EXPAT IN CHINA
LIVING IN CHINA

Living in China

Living in China
As many expatriates can testify, the cost of living in China is much lower than in Europe, when it comes to basic commodities. It is also true for locally produced electronic goods, cars, and clothing items. Rent prices are usually estimated around EUR 150/month; except in big cities like Shanghai where the rent prices have increased over the last few years.

Regarding schools and education, one has to remember that the public education system remains closed to foreigners. Only international schools (91 in total, including 2 French) and private Chinese schools cater for expatriates’ children in China.

Furthermore, living in China means adapting oneself to the local environment, customs, and the Chinese lifestyle. If you like sleeping in, be aware that most Chinese are early birds! Remain discrete in the way you dress (neither provocative nor ostentatious), and avoid excessive public displays of affection and marks of sympathy amongst foreigners, in public. Indeed, the Chinese society is still conservative and public displays of affection are not well accepted. What’s more, you should not be intrusive or indiscrete and you should avoid arguing in public, especially with Chinese people. Do not consider the reserved attitude of the Chinese as a mark of hypocrisy. Keeping one’s temper is a must in the Chinese culture and losing face is unacceptable for a Chinese person. Do not infringe bans (for example, clicking pictures), be on time at meetings and above all, smile! For Chinese, a smile conveys various emotions (a greeting, a thank you or even a defence).