The Four Things You Must Take Advantage of When Moving to China

China is a country that is quite unlike any other in the world. From the food and culture to the people and technology, it is truly unique. As foreigners, we are fortunate to have access to many aspects of life in China that we can take advantage of and use to benefit ourselves both now and in the future.

If you are moving to China, you’re in an excellent position to see even more of the world! China is ideally located within Asia for travel and has public holidays almost every month. Incredible countries such as South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines are less than four hours away by plane.

In addition, China’s strong economy means the RMB goes a long way in many neighbouring countries, allowing you to enjoy more while spending less. In Thailand, I was able to take a full-day, four-island tour for less than USD twenty-five! I’ve been living in China for six months and have already had the opportunity to visit several cities within the country, as well as Thailand and South Korea, for only a small fraction of what I would typically pay if I were living in the United States.

The best part is that many of these trips can be taken during Chinese public holidays, meaning I didn’t need to use any of the annual leave included in my contract. Even if you’re only in China for a year, you can visit several countries and experience a variety of cultures—if you plan your time and budget wisely.

Before I moved to China, I had heard that living abroad could offer opportunities to save money — but I didn’t truly understand until I settled in Shanghai. China has one of the most efficient and affordable transport systems in the world. My current job is nearly an hour away from home, and my daily commute costs only around 80 cents! Taxis around the city can be as cheap as $2, and shared bikes—available on almost every corner—cost less than $1 to use.

Meals at my workplace are delivered by couriers and typically range from $4 to $7, including the delivery fee. I even have a cleaner (called an ayi in China) who comes weekly for under $7. On top of that, my monthly phone bill is less than $10!

As a recent university graduate, this lifestyle has been perfect for managing student loan repayments and building up my savings. Living in China allows you to take care of adult responsibilities while still having enough left over for social or extracurricular activities.

Mandarin is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and China boasts one of the most powerful and rapidly growing economies. The chance to learn a language while being fully immersed in its native culture is rare — and even fewer people take full advantage of it. While there are no guarantees, it’s hard to imagine that the ability to communicate with over one billion people wouldn’t enhance your CV, open up new friendships, or lead to exciting job opportunities.

China’s economy continues to grow at a steady pace and shows no signs of slowing down. As it expands, the value of speaking Mandarin will only increase, bringing with it more prospects in both personal and professional spheres.