WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN MOVING TO BEIJING

Moving to Beijing • So, you and your family are considering making the big move to Beijing. As

China’s capital city hosting a population of over 20 million, the idea of making a new home in Beijing is as exciting as it is nerve-wracking.

•  Luckily, with a bit of preparation, the move to Beijing becomes less daunting.

To follow are seven important topics to consider before moving your family to Beijing

Cost of Living The popular notion that because everything in China is “cheap,” you can live a life of luxury for a fraction of the cost is misleading…

Comparing San Francisco and Beijing:

Consumer prices in San Francisco

= 52% higher

Rent in San Francisco = 79%

higher

Food

•  Non-imported food and consumer products can be extremely cheap, but the quality of these items is inconsistent and sometimes unreliable

Foreign Items

•  High-priced foreign items, such as cars, are subject to a 20% price increase known as a “luxury tax”

Standard of Life

•  You need around $6,176.34 (¥37,850.47) in New York, NY to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with ¥19,000 in Beijing

Schools Many parents worry about the quality of education their child will receive if they are living abroad... •  Beijing offers:

•  Some of the best international schools in China

•  A premium Asian learning environment

•  Opportunities for growing children to engage in cross-cultural learning

A fun and engaging school

environment

An equally, if not more, valuable education than

what is offered in the child’s home

country

Beijing’s international schools can offer:

Schools Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) offers an international curriculum that combines the best of Eastern and Western educational philosophies and practices

Bilingualism

Creative expression

Individual growth

Community service

Strong, intelligent,

global-minded students

This promotes

In order to foster

Housing •  Where in Beijing you choose to live can have a big impact on your family’s daily life and the

people with whom you interact. •  YCIS Beijing facilities are:

Located close to many of the major residential areas

Easily accessible by car or public transport

The most important thing: Choose a house or apartment in an area that feels right for your family

Housing Some of the most popular areas for foreigners to live in Beijing are:

•  798

•  Sanlitun

•  Guomao

•  Shuangjing

•  Wudaokou

•  Nanluoguxiang/ Gulou

The art area

The embassy area

Also known as the Central Business District or CBD

The modest, mature expat community

Renovated hutongs, with class and style

Cheap university area

Diet

•  Moving to China will give you a unique opportunity to experience a mix of Eastern and Western cuisines

•  If you are looking for Western grocery stores, the most popular are April Gourmet, Jenny Lou’s and BHG Market.

Many families enjoy mixing their favourites with local staples

Transportation •  In 2012, Beijing was named the city with the worst

traffic in the world by IBM due to weak enforcement of traffic laws and lack of parking. •  Tokyo and New York have more cars per capita than Beijing

but nowhere near the same traffic congestion.

Transportation •  Taxis are plentiful in Beijing and can be a life-saver if

you’re in a time crunch. •  May be difficult to catch one during rush hour

•  Investing in a bicycle or electric scooter is also a quick and easy transportation solution.

Be cautious, as drivers in the city are often oblivious or impatient

ALWAYS wear a helmet!

Daily Life

Modern fitness centres

Shopping malls

Outdoor parks

Movie theatres

Citywide events and

clubs dedicated to promoting friendship

Aside from the rich cultural sightseeing activities available in the capital, Beijing is full of activities to occupy your spare time:

Plus the city’s extensive number of restaurants is continuously increasing!

The People

Common misconception

Everyone you meet will be rude, brusque, or trying to rip you off

Many Chinese locals view most Westerners as being apathetic

and judgemental

Truth

Chinese people as a whole are kind, respectful, hard working and extremely generous

Most Chinese people are excited about meeting foreigners who have

an interest in working or living in their country

The People •  A good rule of thumb when moving to China:

•  Leave any sense of entitlement at home •  Treat everyone you meet with the respect you would offer someone inviting you into their home

•  Being enthusiastic and open-minded will prove to others that you are a truly global citizen

This will lead to a network of friends and colleagues made up of expats and Chinese

alike that will be invaluable to your life in China and elsewhere after