5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to China

0
2Кб

Moving to China can feel like stepping into another world — exciting, fast, and full of daily surprises. I thought I was prepared, but there were a few things I wish someone told me earlier. If you’re planning to move or you just arrived, these five notes will make life much smoother.

1) Cashless Life is Real

QR codes run everything. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay as soon as you can. From tiny street stalls to taxis and supermarkets, mobile pay is the default. Keep a little cash for rare edge cases, but your phone is your wallet.

2) Language is Key (Even the Basics)

You don’t need fluency to survive, but a few phrases change everything. Try: 你好 (Nǐ hǎo – Hello), 谢谢 (Xièxiè – Thank you), 不要 (Bù yào – No/Don’t want). Locals appreciate the effort, and small moments become easier and friendlier.

3) Food is Different Everywhere

There isn’t one “Chinese food.” Sichuan is spicy and numbing, Guangdong is light and fresh, the North loves noodles and bread. Explore widely before deciding your favorites — your best meal might be in a hole-in-the-wall spot you almost skipped.

4) Networking Opens Doors

Jobs, apartments, side gigs — the best leads often come from people, not search engines. Join events and communities on Hafrik, say hello, and ask questions. A single introduction can save you weeks of stress.

5) Patience Is a Superpower

Processes can be different from what you’re used to. Visas, deliveries, banking — sometimes things take longer. Breathe, ask politely, and follow up. Patience keeps the experience positive and productive.

💡 Pro Tip: Create a “China starter pack” on your phone — key phrases, address in Chinese, bank/ID photos (securely), and important QR codes. It saves time daily.

 

 

Like
2
Поиск

🚀 Promote Your Hustle

Whether you sell food, fix phones, or cut hair — Hafrik helps you grow. Free business pages now open!

Create Page
Категории
Больше
Jobs & Career
International Brand Sales Specialist – Shanghai
International Brand Sales Specialist – Shanghai • Company: thecoolhunter • Type:...
От Godwin 2025-09-01 16:09:22 0 2Кб
Global Trends
China Introduces New Rules for Cybersecurity Incident Reporting
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has released a new regulation on managing and...
От HafrikGuide 2025-09-30 02:28:15 0 26
Jobs & Career
The Importance of Networking in China
In China, jobs are not always found on websites—they’re found through people....
От Godwin 2025-09-01 16:01:24 0 2Кб
Learning Chinese
Learn Chinese in 5 Minutes: Everyday Phrases You’ll Actually Use
Learning Mandarin might feel intimidating at first, but you don’t have to master thousands...
От Hafrik 2025-08-09 06:59:19 0 8Кб
Learning Chinese
Chinese Class 101: How to Say Hello in Chinese
Chinese Class 101: How to Say Hello in Chinese Learning Chinese can feel challenging at first,...
От HafrikGuide 2025-09-30 02:34:22 0 23