Real expat guides to living, working & traveling in China in 2026. Privacy tips, visas, flights, bringing your dog, and daily life hacks from IkkyInChina.
For years, you’ve built a career and life in China. The expat package was attractive, the savings potential significant, and the experience unparalleled. But now, the winds have changed. Whether driven by career moves, family, or a simple desire to return home, the decision to leave China and return to the European Union marks a…
After years of navigating the vibrant, complex landscape of China, the decision to return to the United States marks a significant life transition. While emotionally charged, the process is often overshadowed by a dense, frustrating thicket of financial and administrative complexities. For American expatriates, “going home” triggers a cascade of obligations, from multi-jurisdictional tax reporting…
For many expats who have spent years living and working in China, the decision to return to the UK is often motivated by family, career changes, or retirement plans. Yet, while the emotional aspects of repatriation are significant, the financial implications can be even more daunting. From navigating complex UK tax rules to transferring pensions,…
Traveling with pets has always been a challenge, especially for long-distance journeys. Airlines impose strict rules, buses often lack proper facilities, and private cars can be inconvenient for cross-country trips. Enter the high-speed rail pet transport serviceโa modern solution that is transforming how pet owners in China and beyond travel with their furry companions. Chinaโs…
China saw roughly 25.59 million foreign entries in the first eight months of 2025, driven by a large visaโfree share (about 15.89 million, or 62.1%) and rapid yearโonโyear growth. Short stays dominate: the average international guest stayed about 1.6 days, which shapes product, distribution, and marketing choices for hotels and destinations. Who the foreigners are…
Tickets for the 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix go on sale at 11:00 AM on December 11, as announced by the Shanghai Sports Bureau and local event pages. The official sales channels are the ไน ไบไฝ่ฒ platforms: the ไน ไบไฝ่ฒ App and the WeChat and Alipay mini programs; international buyers can use the appโs international storefront…
Russia has introduced a temporary visaโfree regime for many categories of Chinese travelers allowing stays of up to 30 days, effective immediately and running through Sept 14, 2026. The measure mirrors Beijingโs earlier oneโyear visa waiver for many Russian passport holders and is framed as a oneโyear trial that strengthens bilateral ties. Who is eligible…
The China Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) updated its recognized-institutions database and removed 270 overseas institutions, a change that directly affects diploma verification used for civil service eligibility, hukou procedures, professional licensing, and some employment checks. This update followed a routine quality review focused on accreditation, curriculum standards, teaching quality, and institutional compliance. Immediate…
Singapore is a premier financial hub offering stability, transparency, and tax efficiency. For British expats in China, it provides a safe, globally connected base for wealth management. ๐ Singapore Economic Development Board ๐ฆ Banking & Account Setup for NonโResidents Opening a multiโcurrency account is the first step. Bank Account Type ExpatโFriendliness Notes DBS Multiplier Account…
Living and working in China while supporting family, paying rent, or managing bills in Europe means you need a remittance method that is affordable, fast, and compliant with both Chinese and European rules. Traditional bank wire transfers can be slow, opaque, and expensive โ with hidden fees, poor exchange rates, and long processing windows that…