Moving To China

China is a country located in East Asia. It has a population of over 1.4 billion people and covers an area of around 9.6 million square kilometres. The country is famous for its rich history, cultural heritage, and modern rapid development. The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army are some of the most well-known landmarks that showcase China’s ancient civilization. Additionally, China is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including the Himalayas, the Gobi Desert, and the Yangtze River Delta. The country’s rapid economic growth and increasing global influence have also contributed to its fame.

If you are planning to moving to China from USA, the seat of one of the four early civilizations in the world and home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it will no doubt be an exciting transition. However, you need to have a detailed plan in place before you make the international relocation to China from the USA.

How International Sea & Air Shipping can help for moving to China

Moving to China from the can be a complex and challenging process. It’s important to research and understand the cultural, linguistic, and legal differences between the two countries. You may want to consider hiring a relocation company that specializes in international moves, as they can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the process.

An international relocation will be less hectic and will get a lot easier when you hire an experienced international mover. At International Sea & Air Shipping we have years of experience in handling international moves for our clients. We have a team of experts who can make the entire process of moving to China from the USA hassle-free for you.

At International Sea & Air Shipping we will provide you bespoke moving services that will cover A-to-Z for your international relocation to China from the USA. Our team will ensure that packing of your household goods is done properly, they will choose the right container and freight services for your move and will also provide valuable advice on costing. The added advantage of hiring our professional services is that you get high-quality international relocation services at an affordable rate.

About China

Home to the Great Wall, the only man-made structure visible from the moon, China is renowned for its century old culture and civilization history. With its distinctive culture and the origin of many of the world’s first traditions and practices, this historic land is often considered the cultural representation of the Far East.

China is the most populous country in the world, and the fourth largest by geographic area. China shares borders with Mongolia, Russia, North Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Well known for its diverse variety of travel destinations and attractions, including mountain ranges, posh cities, and historic provinces. China has something for everyone in terms of cultural, religious, cuisine and others interests-over 4000 years of civilization has given China a rich and unique culture.

China is the world’s third largest economy by gross domestic product. The largest trade partners of the nation are Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, US, Taiwan, and Germany.

Customs Regulations for China

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Visa/Work Visa
• Foreign Expert Certificate
• Identity Card
• Residence Card/Permit
• Original Passport and Authorization Letter
• Residency Registration (to obtain Green Card)
• Application for Customs Sealed Letter (three copies)
• Letter of Employment Certification (preferably in Chinese) from employer’s registered China Office, or Chinese host organization, certifying that customer will be either personnel of Foreign Resident Office, or Foreign Expert
• Detailed inventory in English (describing general carton contents – PBO “packed by owner” and “misc.” not acceptable)
• Arrival Customs Declaration (to be completed by customer on arrival at port of entry)
• Application for import of personal effects (Import Permit)
• List of goods and quantity to be imported must be in Chinese
• Must list all items planned for import within six months from the date of approval of the application, even if not contained in the first shipment
• Certificate of Origin may be required
• Customs Permit (must be approved prior to arrival of goods)
• Customs Permit and inventory must match exactly
• Health Certificate
• Full physical examination with blood test to prove evidence of absence of communicable diseases

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• CUSTOMER MUST ARRIVE IN CHINA BEFORE SHIPMENT IN ORDER TO COMPLETE IMPORT FORMALITIES
• Personal registration of the customer and employer’s registration must be approved before arrival of the shipment
• Used household goods and personal effects are dutiable for Chinese persons holding a foreign passport and foreigners entering China for an extended period of time (not holding a Residence Card)
• Only one air and one sea shipment may be imported within six months of customer
• Shipments are subject to physical inspection by customs

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

• Piano: Cannot be shipped alone and must include other personal effects
• Books: Maximum of 50 books per shipment and must include other personal effects
• Alcohol and tobacco products
• Foodstuffs
• Office supplies and furniture must be for personal use
• Office equipment cannot be imported as personal effects and are dutiable (i.e. copiers and fax machines)
• Electrical/electronic items (new or used) are subject to import duties (including computers) make, model, and serial number must be on inventory
• One of each electrical/electronic item per customer may be imported such as TV’s, stereos, refrigerators, VCR’s, washer/dryer
• Audio cassette tapes, video cassette tapes, compact discs, etc. (limited importation applies) will be inspected by customs office
• Cordless or portable phones (Import Permit required)
• Radio transmitters and components
• Bicycles
• Oriental antiques and objects d’art must be declared in detail, otherwise re-export might be prohibited
• Textiles and fabrics of wool, silk and artificial and synthetic fibers and bedding
• Cosmetics
• Cameras, watches, clocks and their parts and accessories
• Small quantity of prescription medicines may be allowed (with a copy of the prescription)
• Computers/printers – only one of each item allowed per customer
• Dutiable/restricted items must be clearly indicated on the inventory and loaded last for easy access

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Weapons and ammunition
• Drugs or poisons
• Fresh food, especially mea
• Pornographic and subversive literature, films, tapes, etc.
• Endangered and rare animals and their products

MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS

• Motorcycles are prohibited
• Privately owned vehicles are considered a luxury item and are dutiable
• Restrictions and taxes depend on the type and size of vehicle
• Subject to import duties of up to 200 percent
• Documents must be provided to support the age and value of the auto
• Documents required:
  • Written application to customs office
  • Import Cargo Declaration
  • Invoice

PET REGULATIONS

• Only one pet per Residence Permit, regulations for licensing of dogs are complicated and strict
• Health Certificate and original Certificate of Rabies Vaccination is required
• Pets subject to strict quarantine regulations
• Veterinary inspection must be arranged by owner upon arrival

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

Moving to China; What do you need to know?

Moving to China from the USA can be a lot to process. However, here are some key things that you should consider to make this transition go smoothly for you: visa requirements, language, cost of living, job opportunities, cultural practices etc. China has a vibrant expat community. But it will be beneficial to research and prepare thoroughly before making the move.

Major benefits of moving to China as a US expat include accessing a large and growing market, taking advantage of China’s economic growth and development, experiencing a unique culture and way of life, and gaining valuable professional experience in a global hub. Additionally, China offers a relatively low cost of living, with many amenities and services available at affordable prices.

Visa for moving to China from the USA

China offers different types of entry visas. You need to know for what purpose you want to move to China from the USA and then obtain proper visas. You can consider the following visas to move to China from the USA and live there.

• The work or Z visa
• The study X visa
• The family reunification Q visa

Work Visa

If you are moving to China from the USA for working in this country and live there then you need to secure a job with a Chinese employer before moving there. The employer has to apply for the Foreigner work permit on your behalf.

Study Visa

For obtaining a study visa, first a student needs to get accepted in a Chinese educational institution and then apply for the visa at the nearest Chinese consulate in the USA. To move to China from the USA and live there on a student visa, there are two types of study visas –

• Student visa X1
• Student visa X2

Family Reunification Visa

The q visa allows one to move to China from the USA for family reunification purposes. The following family members are allowed under this visa –

• Spouses
• Parents
• Children (sons and daughters)
• Parents-in-law
• Brothers and sisters
• Grandparents
• And grandchildren

Important cultural practices in China

Limào or Politeness

Always be respectful when you are dealing with Chinese people as politeness is the greatest attribute in Chinese culture.

Diulian or Not ‘losing face’

This means never to create an unpleasant scenario in public like shouting at another person, cursing or criticising in public etc.

Li shàng wang lái or Gift giving

This is another very important cultural attribute in China. You can offer appropriate gifts as per occasion to show respect. Also, it is equally important not to refuse a gift if you are being presented with one.

Top reasons to move to China from the USA

China is a powerful island nation and is a melting pot of various international cultures. Moving to China from the USA Comes with excellent perks. Some of these are –

Strong economy

China is one of the most powerful economies globally and it’s still growing. This means the country offers good job opportunities in sectors like, finance, technology, healthcare, education, IT and more.

Low cost of living

China offers a high standard of living but at comparatively low cost. You will not face any dearth of modern infrastructure and facilities.

Education

China has a highly regarded and high-quality education system.

Education

China has good healthcare policies and facilities.

Stunning diversity in nature

The country is huge and has different time zones and diverse landscapes. You will never run out of recreational activities when you are in China.

Accommodation in China

Expats can breathe easy regarding availing housing in China. The country offers a wide range of housing options at comparatively lower prices than in the USA. It is advisable, however, to secure housing before you move to China from the USA.