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9. Living in China

China at a Glance

Living in China

The Great Wall has become China's main tourist attraction.

Living in China can be an overwhelming experience for expatriates. The “Big Three”, the three places with the largest communities of expats living in China, are mega-cities with millions of inhabitants. So, if you consider expat life in China and aren’t from another megalopolis, the high population density and urban crowds may be aspects of life in China to get used to.

Living in China: Homogeneity and Diversity

Life in China isn’t only overwhelming because it is a country of superlatives – the world’s export champion, fourth biggest nation in geographical terms, most inhabitants, etc. Life in China will also show you an interesting mixture of regional diversity and ethnic homogeneity.

The local dialects of a person living in China’s southern Pearl River Delta and someone living in China’s northeast are mutually unintelligible. Both will, however, strongly identify as Han Chinese (as over 90% of all people living in China do). Only when you venture away from the coastal hotspots (where most foreigners opting for life in China usually settle) will you notice geographical varieties, provincial peculiarities, and different ethnic minorities.

Life in China: Driving

The timid expat’s first rule is: Do. Not. Drive. Some companies have even outlawed driving for their expat employees living in China. According to a WHO study, road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for people from the age group 15 to 49 (another, albeit unpleasant, superlative). After living in China for a couple of days, you’ll know why. During your life in China’s big cities, you’ll always see traffic congestions somewhere; drivers tend to be cavalier or – putting it bluntly – reckless.

So, unless you have an adventuresome spirit, don’t bother with importing your car. If, after your life in China has already begun, you should discover that traffic and road conditions in your neighborhood are actually acceptable, you might consider buying a decent-quality local car brand for your life in China.

Living in China: Taxis

For expats living in China for a short time only, taking a cab is the preferred method of transportation. Chinese cabbies apparently have nerves of steel, and it’s far easier just to hail a cab rather than drive yourself if you are living in China but don’t know your way around. However, beware of unlicensed taxis, which foreigners living in China sometimes link with extortions or robberies.

In Beijing, licensed taxis have a taxi flashlight on top. Their license plates start with B. Most taxis in Shanghai are VW Santanas, with different colors distinguishing the cab companies. Turquoise, yellow, white, green or blue cabs with a taxi light belong to the five biggest local companies. No matter where you are: Make sure the taximeter is switched on at the start of your ride. Some drivers charge whatever they want and take advantage of unsuspecting foreigners living in China.

Life in China: Public Transport 

After a while, you may also take advantage of the numerous buses, trolley buses, and metro lines in the “Big Three”. However, while public transport is cheap, buses in particular may be overcrowded and sometimes lacking in heating or air-conditioning. If you decide to take the train from one Chinese city to another, don’t be a penny-pincher! If you value privacy, convenience, and comfort, make sure to buy a first-class or deluxe ticket.