Moving to Beijing – International Relocation

Moving to Beijing

Beijing is a city full of possibilities, and if you are visiting as a tourist or settling down as an expat, there’s no lack of great food, culture, and fun to be had.

Be warned though: no matter where you go, you’ll probably find yourself in a crowd, especially on public transportation and at tourist hotspots. This is only to be expected in a booming city of 22 million people.

A short walk around Beijing is like opening a time capsule into Chinese history: the Forbidden City inspires images of ancient dynasties, Tiananmen Square acts as a reminder of the defining years of Chinese repression, and new Olympic buildings serve as elegant and defining symbols of China’s arrival on the world stage .

Visa And Immigration

As with many Chinese cities, moving to Beijing is exciting because of its recent role as a prime player in the spotlight of the international business stage. Not to mention, it is the political and cultural centre of all of China.

As Beijing’s economy shakes off government regulation, international companies vie to hold on, and expats and locals alike dig in deep to bear the burden of the metropolis’ sky-high cost of living.

Yet for all of the furious development and sprawling districts, central Beijing is also steeped in ancient architecture and impressive centres of government, providing a sobering counterpoint to the city’s capitalist frenzy.

Expats usually need to make adjustments to an environment that isn’t always as accommodating as other international cities. Large cultural hurdles can make foreign nationals feel ostracised from the Chinese. Simultaneously, the city’s density can feel claustrophobic.

Terrible pollution and frenetic traffic add to many expats’ frustrations.
The city’s size is staggering. Beijing encompasses an enormous 6,500 square miles (16,800 sq km) and is home to more than 22 million people.

The sheer magnitude has consequently created smaller city-like districts within, from expat suburb communities to expansive, shapeless developments.

Accommodation in Beijing can range from fantastic to abysmal, but there are good options for expats in almost every neighbourhood. The trick is finding a neighbourhood that meets your needs, but that can be more than a little difficult at times,

Please use our relocation management services which will help you when moving.

Housing in Beijing

Almost all of the housing available in the Beijing city centre is in apartment form, and most are not exorbitantly spacious.

Most expats put high priority on having an apartment with a modern kitchen (with counters, refrigerator, and storage, along with the standard sink and a stove top), and many old-style Beijing flats aren’t exactly accommodating in this department.
There are houses available at various villas located farther outside of the city, and these will have far more Western amenities, including yards, ovens, and possibly even a pool or a dryer.

Housing in Beijing

Accommodation in Beijing may be furnished or unfurnished, and the price should reflect that fact; it’s really not guaranteed either way, and even less guaranteed is the style (or lack thereof) with which a place may be furnished.

If you find yourself needing to add to your accommodation, there are various places across Beijing to buy or have furniture made, including markets and IKEA. Expat should take this into consideration before shipping every item from house and home overseas.

Please take advantage of our relocation home finding services which you may find invaluable.

The cost of living in Beijing

The cost of living is on par with many of Europe’s most prolific capitals.

As the political and cultural centre of China, it’s also the most expensive city in the nation, and is ranked as the 16th most expensive destination in the world, alongside London (17) and Paris (17), according to Mercer’s 2010 Cost of Living Survey.

In short, despite the fact that living in China is generally more affordable than in comparable economic powerhouses, Beijing is not a cheap, especially for those expats who demand a certain standard of comfort and luxury. Furthermore, with so many opportunities for exploration and entertainment, it can often feel like there’s rarely ever “enough” money to live the life you imagine for yourself in this city.

Working in Beijing

Both Hong Kong and Shanghai are better known for being economic centres, while Beijing has traditionally been China’s cultural and political centre.

That being said, Beijing has asserted itself as a fertile ground for start-up businesses and innovative entrepreneurs.

Expats interested in working in this sort of environment, rather than a strictly corporate atmosphere would be right to consider Beijing.
Otherwise, the city has a large financial sector, both Chinese and foreign, that drives much of Beijing’s economy.

This includes many foreign banks with offices in Beijing, also sources of expat jobs in Beijing. Furthermore, the city has a large electronics and computer industry, retail industry and tourism industry.

Language can be a problem when moving to China and we recommend using our relocation intercultural and language training services.

Education and Schools in Beijing

Expat children will almost always attend one of the many international schools in Beijing.
Expats living in Beijing will find a large assortment of international schools that offer a variety of curricula; schools in Beijing are largely regarded as the best in the nation.

Student in Beijing

Expat kids can continue with the curriculum of their home country or choose rather to pursue an International Baccalaureate degree.

Although most international schools teach in English, many are in other languages including French, Japanese or German. Expat parents should begin the application process as soon as they can to avoid having their children waitlisted at their preferred school.

This is probably a good time to use our school search services.

Healthcare in Beijing

Most expats in need of healthcare in Beijing will want to go to the city’s private hospitals and medical centres.

Public hospitals are cheap but waiting times are long and the quality of treatment can vary greatly.

Private medical centres are also preferred for non-emergency visits. The Chinese in Beijing generally don’t attend separate general practitioner clinics but queue at the public hospitals for non-emergency treatments and advice.

This creates enormous and frustrating waits that are avoidable at private centres. Doctors at private clinics can speak English and are often expatriates themselves from Europe or the US. Some Chinese doctors use elements of traditional medicine in their practice although, in general, the two fields have little overlap in Beijing medical centres.

Interdean Beijing offices

We have our own offices in Beijing run by our sister company Santa Fe making sure we are with you every step of the way.