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Thread: Big question about moving to China

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[quote=GAFFER,359698]To make life more simple you need to get married.....or be offered a job. Once married you can at least live there albeit on a visa that needs regular re-newing. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residency (approval not always guaranteed). Probably the only job you will find is teaching English. Unemployment is increasing in China so there is no shortage of applications for vacancies of any other type of work. Officially companies have to prove that they cannot fill a vacancy locally before employing foreigners. Then they have to be registered to employ foreigners. However, as with everything else in China guanxi is the key to success. Who you know is far more important than what you know. Job vacancies are often not advertised as they are in the west. Someone always knows someone or has a relative who will fill the vacancy.

You could take a TEFL course in the UK, these can be weekend residential, on line or a combination. Some schools will accept this and no degree, but any degree is good enough, not necessarily English. The higher your qualifications and experience the better (paid) job you can find, but many jobs are available for the less qualified. 6 month is the minimum contract and even if teaching is not your dream job it gives you time to "network", build up some guanxi and you will have at least minimal health cover and possibly free accommodation.

As you can see foreigners, even foreign spouses are not welcomed in China with open arms. Probably the biggest worry is health care, even for the locals. Finding easily obtainable in the UK drugs like headache pills can sometimes be a problem. Pharmacies are usually geared up for Chinese herbal medicines. There are many hospitals in Chinese cities of varying qualites. Locals often compare prices before comitting to treatment, but generally the higher the price the better the treatment. Domestic nursing and food is not usually provided. Relatives are expected to care for the patient. Medical insurance is expensive.

There is no basic non contributary state pension in China. Company pensions are common and government workers usually receive the best deal. I know of one retired government worker receiving 3000 yuan per month which in a small city is quite good. So retirement is someting else you need to consider.

On the positive side Shentzhen is handy for HK visa re-newal and for trips home. Also not too far from places like Zuhai, Hainan and the very picturesque Yangshuo. I hope you like hot summer weather. I could even wave as I go past on the bus/train from HK to GZ :o)

If you have the means (and patience) to bring your wife to the UK, you may be better off. It could take a year but if you have proof of a long term relationship and the means to take care of her (financially), there should be no problem.[/quote]

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