Language:  

The national language is Putonghua (Literally translated as “the common speech”) or Mandarin. Most of the 55 minority nationalities have their own languages. For instance, Cantonese is one of the local dialects of southern China.

Cost of living:

Food costs are fairly reasonable. Having contacts are important for finding the best place to live in China as housing is a major expense. In general, western China tends to be cheaper than eastern port cities of Beijing, Qingdao, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. For travel between cities, buses and boats are almost always cheaper than trains and planes.

Visa and Work Permits:

Visas are required by all foreigners entering mainland China although, at this stage, visas are not required by Western nationals visiting Hong Kong and Macau. A good website is
http://www.visarite.com/China_visa.htm.

Job Searching:

One little known option is to contact the East Asia & Pacific office of the U.S Department of Commerce and have them arrange informational interview meetings with local Chinese business and government officials.  Check out http://www.abroadchina.org/
           

Cultural Differences in the Workplace: 

A few of the basics are as follows: Being late to a meeting is considered a serious insult in Chinese business culture; there is an emphasis on conservative, modest dress in the business culture and humility is highly valued.

            Keep in mind, negative replies are considered impolite. Thus they may use “maybe” or “in a little while” or “I’m not sure” when they actually mean “no.”

            Except for those educated in the West, Chinese business people largely rely on subjective feelings and personal experiences in forming opinions and solving problems. Empirical evidence and other objective facts will be accepted only if they do not contradict Communist party doctrine and one’s feelings.  In Chinese business culture the collectivist way of thinking prevails.

            “Saving face” is an important concept to understand. A person’s reputation and social standing rests on this concept. Causing embarrassment or loss of composure, even unintentionally, can be disastrous.

            Chinese protocol dictates that people enter the room in a hierarchical order. That is to say the senior person enters the room first. Likewise the seating arrangement is very important and hierarchal in any meeting.

            Also important to remember is that Chinese people are not prone to like being touched by strangers. Thus do not touch, back slap, hug, or make any body contact.

            Finally, China is a male dominated society. A woman may gain acceptance in the professional world, but it takes time.

Money, Banking & Insurance:

Chinese Money is called Renminbi (RMB) (means "People's Currency"). The popular unit of RMB is Yuan.  Opening a bank account is very easy. Once you have your Z Visa (Work Visa) and alien registration card, you can open your account. All you need are the proper documents, which include a tax statement provided by English First, passport, residence card, and a copy of your contract.

Security/Safety:

 Serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare. To protect your safety it is highly advisable that you do not voice publicly any opinions contrary to China’s laws and code of ethics and morals.  Be careful discussing politics or any sensitive issues.