International Removal Guide
Moving to China
So, you’re thinking about Moving to China from the UK? One of the world’s most industrious nations and home to almost 20% of the entire population, moving to China is actually a fairly complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. As one of the world’s largest economies and a hub for business, culture and innovation, China attracts expatriates from around the globe. So whether you’re moving for work, study, retirement, or simply adventure, this Euromovers guide will help you navigate the international removal process while comparing China to other popular expat destinations around the world.
1. Why Move to China?
There are several compelling reasons why you should consider Moving to China. Offering a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern advancements, it’s an attractive destination for many expatriates. In 2023, China’s GDP hit almost $18 trillion, ranking second globally, and proving to be an attractive destination for business professionals and entrepreneurs. With a world-class infrastructure, growing economy (Temu and TikTok), diverse culture and a lower cost of living compared to many Western countries, it’s no surprise that many people are looking to move to China permanently.
Quality of Life
Compared to many Western countries, China offers a very high standard of living, particularly in the big cities where modern infrastructure and services have been well developed. There are a range of housing options too, from high-rise apartments to traditional courtyard homes, no matter what your preference is there’ll be something to suit everyone’s needs. China places a high emphasis on public safety, and as such China is a relatively safe place to live and work compared to the West. Public transport is also very efficient and affordable, with extensive metro and rails links throughout the country.
Economic and Employment Opportunities
China is home to one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and as a result plays host to numerous job opportunities in key sectors like finance, technology, education, and manufacturing. Large cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzen are known for their booming business environments, attracting skilled professionals from around the world. There is also a particularly high demand for English teachers, engineers and IT specialists, making it an easy gateway for those pursuing a work Visa.
Climate and Natural Beauty
Home to the largest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, China has a wide range of climates to suit everyone’s needs. From the subtropical beaches of Hainan, to the snowy mountains of Tibet, China has everything you would want from an Asian country. Northern regions, like Beijing, experience cold winters with snowfall, while in the cities in the South like Guangzhou, have warm, humid weather all year round. You even have vast deserts in Mongolia, and stunning lakes in Yunnan province, making outdoor activities like skiing and hiking easily accessible.
Ease of Integration
Integrating into the Chinese way of living can be tricky, yet exciting and challenging. Whilst most of the major cities have well established expat communities and international amenities, the Mandarin language is the most common problem in smaller towns. By learning Mandarin, or even some basic words and phrases, you can significantly enhance your daily interactions. The Chinese are generally very welcoming to foreigners, and now with the advent of digital payments and translations apps, it’s even easier to adjust to the Chinese way of life. Be sure to download the WeChat app to help navigate and pay your way throughout China.
2. Key Facts and Figures
Here are some of the key facts and figures about China as a country:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | 1.41 Billion |
| Official Language | Mandarin |
| Currency | Yuan |
| Time Zone | GMT+8 |
| Major Cities | Beijing & Hong Kong |
3. Chinese Visa & Immigration Requirements
Before considering a move to China, you need to carefully examine all the options for visas and residency before you you plan your move. Although more complex than most, there are several different ways to get residency when moving to China. The processing time for these visas can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
- Work Visa (Z Visa): Requires a job offer from a Chinese company.
- Student Visa (X Visa): For those studying in China
- Business Visa (M Visa): For short term business trips of less than 1 month
- Family Reunion Visa (Q Visa): For those joining family members
4. Preparing for Your Move to China
A. Choosing the Right Removal Company
During your research for a trustworthy International Removal Company, be sure to check if they are members of an internationally accredited association, such as Euromovers or IAM. Also check to see if they have specific case studies that relate to you desired destination. If they’ve not previously shipped goods to your chosen country, we’d advise choosing another removal company.
The services you would typically expect from your chosen International Removal Company should include:
- Packing and Unpacking Assistance
- Secure Transportation of Goods
- Customs clearance and documentation
- Storage Solutions (if required)
B. Shipping Options
Located in Asia, shipping your goods to China from the UK is the most cost-effective option. Although much quicker, air-freight is considerably more expensive. Road train is an option, but the time to navigate from the UK to China can take months, and works out at around the same price, if not more.
- Sea Freight: Cost Effective for larger shipments; transit times range from ~40 day from the UK to Shanghai.
- Air Freight: More expensive than sea freight, but significantly quicker, making ideal for time-sensitive goods. Usually takes less than a week to arrive in mainland China.
- Road Train: Would take months and cost about the same as sea freight due to the time taken.
*BONUS* – why not check out our article all about Air Freight vs Sea Freight?
C. Customs Regulations
Be aware of Chinese customs policies. At the very least you need to be able to provide the following:
- Detailed Inventory List
- Passport and proof of residence in China
- Copy of visas
- Work permit or Residency Documents
China has some of the strictest food safety standard anywhere in the world, any food products must be labelled in Chinese and comply with the Chinese food labelling laws. Companies must also provide food safety certification documents to demonstrate compliance with Chinese food standard. Chinese customs inspectors will also conduct thorough checks on any and all imported food products to ensure they meet the food safety standards.
All weapons, ammunition and any kind of explosive device are prohibited in China, even if you have a licence to carry. Any printed matter, films or photographs that are deemed detrimental to the political, economic, cultural or moral interests of China are also strictly forbidden.
In terms of tobacco, you may bring in 400 sticks, or 500 grams of tobacco for personal use. If you being more than $5,000 in cash you’ll also have to declare it.
D. Decluttering and Packing
Here at Euromovers we’re firm believers in using the three R’s when it comes to decluttering before you pack:
- Reduce: Decrease the amount your taking by removing old clothes and items you no longer need.
- Re-Use: Those boxes you’re about to throw away? They can be re-used for moving!
- Recycle: If you’ve not got a use for it, maybe someone else will? Recycle any old clothes and put them into a donation box for you local clothes bank
5. Estimated Moving Costs
At Euromovers, our calculated cost of moving abroad is based upon 3 main factors: The shipment size (ft³), destination, and customs duty! Here’s a further breakdown of these costs to help with your move to China:
- Shipping Costs: Sea Freight for a 20ft container can be anywhere from £7500-9500 from the UK. Plus transport costs when you get there. While air freight can be upwards of £10,000. If shipping from the US, expect to pay almost £14k for a 20ft shipping container.
- Custom Duties: If your goods are worth less than £135 then you won’t have to pay any import tax. If they’re between £135-£630, then you’ll pay 2.5% duty. Goods worth more than £630? Then you’ll need to check the HS code of the codes to get the exact rate. Confused? Why not use this handy import calculator to figure out how much VAT you would be due on your current inventory of goods.
- Insurance: At Euromovers we offer varying levels of cover including marine transport insurance. On average, insurance costs are between 1-3% of the shipment value.
- Temporary Accommodation: You may need to factor in the costs of staying short-term if awaiting a visa or a room to become available. Put aside approximately £25-£30 per night for a comfortable night of sleep in a smaller town. Whereas a night’s stay in a larger city like Shanghai will cost a bit more, at between £40 and £60 per night.
6. Settling In: Chinese Housing, Schools, & Healthcare
A. Housing
The housing costs in China depend greatly on where you plan to live. If you’re an expat, then the following are excellent examples of friendly expat neighbourhoods in the three big cities.
Shanghai – Xuhui, Jing’an, and Pudong
Beijing – Sanlitun, Chaoyang, and Haidian
Guangzhou – Tianhe and Zhujiang New Town
B. Education
Did you know that in China, English is part of the national curriculum and is taught at a young age? Even at Primary School level! So, even if you’re moving to China from the UK with children, choosing a school that knows English won’t be much of a challenge. If you’re reluctant to learn the language, then be prepared to face hefty international school fees to keep your children’s education up to scratch.
C. Healthcare
Although China has very high-quality private hospitals, the public healthcare system can be quite challenging due to language barriers. As such, we’d strongly advise you get international health insurance in order to access the private hospitals with English-speaking doctors.
Top 3 Rated Hospitals in China:
7. China Cost Comparison
The Cost of Living in China varies depending on the city.
| Expense | Shanghai | Beijing | Guangzhou | Chengdu |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1 bedroom) | £950 /month | £800 /month | £550 /month | £400 /month |
| Meal (restaurant) | £8 | £6.50 | £5 | £4 |
| Public Transport | 50p per ride | 40p per ride | 35p per ride | 25p per ride |
| Internet | £16 /month | £14 /month | £12 /month | £10 /month |
Comparing China to Other Expat Destinations.
| Factor | China | USA | UK | Australia | Germany |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Lower than UK & USA | High | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Job Opportunities | Growing in Tech, Finance & Education | Strong in Tech & Finance | Competitive | Strong in skilled trades & IT | Strong in Engineering & Manufacturing |
| Healthcare | High Quality but language barrier | Expensive without insurance | Free NHS | Universal Healthcare | Excellent Public Healthcare |
| Cultural Adaptation | Moderate, language can be tricky | Easy for English speakers | Easy for English speakers | Easy for English speakers | Cultural Adaptation |
| Visa Requirements | Strict, but work visas are available | Complex | Complex | Moderate | Moderate |
Pros of Moving to China Over Popular Expat Destinations:
- Strong Economy: China has one of the fastest-growing economies, providing ample job and business opportunities for everyone.
- Cost of Living: Many cities, in particular second-tier cities, offer a much lower cost of living compared to Western nations.
- Infrastructure: High-speed trains, modern metro systems and “smart” cities make travel and daily life much more convenient.
- Cultural Diversity: China is steeped in tradition, with each region offering unique festivals and cuisines.
- Safety: Compared to Western countries, China has a very low crime rate.
Cons of Moving to China:
- Language Barrier: Mandarin is the primary language, and a tricky one at that. English is not widely spoken in some urban areas.
- Air Pollution: One of the downsides of China is how it deals with pollution. Still massive users of coal, cities like Beijing and Shanghai experience high levels of smog and air pollution.
- Internet Restrictions: Main Western sites like Google, Facebook, and YouTube are blocked by the Chinese CCP and can only be accessed with a VPN.
- Visa Complexity: It is usual for work and residence Visas to require some form of sponsorship and are notoriously difficult to get.
8. Settling Down
Exploring Your New Home in China
Depending on your interests and lifestyle, selecting the right location to move to in China can make all the difference for your move. Here are some of our suggestions for locations to move to in China based on your particular lifestyle:
- Urban Life: Shanghai is China’s financial hub, offering a dynamic city lifestyle with skyscrapers, luxury shops, and a very vibrant nightlife. It’s often at the top of the list for expats looking for international business opportunities.
- Beach Life: Located on Hainan Island, Sanya is known as “China’s Hawaii”. Boasting beautiful beaches, excellent weather and luxury resorts, it’s ideal for those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
- Outdoor Life: If you’re a fan of the outdoors, and in particular Pandas, then Chengdu would be ideal. The gateway to China’s Sichuan mountains and Panda reserve, Chengdu offers the perfect balance between urban living and outdoor adventures.
- Food and Cuisine: The birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, Guangzhou offers diverse food options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional dim sum teahouses, the region has something for every palette.
- Festivals and Culture: As the cultural heart of Japan, it’s no surprise that we’d recommend Beijing if you’re looking for a city that offers festivals and expressive culture. Home to historic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, Beijing also hosts major festivals, including Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, both offering deep cultural immersion.
9. FAQs About Moving to China
Q: How long does it take to ship household goods to China?
Although airmail can take as little as 4-7 working days, shipping the entire contents of your home will take that bit longer. In fact, sea-freight, where we would ship your goods via a container ship, to China from the UK has a long lead time of between 30-40 days due to the amount of stops along the way.
Q: Can I bring my pet with me to China?
Only cats and dogs are allowed into China. With only one pet per carrier. Each pet must be implanted with an electronic chip. If not, your pet will need quarantine for 30 days before being allowed into the country.
Q: What are the Living Costs like in China?
Compared to the United Kingdom, the cost of living in China is considerably cheaper. Monthly expenses range from £600 to £850 per month for a single person in a big city like Beijing or Hong Kong. In smaller cities these costs are even lower, ranging from £350 to £600 per month to live and rent in the local area.
10. Cultural Tips for Expats in China
- Respect Hierarchy – Business culture in China values hierarchy and respect for elders.
- Learn Basic Mandarin – While English is spoken in most major cities, being able to converse in basic Mandarin can greatly improve your experience of the Chinese lifestyles.
- Use WeChat – Similar to WhatsApp, the Chinese version is also used for payments in China is an essential tool to navigate modern day China successfully.
- Adapt to Local Cuisine – Embrace local food options, as Western ingredients will see you paying a premium or simply unavailable.
11. Conclusion: Moving to China
China is a big place, and a land of opportunity, offering a unique cultural experience and economic advantages for expatriates. Whilst moving to China is complex and has it’s challenges, careful preparation and understanding of the country’s regulations and lifestyle will help ensure a smooth transition abroad. Whether you seek urban excitement, outdoor adventures or simple culinary delights, China has something to offer every expat.
For a seamless move to China from the UK, the team here at Euromovers can help you every step of the way. We’re here to assist with packing, shipping and even customs clearance to ensure a stress-free transition abroad.
Choose Euromovers as your trusted international removal company, and get a Quote Today!
