Real expat guides to living, working & traveling in China in 2026. Privacy tips, visas, flights, bringing your dog, and daily life hacks from IkkyInChina.
Update Date: January 17, 2026 Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Regulations and bank policies are subject to change. Always consult with qualified legal and financial professionals before making any decisions. Securing a mortgage in China as a foreigner is a well-established process, but the specifics—especially down payment ratios and bank requirements—are subject…
Are you relocating to China, and don’t know what to pack for your new life? Have no fear! This article has all the information you need. What to Pack When Relocating to China When you are packing for your move to China, there are a few essential items that you will need to bring with…
If you’re living anywhere in China, finding the right websites to make money online can be a daunting task. There are so many options out there, and they all seem to have their own unique sets of pros and cons. Luckily, we’ve compiled this list of 10 different methods that are perfect for making money…
On Thursday, the Chinese operator of Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons announced a two-year partnership with Alibaba Group’s (9988.HK) grocery chain in which the two will launch co-branded products. According to a statement, e-commerce giant Alibaba’s Freshippo will begin sales next month at its more than 300 stores as well as through its official app….
This post will give you a quick guide on how to add an overseas bankcard to Alipay and answer a few related questions. The supported bankcard issuers at the time of publishing this post: JCB MasterCard Visa If your card does not belong to the list above then this procedure will not work. How to…
In this article, we will cover the step required to transfer from work to family reunion residence permit in China. Many foreigners have found themselves either laid off or left their jobs voluntarily in these tough economic times. As a result, one has to have the work permit canceled by the employer and have to…
It is required for applicants coming to China with a “Z” visa for working or a long-term “X” visa as a student to complete the medical check for the residence permit at the state medical center. China’s medical care laws A second medical exam is required once applicants enter China for the purpose of applying…
If you’re a foreigner planning to get married in Hong Kong, you’re in the right place. Hong Kong is a popular destination for marriage registration due to its straightforward legal process, international recognition of marriage certificates, and efficient administrative system. Whether you’re marrying another foreign national or seeking an alternative to marriage registration in mainland…
Update Date: December 15, 2025 Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Regulations and procedures are subject to change by Chinese authorities. Always confirm with your local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration for the most current requirements. Navigating the administrative requirements in a foreign country can be daunting, and China’s temporary residence registration…
In this article, we will explain how to register a marriage in China where at least one of the people involved is a foreign national. We will address two situations, as listed below: Before we start covering both scenarios, we will first highlight the marriage registration requirements: Now with that set, we can move to…
