Life in China

Online platforms

There are several active rental search platforms in China:

• Batdongsan.com.vn
  
• Chotot.com
  
• Facebook Marketplace — for searching among local expats and Ukrainians
  
• Ziroom, Lianjia (链家) — popular services in China with verified apartments and English support

Keep in mind that most websites are only available in Chinese. We recommend using automatic translation through your browser or hiring a local agent.

Ukrainian groups

In large cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, there are Telegram and Facebook groups for the Ukrainian diaspora. Often, you can find cheaper offers with no commission there.

What documents are required?

To sign a lease agreement, you will usually need:

• passport
  
• visa or temporary registration
  
• Chinese phone number
  
• cash deposit or proof of solvency

It is advisable to have a translation of the agreement in English or Chinese.

What should you pay attention to?

Be sure to clarify:

• terms of return of the deposit
  
• who pays for utilities
  
• how much notice is required before moving out
  
• whether subletting or long-term stays by guests are allowed

💡 If you are unsure about the terms of the contract or the language of the document, it is best to consult a lawyer. A specialist from Visit Ukraine will help you understand the rules of renting in China.

Where to buy

1. Supermarkets and hypermarkets:

• Carrefour, Walmart, Auchan — large chains with a wide range of products, including imports
• Hema (盒马) — a modern supermarket chain affiliated with Alibaba. Offers 30-minute delivery and a convenient app
• Ole', Jenny Lou’s — premium stores for foreigners, where you can find cheese, black bread, buckwheat, coffee, etc. (but prices are significantly higher)

2. Markets and small shops:

• Local markets (especially morning or evening markets) offer fresh chicken, fish, vegetables, and greens, often cheaper than in supermarkets
• Neighborhood shops sell basic necessities, local spices, semi-finished products, and noodles

3. Online delivery platforms:

• Meituan Maicai, JD Daojia, Freshippo (Hema) — allow you to order groceries for home delivery
• You can choose a specific delivery time and track the courier's route, which is convenient for busy people or families with children

💡 Some platforms only work in Chinese, but they have an intuitive interface.

Average food costs

For one person, ¥1,500–2,000 (≈ €190–250) per month.

For a couple — ¥2,500–3,500 (≈ €315–440).

A family with a child spends an average of ¥4,000–5,500 (≈ €500–690), depending on the city and preferences.

Examples of prices (in Beijing, Shanghai):

• 1 liter of milk — ¥15 (≈ 1.90 €)
• 1 kg of chicken — ¥25–35 (≈ 3.15–4.40 €)
  
• 1 kg of rice — ¥10 (≈ 1.25 €)
  
• 1 dozen eggs — ¥12 (≈ 1.50 €)
• 1 kg of apples — ¥8–12 (≈ 1–1.50 €)
  
• Bread (loaf) — ¥12–18 (≈ 1.50–2.30 €)

Cafes and restaurants

• In inexpensive local cafes, lunch or dinner will cost ¥25–50 (≈ 3.15–6.30 €) per person.
• In a mid-range restaurant, dinner for two will cost ¥100–200 (≈ 12.50–25 €).
• Fast food (McDonald’s, KFC) — ¥35–45 (≈ 4.40–5.70 €) for a standard menu.

Tips for beginners

• Pay attention to cafes with queues — this is a sign of popularity and freshness of products.
• Be prepared for different tastes: in China, there are many spices, marinades, sometimes sweet and salty, and salty and spicy.
• Use WeChat Pay or Alipay for convenient payment — cafes rarely accept cash or Visa/MasterCard.
• If you're not ready for the local cuisine, look for expat-friendly establishments (such as the Blue Frog, Element Fresh, and Baker & Spice chains).

The transportation system in China is impressive in terms of scale and technological level. From extensive metro lines to high-speed trains and car sharing, everyone will find a convenient option for getting around. At the same time, the rules of use, payment methods, and requirements for drivers may be unfamiliar to Ukrainians.

Public transport

In megacities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, the metro is the backbone of public transport. Stations are clean, the system is easy to understand even for foreigners, and signs are in Chinese and English.

• Metro: the cost depends on the distance — usually ¥3–6 (≈ 0.40–0.75 €) per trip. In Shanghai, there are travel cards with a limited number of trips or unlimited travel (1 day — ~¥18, 3 days — ~¥45).
• Buses: less popular among foreigners due to the complexity of routes, but cheap — ¥1–2 (≈ 0.12–0.25 €).
• Travel cards: in most cities, monthly travel cards for all types of transport are available for students, employees, or residents. The price starts at ¥150 (≈ 19€), depending on the region.
  

💡 It is convenient to use transport cards (Shenzhen Tong, Beijing Yikatong) or electronic payment via WeChat Pay / Alipay — they are applied to the turnstiles instead of a ticket.

Taxis and car sharing

Taxis in China are convenient, especially when there is a language barrier on public transport. It is best to call a car through the DiDi or Meituan apps — they have an English interface.

• Starting price: from ¥10–14 (≈ 1.25–1.75 €)
• Short trip around the city: ¥30–60 (≈ 3.80–7.60 €)

You can choose the class of car (economy, comfort, premium), view the price before ordering, and communicate with the driver via automatic translators in the app.

Car sharing (GoFun, EVCARD) is only available to residents with local licenses. The interface is in Chinese, and you need to verify your identity and have a Chinese driver's license.

Intercity transport

China is one of the countries with the most developed high-speed train network (CRH, G-class). They run at speeds of up to 350 km/h and connect most major cities.

• Beijing — Shanghai (1300 km, ~5 hours) — ¥550–750 (≈ 69–94 €)
• Beijing — Xi'an (~4.5 hours) — ~¥500 (≈ 63 €)
  

Tickets should be booked in advance, especially during holidays and peak season. The most convenient way is through the official website/app 12306.cn (English version available), or through Trip.com or China Highlights agencies.

There are three classes of carriages:

• 2nd class — comfortable, similar to European InterCity trains
• 1st class — more comfortable, wider seats
• business class — almost like premium air travel: individual capsules.

Car rental: what you need to know

Renting a car as a foreigner in China is not that easy, as the country does not recognize international driving permits (IDP). To drive, you need to have:

• A Chinese driver's license, or
• a temporary driving permit — issued by the local police department based on a translated passport, visa, and valid national driver's license. It is usually issued for a period of up to 3 months.

However, most foreigners use car rental services with a driver, which are available in large cities:

• from ¥300–500/day (≈ 38–63 €) — depending on the class of car, duration, and route.

Car sharing (GoFun, EVCARD) is also available, but only for those who have a local driver's license and a bank account.

The Chinese financial system is highly digitized: most payments are made via mobile platforms such as WeChat Pay and Alipay. However, to use them, you must have a local bank account. Visa and MasterCard, which we are accustomed to using, are only accepted in certain hotels, airports, and luxury stores. That is why opening a bank account is one of the first steps after arrival.

Which banks serve foreigners

It is most convenient to contact large state-owned and international banks that have experience working with foreigners, in particular:

• Bank of China (中国银行) – one of the oldest and most “international” banks in the country, with branches and English-speaking staff in many cities.
• ICBC – Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (中国工商银行) – the world's largest bank in terms of assets, often offers special packages for students and foreign employees.
• China Construction Bank (中国建设银行) – a popular bank with an extensive branch network and online banking available in English.
• HSBC China – an international bank convenient for transferring funds abroad and working with foreign clients. Present in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

💡 Not all branches work with foreigners. Choose branches in business or student areas, where you are more likely to find English-speaking staff.

What documents are needed to open an account

The set of documents may vary slightly depending on the bank and region, but usually you will need:

1. Passport with a valid Chinese visa
2. Chinese SIM card (number required to activate mobile banking)
3. Residential address or temporary registration (can be a page from your rental agreement)
4. Certificate from your place of work or university (sometimes requested, especially at ICBC)
5. Personal presence at the branch (accounts cannot be opened online)

💡 The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes, but be prepared to wait in line.

Why you need an account

• Activate mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay — without them, it is very difficult to get by in China.
• Receive your salary or scholarship
• Pay for utilities, internet, transportation, education
• Order services online (food delivery, taxis, tickets, etc.)
• Top up your account via SWIFT transfer from abroad

💡 Some banks allow you to open a yuan account and a foreign currency account at the same time, which is convenient for transfers from Ukraine.

How to use cash in China

Cash is used less and less — restaurants, supermarkets, and even markets readily accept QR codes.

You can withdraw cash at ATMs:

• Bank of China
• HSBC
• Citibank

Commission: ¥15–30 (≈ 2–4 €) + your bank's commission may apply.

Not all POS terminals accept Visa/MasterCard — only in international establishments.

💡 If you are visiting for a short period, you can link your foreign card to Alipay, but with limited functionality and monthly limits.

Restrictions and tips

• Some banks do not allow foreigners to open accounts without a long-term visa or rental agreement. If you have a tourist visa, try Bank of China or HSBC.
• Transfers outside China are only possible if you provide documents confirming the source of funds (e.g., employment contract or tax return).
• All mobile banking apps are in Chinese — use Google Translate or look for English versions (some banks have them).

💡 If you are unsure which bank is right for you or do not understand the requirements for opening an account, consult a lawyer.

➡️ Financial advice is available at Visit Ukraine.

Major mobile operators

There are three major mobile operators in China. All of them offer good coverage and a wide range of tariffs:

• China Mobile — the most popular and largest operator, has the widest coverage, especially in remote regions and provinces. Well suited for those who travel frequently.
• China Unicom is the best choice for foreigners. It has better compatibility with European smartphones and supports 3G/4G frequencies familiar to most users from Europe.
• China Telecom is strong in southern China (for example, in Guangdong province). It is more commonly used in business circles.

💡 All operators offer both prepaid and postpaid plans. Prepaid plans are usually more convenient for newcomers.

Mobile communication rates and costs

• Starter package with 10–20 GB of mobile internet: ¥50–100/month (≈ 6.30–12.60 €)
• Calls within China: from ¥0.10/min (≈ 0.01 €)
• Packages with more internet (50–100 GB): from ¥150/month (≈ 19€)

To purchase a SIM card:

• Registration at a mobile phone store is required
• You will need your original passport with a valid Chinese visa or residence permit
• A photo of the user is added to the operator's database

💡 Sometimes you can order a SIM card online, but you still need to activate it at a physical store.

Device compatibility

Not all smartphones work with Chinese networks, especially China Telecom, which uses non-standard frequencies.

Before your trip:

• Check if your smartphone supports the following frequencies: TD-LTE, LTE Band 39/40/41
• Avoid operators that work exclusively with CDMA (this applies to some China Telecom models)

Home internet

Most apartments in cities are already connected to broadband internet. In some cases, this is included in the rent, but most often it is paid separately.

• Speed: 100–500 Mbit/s
• Cost: ¥100–200/month (≈ 12.60–25.30 €)
• Main providers: China Telecom, China Unicom, China Mobile

💡 The connection is often arranged by the landlord or building administration. If you are renting, find out if the internet is already connected or ask your landlord for help.

Please note! Wi-Fi routers with international firmware are rarely used in China. If you work online, check the technical details in advance.

Important information about the internet in China

Blocked services:

• Google (all services: Gmail, Docs, Maps, Drive)
• Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram
• YouTube, Twitter, TikTok Global
• Most unlicensed VPN services

What to do:

• Install a VPN app BEFORE arriving in the country (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Astrill are the most popular among expats)
• Some VPNs are unstable — prepare several options
• Use official app stores (Google Play, App Store) before crossing the border

Kindergartens

There are public, private, and international kindergartens in China. Availability and conditions depend on the city, parents' status, visas, and even the place of registration (hukou).

State kindergartens

• Mainly accept children with local registration (hukou).
• Foreigners can only be admitted in rare cases, for example, if one of the parents has a long-term residence permit or work visa.

Cost: ¥500–1,500/month (≈ €63–190), but there are long waiting lists, and the language of instruction is exclusively Chinese.

Private and international kindergartens

• The most popular choice for foreigners.
• Language of instruction: English, Chinese, or both. Often — IB, Montessori, EYFS programs.
• Smaller groups, more attention to development.
• The cost includes: tuition, meals, care, clubs (music, sports, arts).

Cost: from ¥3,000 to ¥10,000/month (≈ $380–1,260) depending on the city, length of the day, and program.

Documents required for admission:

• Passport of the child and both parents
• Residence permit or visa
• Medical certificate with vaccination information (with translation)
• Sometimes — certificate from the place of residence

💡 Some kindergartens have waiting lists. We recommend applying in advance — 2–6 months in advance.

Schools

Options for Ukrainian children:

• International schools — the main choice for foreigners. They teach in English, often following the British, American, or IB curriculum. There are also bilingual schools (English + Chinese).
• Private Chinese schools — some accept foreigners. Here, classes are taught in Chinese, but with adaptation programs.
• Public schools — only available if both parents have a work visa, permission from the municipality, and registration of residence.

Cost:

• International schools: ¥80,000–200,000/year (≈ €10,000–25,000)
• Private Chinese schools: ¥30,000–60,000/year (≈ €3,800–7,500)

What is included:

• Educational program (depending on the school)
• Meals
• Uniform
• Textbooks
• Some schools offer transportation and extracurricular activities

Adaptation:

• There are adaptation courses for foreign children: Chinese language lessons, introduction to local culture, and preparation for integration.
• Some international schools offer psychological support and classes on integration into a multicultural environment.

Clubs, sections, leisure activities for children

In Chinese cities, there are a huge number of developmental studios, sports sections, and clubs.

Popular areas:

• Art, drawing, clay
• Dancing (traditional and modern)
• Swimming, aikido, soccer, gymnastics
• Robotics, STEM, mental arithmetic
• English, Chinese, chess

Cost:

• From ¥500/month (≈ ≈ 63 €) for group classes
• Individual or prestigious studios — up to ¥2,000/month (≈ €250)
  

💡 Some districts offer government subsidies or free programs for children from foreign families. Such initiatives should be clarified with the district education departments or school/kindergarten principals.

📌 If you need help with paperwork, translating medical certificates, or advice on helping your child adapt, please contact the lawyers and consultants at Visit Ukraine. We are here to make your integration in China easier

Is medical insurance mandatory?

Insurance is not mandatory by law for foreigners, but almost all private clinics provide assistance only to insured patients or those with a prepaid subscription. In some cases, having a policy is a requirement for obtaining a work visa or residence permit.

💡 If you are visiting as a tourist, student, or working on a contract, make sure you have international insurance before you leave.

You can read more about insurance in China at this link.

Public healthcare

Foreigners can go to public hospitals, but:

• there are long queues
  
• English-speaking staff is often unavailable
  
• you must register before your visit

The cost of a consultation ranges from ¥100–300 (≈ 12.60–38 €), but prices may be higher without insurance.

Private healthcare

There are many international clinics with a high level of service.

• Consultation with an English-speaking doctor — ¥500–1,500 (≈ €63–190)
  
• Hospitalization — from ¥2,000/day (≈ €250) without insurance

How to save

✅ Get Ukrainian international medical insurance before your trip — it's much cheaper than buying a policy in China.

👉 You can get insurance online on the Visit Ukraine platform — it's fast, convenient, and affordable.

Language courses and integration

For a comfortable life, it is worth learning at least basic Chinese. In large cities, there are:

• Chinese courses for foreigners at universities or private schools
  
• group and individual lessons (from ¥1,500/month ≈ €190)

Integration programs often offer not only language lessons but also an introduction to the culture and rights of foreigners.

Clubs and leisure

There are many communities for foreigners in China's megacities. You can:

• join Ukrainian or international cultural groups
• visit free exhibitions, museums, and events in public spaces
  
• play sports in municipal gyms or clubs (membership — from ¥200/month ≈ ¥25)

There are also volunteer organizations where you can meet locals and other foreigners.

Fines and law enforcement

China takes violations seriously:

• crossing the road in an unauthorized place — up to ¥200 (≈ €25)
  
• littering in an unauthorized place — a fine or warning
  
• photographing military facilities or government buildings — strictly prohibited

💡 Tip: always carry your passport, visa, or a copy of your documents with you — random checks may be carried out in China.

✅ Services from Visit Ukraine for Ukrainians in China

Life in China can be rich and comfortable if you prepare for the main everyday issues in advance. The Visit Ukraine platform will help you adapt faster and with more confidence. Here you can:

• Purchase international medical insurance online — for a safe stay in China
  
• Book plane, train, or bus tickets — convenient options for traveling around the country
• Get legal advice — if you have questions about renting, working, legalization, or documents
  
• Learn more about moving, visas, and residence rules 

💙 We work to ensure that every Ukrainian abroad feels confident and protected. Take advantage of our support today!