Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Explore lesser-known spots in Shanghai for a more authentic local experience, away from the usual tourist crowds. These hidden gems offer a unique perspective on the city's diverse character and charm. (2:11)
- Tip 2Be prepared for a significantly lower cost of living in China compared to Western countries, particularly in areas like housing and transportation. This can lead to substantial savings and an improved quality of life. (4:04)
- Tip 3Utilize China's remarkably efficient public transportation system, which includes high-speed trains and innovative technologies like magnetic levitation trains. This system offers a convenient and cost-effective way to travel within and between cities. (5:05)
- Tip 4Embrace the opportunities for intercultural relationships. Many expats find love and companionship with locals, leading to enriching and fulfilling personal connections. (7:33)
- Tip 5Be prepared for significant cultural differences and invest time in learning about Chinese customs and etiquette. Understanding these nuances will enhance your experience and foster positive interactions with the local community. (9:07)
- Tip 6Feel safe exploring China's cities at any time of day or night. The overall safety and security of the country are often cited as a significant positive aspect of living there. (13:04)
- Tip 7Before moving to China, gain experience living in other cultures to better adjust to the unique challenges and opportunities of life in a new country. This preparation will make the transition smoother and more enjoyable. (15:00)
Sheku Mans and his friend Harvey share their surprisingly positive experiences living in China as expats. They discuss the unexpectedly low cost of living, the incredible infrastructure including the high-speed rail network, and the generally high quality of life. The friendliness of the people, particularly in southern China, is highlighted, along with the ease and safety of navigating Chinese cities. They also touch upon cultural differences and the convenience of using cell phones for almost every transaction.
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This video offers a candid look into the lives of Sheku Mans and Harvey, two expats sharing their experiences of living in China. Filmed in Shanghai, the video initially focuses on a conversation between the two friends at a scenic, yet relatively unknown, spot. This setting immediately establishes a tone of authenticity and personal insight, away from the typical tourist hotspots. Sheku and Harvey discuss their daily lives, highlighting the stark contrast between life in China and their home country, the UK. The cost of living emerges as a major point of difference; in China, they find it significantly lower than in the UK, coupled with higher salaries for expats. This financial advantage contributes to a higher quality of life, allowing them to save more and enjoy a greater sense of financial security.
The conversation then shifts to the remarkable infrastructure in China. Harvey recounts a personal anecdote of using the efficient and extensive public transport system, including the magnetic levitation train, to reach the airport swiftly, despite an initial mishap. This anecdote vividly illustrates the practical benefits of China's infrastructure, a point often overlooked in discussions about the country. The ease and convenience of daily life, enabled by the readily available and efficient public transport, are further emphasized. This is complemented by the ubiquitous use of smartphones for virtually all transactions, making carrying physical wallets almost unnecessary. This aspect of modern life in China is portrayed as remarkably advanced compared to their home country.
The discussion extends to personal relationships and cultural experiences. Sheku shares his experience of meeting his Chinese girlfriend in the UK and their decision to move to China together. This intimate detail adds a personal touch, showcasing the potential for intercultural relationships and the integration of foreigners into Chinese society. Harvey, meanwhile, speaks of the friendliness of the Chinese people, particularly in southern China, where he had lived previously. He describes the warmth and hospitality he experienced, including invitations to share meals in local homes—a stark contrast to his experience in the UK. This cultural comparison underscores the unique aspect of interpersonal interactions in China.
Safety is another key theme explored. Both Sheku and Harvey express a profound sense of safety in China, contrasting it sharply with their experiences in the UK. They highlight the ability to move freely at any time of day or night without fear, a stark difference from the perceived safety concerns in their home country. This comparison is crucial in addressing the common misconceptions about safety in China. The video concludes with advice to potential expats considering a move to China. They emphasize the importance of having prior experience with different cultures and a willingness to adapt, acknowledging that settling in may present challenges. However, they ultimately encourage viewers to embrace the opportunity, suggesting a potentially fulfilling and enriching life awaits those who choose to experience China firsthand. The overall tone of the video is positive and encouraging, promoting a realistic and nuanced perspective on life in China for foreigners.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How safe is China compared to the UK?
- A: Hands down, there's a huge difference. It's like night and day. In China, you can walk around freely at night without any problems, unlike in the UK where there's always a risk of something happening to you.
- Q: What's the cost of living like in China?
- A: Compared to the UK, the cost of living in China is very, very low, and salaries for expats are very high. It's actually true, man!
- Q: What's the public transportation like?
- A: The infrastructure in China is incredible. I was heading to the airport the other day and I took the wrong subway, but I was able to hop onto the Maglev train and get there in 8 minutes instead of 40!
- Q: What's your take on the people in China?
- A: Chinese people are very friendly. It differs from province to province, but overall, they're very kind and warm, especially in the south. They'd invite you into their homes to eat dinner.
- Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about moving to China?
- A: Don't come if you're not a certain kind of person. You have to be open-minded and have maybe experienced different cultures before. It will be hard at first, but if you can settle in, you can find a nice life here.
