Checklist for move to China

[tcador]

My wife and I are moving to China around March 20th. She is a Beijing native that has lived here in the US for the last 10 years. She left Beijing when she was 18 and hasn't been back longer than a few weeks for vacation, so she's sorta clueless on what we need to do to prepare for our move.

We'd like to know what type of things we need to do before departing.

What we have done:

• Bank accounts setup in China
  
• Set up wire transfer between our banks in both countries
  
• Got Visa for me, US citizen (Tourist for now)
  
• Plan to go to Chinese consulate to get marriage certificate notarized
  
• Sold all our stuff
  
• Plan to get immunizations this week
  
• Plan to register with Department of State
  

Is there anything else obvious that we're missing? We'll be going to Beijing initially, and then maybe Shanghai depending on which job offer works out for us.

Thanks!

[roddy]

You might want to load up on a few guide / phrase books. The Insider's Guide to Beijing and handy companion Mandarin Phrasebook are good for people who are staying longer term in Beijing rather than just passing through. Chances are you'll be able to get both of those cheaper in Beijing than in the US, but might be worth getting a head start.

Have a look round the usual sites - cityweekend.com.cn, thatsbj.com, maybe sign up for xianzai.com newsletters to get a feel for what's going on.

[johnd]

Go to the dentist for a check-up, and get any necessary work done before you leave home.

[self-taught-mba]

Go to the dentist for a check-up, and get any necessary work done before you leave home.

Recommend just the opposite. In Beijing you can find plenty of dentists that can do quality work for much less.

By all means go get the checkup and a price estimate, then smile at how much cheaper you can get it done here.

[tcador]

Thanks for the tips so far.

On the dentist deal, we both went for check-ups in December, paid for thru our work insurance, so we're good there at least for a few more months.

I'm currently taking Chinese lessons but those books are great suggestions.

[liuzhou]

Buy flight tickets?

[tcador]

Finally got tickets bought yesterday ...and immunizations, boy is my arm sore.

[simonlaing]

One thing I would advise is trying to do several cultural activities that you will miss while you're in China.

They exisit in China but the familiar atmosphere of your home country is much sweeter in your own language. Also if you're coming for an extended period your return trips will be shorter and you might not have time to do these things.

Things i am talking about are: (in the US)

Going to a sports Game Basketball or Baseball, or other sport,

Visit the local Art Gallery or Museum,

Go to a live concert or show ,

Participate in Bar activities like Karaoke or Quiz night.

Have a picnic or BBQ in some scenic place or Park with family.

Yes spend more time with family that you will leave behind as you will miss them.

These are the things I think regret as I thought I would be back soon and would be able to do these things. Who knew the Patriots would go on such a streak?

Good luck,

Have fun,

Simon:)

[BrandeX]

Bring Tums/Rolaids. They don't have them here.

[cdn_in_bj]

You did not mention your wife's status but I'm assuming if she's been in the US that long, that she has US citizenship. Also, since you only mentioned getting a visa for yourself, it seems that she plans to enter China using her Chinese passport? If both of the above are true, then you need to be aware that China does not recognize dual citizenship. You may want to consult with the Chinese consulate about this matter just to be safe.

Aside from that, you should bring enough cash (US$) to survive for a month or two as wire transfers can sometimes take a while to clear.

If you have an unexpired driver's license, bring it as it will make it easier to get a local driver's license.

Your wife may want to stock up on some cosmetics/perfurmes as they can be pricey over here.

Finally, if you like a good steak... well, enjoy it while it lasts.

[liuzhou]

Bring Tums/Rolaids. They don't have them here.

But they have stuff which does the same.

[BrandeX]

Like what?

All I have found is the chinese version of Zantac, which is not an instant relief type remedy like rolaids/tums.

[here2learn]

Bring your favorite deodorant?

They have some here, but not a whole shelf-full, and the prices are US prices anyway, so pick up a few extra of your favorite if you have one. (or ask us if they have your brand of products)

When I came here I brought a short but decent supply of all my favorite medicines. Of course they have most stuff here, or a chinese equivalent, but if you have diarrhea at 2am or a cold or a headache, the last thing you want to do is have to go find a store that has familiar items or try to read labels you're unsure of (though your wife might be ok with that for you). Anyway, just bring a few of the most important things you use often, while you get accustomed to your local stores and who carries what.

Decaffeinated tea.

I haven't seen ONE here. I don't drink coffee but come to think of it I don't think I've seen caffeine-free ANYTHING here.

If you're vegetarians I could give you some suggestions but I won't bother considering the chances.

If there's anything organic or natural that you like, I'd suggest bringing some (toiletries, nonperishable not-heavy foods, etc)

Is there anything you feel you'll need to bring because they won't have it here? We can tell you if it's a good idea or better to just buy one here and use the space for something more important. Like, don't pack an iron, heehee, buy one here. And there's plenty of chocolate here, believe me!

Prescriptions or doctor's notes or medical records?

I have no major medical issues, so I didn't bother with that, but maybe it might be important for some people.

If you take medication maybe your doctor can be a real human being and prescribe you extra of something, just to make sure you have a good supply?

Don't bring too much actual cash, you don't want to lose it! ATM machines everywhere use VISA checkcards, and you can pay with them at special registers at the Carrefour supermarket.

(I agree dental work here is awesome. I'm currently getting some and I'm totally satisfied in every way.)

Any specific Beijing questions, feel free to ask.

[cdn_in_bj]

Bring your favorite deodorant?

That's a good one. In fact it gets harder if you're looking for a straight deodourant, rather than an antiperspirant. The only place I've been able to find a deodourant here is at Ikea (in the family & home section, look for the black "deostick"). I also don't think I've seen any places selling body sprays (such as Axe, etc.).

The same is true for other hygeine products. You can find most anything you'll need over here, but not necessarily the same brands/models. There was a thread from a while back that discussed this in detail, but I haven't been able to find it. Maybe you'll have better luck than I with the search feature.

[here2learn]

The Carrefour just off the northeast 3rd ring rd, by the National Exhibition Center, has Axe, but I'm not sure which products.

Another thing about deodorant here is that it's almost impossible to find STICK deodorant. It's all roll-on. I hate roll-on, I don't want to put something wet under my arms.

I just thought of something else, though maybe this is CRAZY....

I hate my phone. My land-line phone (not talking about cell phone). It has no way to adjust the volume of the ringer, and I looked in many stores at many phones, and asked in chinese, and looked at EXPENSIVE phones too, and NONE of them have a volume control, and they ARE ALL LOUD. Like, "scare the crap out of me and give me a heart attack" loud. I'm not kidding. I have mine unplugged at all times. Yes, no one can call me. I can hear other people's phones ring in their apt's too. They are ALL painfully loud. I mean, set your current phone to its loudest and then imagine it x3. If you like your current landline phone, it seriously may be worth it to bring it, odd as that may sound.

[tcador]

Thanks everyone for the wonderful suggestions! In the last two [hectic] weeks in the US, these are very helpful.

The deodorant suggestion is great! I too can't stand roll-on deodorant. I'll make sure to stock up before I leave. It's tricky though, finding the right mix of what all we can fit on our bags / carry-on and what we have to ship. Currently, we're selling all our stuff besides the must have clothes and other items (computer, camera, etc). We're HOPING that we can fit everything w/o shipping.

It's crazy how much crap is accumulated over time. This move has been quite a liberating experience so far though.

[liuzhou]

NONE of them have a volume control

I have three land line phones. They all have volume controls for the ringing. OK, there are only two settings, high or low, but the low is reasonable, I think.

But then, I'm deaf anyway! (sh)

[Mao Zhou]

Instead of a wire transfer you might want to look at HSBC premier banking. The let you have a US and Chinese accounts with online transfers for free between them. The monthly service charge was less than I was spending for wire transfers so it was a no brainer. Plus you get a Chinese ATM Debit card and a US one. It's sometimes impossible to get your US card to work.

Hope this helps. BTW, what kind of work are you looking for in China?

Mao Zhou

[cui ruide]

Deodorant's the main one I wanted to say. I was otherwise surprised the prevalence of western brands (like head & shoulders) in supermarkets (albeit foreign ones--carrefour, auchan, legou, etc.) for other products.

It might be a good idea to bring some things for gifts--a specialty from your home--keychains, shot glasses, t-shirts or something...?

[muyongshi]

I agree on the deodorant especially if you are particular about brand/type and don't want a spray or an antiperspirant.