Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If the reason you're coming to China is that your company has a place for you here, then
the process will flow relatively smoothly. Regardless, it's still important to check the fine
details of your contract. Particular issues include how you are paid and taxed in China as
well as at home. Some companies can split your salary into different currencies, perhaps
one-half in U.S. dollars into your home bank account, and the other half in
rénmínbì,
which
will go into a local Chinese bank account. While having
rénmínbì
will make your life here
easier, if you do accumulate a lot of it, then it may be difficult or at least troublesome to get
out of China when you finally leave.
It's likely your company will be offering you a range of benefits, including medical in-
surance, housing, and educational fees for your children. Look carefully into the medical
insurance offered, and speak to a Beijing-based broker about how well the selected policy
will suit your needs. Some international providers cover Beijing hospitals better than others.
Sometimes Beijing just doesn't gel well with a given expat and after a short period of
time, he or she wants to return to home shores. Everyone's experiences here are different,
and it can be hard to predict whether or not this will be you or someone in your family.
Clarify with your company what would happen should you wish to resign from your Beijing
post and return home. What costs will be covered or incurred, and will you still have a job
to return to?
For those being brought over to Beijing by their companies, there are usually provisions
for their spouses and children. This will include setting your husband or wife up with the
required visa and residence permit, and possibly covering health and education costs. Un-
married or same-sex partners may apply for a dependent residence permit in Beijing with
a package of supportive documentation, e.g., a cohabitation certificate or marriage certi-
ficate issued by the relevant home country authorities, and other application materials re-
quired by the local authorities. Bear in mind that rules governing anything visa related
change frequently and, of late, are particularly tight. Illegal residents or people employed
while on non-working visas run the risk of copping heavy fines and being deported. It's
highly recommended that you check with your nearest Chinese embassy several months
in advance of your departure, with the Beijing Municipality Public Security Bureau
