Welcome To China

Approximately over 80% of China’s population speaks Mandarin to varying degree of fluency, with the remaining population conversing in their regional dialects or their minority languages at home. English is not widely spoken as a daily language among the general population although exposure to English has grown in the recent decades and is viewed as an essential business language. Mandarin remains the dominant language spoken by most of the population.

Tap water is generally not safe to drink in China. Air purifiers are common and can sometimes be negotiated into the lease. China’s healthcare system is structured around a publicly funded social health framework to provide base coverage. Most local insurance plans require its patients to pay a small portion at their own costs with the bulk of the medical bills deducted from their social insurance account. Private commercial health insurance serves to supplement enhanced benefits while international healthcare insurance offer direct billing arrangements. Expat facilities are recommended for those who do not speak Mandarin fluently as local public facilities do not converse well in English.

China is generally a safe country with low crime rates especially in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing could occur in crowded areas as with other cities around the world.

Homosexuality is legal in China however, same-sex marriage is not recognized. Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community still exists.

All travelers to China are required to register their address at their local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Registration is also required whenever leaving and re-entering China while they do not need to when checking-in to a hotel for accomodation.

Visa processing times are re-establishing themselves after the post-Covid border opening. It is important to never let a visa expire, even by one day. Overstaying a visa can have serious consequences, such as being denied entry into the country in the future, being fined, or deportation.

In most major cities, efficient public transportation is widely available. It is not typically recommended that assignees drive in China but rather use a car and driver. Obtaining a driving license is possible and written exams can be taken in some foreign languages in major cities.

Opening a local bank account in China is strongly advised to enable seamless payments for expenses such as rent, tuition, utilities and for daily living needs. Attempting to settle these payments from an overseas account may lead to complications. The most widely used payment methods in China, namely WeChat Pay and Alipay, require a local bank account for activation and use. Overseas credit cards linked to these payment apps are acceptable nowadays.