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🇨🇳 China

Moving Guide

Moving to China requires more preparation than most countries due to the Great Firewall, unique payment ecosystem, and extensive documentation requirements. The good news is that once you're set up — VPN installed, WeChat/Alipay activated, bank account opened, and police registration completed — daily life becomes remarkably smooth and convenient.

6–10 weeks

Shipping Time (Sea)

From US/Europe to Shanghai/Beijing

2–4 weeks

Setup Timeline

Bank, phone, registration, apartment

$2,500–$5,000

Moving Cost (20ft container)

Door to port; customs separate

Varies

Customs Duty

Personal effects usually duty-free within limits

¥25,000–¥40,000

First Month Budget

Deposit, setup costs, temporary housing

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Overview

Moving to China requires more preparation than most countries due to the Great Firewall, unique payment ecosystem, and extensive documentation requirements. The good news is that once you're set up — VPN installed, WeChat/Alipay activated, bank account opened, and police registration completed — daily life becomes remarkably smooth and convenient. Plan 4–8 weeks for the administrative setup period.

Key Takeaways

  • Install 2–3 VPN apps (Astrill, ExpressVPN, backup option) — you CANNOT download these from inside China; this is the #1 preparation priority
  • Day 1: Get a Chinese SIM card (China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom) — requires passport; get a data plan with at least 20GB; ¥100–200/month
  • Sea freight: 6–10 weeks from US West Coast or Europe; a 20ft container costs $2,500–$5,000 depending on origin and volume
  • Join WeChat expat groups immediately — these are your lifeline for recommendations, housing leads, social events, and practical advice (ask in Shanghai/Beijing expat forums for group QR codes)
1

Before You Leave

Preparation before departure is critical for a smooth transition to China. Several things that are easy to arrange from abroad become difficult or impossible once you're inside the Great Firewall.

  • Install 2–3 VPN apps (Astrill, ExpressVPN, backup option) — you CANNOT download these from inside China; this is the #1 preparation priority
  • Download offline maps (Gaode/Amap or Baidu Maps — Google Maps doesn't work in China); also download Pleco (Chinese dictionary), DiDi, and WeChat
  • Authenticate and notarize all documents: degree certificates, criminal background check, marriage/birth certificates — these must be apostilled and authenticated by the Chinese embassy in your home country
  • Complete your medical examination at a Chinese embassy-approved clinic if required for your visa category
  • Arrange international health insurance coverage for your first 1–3 months until employer insurance kicks in
  • Bring prescription medications with English-language prescriptions — some Western medications are unavailable or differently formulated in China
  • Set up a VPN-accessible email and cloud storage — ensure you can access all work tools through your VPN before departure
2

Your First Week in China

The first week involves critical administrative steps that unlock everything else. Prioritize these tasks in order — each subsequent step typically requires completion of the previous ones.

  • Day 1: Get a Chinese SIM card (China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom) — requires passport; get a data plan with at least 20GB; ¥100–200/month
  • Day 1–2: Set up WeChat and Alipay — link your foreign bank card for immediate payment capability; send/receive a small payment to verify functionality
  • Day 1–2: Police registration (住宿登记) — if staying at a hotel, they handle this; if in an apartment, visit the local police station with your passport and lease
  • Day 3–5: Open a Chinese bank account — ICBC or Bank of China are most foreigner-friendly; bring passport, residence permit or visa, Chinese phone number, and temporary accommodation address
  • Day 5–7: Link Chinese bank card to WeChat Pay and Alipay for full functionality and higher transaction limits
  • Day 5–7: Convert your Z visa to a Residence Permit at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) — required within 30 days of entry; bring work permit, passport, police registration, health exam results, and photos
3

Shipping Your Belongings

International shipping to China is straightforward but slow and subject to customs inspection. Most expats ship a limited amount and buy furnishings locally — Chinese e-commerce (Taobao, JD.com) offers fast delivery at very competitive prices.

  • Sea freight: 6–10 weeks from US West Coast or Europe; a 20ft container costs $2,500–$5,000 depending on origin and volume
  • Air freight: 5–10 days but significantly more expensive ($5–$10/kg); worthwhile for essential items, electronics, and medications
  • Personal effects: generally duty-free for new residents importing within 6 months of arrival; prepare an itemized inventory list in Chinese and English
  • Restricted items: some electronics, media, books, and religious materials may be inspected or confiscated; research current customs regulations
  • Buy locally: Taobao and JD.com deliver furniture, appliances, and household items within 1–3 days at prices often lower than shipping from abroad
  • International movers: Asian Tigers, Crown Relocations, and Santa Fe are experienced with China moves and handle customs clearance
4

Settling In and Building Your Life

After the initial administrative rush, the settling-in phase involves building routines, social connections, and local knowledge. Most expats say it takes 3–6 months to feel genuinely comfortable in China.

  • Join WeChat expat groups immediately — these are your lifeline for recommendations, housing leads, social events, and practical advice (ask in Shanghai/Beijing expat forums for group QR codes)
  • Start Mandarin lessons in your first month — group classes at language schools cost ¥3,000–8,000/month ($415–$1,100); private tutors ¥150–300/hour ($21–$42)
  • Register with your embassy/consulate — useful for emergency notifications, travel advisories, and community events
  • Explore your neighborhood thoroughly — identify your nearest metro station, supermarket, wet market, pharmacy, and medical clinic
  • Set up recurring services: water delivery (桶装水), ayi (domestic helper, ¥30–60/hour for cleaning/cooking), laundry service, and regular grocery delivery
  • Find your community: sports clubs, professional associations, volunteer groups, language exchange meetups, and hobby classes provide the social foundation that makes long-term China life rewarding
FAQs

Common Questions — Moving Guide in China

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