China Living Tips

Home

China Living Tips

alt The bargaining tips here work, but require a little perseverance. It will take you some energy, and some people are not comfortable negotiating with vendors, and would rather spend their energy taking in the sights — if you are the person please move to another article.

The following are some Chinese bargaining and negotiating techniques that will most likely save at least 50% on all your purchases in China.

Chinese Drinking Etiquette

Communication & Others
Depending on what you are drinking, the drinking rules change. Learn about how different beverages have different etiquette. Alcohol Beer is served everywhere. Don’t be surprised when you find minors are drinking. Because it’s not prohibited in China. If you want cold beer, be sure you mentioned it to the waitor or waitress. “Bai jiu” (白酒) tastes like vodka. Be sure not to sniff it before you drink or you might gag. It is made from fermented rice. It tastes pungent. Half of a glass can possible get you drank, if your capacity for liquor is not that well. Cold drinks are not usually served at restaurants in China. 98% of the time you will have a cup of steaming hot tea. Sometimes people will order a 2-liter of soda, but it us room temperature. Wine is not as popular in China as it is in the west.
Read more...

Visas for Foreigners in China

Legal Related
Chinese visa is a permit issued to a foreigner by the Chinese visa authorities for entry into, exit from or transit through the Chinese territory. The Chinese visa authorities may issue a diplomatic, courtesy, service or ordinary visa to a foreigner according to his identity, purpose of visit to China and passport type. The first thing you need to organize for making your move to China is to get a visa. Unless you only need a tourist visa, you should leave plenty of time for gathering all the documents you require. Two months is a safe bet, although the process can take longer. Typically the Chinese embassy will take a week to process your visa application providing all documents are satisfactory and there are no further questions. However be aware that Chinese visas are only valid for entry within 3 months of their issue date, therefore although it is necessary to leave sufficient time to obtain your visa it is also important not to get your visa too far in advance either.
Read more...

Residence Permits in China

Legal Related
It is not your visa but your residence permit that gives you the right to live in China. Upon arrival in China, you have 30 days to obtain your residence permit. Your initial visa grants you the right to enter China for a specific purpose, but expires after a few months. If you wish to stay longer in China, you will need to apply for a residence permit which works like a multiple-entry visa, allowing you to leave the country and return without an additional visa as long as the permit remains valid (even if your original visa has expired). Types of residence permits There are three types of residence permits that allow you to live in China: Permanent residence permits (little green booklets) are issued to those holding a D visa and are renewable every 10 years. Temporary residence permits are valid for 6-12 months. Generally required for visiting scholars or those entering for job training. Foreigner Residence Permits are normally valid for one year and are renewable annually. They are the standard residence permits issued to the majority of foreigners working in China.
Read more...

Currency and Cost of Living in China

Housing & Finance

Currency in China

The Chinese currency is called Renminbi (RMB), which consists of yuan(元), jiao(角) and fen(分). 10 jiao make up 1 yuan, and 10 fens make up 1 jiao.

Money is issued in notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan, and 1 yuan coins. There are also notes for 1, 2, 5 jiao, and 5 and 1 jiao coins. Fen is issued as coins.

Foreign Currency Exchange

Note that China has established some very strict regulations on foreign currency exchange.

Exchange	Places	Credentials needed	Money limitation
Foreign currency to RMB	Bank of China	ID/ passport	/
RMB to Foreign currency	Bank of China Exchange office in other banks	ID/passport Certification from foreign exchange department A copy of the original exchange memo	2000

Warning:

If you’re working in China and get paid in yuan, you might find it difficult to convert your Chinese currency savings into another currency. You have to keep your proof of payments as this might help.
Due to the strict regulations, there is an active black market for currency exchange, but illegal money changers sometimes operate with false currencies so it is definitely preferable to do your currency exchanges at an official institution.