenzhen is an amazing modern city with futurist tall buildings, well designed family friendly apartment blocks, wide tree lined avenues, lush vegetation, relaxing parks and a vibrant economy to compete with any western city. WeChat also has voice messaging, a ridiculous amount of moving emojis, and you can even save your own gifs as stickers to use! Yes, many expats, especially women, find living in China is much safer than in cities like London or New York. For me, I decided to avoid this problem altogether by purchasing a Diva Cup. Even if tea is on the menu, usually the restaurant won't have it in stock. In the US, we hear so much about China's oppressive government and human rights abuse that most people (for example, my parents) are under the impression that the Chinese government may imprison you for even a minor transgression. The differences listed below are heavily stereotyped, generalized, and polarized. Moving to China, I was very aware that there may be some animosity towards me as an American, especially since our leaders don't always see eye to eye. If you live and work in China, it's way more important to invest in a good air purifier for your office and apartment.