Crown Relocations is NZ’s leading moving company.

Moving To China From New Zealand

Relocating to China

Are you considering a move to China? A country of opportunity for New Zealanders, China is an amazing mix of both modern and ancient realms. Beijing is the hub of tradition with a lengthy history, being China’s capital city for most of the time since 1279. Shanghai is the butterfly of cities, immersed in a colourful cosmopolitan lifestyle. From the Great Wall of China to Shezhen’s modern architecture, China is an interesting mix of contrasts with historical experiences and modern advances within its culture. China is particularly appealing to New Zealanders due to its rapidly growing job market, a diverse cultural heritage, and a generally lower cost of living.

Relocating to China from New Zealand can be a challenging transition. It is hard but tremendously satisfying. From moving abroad for a new job to going away for school or just wanting to experience something different, China has plenty to offer. One of the hardest challenges is overcoming the language barrier as Mandarin, China’s official tongue, is not easy for English-speakers to learn. However, having even a small knowledge of Mandarin can really improve your ability to settle in well. Many social customs and cultural norms encountered are likely to be unfamiliar to New Zealanders. However, with active and friendly expat populations in China’s major cities, support from other Kiwis is not far away.

Skyline of Shanghai financial district. Photo by Katherine Gu
Skyline of Shanghai financial district. Photo by Katherine Gu

International Shipping to China

Crown Relocations NZ makes moving to China simple and stress-free with customised services to meet your relocation needs. We understand every part of international relocations, with over 55 years of experience in providing international shipping around the world, including to China.

Whether you have a houseful of furniture or just a few precious items, Crown offers flexible shipping options to suit your needs and budget, ensuring your belongings arrive safely at your new home. Sole-use containers can be used for large items and households, while a shared container is a cost-effective option for smaller loads. We also offer air transport for priority items that need to arrive more quickly.

With Crown, you can leave all the paperwork to us. Our team handles all necessary clearances and entry documentation, assisting with China’s customs regulations and requirements. We make sure your move complies with all regulations.

Our comprehensive moving services include transit protection insurance, a free relocation checklist, as well as assistance with relocating vehicles and pets. With Crown, you can go knowing that every aspect of your move to China is managed with care and professionalism.

For an international moving quote, call our friendly team on: 0508 227 696 or complete our online form.

NZ to China Corporate Mobility Services

Imagine your team thriving in their new Chinese home, embracing the culture and excelling in their roles. At Crown Relocations, we make this vision a reality. Whether moving permanently or on a temporary basis, our worldwide expertise ensures your team, and their families, have a seamless transfer to China.

We oversee every part of your team’s move from beginning to end, ensuring a smooth transition each time. Our consulting services are tailored to your company’s unique needs, helping you build a strategy that not only moves your employees successfully but also supports them throughout their transition.

China’s strategic market position and growing business opportunities offer exciting possibilities for your team. Our Mobility Specialists provide comprehensive support, from navigating immigration requirements to offering settling-in and orientation services.

Our settling-in services go beyond the basics. We help your employees and their families connect with their new home through a variety of ways according to their needs. This can include language learning, house hunting, exploring local services, and even career support for partners, ensuring everyone can feel at home.

Contact our World Mobility specialists to find out more: call us on: 0800 243 578, or (+64) 9 415 7300.

Alternatively you can email us at: [email protected] or complete our contact form.

Chinese Food

Moving to China FAQs:

New Zealand citizens can live in China, but they need to fulfill the requirements of China’s visa and immigration policy. The most common visa is the Z visa, needed for work. The Z visa requires a job offer from a Chinese employer. If you move for study, then you will need the X visa, as well as an offer of place from the educational institution. For family reunions, the Q visa is needed.

Be aware that some visas have different durations of stay so it pays to check which visa subcategory you need. The processing time may take several weeks, and one needs to ensure all the documents are presented to avoid unnecessary hold-ups. When you arrive in China, you must register your address with the local police within 24 hours and apply for a residence permit. Crown can help you navigate China’s immigration system when moving from New Zealand, making the whole process simpler.

Call us today on 0508 227 696 and find out how we can help you be well prepared to move to China.

Relocating from New Zealand to China can be expensive. Shipping costs, finding accommodation, and living costs in a new country all add up. The cost of living in China is relatively cheaper than in New Zealand, but this depends on a region-to region basis, especially outside of the major cities. Laundry, housing, and travel in towns are usually more affordable; however, products that are imported and dining at foreign restaurants are either the same or can be more expensive than in New Zealand. Two of the most important expenses to account for are healthcare and international schooling.

Crown is best placed to help you enjoy a stress-free move at a reasonable cost. As well as providing packing and relocation services, we offer additional services such as moving insurance, international vehicle transport and pet relocations.

Let us take care of your international move. Give our friendly team a call on 0508 227 696 or obtain a free quote online to find out how much it will cost.

With good planning, migrating from New Zealand to China is relatively easy. It might come with a few hurdles because of the differences in culture, language, and lifestyle. Without prior preparation, it can be quite complicated to deal with paperwork, bureaucracy, and visa needs. Something experienced by a large number of Kiwis is the language barrier, as Mandarin is the main language. However, thriving expat communities in major cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, make it much easier for newcomers to adjust.

Our team at Crown provide a range of comprehensive services to make your transition simple and hassle-free, for both moving and settling into your new home.

To ensure a simple and successful move to China: call our friendly team on 0508 227 696 or fill in our online form.

Crown Relocations has a variety of international shipping options that can be tailored to meet your budget and relocation needs. Whether you’re shipping a few items, or a full household, we provide sole-use and shared containers, as well as air transport for urgent deliveries. With more than 55 years of experience, we guarantee a reliable and simple relocation experience, helping you every step of the way.

Talk with our friendly team on 0508 227 696 or request an online quote.

What do I need to know about moving to China?

What are the top cities to live in China?

There are a number of excellent cities for expats to move to in China, depending on your individual tastes. Beijing, the capital city, is the political heartland of China. It is a lustrous blend of skyscrapers, history, and culture. Shanghai is a favorite for expats due to the international business center and cosmopolitan vibe. Shenzhen, China’s Silicon Valley, is an innovative technology hub and renowned for its financial and economic might.

Cities such as Chengdu and Suzhou offer a balance of cultural experience and natural beauty for those after a more leisurely pace. Other cities, including Hangzhou and Xi’an, have growing expat communities due to strong job markets and high living standards. These smaller cities are worth considering for a more immersive experience, alongside your local expat community. With all of these cities being unique to the areas they serve, it will be easy to find a place to match your lifestyle.

Housing in China

The housing in China varies between modern high-rise apartments built to capture as many people as possible under one roof to older courtyard homes. Apartments are available for rent in big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. The majority come fully furnished, so it should not take long to find somewhere to live. Housing in China is pricey in the best cities, but the overall level of housing prices is still generally cheaper than other major cities around the world.

When moving to China for work, it is very typical that people either go through a real estate agent or their employer provides them with housing. Ultimately where you choose to live depends on your commute, accessibility to public transport, international schools, or the atmosphere of the neighborhood. Lease terms can certainly be a little confusing, so it is wise to understand these before committing to something. Most rental contracts are signed for at least one year and deposits will be required. Foreigners can buy property but there are rules around how long you need to have lived in China as well as other requirements to take into consideration.

Our team at Crown can help you find accommodation in China, making your move even easier.

Healthcare in China

The Chinese healthcare system covers both public-private. Public care is sometimes but not always available for expats so getting health insurance for medical costs is strongly recommended. Public hospitals are inexpensive, but many don’t have English-speaking staff. It is possible to use a translator app if needed. Expats tend to go to private international hospitals where the standard of care is higher and most doctors speak English, though these can be pricey. Chinese healthcare has come a long way, and major cities offer world-class medical institutions. When moving to China, it is best to find the closest healthcare service to where you live, and find out whether you must pay from your pocket or with insurance beforehand.

Education in China

In China, there are both public schools and private international schools for primary and secondary schooling. Most public schools will be in Mandarin, which can be difficult for students who speak no Chinese. International schools, in contrast, teach using an English curriculum, either the International Baccalaureate (IB), or an American or British system. Such schools are usually very expensive but bring a known studying environment and allow students to prepare for further studies. When planning on higher education study in China, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou are known for their top universities. If you are a new family relocating to China from New Zealand, it’s important to research into education options based on your child’s age, language levels and future schooling plans.

Not sure where to start when looking at education options in China? Our destination services at Crown include school search and education support so you can find the right school for your child.

Money in China

China has a cashless society with digital payments virtually everywhere. You can use Alipay, WeChat Pay to shop, eat or pay your bill. New Zealanders can get an account with a Chinese bank to have easy access to funds and also linked to your mobile payment apps. Credit cards are accepted in many places but it is recommend to pay through local systems for most transactions.

Transportation in China

The transportation system in China is very good, particularly in large cities. Driving in China can be quite difficult for expats due to traffic congestion and different driving rules. Over 30 main cities, like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Guangzhou have extensive but cheap and easy to use subway systems. Taxis and ridesharing apps, such as DiDi, are also popular.

New Zealanders are not permitted to drive in China on their NZ drivers licence or with an international drivers licence. Instead, they must apply for a Chinese driver’s licence. This is usually a written exam in English and sometimes a practical test as well. Many cities are linked with high-speed trains, making travel between the regions simple and fast. If you live out in the country, public buses are an inexpensive way to get around.

Learning the Chinese languages

In China, the official language is Mandarin Chinese and learning it would certainly help you immerse yourself in the culture and interact more smoothly in everyday life. For young English speakers, it might sound hard, however a lot of expats really enjoy learning Mandarin. There are a multitude of language schools, online resources and language exchange programs. Although you will find English speakers in most major cities, mainly in business and expat environments, learning at least some Mandarin will provide a wider range of potential personal or professional opportunities.

Crown offers Mandarin language learning as part of our additional services, so you can be more confident when moving to China.

Networking in China

Seniors playing Chinese chess on the street in Beijing. Photo by Woody Yan
Seniors playing Chinese chess on the street in Beijing. Photo by Woody Yan

China is a place where you realize the importance of networking both professionally and socially. Online platforms such as WeChat, QQ, Tantan, Zhaopin or events of expat groups can help expats to connect with each other. Networking is important in both business opportunities and building friendships in China. Kiwis can also make friends attending cultural events, local festivals or local group activities. A solid social network can often make life in China significantly easier, helping you to integrate successfully into your new Chinese life.

China Panda in a tree in Dujiangyan Chengdu Hat Trick

Moving to China? Go knowing

Let Us Make Your Journey to China Simple

Moving to China from New Zealand opens the door to a wide range of exciting and delightful experiences. Although there are challenges to deal with, like language barriers, cultural differences, and bureaucracy, the experience of living in one of the most transformational countries certainly outweighs them.

Kiwis who immerse themselves in the Chinese culture, establish relationships with other expats and locals, and understands how life operates in China, will find it easy to adapt and create a successful life within their adopted homeland. China offers a remarkable opportunity for both career and personal development. while providing countless chances to explore the nation’s diverse culture, natural wonders, and contemporary cities.

Let us simplify your move to China. As your international moving experts, our team at Crown takes care of every detail so you can focus on what matters most – discovering and embracing your new Chinese life.

Go knowing you can trust Crown to make your move simple and hassle-free. Call us on0508 227 696, request an online quote, or visit Crown Relocations NZ to find out more.

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