THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW AS AN EXPAT IN BEIJING - PARTNERS IN MANAGING YOUR WEALTH - St. James Place
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T H I N G S Y O U S H O U L D K N O W A S A N E X PA T
I N BEIJI NG
PA RTN ER S IN MANAGING YOUR WEALTH
CONTE NTS
WELCOME TO BEIJING 3
ABOUT ST. JAMES’S PLACE WEALTH MANAGEMENT 4
DIFFERENT TYPES OF VISA IN CHINA 5
HOW TO READ YOUR CHINESE VISA 6
HOW TO REGISTER WITH THE POLICE 7
EXPATRIATE DEMOGRAPHICS 7
USEFUL APPS TO DOWNLOAD 8
CHINESE SIM CARD PACKAGES 9
GETTING AROUND 10
FINDING AN APARTMENT 12
BANKING 14
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS 17
CLIMATE 18
AIR AND WATER QUALITY 19
COST OF LIVING 20
HEALTHCARE 22
INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALS AND CLINICS 23
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION 26
THINGS TO SEE AND DO 30
2
W E L COM E TO B E I J I NG
OLIVER WICKHAM
Head of Business – China
St. James’s Place Wealth Management
Beijing is the heart of China and has been attracting expats for more than 150 years. Foreign workers have
settled in the city because it offers the chance to capitalise on China’s thriving economy.
At St. James’s Place Wealth Management, we appreciate that relocating to a new country can be daunting.
This guide draws upon the experiences of many of our China Team who themselves have experienced this
move first hand. Given our strong links within the international business community and years of experience
serving the expatriate population in China, we think we are in a good position to help your transition into
this great city.
Expats in Beijing may well embrace the local customs by taking an overly crowded train to work and enjoying
dumpling noodle soup on their lunch break while watching elderly Chinese do Tai Chi in the many parks –
but the plethora of supermarkets, shops and restaurants means that all the brands and activities from home
are easily available. There are many English language newspapers available, taxis are very inexpensive and
readily available and a nice lunch in a Western restaurant definitely won’t break the bank.
China ranks 3rd out of 46 countries assessed in terms of expat income: 55 percent of expats have more
disposable income than in their home country. Incomes are higher when compared to other expat hubs
around the world. Those living here feel a stronger sense of personal and financial stability in their
current lives as they have greater confidence in the local economy and political stability (Source: HSBC
Expat Explorer Survey 2017).
There’s so much to see in this city of 21 million people – some ancient things, some new – but all will leave
you with a better understanding and appreciation of one of Asia’s most important cities.
So welcome, enjoy and we look forward to bumping into you around town.
Regards,
Oliver Wickham
Head of Business, St. James’s Place Wealth Management – China
3
A B O U T S T. J A ME S ’ S PLACE WE A LTH M A NAGE M E NT
St. James’s Place is one of the largest wealth management companies serving the expatriate community
living and/or working in Asia. We have offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Singapore,
and is well established as one of the UK’s leading wealth management organisations.
It is an award winning FTSE 100 company with a market capitalisation of c. £6 billion and funds under
management over £90 billion. At the heart of the business is the St. James’s Place Partnership, which is
the advisory channel for St. James’s Place Wealth Management. This brings together some of the most
experienced, able, and highly-regarded professionals working in financial services today. We have over
2,300 Partners globally within the Partnership, which is supported by more than 1,800 employees.
Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership have on average 18 years’ experience in the industry and
build long-term relationships founded on trust.
The strength of our business is underpinned by satisfied clients, their referrals and the dedication of our
unrivalled team of St. James’s Place Partners. Constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of
our diverse client base, we are personally committed to providing quality face-to-face advice and the very
best client service.
Best Financial
Adviser 2017/18
Please get in contact if you would like to speak to one of our Partners and discuss your individual
circumstances whilst you’re in China.
St. James’s Place (Shanghai) Limited Beijing Branch
Web: www.sjp.asia/shanghai
Connect with us on WeChat
4
D I F F E R E N T TYPE S OF V I SA I N CHI NA
Category Description
Issued to crew members on international aviation, navigation and land transportation
C
missions and family members accompanying them.
D Issued to an applicant who is to reside permanently in China.
Issued to an applicant who is invited to China for visit, research, lecture, business,
F scientific-technological and culture exchanges or short-term advanced studies or intern
practice for a period of no more than six months.
G Issued to those who transit through China.
J1 Issued to foreign resident correspondents in China for a period of more than 180 days.
Issued to foreign correspondents on temporary interview missions in China for a period of
J2
no more than 180 days.
L Issued to an applicant who intends to go to China as a tourist.
M Issued to an applicant who intends to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
Issued to an applicant who is a family member of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with
Q1
Chinese permanent residence. The intended duration of stay exceeds 180 days.
Issued to an applicant who is a family member of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with
Q2
Chinese permanent residence. The intended duration of stay is no more than 180 days.
R Issued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China.
Issued to an applicant who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working
S1
or studying in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
Issued to an applicant who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working
S2
or studying in China. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.
X1 Foreigners who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days.
X2 Foreigners who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days.
Issued to an applicant who is to take up a post or employment in China, and their
Z
accompanying family members.
Note: Most visas allow only one entry into China. If you wish to enter China multiple times without having to apply
for a new visa each time, it is recommended to get a residence permit which allows multiple entries. If you are a holder of
category D, J1, Q1, S1, X1 or Z visa, you must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within
30 days of entry into China unless the duration of each stay on the visa is marked as 30 days.
(Source: Embassy of the People’s Republic of China)
5
H OW TO R E A D YOUR CHI NE SE V I SA
(1) Visa Category: Refer back to page 5 for the list of visa categories.
(2) Visa Validity: Gives reference whether if the visa is valid, or can be used for entry into China from
the date of issue to the “Enter Before” date indicated on the visa (Beijing Time). If a visa has unused entries,
the bearer can enter China before 24:00 (Beijing Time) on the expiration date.
(3) Date of Issuance: A visa becomes effective from the date of issuance.
(4) Name: in abbreviated format.
(5) Date of Birth: Birth date of passport holder (Note: format might be different from MM-DD-YYYY).
(6) Entries Permitted: Refers to the number of times the bearer is permitted to enter China during
the validity of a visa. A visa becomes invalid if there are no entries left, or there are entries left but the
visa validity expires. If a visa becomes invalid, its bearer must apply for a new visa before entering China.
Travelling with an invalid visa to China will result in refusal of entry.
(7) Duration of Each Stay: Refers to the maximum number of days the visa bearer is permitted to
stay in China each time, which is calculated from the date of entry into China. After entry into China, a
foreign citizen who needs to stay in China longer than the duration of stay on the visa must apply for an
extension of stay at a local public security authority before the expiry of the duration of stay on the visa.
(8) Place of Issuance: Chinese Consulate that issued the visa.
(9) Passport Number
Note: If your visa was issued outside of Chinese Mainland, there should be a Chinese national emblem. If your visa
was issued in Chinese Mainland, there will be no Chinese national emblem.
6
HOW TO REGISTER WITH THE POLICE
You must register with the local police within 24 hours upon arrival if you are moving into a residence.
This isn’t necessary for those staying in a hotel. Go to the nearest police station and bring with you all
relevant documents including your passport, a photocopy of your identification and visa, and all documents
pertaining to your living arrangement (contract, your landlord’s ID, property ownership documents, etc.).
Keep in mind that it is necessary to re-register when changing residence or passport. Late registration will
result in a fine and no registration at all could lead to bureaucratic difficulty.
E X PAT R I ATE DE M OGR A PHI CS
There are at least 600,000 expats working or living in cities throughout the country, broken down by cities in
the chart below.
According to Expat Insider China report 2017, the top 3 nationalities are American, German and British.
The number one reason for relocating to China is because expats have found a job here. Despite settling in the
country is difficult, ranking 62nd out of 65 countries, 74% of the expats are generally happy living in China.
7
U S E F U L APPS TO DOWNLOA D
Air Matters – One of the most reliable Google Translate – With this app you
and trustworthy China air quality app. can quickly and easily translate Chinese to
Provides broadcasting real-time air quality English or vice versa, either though text or
information and gives health advice for user. by taking a picture.
Alipay – This app allows you to pay at Ofo – An easy and cheap way to get around
restaurants and in stores. Simply download town. Simply install the app, and explore
the app and connect to your bank account. the city.
Baidu Maps – Seeing as China has blocked
Mobike – This service is comparable to
and censored Google, Google Maps isn’t
Ofo and works similarly. Mobike is of slight
available either. If you are looking for an
better quality when compared to Ofo.
equivalent then use Baidu maps. If you have
an iPhone, you can also use Apple maps.
Pleco – The ultimate Chinese learning
Beijing Subway – This app allows you companion. It is an integrated dictionary,
to use the metro in Beijing without getting a document reader, a flashcard system with
lost. It’s an interactive and bilingual map full screen handwriting input and a translator.
that shows you the quickest route from
where you are to where you need to be.
Sherpa’s Delivery – Sherpa’s Food Delivery
delivers meals from 385 international and
Bon App! – Keeps you up to date on local restaurants in Beijing. The operators
all types of restaurants and bars in your speak fluent English and can be contacted
location. With this app you can explore between 10:30 am and 10:30 pm.
both local and foreign cuisines as well as
new trendy places or simply pick something
based on your preferences. Taobao – This is the eBay and Amazon of
China. This platform offers consumer-to-
consumer retail as well as e-commerce.
ExpressVPN – Several apps and websites
are blocked in China. In order to access these,
a VPN connection is necessary. ExpressVPN WeChat – the most popular chatting
offers a very stable product. Other stable platform and calling app in China. This app
apps are Astrill VPN and Hexatech. These combines WhatsApp, Facetime, Instagram,
will allow you to access websites such as etc. Furthermore with this app you can
Facebook, Google, Twitter, etc. read the news, buy movie tickets, pay
at restaurants and shops, make doctor’s
appointments, etc.
Note: Some apps are not available on the Chinese app store. Therefore a VPN connection might be
necessary in order to download certain apps.
Tip: Install aVPN connection before going to China
8
C H I N E S E SI M CA R D PACKAGE S
China Unicom China Telecom
Price Data Call Price Data Validity
RMB 76 400 MB 200 mins RMB 50 1 GB 30 days
RMB 106 800 MB 300 mins RMB 100 3 GB 30 days
RMB 136 1 GB 500 mins RMB 180 6 GB 30 days
RMB 166 2 GB 500 mins RMB 100 2 GB 90 days
RMB 196 3 GB 500 mins RMB 200 4 GB 90 days
RMB 296 4 GB 1000 mins RMB 300 6 GB 180 days
RMB 396 6 GB 2000 mins RMB 600 12 GB 365 days
RMB 596 11 GB 3000 mins
China Mobile
Price Data Call
RMB 18 100 MB None
RMB 28 100 MB 50 mins
RMB 38 300 MB 50 mins
RMB 48 500 MB 50 mins
RMB 58 500 MB 100 mins
RMB 88 700 MB 220 mins
RMB 138 1 GB 500 mins
RMB 158 2 GB 500 mins
RMB 238 2 GB 1000 mins
RMB 268 3 GB 1000 mins
RMB 338 3 GB 2000 mins
RMB 588 6 GB 4000 mins
HOW TO PURCHASE SIM CARD
• Bring with you your passport and temporary residency permit
• Let the staff know what package you want. Usually, an English-speaking employee will be present.
• When you are about to run out of data you will receive a text message reminding you to recharge it.
For this you will have to go to the phone store, or recharge through WeChat or Alipay. It is also
possible to top up phones for other family members using this method.
(Source: Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
9
G E T TI NG A ROUND
METRO OR SUBWAY
Public transport in Beijing is very well organised and easy to use. Beijing has 16 metro lines and
interchanging between lines is possible. In addition, it has five unnumbered lines connecting to the
outlying areas and an Airport Express Train that connects the Capital Airport to the subway system.
All signs at the subway stations and in the trains as well as regular announcements for the next stop
are in English and Chinese.
Tickets can be bought in English from vending machines with coins, notes and Alipay.
Available tickets include:
• One-way ticket
• One-day pass (can only be used for the metro)
• Rechargeable Transport Card or ‘Yikatong’ (usable for metro, bus and taxi)
To get to the city centre from Beijing Capital Airport take the Airport Express Train (direction Dongzhimen)
which is cheap, quick and comfortable. The price for a one way ticket on this line is RMB 25.
Tip: Download the Beijing Metro app. When you arrive in Beijing it is advisable that one of your first purchases in town
is a BeijingYikatong. TheYikatong (pronounced ‘eee kah tong’), is a multipurpose transport card which can be purchased
for a deposit of RMB 20.
TAXI
Using taxis in Beijing is a convenient and relatively cheap way of getting around town. It is very easy to hail
a taxi in Beijing as there are about 67,000 of them. Most taxi drivers speak a little bit of English however
it is recommended to have the address of where you’re going written in Chinese.
Average taxi fares: RMB 13 for the first 3km, thereafter RMB 2.3 for every km or RMB 2.76 for every
km from 11:00pm to 05:00am. Keep in mind that traffic gridlock can raise the fare, as every five minutes of
waiting will be charged equivalent to 2 km.
From and to the airport, it will cost RMB 100 and more, depending on where in the city you go. The
expressway toll is added to the bill and is paid by the customer.
Tip: Make sure to get an official taxi with a sign on the roof and with the driver’s registration card. Everything
Western has a Chinese name and is known to most Chinese only by the Chinese name. This holds true for everything
that has a Western name including hotels, stores, sights, even actors (although for people it is usually phonetically very
similar). Make sure to have written down the name of your destination in Chinese characters.
(Source: Travel China Guide)
10G E T T I N G A ROUND – USE F UL A PPS
Didi/Uber Bicycles – Ofo and Mobike
Beijing also offers Uber taxis. There are several bicycle renting
Sometimes it can be difficult to get services that can be used throughout
a taxi in Beijing. Didi is the Chinese Beijing. Each bicycle company has
alternative to Uber and is a convenient and its own colour and is easy to spot.
guaranteed way of getting a ride. Fortunately, Common bicycle services are Ofo
Didi offers an English version, making it easy for and Mobike. In order to make use of
foreigners to use. this service, you must have a smart
phone with a Chinese SIM and internet, a valid ID
Didi offers three available services: Express
and WeChat or Alipay payment activated.
(recommended),Taxi and Premium. Once you have
made a decision, simply enter your destination and To activate your account follow these steps:
select the type of car service you wish to opt for.
1. Download the Ofo app
Express offers three types: 2. Enter your cellphone number, you will
1. “Select” (nice and private) receive a 4-digit verification code via SMS
2. “No ExpressPool” (average) and; 3. Enter the code to verify your phone number
4. Verify your account by paying a deposit of
3. “ExpressPool” (shared).
RMB 199 through WeChat or Alipay (the
It will then tell you how far the car is away deposit is refundable within 3 working days)
from you. Payment works through either WeChat 5. Select ‘I don’t have Chinese ID”. Add a
or Alipay. photo of your passport and a photo of you
holding your open passport to verify.
6. Your account will be fully activated within a
few hours.
7. Add money to your account (minimum RMB 20)
To ride a bicycle follow these steps:
1. Scan the QR code which is located on the
back of the bicycle or enter the number in
the app.
2. Use the 4-digit pin which is given to you to
unlock the bicycle.
Mobike works similarly to Ofo. The deposit
amounts to RMB 299.
11F I N D I N G A N A PA RTM E NT
When deciding on where to live in a city as big as Beijing it can be difficult to know where to start looking.
Generally, housing for expats can be found in most areas of Beijing. The eastern part of Beijing seems to
be the more preferred region. To find an apartment it is of course best to start your search by going to
several real estate agencies. The main districts for expatriates are Chaoyang, Dongcheng and Shunyi.
Within these districts there are several neighborhoods. Here’s some information that might help:
Chaoyang District – This is Beijing’s diplomatic district. Here you will find most embassies, international
companies and international schools. Here are Chaoyang’s neighborhoods:
1. Central Business District – This area has a high concentration of office skyscrapers, international
shopping malls and five-star hotels. It also provides a wide selection of both serviced as well as
non-serviced high-end apartments. Good for those who do not wish to travel far for work.
2. Chaoyang Park – Having plenty of green areas, open spaces and high-quality properties, this area
is perfect for families who wish to live in city yet enjoy peace and quiet. In the east of these areas, the
compounds tend to be cheaper yet more spacious.
3. Lido and Wangjing – This area is popular amongst expatriate families. Lido is close to parks,
entertainment, art galleries as well as many international schools. Wangjing, next to Lido, is a large
residential area that offers more reasonable accommodation in terms of price. This area will allow you
to integrate more with the local population.
124. Lufthansa Area – Located along the northeast of 3rd Ring Road and Liangma River, this area has
made its name as one of the major business centres of Bejing.
5. Sanlitun – This area is one of Beijing’s more energetic and popular hangouts containing nightclubs,
trendy restaurants as well as the Village Lifestyle shopping complex. This area is perfect for those who
enjoy the nightlife of Beijing.
Dongcheng District – The Dongcheng District is heavily influenced by Chinese history. Even though
many landmarks, relics and museums can be found here, there is an upsurge in modern shopping malls and
office buildings, creating interest for residences.
1. Dongzhimen – This vibrant area is very popular amongst expatriates. Despite it being centrally
located this location has many trees and a canal system making it a very pleasant and beautiful area.
2. Wangfujiang/Dongdan – This is the heart of Beijing with a lot of historical and cultural sites.
However, this area does not offer a lot of accommodation for expats but those who do reside here
are close to some of Beijing’s most historical and cultural landmarks as well as convenient shops
and restaurants.
Shunyi District – This district is located approximately 18 miles or 30 kilometers out of downtown
Beijing. This district is perfect for families who prefer outdoor space, leisure and for those who want to
escape the pollution of the city. Here you can find many restaurants, supermarkets, shops, banks, etc.
Xicheng District – This is an up and coming district that is great for expats who work on Financial
Street. There is a limited amount of high-end and serviced apartments resulting in high rental fees.
COST OF RENT (RMB) IN BEIJING DISTRICTS
Housing in Beijing will be an expat’s largest expense. Property prices have been increasing steadily over
the past decade, and foreigners will find that both buying and renting accommodation in Beijing can cost a
huge amount of money. As a general rule, the closer a home is to the city centre, the more expensive it will
be. Beijing is organised according to ring roads, where the first ring road is closest to the city centre. So, if
someone finds the housing in an area is proving too pricey, they move toward the periphery. Both furnished
and unfurnished accommodation is available, and the former will be more expensive. Most apartments in
Beijing are not incredibly spacious, however, regardless of how much furniture they have.
Expect around RMB 7,500 for a newly remodeled unfurnished 2 bedroom 90 square meters apartment
in a nice complex in a Chinese neighborhood outside of the 5th ring road (not an expat area). Rent can
go up to RMB 11,000 if the same apartment is furnished. For a similar amount of money you can find
apartments closer to the city but probably not such a nice complex. In an expat compound, rents can easily be
RMB 15,000 and even much higher but that may include more amenities like a swimming pool or fitness
center. Likewise, if you are within the 3rd or even 4th ring and close to good schools, rents of RMB 10,000
to 15,000 are not uncommon for 100-140 square meters in Beijing.
Tip: Renting online in advance is not advisable.You could be in for a huge surprise when renting something unseen,
without visiting the neighborhood and actually seeing the apartment and the building. Beijing rentals are usually
available for immediate move-in, so it doesn’t make much sense to look long in advance.
13B A NKI NG
SETTING UP A BANK ACCOUNT
Many Chinese domestic banks allow foreigners to open an account. The more prominent banks are the Bank
of China, China Merchant’s Bank, ICBC, the Agricultural Bank of China and the China Construction Bank.
HSBC is the most commonly used international bank in Beijing. These banks offer services expatriates would
usually require, such as debit cards, Internet banking and foreign currency exchange services. It is best
to use an international bank account when applying for credit cards. It is possible to attain one from a
domestic bank, but it can be very difficult in obtaining one. Opening hours are usually between 9am and 5pm
on weekdays, and from 9am to 12pm on Saturdays.
Tip: Make sure to get to the bank early as it can get busy quickly, preferably before lunch time as there is lesser bank staff
which means the queues can get long very quickly. The busiest day is on Mondays as earnings made over the weekend are
deposited. Always remember to bring your passport.
TRANSFERRING MONEY OUT OF CHINA
The easiest way for foreigners living in Beijing who wish to transfer money back home is through a bank
transfer. You can transfer out as much money as you want, as long as you can prove that it is earned income
and you paid all taxes on it, or it is part of funds that you originally transferred into China from overseas.
Please prepare the following information for the bank (may vary):
• Passport with valid Residence Visa (and sometimes Residency Permit)
• Employment contract original copy officially stamped or ‘chopped’
• Tax receipts for each month of your employment (depending on how much you want to transfer)
• SWIFT code of the bank back home (e.g. BARCGB22 for Barclays UK)
• Bank account information for both sending and receiving parties (name, address, account number, etc)
Please keep in mind that bank commission is typically 0.1% of amount transferred, although the various
banks limit the minimum and maximum charges applied, and these figures vary from bank to bank. Addition-
ally, if you are transferring yuan to a foreign bank account in another currency, you will need to pay a fee to
get the money exchanged to the new currency; this will take into account both exchange rates and exchange
fees from your bank.
Tip: Avoid illegal/blackmarket/unofficial money exchangers and buy the amount of foreign currency you want to transfer
directly to your bank – this will be placed in your account and you won’t receive any cash only a receipt.
14CREDIT CARD
Foreigners living in Beijing who wish to have a credit card from a domestic bank must hold a residence per-
mit valid for more than at least 2 years and must be 18 years old or older. When applying for a credit card,
please bring these necessary documents with you (may vary):
• Passport
• Residence permit
• Certificate of employment or work permit
• Proof of income
• Bank deposits certificates
• Income tax payment certificate
• Motor vehicle license
• Your bank account
• Utilities bills for the past three months
Note: In terms of foreign applications, banks will generally look more favorably on those married to a
Chinese person or those working for a Fortune 500 company since this guarantees the bank can collect their
money if you skip town.
Tip: If you already have an international credit card and open a bank account with any Chinese branch, you will have the
option to link the two accounts. For many foreigners, this may be preferably option to applying for a domestic credit card,
which, as indicated above, can be an arduous process.
HOW TO SET UP ALIPAY AND WECHAT PAY
Alipay: WeChat Pay:
1. Download the app 1. Tap on me » wallet » cards
2. Register and verify with phone 2. Add your bank card number
number 3. Enter your name as it was set up
3. Open “my account” with your bank
4. Open “my cards”
5. Set a six digit payment password
6. Tap on “my cards” again
7. Add your bank card number after
entering your password
8. Fill your bank card information
9. Enter the SMS phone verification
confirmation code
Tip: Sometimes the bank may have put your surname as your first. Try different combinations.
Make sure you have the latest version of WeChat installed so you can have access to WeChat Wallet. If you don’t
see it, changing your language settings to Chinese kicks your wallet into existence. Go to Settings > General >
Language >简化中国 (Simplified Chinese) and head back to your page.
15I N T E R N AT I O NA L SCHOOLS I N B E I J I NG
In the past year, the average school prices for Asia-Pacific have increased by 7% as of June 2017. Within the
region, China has the highest yearly international school fees with an average fee of USD 25,820 per annum.
The popular international schools in Beijing offer a world-class education with interesting curricula and
experienced international teachers. Sending your child to a school like Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)
or British School of Beijing can cost more than RMB 200,000 (around USD 30,000 USD) per year.
Besides cost, location is probably the most important consideration. Beijing is huge with about 24 million
people, and commuting times can be long. So finding a school that is close to your home is important. In
Beijing, most of the international schools are clustered in the typical expat areas. Many international schools
are in located in Shunyi, a suburb closer to the airport. Many others are in the Lufthansa and Central Business
District areas and Shuangjing.
(Source: ExpatFinder 2017)
LIST OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
German Embassy School Beijing International School of Beijing
Beanstalk International Bilingual School Japanese School of Beijing
Beijing BISS International School Joy El International Academy
Beijing City International School Kaiwen Academy
Beijing Collegiate Academy Keystone Academy
Beijing Huijia Private School Korea International School in Beijing
Beijing International Bilingual Academy Limai Chinese American International School
Lycée Francais International Charles de Gaulle
Beijing Royal School
de Pékin
Beijing SMIC Private School English Track Olive International School
Beijing World Youth Academy Saint Paul American School
Canadian International School of Beijing Springboard International Bilingual School
Daystar Academy Beigao Swiss School Beijing
Dulwich College Beijing The British School of Beijing Shunyi
German Embassy School Beijing The International Montessori School of Beijing
Harrow International School Beijing Tsinghua International School
Hope International School Tsinghua University High School International
House of Knowledge Western Academy of Beijing
Hyde Academy Yew Chung International School of Beijing
Yew Wah International Education
Innova Academy
School Beijing
17CLI M ATE
Beijing has four distinct seasons and has a continental monsoon climate. Summers in Beijing are generally hot
and humid and winters cold and dry. About 75% of annual precipitation occurs during the summer. Below
you can find a table showing the different temperatures (°C) per month as well the amount of rainfall (inches).
Precipitation
Temperature (°C)
Season (inches)
Month Average Average High Average Low Average
December -2 3 -7 0.1
Winter January -3.5 2 -9 0.1
February -1.5 4 -7 0.2
March 6.5 12 -1 0.4
Spring April 14 20 8 1
May 20 27 13 1.1
June 24 30 18 2.8
Summer July 26.5 31 22 6.9
August 25 30 20 7.2
September 20 26 14 1.9
Autumn October 8.5 19 8 0.7
November 5 10 0 0.2
(Source: China Highlights)A I R QUA LI TY
Beijing is known for its bad air quality. During the winter, when the air gets cold and the heaters turn on, you
may expect extremely polluted air. In the summer the quality tends to be better. Nonetheless, it cannot hurt
to take protective measures, especially for those who are sensitive. An easy way to have an understanding of
the air quality is by using the Air Quality Index (AQI). Below is a table giving you an indication of the scale:
AQI Air Pollution Level
0-50 Excellent
51-100 Good
101-150 Lightly Polluted
151-200 Moderately Polluted
201-300 Heavily Polluted
300+ Severely Polluted
For those who wish to take measures there are several ways to do so. The most known way of reducing
the intake of the air is by wearing a facemask. This will filter the air to a certain extent. Air-purifying
plants can improve the indoor air quality. These plants remove toxic VOCs and exchange CO2 with fresh
oxygen. Another way to improve your indoor air quality is by buying an air-purifier. This effectively
extracts pollutants from the air. Dehumidifiers can prevent dust mites, mold and mildew from settling in
your house during Beijing summertime.
Tip: Download the ‘Air Matters’ app
WATE R QUA LI TY
Even though Beijing’s tap water has improved in quality over the past few years, it is still considered
unsafe to drink both directly and after boiling it. The main pollutant in the water is chlorine, rust and toxic
metals. The addition of chlorine to the water is necessary to disinfect it however consequently damages our
skin and hair.
In order to protect your health from the quality of the water there are several things you can do.
You can consider buying a water dispenser, in which you can put large bottles of water or simply buy water
bottles. Commonly trusted water brands are Nestle and Watsons. You can also consider installing a water
purification system which costs RM 3,500. Using a water filter in your home removes most parts of
chlorine, pesticides and metals.
Tip: When buying bottled water in China, make sure the water is transparent, free of any form of deposits, and the bottle
is smooth and clear. Also check the date of production, shelf life, and whether the seal is intact.
19COST OF LI V I NG
Restaurants
Description Average Price (RMB) Price Range (RMB)
Meal, inexpensive restaurant 30.00 20.00 – 40.00
3-course meal for 2, mid-range restaurant 150.00 100.00 – 210.00
Set meal at McDonald’s 30.00 25.00 – 35.00
500 ml of local draught beer 7.00 5.00 – 10.00
330 ml bottle of imported beer 20.00 15.00 – 40.00
Regular cup of cappuccino 27.50 20.00 – 32.00
330 ml canned drinks 3.50 2.00 – 5.00
330 ml bottled water 2.00 1.00 – 3.00
Markets
Description Average Price (RMB) Price Range (RMB)
1 litre of milk 10.00 8.00 – 15.00
1 loaf of fresh white bread 11.50 6.00 – 20.00
1 kg of white rice 6.50 5.00 – 10.00
A carton of 12 eggs 12.50 5.00 – 20.00
1 kg of local cheese 62.00 44.00 – 100.00
1 kg of boneless, skinless chicken breast 23.00 15.00 – 40.00
1 kg of beef round or other equivalent red meat 68.00 50.00 – 100.00
1 kg of apples 10.00 7.00 – 19.00
1 kg of bananas 8.00 4.00 – 12.00
1 kg of oranges 11.50 7.00 – 20.00
1 kg of tomatoes 7.50 5.00 – 12.00
1 kg of potatoes 5.00 3.00 – 6.00
1 kg of onions 5.50 4.00 – 8.00
1 head of lettuce 5.00 3.00 – 8.00
1.5 litre of bottled water 4.00 3.00 – 6.00
1 bottle of mid-range wine 100.00 70.00 – 127.00
500 ml bottle of local beer 6.00 4.00 – 10.00
330 ml bottle of imported beer 16.50 10.00 – 25.00
1 pack of cigarettes 18.00 12.00 – 20.00
20Transportation
Description Average Price (RMB) Price Range (RMB)
One-way metro ticket 3.00 2.00 – 5.00
Monthly Pass (Regular price) 200.00 120.00 – 200.00
Taxi – initial flag-down fare 13.00 13.00 – 13.00
Taxi – distance rate per km 2.30 2.30 – 2.60
1 litre of gasoline 6.50 6.00 – 7.00
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 kW Trendline 130,000.00 110,000.00 – 155,000.00
Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort 123,984.50 100,000.00 – 200,000.00
Monthly utilities
Description Average Price (RMB) Price Range (RMB)
Essential utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water
323.50 200.00 – 540.00
and Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
Prepaid mobile – local talktime per minute
0.25 0.15 – 0.60
(No discount or plan)
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data,
105.50 50.00 – 150.00
cable/ADSL)
Sports and Leisure
Description Average Price (RMB) Price Range (RMB)
Monthly fitness club membership fee 316.00 150.00 – 1,000.00
Tennis court rental (1 hour on weekends) 108.50 60.00 – 200.00
Cinema ticket (International movie release) 50.00 40.00 – 80.00
Childcare
Description Average Price (RMB) Price Range (RMB)
Monthly preschool or kindergarten private
4,615.50 2,500.00 – 10,000.00
school fees
Annual international primary school fees 148,890.00 100,000.00 – 210,000.00
Clothing and shoes
Description Average Price (RMB) Price Range (RMB)
1 pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar) 375.00 130.00 – 600.00
1 summer dress in a retail chain store
250.00 150.00 – 400.00
(e.g. Zara, H&M)
1 pair of Nike running shoes (mid-range) 600.00 400.00 – 800.00
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes 604.00 400.00 – 1,000.00
21HE A LTHCA R E
Before arriving in Beijing, it is advised to get a routine medical check-up and get the diphtheria, tetanus and
polio shots. It is good to also ensure that your hepatitis A and B vaccinations are up-to-date.
Compared to the rest of China, healthcare in Beijing is considered to be relatively good, however, many
expatriates find healthcare facilities and treatments to be limited. Nonetheless, the quality of service as well
as the availability of treatments are constantly improving.
It is important to know that overseas prescriptions of drugs are not accepted. You can bring your overseas
prescription to a doctor in Beijing who can provide a local prescription. Sometimes when specific drugs are
not available in China, due to China’s strict rules on importing western medication, an alternative drug may
be recommended. Therefore, it is advisable to stock up on medication before leaving for Beijing.
If you wish to seek treatment at a local hospital, please note that doctors generally do not speak English.
It would be beneficial to bring along someone who can translate for you, if necessary. Otherwise, bringing
along a translator will help. Medical fees at local hospitals tend to be inexpensive due to the basic level of
service and limited resources available. If you wish to avoid this, you can visit foreign/VIP clinics where the
staff can converse in English.
Local hospitals generally do not recognise foreign health insurance, international hospitals on the other hand
do. International hospitals are usually located in expat communities and are known to have modern equipment
as well as for being more hygienic.These hospitals employ well-trained western doctors and English-speaking
Chinese doctors, who take cultural differences into account.
Generally, it is more costly to visit international medical practitioners. The average starting price for
consultations are:
Field Cost
General Practitioner RMB 700
Pediatrician RMB 700
Specialist RMB 1000
Gynecologist RMB 1000
Dentist RMB 500
(Source: ExpatMedicare Health Insurance Experts)L I S T O F I N T ER NATI ONA L HOSPI TA LS
A ND CLI NI CS
AMCARE Women’s & Children’s Hospital
No. 9 Fangyuan West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100016
Tel: +86 10 6434 2399
24-hr hotline: +86 800 610 6200
American-Sino Ob/Gyn Hospital
218 Anwai Xiaoguan Beili, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029
Tel: +86 10 6496 8888
Bayley and Jackson Medical Centre
7 Ritan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020
Tel: +86 10 8562 9998
Beijing ARRAIL Dental Clinic-CITIC Clinic & Paediatric Dental Clinic
Room 208, Tower A, CITIC Building, 19 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Beijing 100004
Tel: +86 10 6500 6472 / +86 10 6500 6473 / +86 10 8526 3235 / +86 10 8526 3236
Beijing Chaoyang District Century Village Clinic
Building 9, 2nd Division, Century Village, No. 8, North Yu Hui Road, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 8463 1930 / +86 10 6766 1234 / +86 10 8463 2106
Note: No pediatrics
Beijing Children’s Hospital, the Special Consultation Clinic
6th Floor, New Out-patient Building, 56 Lishi South Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100045
Tel: +86 10 5971 8775
Note: Recommended for the Pediatric Surgery for children under 16.
Beijing Intech Eye Hospital
5th Floor, Panjiayuan Plaza, No. 12 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021
Tel: +86 10 6773 2700
24-hour hotline: +86 10 8778 9662
Beijing MJ Health Screening Center
5F, Tower E2, Oriental Plaza, 1 East Chang An Avenue, Dong Cheng District, Beijing 100738
Tel: +86 400 010 5088
23Beijing New Century Harmony Pediatric Clinic
K-01 Building No. 19, Harmony Business Centre, Li Yuan Street, Tian Zhu, Shun Yi District, Beijing 101310
Tel: +86 10 6456 2599
Beijing Orient Care
Room 102, No. 16 Business Building China Central Place, 89 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100025
Tel: +86 10 6598 1887
Beijing SDM Dental-China World Trade Centre Clinic
NB210 of China World Shopping Mall, No. 1 Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Tel: +86 10 6505 9439 / 86 10 6505 9431
Beijing Tiantan Puhua Hospital
No. 12, Tiantan Nanli, Chongwen District, Beijing 100050
Tel: +86 10 6706 1799
Note: No pediatrics
Beijing United Family Hospital
2 Jiang Tai Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100015
Tel: +86 10 5927 7000
24-hr emergency hotline: +86 10 5927 7120
Best Vision
Building 9, 2nd Division, Century Village, No. 8, North Yu Hui Road, Chaoyang District
Tel: +86 10 8599 9110 / +86 10 8599 9115
China-Japan Friendship Hospital International Medical Centre
2 Yinghua East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029
Tel: +86 10 6428 2297
Note: Emergency treatment provided by English-speaking doctors is available at night.
De Heng Clinic
Floor 9 Xiehe Mingri Mansion, No. 69 North Dongdan Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100005
Tel: +86 10 6559 3936 / +86 10 6559 2933
24Hong Kong International Medical Clinic, Beijing
9/F, Hong Kong Macau Centre Office Tower, 2 Chaoyang Men North Da Jie 100027
Tel: +86 10 6553 2288 ext. 2345/2346
International Medical Centre-Beijing
S106 Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmaqiao Road
Tel: +86 10 6462 2068 / +86 10 6465 1561
International SOS Beijing Clinic
Suite 105, Wing 1, Kunsha Building, 16 Xinyuanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027
Tel: +86 10 6462 9199
New Century International Children’s Hospital
No. 56 Nan Lishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045
Tel: +86 10 6802 5588
Note: Daily 24-hour pediatric emergency care
Peking Union Medical College Hospital, International Medical Services
2nd Floor, Inpatient Department, 53 Dong Dan North Road, Dong Cheng District
Tel: +86 10 6529 4088 / +86 10 6529 5283
Puhua International Hospital
No. 12 Tiantan Nanli, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050
Tel: +86 10 6703 5566
The New World Eaton Medical Center
Level 5, Office Tower B, Beijing New World Centre, Chong Wen Men Wai Street, Beijing 100062
Tel: +86 400 680 8068
Note: No Pediatrics
Vista Clinic
B29 Kerry Centre, 1 Guanghua Road
Tel: +86 10 8529 6618
25OT H E R U SE F UL I NF OR M ATI ON
LIST OF MEDICINE
Pain & Fever 疼痛/发烧
Acetaminaphen (ex. Tylenol, Panadol) 对乙酰氨基酚
Ibuprofen (ex. Motrin, Advil) 布洛芬
Naproxen (ex. Aleve) 萘普生
Aspirin (ex. Bayer, St. Joseph's) 阿斯匹林
Cough 咳嗽
Dextromethorphan (ex. Theraflu, Vicks) 美沙芬
Guaifenesin (ex. Robitussin, Mucinex) 愈创甘油醚
Throat Lozenges (ex. Halls, Ricola, Golden
咳嗽糖
Throat 金嗓子 jīn sǎng zǐ)
Benzocaine 苯佐卡因
Menthol 薄荷醇
Head & Sinus Congestion 耳鼻喉炎
Decongestants 减充血剂
Pseudoephedrine (ex. Sudafed) 假麻黄碱
Oxymetazoline (ex. Sinex, Telnase) 羟甲唑啉
Sore Throat, Headache, Earache & Body Aches (Infections)
喉咙痛、头痛、耳痛、浑身疼（感染）
Acetaminaphen (ex. Sore throat lozenges,
对乙酰氨基酚
Cepacol, Strepsils)
Amoxicillin 阿莫西林
Penicillin 青霉素
Sneezing, Runny Nose, Watery Eyes
打喷嚏,流鼻涕, 眼睛流泪
Antihistamine (ex. Zyrtec, Allegra) 抗组胺药
Loratadine (ex. Claritin) 氯雷他顶
Cromolyn sodium (ex. Nasalcrom) 色甘酸钠
26Skin Allergy & Itching 皮肤过敏和瘙痒
Antihistamine 抗组胺药
Diphenhydramine (ex. Benadryl) 苯海拉明
Upset stomach 胃不舒服
Bismuth subsalicylate (ex.Pepto-Bismol,
碱式水杨酸铋
Kaopectate)
Bicarbonate Tablets (ex. Alka Seltzer) 碳酸氢钠片
Simethicone (ex. Gas-X) 西甲硅油
Antacids (ex.Rolaids, Tums) 解酸药
Attapulgite (ex. Diocalm, Diatrol) 凹凸棒石
Loperamide (ex. Imodium A-D) 洛哌丁胺
Constipation 便秘
Senna glycoside (ex. Ex-Lax) 番泻叶
Antifungals 抗真菌药
Diflucan (Fluconazole) 大扶康 (氟康唑)
Eye Drops (general term) 眼药水
Asthma
Albuterol (Ventolin) 沙丁胺醇
Diabetes
Insulin 胰岛素
LIST OF USEFUL MEDICAL PHRASES
English Mandarin (Pinyin)
Doctor yī shēng
I am not feeling well wǒ bù shū fú
I’m sick wǒ bìng le
It hurts here zhè téng
I need a doctor wǒ děi kàn yī shēng
Is there a doctor here who speaks English? zhè yǒu huì jiǎng yīng yǔ de yī shēng ma
I’m asthmatic wǒ yǒu xiào chuǎn bìng
I’m diabetic wǒ yǒu táng niào bìng
I’m epileptic wǒ yǒu diān xián bìng
27LIST OF EMERGENCY NUMBERS IN BEIJING
Department Phone number
Police 110
First-aid Ambulance 120
Fire 119
Foreigners Section of the
6525 5486
Beijing Public
LIST OF USEFUL PHRASES
English Mandarin Chinese
Welcome huān yíng guāng lín
Hello (General greeting) nǐ hǎo (informal)or nín hǎo (formal)
Hello (on phone) wéi
How are you? nǐ hǎo mā
I’m fine, and you? (reply to ‘how are you’) wǒ hěn hǎo, nǐ nē?
Long time no see hǎo jiǔ bú jiàn
What’s your name? nǐ jiào shén mè míng zì?
My name is ... wǒ jiào …
Where are you from?/I’m from ... nǐ lái zì nǎ lǐ?/ wǒ lái zì…
Pleased to meet you hěn gāo xìng jiàn dào nǐ
Good morning zǎo shàng hǎo
Good afternoon wǔ ān
Good evening wǎn shàng hǎo
Good night wǎn ān
Goodbye zài jiàn
Good luck! zhù nǐ háo yùn
I understand/I don’t understand wǒ míng bái/ Wǒ bù míng bái
I don’t know wǒ bù zhī dào
Please say that again má fán nǐ zài shuō yī biàn
Please speak more slowly má fán nǐ jiǎng màn yī diǎn
Do you speak English? nǐ huì shuō yīng yǔ mā?
Yes, a little (reply to ‘Do you speak ...?’) huì, yī diǎn diǎn
Excuse me ràng yì ràng
How much is this? Zhè gè duō shǎo qián?
Sorry duì bù qǐ
Please qǐng
Thank you xièxie
You’re welcome bú kè qì
Where’s the toilet? cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ?
28T H I N GS TO SE E A ND DO The Great Wall Great Wall is the world’s longest architectural structure and is widely renowned as one of the seven great wonders of the world. Their most famous sections are located in its suburban areas, including the well- preserved Badaling and Mutianyu, the renovated Juyonguan, Jinshanling and Simatai, and wild Jiankou and Gubeikou. The Mutianyu section is the favorite of recent travelers since it’s less crowded than Badaling section and it’s far from the roads and villages so you can really enjoy a peaceful walk. Forbidden City The Forbidden City, also named the Palace Museum, shares the honor of being one of five world-famous palaces. It was built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the construction of this group of buildings took fourteen years from 1406 to 1420. In the Ming Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it was the imperial palace where twenty-four emperors ascended the throne and exercised their strong power to the nation. Tiananmen Square Tiananmen Square is the geographical center of Beijing City. It is the largest city square in the world, occupying an area of 440,000 square meters and able to accommodate 1,000,000 people at one time. The daily raising of the national flag is something which should not be missed by visitors to Tiananmen Square. Summer Palace The Summer Palace, Yiheyuan in Chinese, is the largest and most famous imperial garden in China. The garden came into existence early in the 1750s and had once been a summer resort for the emperors. It is acclaimed as a museum of gardens in China, for a visit to this garden bestow on sightseers a glimpse of representative scenes all over China. Temple of Heaven The Temple of Heaven,Tiantan in Chinese, is an imperial complex of religious buildings situated in the south- eastern part of central Beijing. Built in 1420 during Ming Dynasty, it has been one of the most sacred places for more than five centuries, serving as sacrificial buildings for the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) emperors, and is the largest in Beijing. Sanlitun The expat hot spot of Sanlitun is home to some of the city’s most exciting places to eat, drink and party in Beijing.
Wangfujing Street
Wangfujing Street is considered the central heart of the city of Beijing. The real joy of Wangfujing is not in
the shops or all the stalls of vendors, but it is found in the people that give Wangfujing its character. Strolling
around the street at night, you do not need to buy anything to just “drink in the culture of Beijing”.
Beijing Olympic Park
This is where the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympics took place. With novel design concepts,
magnificent landmark buildings, and splendid natural landscapes, the Olympic Park successfully integrates
sport with nature, providing a model for the mutual development of man and nature.
Jingshan Park
Standing in the middle of the city north-south axis and facing the Forbidden City, it offers a full view of
Beijing, including the Drum and Bell Tower and Beihai White Dagoba Temple.
Beihai Park
This is a public park and former imperial garden located in the northwestern part of the Imperial City. The
park has an area of more than 69 hectares with a lake that covers more than half of the entire park.
National Museum of China
This museum houses the most cherished and topmost level cultural relics of the whole nation, which can be
seen in history schoolbook. The oldest exhibit is the teeth of Yuanmou Man 1.7 million years ago.
Lama Temple
The spectacular Lama Temple was originally the home of Qing dynasty Prince Yong before he became the
Emperor Yongzheng. The temple is invariably filled with equal parts monks, worshippers and tourist.
Hongqiao Pearl Market
Hongqiao Pearl Market is a market popular with both Chinese and international visitors from all the
corners of the world. All shopkeepers speak English and the asking prices are often quite high so it is
important to haggle.
Hutongs
While visiting the hutongs in Beijing, you will gain a greater understanding of the common people as well
as the history of the ancient yet modern Beijing. Hutongs are in fact, alleys or lanes that exist only in Beijing.
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St. James’s Place (Shanghai) Limited Beijing Branch
Web: www.sjp.asia/shanghai
The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.
Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen represent St. James’s Place (Shanghai) Limited, St. James’s Place (Shanghai) Limited
Beijing Branch and St. James’s Place (Shanghai) Limited Shenzhen Branch, which are part of the St. James’s Place Wealth
Management Group and are Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprises (WFOEs).
WFOE registration Nos. 91310000566573326L, 91110105MA017YPH7A and 91440300MA5ER5YL82.
St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group plc Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom.
Registered in England Number 4113955.
Please note that due to local legislation we are unable to offer our financial planning services to nationals of the People’s Republic of China.
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