Living the expat life in China can be a thrilling adventure, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Expats tend to live differently from locals, indulging in habits that may offer comfort but drain our wallets. It's time for us to take a cue from the Chinese proverb: "A wise man adapts himself to circumstances." Let's explore five practical ways you can start living more like a local and save money as an expat in China.
First things first, learn some basic Mandarin phrases! While it might seem obvious, speaking even minimal Chinese will revolutionize your shopping experience. Instead of being charged the "foreigner price," you'll be able to haggle with vendors at markets or communicate directly with shopkeepers about prices. It's like having a superpower in your pocket – and who doesn't love saving money just by saying "" (I want this) instead of pointing awkwardly?
Did you know that cooking can save you more than it costs? No, really! Preparing meals yourself is not only healthier but also far cheaper. Think about it: an average meal out might cost 50 RMB ($7), while ingredients for the same dish at home could be as low as 20 RMB ($3). That's a savings of $4 per meal – and imagine this multiplied by three times daily! As the Chinese saying goes, "" (A good cook can make use of anything.) Take control of your culinary adventures and try cooking some authentic Sichuan dishes. Your taste buds will thank you.
Time to get tech-savvy with Taobao, China's version of Amazon, minus the English interface – until now! With a little creativity or help from Google Translate, you can unlock thousands of stores selling everything under the sun at unbeatable prices. Want that new smartphone case? It might cost 50 RMB ($7) in-store but just 20 RMB on Taobao (not including shipping). The app's available for both iOS and Android users to download free – after all, as we say, "You can't buy happiness...but you can order it online."
Public transportation is your new best friend! Instead of relying on taxis or Didi Chuxing for every little trip, familiarize yourself with the local bus system. Most cities have English options available now, making navigation a breeze even without speaking Mandarin fluently. Plus, as an expat in China, you're eligible to buy monthly passes that can significantly reduce your commuting costs – just be prepared to stand out among locals who will likely give up seats for foreigners!
5 Ways to Live Local and Save Money:
1: Learn Basic Chinese
2: Cook Your Own Meals
3: Use Taobao App
4: Take Public Transportation
5: Stay Informed About Sales
Fact 1: "Learn the local lingo" is more than just a saying when it comes to expat life in China. As an English speaker, you might be surprised at how quickly your Mandarin skills can pay off – literally!
Secondly: Did you know that cooking meals yourself instead of eating out could save you over 2,000 RMB ($300 USD) per month? That's enough for a quick weekend getaway to another city in China. Find Work Abroad is an excellent resource if you're looking to supplement your income with teaching English or other opportunities.
Thirdly: Using the Taobao app can be as easy as ordering takeout on Grubhub! With some basic translation skills, you'll find yourself saving money left and right – just remember not to overdo it!
Fact 4: "Riding like a local" isn't just about getting cheaper transportation; it's also an immersive experience. You might even make some new friends during your daily commute.
Lastly: Stay informed about upcoming sales events! The Chinese are known for their love of shopping festivals – especially on Singles' Day (November 11th) and Golden Week in October. These periods offer unbeatable deals across many platforms, including Taobao's flagship store JD.com
In conclusion, living more like a local doesn't mean sacrificing the comfort or freedom we associate with expat life. By implementing these simple strategies – from learning some basic Mandarin to embracing public transportation – you can significantly reduce your expenses while still enjoying everything China has to offer.
So, here are 5 ways to live locally and save money as an Expat in China:
1. Learn Basic Chinese Phrases: This will revolutionize your shopping experience. Instead of being charged the "foreigner price," you'll be able to haggle with vendors at markets or communicate directly with shopkeepers about prices.
2. Cook Your Own Meals: Preparing meals yourself is not only healthier but also far cheaper. An average meal out might cost 50 RMB ($7), while ingredients for the same dish at home could be as low
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