Living
Considering The City
For foreigners, working in Beijing is an eye opening experience. Business is conducted in a format that will be alien to most, with meetings, bureaucracy and managerial hierarchies following strict cultural traditions. But, foreign workers are treated with a respect and tolerance that few other countries can offer.
Salaries vary greatly and depend principally on whether you work for a Chinese or foreign owned company. Wages offered to foreigners by Chinese companies are often higher than they would give native workers, but still far less than could be expected in most western countries. Foreign owned firms tend to pay rates similar to those in the west, and many offer housing allowances and medical insurance.
China is a cheap country to live in, and many expats find it easy to save money, which is often a big incentive to relocate. Although the city is more modern than other parts of the country, it has managed to retain that incomparable Chinese flavour that attracts both tourists and expats.
Facilities for foreigners are improving daily, and there is a strong community atmosphere. On the downside, the language barrier is a constant thorn in the side of those trying to tackle even the simplest tasks.
Up until the middle of 2006, getting a business or F Visa was relatively simple and finding work with it even easier. Today however, authorities are clamping down on foreigners working illegally, most notably in language schools. It is important to note that you cannot upgrade from a tourist or L Visa to a working or Z Visa in the country, but this is possible from an F Visa. But, life will be simpler if you secure work before you arrive.
Salaries vary greatly and depend principally on whether you work for a Chinese or foreign owned company. Wages offered to foreigners by Chinese companies are often higher than they would give native workers, but still far less than could be expected in most western countries. Foreign owned firms tend to pay rates similar to those in the west, and many offer housing allowances and medical insurance.
China is a cheap country to live in, and many expats find it easy to save money, which is often a big incentive to relocate. Although the city is more modern than other parts of the country, it has managed to retain that incomparable Chinese flavour that attracts both tourists and expats.
Facilities for foreigners are improving daily, and there is a strong community atmosphere. On the downside, the language barrier is a constant thorn in the side of those trying to tackle even the simplest tasks.
Up until the middle of 2006, getting a business or F Visa was relatively simple and finding work with it even easier. Today however, authorities are clamping down on foreigners working illegally, most notably in language schools. It is important to note that you cannot upgrade from a tourist or L Visa to a working or Z Visa in the country, but this is possible from an F Visa. But, life will be simpler if you secure work before you arrive.
