Pros and cons of moving to China

Famous for its architectural marvels, strong economy and diverse cuisine, China is a popular expat destination. Owing to its endless professional opportunities and vibrant culture, China may seem like an expat paradise, but there are some downsides to living in the Southeast Asian giant.

Below are some pros and cons of moving to China.

Working in China

+ PRO: Robust job market

China is the world’s second-largest economy, just behind the US, and therefore offers plenty of job opportunities for skilled professionals in various sectors, including teaching English as a foreign language, finance, manufacturing and human resources.

+ PRO: High expat salaries

If you're working in China, you will enjoy an excellent quality of life and with some careful budgeting, may even be able to put some money away for a rainy day, thanks to the lucrative employment packages on offer. That said, expat packages may not be as profitable as they once were, but costs such as housing, airfare, health insurance and some tax payments are still offered by some employers.

- CON: Complicated work permit application processes

Chinese work permit application processes are infamously difficult to navigate, as each city has its own immigration and labour processes. Fortunately, employers take care of the bulk of the administration. Still, you will typically need to undergo a medical examination and live in the same city as the sponsoring company to secure a Z visa.

Working in China 
Work Permits for China

Healthcare in China

+ PRO: International wings in public hospitals

Due to the inadequate standards of care at Chinese public healthcare facilities and the country’s growing expat population, public hospitals in Chinese commercial centres have introduced international wings to offer expats quality treatment at a lower cost. You can also find English-speaking staff at these facilities.

- CON: Healthcare standards are generally subpar

China’s cities generally have access to hospitals offering diverse services, while its rural areas have few to no public healthcare facilities. The standard of care at these facilities tends to be inadequate and slow, while you may be further frustrated by the language barrier.

- CON: Health insurance is expensive

Health insurance premiums in China are typically quite exorbitant, even for the most basic policies. An additional point of contention is that the coverage may not be as comprehensive as expats might be used to.

Healthcare in China

Cost of living in China

+ PRO: Affordable food, electronics, and public transport

Your cost of living in China will largely depend on the lifestyle you prefer. If you would like to enjoy Western luxuries and food, you will find China's cost of living quite steep. Those who embrace the local way of life will find locally produced food and electronics, as well as public transport, fairly affordable.

- CON: Accommodation in major cities is pricey

Housing in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai is notoriously expensive and is even on par with major European cities. If you're moving to these regions of China, you will need to budget carefully or negotiate for housing expenses to be included in your relocation package.

Cost of Living in China

Accommodation in China

+ PRO: Lots of affordable housing available

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to housing in China. The most common type of accommodation in the country is apartments, while freestanding houses are few and far between. You can find everything from serviced apartments to small flats in enormous complexes to small rooms with Chinese-style ablution facilities.

+ PRO: Luxury accommodation with sought-after amenities is widespread

China’s big cities, such as Shanghai and Beijing, often offer many luxury accommodations, including serviced apartments and villa complexes with amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and internet services. However, these do come at a high cost.

- CON: Apartment sizes may be small and low in standard

While China may have myriad accommodation types, the housing standards in the country may be questionable and smaller than what most expats may be used to. We recommend touring an apartment before committing to a rental agreement. 

Accommodation in China

Safety in China

- CON: Pollution is a serious health hazard

China is one of the world’s biggest manufacturing hubs, and with that level of industrial activity comes pollution. Smog frequently fills the air in China’s major cities and can cause sinus congestion. To ensure your safety in China, we recommend using an air purifier and speaking to your healthcare provider if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

- CON: Drinking water is unsafe

Pollution in China has also affected its water quality, making it unsafe for consumption. You should rather buy bottled water for drinking and cooking.

Safety in China

Education and schools in China

+ PRO: International schools abound

As an expat parent, you will have no trouble finding a suitable international school for your children. Many schools offer the International Baccalaureate programme, while others offer their home country’s curriculum.

- CON: Competition for international schools is stiff

Although there are plenty of international schools in China, competition for places can be tough and the prestigious schools will have long waiting lists. Admission processes are also quite involved, including placement tests, interviews, and a mountain of forms for parents to fill out.

- CON: Public schools emphasise rote learning rather than critical thinking

Parents with young children who want to assimilate into the local culture may choose to send them to public schools. Public schools in China heavily emphasise rote learning and cramming, which usually involves children spending most of their day at school and in after-school lessons.

Education and Schools in China 

Getting around in China

+ PRO: Plenty of public transport options

Considering China’s huge geographic size, it’s only fitting that the country has a plethora of public transport options. Buses, ferries, metros, and taxis are all available in most of China’s cities. Walking and cycling are also popular in China, offering a largely free and healthy way to commute.

- CON: Driving is chaotic

Driving in China will most likely be a challenging experience for an expat. As one of the world's most populous country, China’s traffic congestion is severe, parking is limited and drivers rarely adhere to road regulations. For those reasons, most expats who buy a car in China hire a local driver.

Transport and Driving in China