Moving to Beijing

"Find a local from Beijing to help with location. Pay attention to what comes with the property, 24 hour hot water, elevator, heat, satellite tv, internet, and the maintenance. The sizes are in square meters which isn't always accurate because they describe construction size and not the living space," remarked one expat who made the move to Beijing.

"Beijing is a major international hub in China and home to over 21 million people. Mandarin is the official language of Beijing, although some locals also speak English. Beijing is known for its often extreme climate, with cold winters and sweltering summers. It is important to plan ahead for sudden changes in temperature. Life in Beijing can be crowded and fast-paced, so it pays to be prepared. Make sure to get the appropriate health insurance and vaccinations before moving to Beijing. Chinese culture is quite different from Western culture, and can take some time to get used to. Beijing has many distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own unique charm and cultural attractions. It is important to research where you would feel most comfortable living when selecting an area. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the transportation options available in Beijing. When traveling by public transport, always keep your valuables close. Lastly, if you are planning on staying for an extended period of time, it may be beneficial to learn some of the basics of Mandarin," explained one expat living in Beijing, China, China.

"Finding a place to live in Beijing can be a challenging task. It is recommended to start researching in advance, as rental properties tend to be filled quickly, so it's important to start looking early. Another important factor for finding a home in Beijing is to have a good understanding of the local housing market. It will be helpful to hire a real estate agent who can provide useful information and help you to find ideal properties that fit your specific requirements. Additionally, you can use online resources to facilitate your search, such as expat forums or websites including listings of available properties. Furthermore, you can explore real estate websites and apps to find appropriate living spaces, such as furnished studio apartments near the city center, lofts near tourist areas, or 3-bedroom homes in residential districts. It is helpful to physically visit the area you are interested in and be familiar with the local landscape and cost of living. Finally, it is important to make sure you understand the local laws so you can be aware of what is expected when renting a property in Beijing," said one expat in Beijing, China.

"I used a service called Ihouse. I did lots of research online for expat housing and knew what I wanted. I wanted a real bathroom with a toilet and shower stall and an apartment with lots of closets. I also wanted something close to a subway station. I live near jianguomen and the 2nd ring road," remarked one expat who made the move to Beijing.

"I live in a high rise apartment / hotel. Yes, to begin with most live in some sort of service apartment or they share a big apartment with several rooms. I prefer to live alone. My apartment is serviced which is nice because they help me care for my cat when I'm away. I've heard you can hire an aiyi and they can teach you to cook," said one expat who made the move to Beijing.

"Expat homes and apartments in Beijing are generally spaciously designed and comfortably appointed. Most feature bright modern interiors with minimalist-style furnishings, and often include balconies or terraces with views of the city. Many larger expat homes and apartments come fully-furnished and are equipped with modern amenities, such as air-conditioning, WiFi, and washing machines. Security is often offered in the form of 24-hour guards, gated access and CCTV. Expats in Beijing also commonly seek out international communities offering villas and serviced apartments with shared leisure and recreational facilities such as swimming pools, gyms and playgrounds," explained one expat living in Beijing, China, China.

"The costs are much higher. I pay nearly double what I paid at home. You can find okay housing from 7500 to good housing around 20-25000 Rmb," remarked one expat who made the move to Beijing.

"The average cost of housing in Beijing is generally high, as it is one of the most expensive cities to live in. Property prices have increased steadily in recent years, due to increased demand and higher costs of land and materials. Renting an apartment in Beijing can be costly, typically running upwards of around 4,000 yuan per month for a basic one-bedroom apartment. High end properties can cost significantly more," explained one expat living in Beijing, China, China.

"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Beijing, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, one must consider the cost of purchasing versus renting. Buying a home requires a large sum of money up-front, usually in the form of a down payment, along with ongoing expenses such as closing costs, mortgage payments, repairs, and so on. Rental fees, on the other hand, are generally much more affordable, allowing for more flexibility in beween-lease spending. Secondly, lifestyle factors must also be taken into account. If your plans include living in the city for a long period of time, the security and personalization of owning a home may be more appealing than the short-term nature of renting. Similarly, if you prefer to move often, renting a home might be the more sensible choice. Ultimately, understanding your own unique lifestyle and financial needs will determine which option is most appropriate in your particular circumstance," said one expat in Beijing, China.

"Three things I wish I had brought when moving to Beijing: My favorite hair products - American products are really expensive and sometimes impossible to find. Cocktail bitters - I come from a place where craft cocktails are all the rage. Finding anything but agnosta bitters is unheard of. My favorite chair - most everyone buys their furniture at IKEA, which is fine. But, if you want something different there aren't many places where you can walk in, try something and then go home with it any earlier than 6 weeks. Three things I didn't need to bring Any of my kitchen appliances - I knew my hairdryer didn't work but didn't think about anything else. You will have to have a converter to use with anything. Way easier to just buy a new appliance. High heel shoes - I sprained my ankle within 2 weeks of arriving. The sidewalks are uneven and horrible to walk on. I won't wear high heels ever in Beijing. Hard luggage - I've converted everything to soft so I can pack it away. It's hard to move at the airport true, but better than it taking up your living space," said one expat in Beijing.

"When moving to Beijing, it is important to pack several weather-appropriate clothing items, such as a raincoat, light sweaters, and long-sleeved shirts. It is also recommended to bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes and sunglasses to protect from the strong sunlight. Moreover, items such as toiletries, medication, and personal documents should also be included in your moving preparations. If possible, it is also helpful to learn some basic Mandarin before moving to Beijing, even if it is just a few key phrases and words," remarked one expat who made the move to Beijing, China.

"It is important to remember to be respectful while in Beijing. You should take care to be mindful of the local customs and traditions, and avoid causing any offense. Eye contact with strangers or elders should be limited and avoided, as is public displays of affection. In addition, you should be conscious of your dress and avoid clothing that could be seen as offensive. Furthermore, it is important to be aware of the local taboos and avoid topics like politics, religion and sensitive historical events. Finally, it is important to remember to be respectful of sacred places, and avoid taking photographs without permission," commented one expat who made the move to Beijing, China.

"see my book: "the chinese business puzzle". typically, asking chinese if they have "children" when government policy limits them to one," remarked one expat in Beijing, China.

"Expatriates are drawn to Beijing due to its rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and job opportunities. Luxurious shopping malls, a booming economy and stunning natural attractions such as the Great Wall of China create a picturesque backdrop for those looking to start a new life in China. The city also offers great public transportation, an abundance of housing options and various international schools. The combination of a modern city lifestyle with a millennium-old history make Beijing an enticing destination for expats," said one expat living in Beijing, China.

"Beijing offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The city has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including general practice, specialist care, and emergency services. Beijing also has a number of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinics and hospitals that offer treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage. In addition, Beijing has a number of specialized medical centers that provide services such as fertility treatments, plastic surgery, and mental health services. The city also has a number of pharmacies that provide prescription and over-the-counter medications. Finally, Beijing has a number of health insurance plans available to its citizens, which can help cover the cost of medical services," wrote one expat living in Beijing.

"Beijing offers a wide range of medical services for both locals and visitors. The city has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide comprehensive medical care. Many of these facilities are equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. In addition, Beijing has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific medical conditions. For those seeking alternative treatments, Beijing also has a number of traditional Chinese medicine clinics and practitioners. In addition, Beijing has a number of international hospitals that offer medical services in English," said one expat.