IkkyInChina
Dutch and English expat in China
Forum posts
24
About me
Dutch and English
Speaks Arabic Dutch English French Mandarin
Registration: 30 January 2025
? Chengdu Layover Guide 2026: Free Hotels, & Panda Tours
While Chengdu doesn’t have an official free guided “Express” city tour like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Shenzhen, it offers one of the best layover deals in China:Complimentary transit hotels from major airlines plusExcellent ... Read More
In hospital in Chengdu question about food by Andyhack22
Hi my wife had a fall whilst on holiday in Chengdu she has been in the BOE hospital for over a week and will be here for at least another 2 we are both struggling a bit with the food provided and i really want my wife to eat more to aid her ...
Hi @Andyhack22First of all, I hope your wife recovers quickly.For proper Western/imported groceries (cheese, bread, yogurt, cereals, snacks, etc.), go to the Olé supermarket inside Chengdu IFS Taikoo Li on Chunxi Road.It’s the best ... Read More
Relocating from Dubai to Suzhou by Emeka Ikenze
Hi!My name is Emeka and I currently live in the UAE (Dubai). I have been here for over 10 years. I am planning to move to China August this year most likely Suzhou and will be setting up a WFOE that is tied to Agribusiness in Africa. Grateful for ...
Hi @Emeka IkenzeSuzhou (especially SIP – Suzhou Industrial Park) is a solid choice for your WFOE. It’s more affordable and practical than Shanghai, with good infrastructure, English support at the local SAMR, and strong logistics for ... Read More
Medical Clinics information by naumce55
Hi all, I know this might not be common but i really struggle finding appropriate facility. I live in Dalian for a couple of years already and I am in a need of VZV-zoster IGg antigen test result (immunity check) for employment purposes abroad. I ...
Hi @naumce55I know it’s a late response but here you go.Try these for VZV IgG (Varicella immunity) test in Dalian:Raffles Medical Dalian Clinic — they do Varicella IgG and travel/employment screenings. Call to confirm standalone test + ... Read More
Decent dental clinic with English speaking doctors in Wenzhou by tchelpanovakat
Hello everyone! I just moved to China for work and I live in Wenzhou. I plan to do some orthodontic work. Could you advise me any decent dental clinic with English speaking doctors in Wenzhou??
Hi @tchelpanovakat and welcome to Wenzhou!For orthodontics, start with the Wenzhou Medical University Affiliated Stomatology Hospital (温州医科大学附属口腔医院).It's the top ... Read More
Singaporeans in Shanghai by Tammylcy
Hello! Singaporean who just moved to Shanghai. Is there a community group that I could join? Looking forward to connect!
To add on top of what @lorenaseefeldt102 shared:Shanghai Singapore Business Association (SSBA): Very active group of Singaporeans here. They organize regular gatherings. Read More
Suggestions for medical insurance by Alfilie
I plan to visit China as a tourist in the near future and I would like to purchase medical insurance while there. Any suggestions and thank you.Al
@AlfilieAlthough Medical insurance isn’t required for a standard tourist (L) visa to China, but it’s highly recommended.Foreigners usually can’t use the public healthcare system, most hospitals want full payment upfront (sometimes ... Read More
Sports Bar with Pool/Billiards table in Guangzhou by thimschiew
HI, i just moved to GZ and am a pool/billiards enthusiast. Is there any nice sports bar with a pool table in GZ specifically in and around Panyu area? I am open to travel within 20km radius for such activity and meet similar interest group. Love to ...
@thimschiewHi Mate and welcome to expat.com!The Tavern Sports Bar in Panyu is the perfect match for you — multiple tables, live sports, craft beer, good food, and a chill expat vibe.Located at Yingbin Road by Hua Nan Country Garden west gate ... Read More
Looking for a financial adviser by ShayOD
I was wondering if anyone here knows where to find a bilingual financial adviser in Shanghai to help plot a way through a financial difficulty? Any suggestions would be gratefully received. All the bestShay
@ShayODYes, bilingual (English/Mandarin) financial advisers in Shanghai for expats facing financial difficulties:Austen Morris Associates: Expat specialists in wealth planning & cross-border issues. ... Read More
ASUS Router by donmurgatroid
Does anyone know where i may purchase an ASUS? RT-AX88U router that is an intermational, rather than Chinese, version? Thanks!
Hi @donmurgatroid Yes, the international (global/US/KR) version of the ASUS RT-AX88U is easy to get:In Korea: Check Danawa for local stock from reputable sellers (not overseas imports): https://prod.danawa.com/info/?pcode=6914149. Also ... Read More
How to get in touch with Westerners in Shanghai by jraper06
Hello, I recently retired and came to visit China; my first impression of China (shanghai) is quite positive. I would like to visit here more often. hope to meet foriegners who have lived longer or earlier in shanghai than me, and share living ...
@jraper06Hey Cindy & Jon,Welcome to Shanghai! Glad your first impression is so positive — it only gets better with repeat visits.I’ve made dozens of extended trips here (plus some Chengdu time), so I totally get wanting to come back ... Read More
Salaries for expat surgeons / Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) / Otolaryngology? by kendor
Wondering if anyone knows the typical range of salaries/salary packages that expat doctors working in expat hospitals in Shanghai receive for Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) / Otolaryngology surgery or a similar surgical subspeciality. Person in question has ...
I’ve dug around on this exact scenario (expat docs in Shanghai international hospitals) because a colleague was eyeing a similar move a couple years back.For an ENT/otolaryngologist with your described background—top UC residency, 10+ ... Read More
Truck Driver from Morocco Seeking Job in China (Shenzhen / Logistics) by aminewahabi200
Hello,My name is Amine, I am a professional truck driver from Morocco with experience in long-distance and cargo transportation. I am currently looking for a job opportunity in China, especially in Shenzhen or nearby logistics cities.I have ...
Hi @aminewahabi200Welcome! Thanks for posting your details.Truck driving jobs in China (especially long-haul cargo in Shenzhen/Guangdong) are tough for foreigners right now. Most companies prefer local drivers because of the licensing process and ... Read More
Raising kids the local way in China by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Raising children as an expat in China means discovering new parenting habits. School routines, discipline, food habits, independence, social life… many things may work differently in China compared to your home country. In ...
Hi @CherylThanks for this great thread — really helpful for expat parents!I’ve been living in Shanghai for almost 20 years now, and my 13-year-old son (Chinese nationality, Shanghai hukou) is in 7th grade at a local public middle school. ... Read More
Traveling to Linyi City, China this Fall by Alfilie
I plan on traveling to Linyi City, China this fall, and while there I would like to connect with English speaking people. I will be staying in the city for several months and I will be needing guidance how to navigate the city as well as the ...
Great choice for a more authentic, low-key Shandong experience!English speakers are limited but you can find them:Join WeChat expat/local groups (search “Linyi expats” or “Linyi English”)Use HelloTalk/Tandem for language ... Read More
Where to buy smart home gadgets by itsthomas
Are there any markets or shopping centres in Shanghai where I can buy smart home gadgets such as Reolink cameras, Aqara motion sensors, Govee lights—as well as Anker power banks or Beelink mini PCs?
Yes, Shanghai has great spots for Reolink, Aqara, Govee, Anker, and Beelink stuff.Best areas:Xujiahui (easiest): Pacific Digital Plaza (太平洋数码广场) and Metro City. Tons of shops for cameras, smart ... Read More
International Money Transfer in Renminbi by DannyMauritius
If I have a renminbi bank outside China and one in Beijing, can I do international money transfer in that currency easily and without high charges/fees between the 2 renminbi bank accounts?? And also how much money (in renminbi and in US ...
@DannyMauritius Yes, you can transfer RMB directly between an offshore RMB account (e.g., CNH in Hong Kong, Singapore, or elsewhere) and your onshore RMB account in Beijing. This is done as a cross-border RMB remittance (often via CIPS or SWIFT), ... Read More
S1 visa for adult child? by Epicfail
Hi! I'm a teacher here, and my son goes to university online. We're both American, and Deepseek swears up and down that my son can transfer his S2 visa to an S1 and get a Family Reunion residence permit. It says it's possible because he is ...
You can't rely 100% on AI for immigration advice.The S1 visa is for children under the age of 18. Only S2 does not have that age limit for children. Read More
Cost of living in China in 2025 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in in China, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to China or already living ...
Cost of living in China varies dramatically depending on where you choose to live. I have a section in my blog where I do a breakdown of living costs in major cities for expats, including housing, food, transportation, and other daily expenses. Read More
Studying in China with Hiv by nbrando21
Hie, i got accepted at a University in China ,however i am Hiv positve.My question is will i get a student X1 visa approved and also the residence permit once there in China.If i am found with my medication during the airport check-up ,will i get ...
@nbrando21 Absolutely....... NOT Read More
Is China now blocking LinkedIn? by MohawkJoe
The past couple weeks I have received email notices that there are employers who are interested in me but LinkedIn is not functional. Anyone know what this is?
@Steven Y Lee Works fine on my end. Are you logging in via the browser or the mobile app? Read More
New and Looking for Muslim/Halal Eateries by nurella
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In this blog post, you will discover how to find halal food in China with this comprehensive guide. Learn about halal certification, apps, markets, mosques, and tips for enjoying halal meals while traveling:[link under review] Read More
any good sightseen places in or near Shanghai by Thomas xxx
i'd like to know is there any tips or good recommendations on places to visit with in a couple of hours in/near Shanghai. I wanna form up a group to discuss it. if interested, DM me.
In addition to @QuantumEcho wonderful recommendations, I would add and recommend a visit toZhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角). You can get there by Subway Line 17 and get off at Zhujiajiao station. The water town is a walking distance ... Read More
PERMANENT VISA VS. Z VISA by Michelle Santiago
Hello!American here, looking to move to China in the next 2 to 3 years. Does anybody know how an American can get a permanent visa, without having to leave China after the 3 months ? I read the Z Visa would require you to be approved ...
Hello there!To obtain a permanent visa in China, you would typically need to apply for a Chinese Green Card, which is challenging and requires meeting specific criteria, such as significant investment, high-level employment, or family ... Read More