Moving from the USA to China: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about relocating from the US to China, including visa options, cost of living and tips on international money transfers.
If you’re considering moving to China for work, study or to join family, planning is key. This guide walks you through the main considerations and procedures, as well as introducing ways to make your international remittances more affordable with Wise.
China at a glance
- Capital: Beijing
- Official language: Mandarin Chinese
- Population: Approximately 1.4 billion
- Currency: Renminbi (RMB), also known as Chinese yuan (CNY)
- Main religions: Buddhism, Christianity and Islam
Can a US citizen move to China?
Yes, US citizens can relocate to China but must apply for appropriate visas based on their purpose of stay—such as work, business or study. Having the right documentation is essential to ensure legal residency and avoid potential issues during immigration processing.
Immigration and visa types
- Tourist visa: For visits to family or leisure travel, allowing stays typically up to 60 days.
- Business visa (F or M): F visa for non-commercial visits; M visa for trade activities. Requires an invitation from a Chinese-based company.
- Work visa (Z): Required for employment in China. Must have a job offer from a local company. Initial stay allowed is three months, with possibility to extend via a residence permit.
- Study visa (X1 or X2): X1 for studies longer than 180 days; X2 for shorter courses. Admission documents from a Chinese educational institution are required.
Visa requirements and fees
Basic requirements generally include:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Photocopy of passport bio page
- Flight tickets or invitation letter
- Proof of address and accommodation details in China
The standard China tourist visa fee for US citizens is $185, with optional expedited processing for an additional $25.
Life in China: What to expect
Cost of Living
The cost of living in China is generally about 50% lower than in the United States, although property prices can be higher, particularly in major cities.
Moving Costs
Estimated costs for relocation—including flights and shipping of belongings—range between $2,500 and $6,300 depending on transport method (sea vs air freight) and shipment size.
Housing Options
Renting is usually more flexible and affordable compared to purchasing property. Expats often choose apartments in large buildings or opt for villas in gated communities outside city centers.
Healthcare System
In larger cities, certain public hospitals offer ‘international wings’ with standards comparable to Western healthcare systems. Private healthcare is widely used by expats, though it can be expensive without proper insurance coverage.
Banking and Taxes
You can open a bank account in China as a foreigner, though you may need to do so in person upon arrival. Most banks require identity verification and document submission in person.
ATMs are widespread and mostly support English interfaces. Understanding the Chinese tax system is recommended prior to relocation, especially if you plan to earn income within the country.
Education
International schools are preferred by many expat families due to their English instruction and global curriculum, though they tend to be costly.
Transportation
Public transportation such as buses and trains is extensive and economical. Driving can be challenging, so relying on public transit or taxis is common among residents.
International Money Transfers
Using services like Wise can help manage your cross-border payments more efficiently—with transparent fees and competitive exchange rates across 50+ currencies to 70+ countries.
Wise supports both personal and business remittances and helps users save on transfer costs before, during and after the relocation process.
Wise：一站式跨境汇款解决方案
One Stop online process：无需前往实体网点，轻松在线完成身份验证。
支持多语言服务：即使不懂中文，也可无障碍操作。
费用透明无隐藏收费：汇率公开透明，与Google查询结果一致，无额外隐藏费用。
所需文件更少：仅在首次转账时提交必要资料。
*请注意，Wise在中国的业务是通过本地合作伙伴的牌照开展运营。
了解更多信息，请访问：
https://wi.se/china
*详情请参阅官网的《用户条款》及“费用与定价”页面获取最新费用信息。
