Moving to China as an expat executive or with your family? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about housing, healthcare, schools, and daily life in China's major cities.
Introduction: Life as an Expat in China
China offers expats a unique experience—world-class infrastructure, vibrant culture, and business opportunities, alongside distinct challenges like language barriers and cultural adjustment. Whether you're relocating to Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, or another city, preparation is key to a successful transition.
This guide draws from interviews with hundreds of expat families and the latest 2026 data to give you practical, actionable information.
Housing: Where to Live
Shanghai Neighborhoods
Shanghai offers the most established expat communities and international amenities.
| Area | Vibe | 2BR Rent (Monthly) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Former French Concession | Historic, tree-lined streets | ¥25,000-45,000 | Singles, couples |
| Jing'an | Central, convenient | ¥20,000-40,000 | Business professionals |
| Pudong (Lujiazui) | Modern, skyscrapers | ¥22,000-50,000 | Finance industry |
| Hongqiao/Gubei | Family-friendly | ¥18,000-35,000 | Families with children |
| Minhang (Qingpu) | Suburban, villas | ¥15,000-30,000 | Families wanting space |
Beijing Neighborhoods
| Area | Vibe | 2BR Rent (Monthly) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanlitun | Nightlife, restaurants | ¥18,000-35,000 | Young professionals |
| Chaoyang Park | Green, family-friendly | ¥20,000-40,000 | Families |
| CBD (Guomao) | Business district | ¥22,000-45,000 | Business professionals |
| Shunyi | Suburban, villas, schools | ¥18,000-35,000 | Families with school-age kids |
Housing Tips
- Use an agent: Most landlords won't deal directly with foreigners. Expect to pay 35-50% of one month's rent as commission.
- Negotiate: Rental prices are often negotiable, especially for longer leases (2+ years).
- Service apartments: Consider these for your first 3-6 months while you explore neighborhoods.
- Compound living: Most expats live in gated compounds (小区) with security, gyms, and sometimes pools.
Healthcare: Hospitals & Insurance
International Hospitals
For English-speaking care and international standards, these are your best options:
Shanghai
- Shanghai United Family Hospital: Premium care, direct billing with most insurers
- Parkway Health: Multiple locations, comprehensive services
- Huashan Hospital International: Public hospital with international department
Beijing
- Beijing United Family Hospital: Full-service, expat-focused
- International SOS: Clinic and emergency services
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital: Top-tier public hospital with VIP wing
Health Insurance
Most expats have a combination of:
- Employer-provided Chinese insurance: Covers local hospitals, limited English support
- International private insurance: Covers international hospitals, evacuation, worldwide coverage
Recommended international insurers in China: Cigna, Bupa, Allianz Care, MSH China.
⚠️ Healthcare Tip
Always carry your insurance card and a credit card. International hospitals require upfront payment (¥5,000-50,000 deposit for admissions). Keep all receipts for reimbursement.
Education: International Schools
Types of Schools
- International Schools: Foreign curriculum (IB, British, American), mostly foreign students, most expensive (¥200,000-350,000/year)
- Bilingual Schools: Mixed curriculum, Chinese and foreign students, mid-range (¥100,000-200,000/year)
- Local Public Schools: Chinese curriculum, Chinese language, inexpensive (¥10,000-30,000/year for foreign students)
Top International Schools by City
Shanghai
| School | Curriculum | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai American School | American/AP | ¥280,000-330,000 |
| British International School Shanghai | British/IB | ¥240,000-300,000 |
| Dulwich College Shanghai | British/IB | ¥250,000-320,000 |
| Wellington College | British/IB | ¥260,000-340,000 |
Beijing
| School | Curriculum | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| International School of Beijing | American/IB | ¥270,000-330,000 |
| British School of Beijing | British/IB | ¥230,000-290,000 |
| Dulwich College Beijing | British/IB | ¥250,000-310,000 |
School Application Tips
- Apply early: Top schools have waitlists. Apply 12+ months in advance.
- Company sponsorship: Some schools prioritize children of employees of partner companies.
- Location matters: School location often determines where you live. Shunyi in Beijing and Pudong in Shanghai have school clusters.
Banking & Finance
Opening a Bank Account
To open a personal account, you'll need:
- Passport
- Chinese residence permit (工作居留许可)
- Proof of address (lease agreement)
- Chinese phone number
- Employment contract (sometimes)
Recommended Banks for Expats
- HSBC China: Best international connectivity, English service
- China Merchants Bank: Good app, reasonable English support
- ICBC: Largest network, widely accepted
- Citi China: Good for international transfers
Mobile Payments
China is essentially cashless. You need:
- WeChat Pay: Linked to Chinese bank account, used everywhere
- Alipay: Alternative to WeChat, sometimes accepted where WeChat isn't
Tip: Set these up immediately after getting your bank account. Foreign credit cards are rarely accepted outside hotels and high-end restaurants.
Daily Life Essentials
Apps You Need
| App | Purpose | English? |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging, payments, everything | Partial | |
| Didi | Ride-hailing (Uber equivalent) | Yes |
| Meituan | Food delivery, services | No |
| Taobao/Tmall | Online shopping | Partial |
| Amap/Baidu Maps | Navigation | Partial |
| Pleco | Chinese dictionary | Yes |
Food & Dining
- International supermarkets: City Shop, Ole, Jenny Lou's for imported goods
- Local markets: Cheaper produce, but quality varies
- Delivery: Sherpa's and Epermarket offer English-language grocery delivery
- Water: Don't drink tap water. Use bottled or filtered.
Hiring Help (Ayi)
Most expat families hire an ayi (阿姨, housekeeper/cook) for:
- Cleaning: ¥30-50/hour
- Cooking: ¥4,000-8,000/month for part-time
- Childcare: ¥6,000-12,000/month
Agencies can help with background checks and contracts. Ask your employer or other expats for recommendations.
Visa & Residency
Work Permit Categories
- Class A (High-end talent): Fast-track processing, longer validity
- Class B (Professional): Standard work permit for most expats
- Class C (Other): Temporary/seasonal workers
Documents You'll Need
- Bachelor's degree (authenticated)
- Clean criminal record (authenticated)
- Medical exam (done in China)
- 2+ years relevant work experience
- Employment contract
Processing time: 2-4 months from application to residence permit.
Cost of Living by City
| Expense Category | Shanghai | Beijing | Shenzhen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Expat Area) | ¥25,000-40,000 | ¥20,000-35,000 | ¥18,000-30,000 |
| Utilities | ¥800-1,500 | ¥700-1,400 | ¥600-1,200 |
| International School (Annual) | ¥250,000-350,000 | ¥240,000-330,000 | ¥200,000-280,000 |
| Health Insurance (Annual) | ¥30,000-80,000 | ¥30,000-80,000 | ¥25,000-70,000 |
| Dining Out (Mid-range, per meal) | ¥150-300 | ¥120-250 | ¥100-200 |
| Ayi (Part-time, Monthly) | ¥4,000-8,000 | ¥3,500-7,000 | ¥3,000-6,000 |
Practical Tips for New Arrivals
Before You Arrive
- Get VPN set up (ExpressVPN, Astrill, or NordVPN work best in China)
- Download offline maps and translation apps
- Bring important documents (authenticated degrees, birth certificates)
- Set up international health insurance
- Notify your bank you'll be in China
First Week
- Get a Chinese SIM card (China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom)
- Register with your local police station (required within 24 hours)
- Open a bank account
- Set up WeChat Pay and Alipay
- Find a reliable ayi agency
Building a Social Life
- Expat groups: Join WeChat groups for your neighborhood/school
- Clubs: Running clubs, wine tastings, business networks
- Chambers of commerce: AmCham, BritCham, etc.
- Language exchange: Great way to meet locals
Related Resources
Conclusion
Living in China as an expat can be incredibly rewarding—world-class cities, fascinating culture, and career opportunities unavailable elsewhere. The key is preparation: understand the costs, set up your support systems (housing, healthcare, school), and build your network.
The first 3-6 months will involve adjustment. But with the right preparation, you'll soon find China to be a comfortable and exciting place to call home.