China: Vivir

Communities of Expatriates

The Number of Expatriates

There is a relatively large expat community in the big cities.
Press for expatriates:That’s, Cityweekend (at Shanghai), Asiaxpat, Geoexpat

For Further Information

All you need to understand China and to have a better life there

Ranking of Cities

Cost of Living

China is a relatively inexpensive country. However property costs are on a steep rise.

Quality of Life

Quality of life is generally good, but pollution remains a major problem. Keep in mind that 20 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world are in China.

Sanitary Conditions

Close to international standards in the main cities. Can be more delicate in secondary cities.

Renting an Apartment

Description of Apartments

Real estate can be expensive in China and everything depends on the environment you want (local or more international).
An 80m² apartment costs 500 EUR/month. A similar sized apartment in a residential space for foreigners can cost 1000 to 3000 EUR/month.

Normal Lease Term

Usually, one year contract

Rental Costs

It is standard practice to collect guarantee of one or two months rent and the agency fees is 1/2 to 1 month's rent

Agencies or Private Rentals

You are recommended to go through an agency to ensure that you have a contract in the correct form (generally in Chinese).

Rental Agency Websites

Century 21

Private Rentals Announcements Online

Private rentals announcements online

Other Possibilities For Accommodation

Villa within compounds cost from 2000 to 10000 EUR/month

School System

School Level

The Chinese school system includes day care centers, nursery schools, special schools for the deaf and dumb, "key schools", primary schools, secondary schools (including agricultural and professional schools), schools for teachers, technical schools and several institutions for higher education (general or specialized colleges and universities).
Since 1986, 9 years of schooling is compulsory. The medium of instruction in Chinese schools is Mandarin.

International Schools

There aer many international schools in the big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Canton.The most common schools are English, American, French and German.

View the list of international schools in China

For Further Information

Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China

Health System

Quality of Healthcare

The healthcare system in China is inadequate. Today, the press estimates that 20% of the people benefit from 80% of medical spending by the government. They are essentially civil servants and employees of state-owned companies.

International Hospitals

In big Chinese cities, there are well-equipped international hospitals with adequate medical standards; the doctors are foreigners and Chinese and speak English.
World Clinic
World link
However, in case of serious problems, you are recommended to avoid hospitals in China and get shifted to Hong Kong or Thailand (Bangkok).

Health Insurance

Yes

Accessibility of the Health Insurance Network to Foreigners

Yes, but only in government hospitals.

Tourism and Culture

Individual and Civic Freedoms

Political Freedom

Described as an authoritarian, communist, socialist state, the country's administrative climate is less restrictive compared to the past since its liberalization. However, the People's Republic of China is still very far from the democracy practised in most of the western countries.

Civil Liberty

6/7

World Ranking of Freedom of the Press According to "Reporters sans Frontières", 2011 report : 174/179

Evolution: 3 places down compared to 2010

For Further Information, Consult Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2011, Reporters Without Borders

Free Access to the Internet

The content and access to some websites having features on the situation in Taiwan and Tibet among other things is highly controlled by the government in spite of the State's encouragement to use the Internet.

Rule of Law

Yes

Personal Autonomy and Individual Rights

Restricted

Women's Condition

Women enjoy the same status of equality as men, but discrimination in recruitment is widespread.

For Further Information

Refer the 2007 annual report of Reporter sans Frontières on the freedom of press and Internet.

Religion

Degree of Freedom

Quite considerable

Beliefs

The Chinese are generally atheists. However, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are relatively widespread amongst senior citizens and attracts a part of the well-to-do class today. There are also Christian and Muslim minorities.

Role of Religion in Society

The present government continues to profess atheism: only atheists can become members of the Party. But, to make the people accept the regime, and have it recognized by the international community, the leaders have had to show a certain amount of tolerance towards religious practices.

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