Newcomer to Beijing - How to Get Started as a New Beijing Expat

Newcomer to Beijing

Going to Beijing as an expat is exciting but also a bit daunting.

The Newcomer to Beijing Guide will help you get started

This guide will walk you through every step of the new expat experience. It explains cultural as well as practical considerations for starting your new expat life in Beijing. The expat guide aims to prepare you mentally for living in China, to explore how you can create an expat lifestyle in Beijing that best suits you, and to help you hit the ground running.

This expat guide is based on first-hand experience

When I first moved to Beijing in late 2011, I had to figure everything out the hard way, without the help of a relocation expert or expat friends. The learning curve was very steep, even for someone who had lived in different countries before. To help other newcomers to Beijing, and China in general, I launched the Beijing Expat Guide website, where I shared my own learnings and insights I gained from other Beijing expats.

The Beijing Expat Guide has been recommended by the largest global expat network InterNations and by City Weekend Beijing, China's leading English-language lifestyle and entertainment magazine and blog.

Cultural and practical insights for new Beijing expats

This book explains the cultural differences between China and the West and how they affect daily life, so you have a better sense of what to expect. It also gives you points to consider when making important start-up decisions, like where to live. And it walks you through the practical aspects of daily life to help you overcome the language and culture barrier, including Chinese questions and phrases you will encounter in situations like the supermarket or taxi.

You will learn

• How to minimize your culture shock when moving to Beijing and China in general
  
• What decisions you can make to create the best Beijing expat experience for you
  
• How to get up and running quickly as a new expat in Beijing

Don't wait until the suitcases are packed to get prepared for what comes next. Understanding what to expect is key to deciding if going to China as an expat is even right for you. Knowing about expat life in Beijing can help you negotiate the right package, protect your relationship, even decide if you should take Fido.

About the Author

Gina moved to Beijing in 2011 when her husband accepted a position at a local company. Both are originally from Europe and had moved to the US for work years ago. 
Gina is the creator of the Beijing Expat Guide website www.beijingexpatguide.com, which is designed to help newcomers to Beijing and soon-to-be Beijing expats make the transition from West to East. She is also the co-author of the Expat Guide , which is about the people element in a Chinese workplace, from the perspective of a Westerner.