How to Move to Chongqing

Renowned for its warm summer-like weather conditions and excellent living conditions, Chongqing has become a popular option for those looking to move to a Chinese city. The highly developed metropolitan surroundings, as well as the efficient transportation networks, make Chongqing a desirable choice for ex-pats as well as retirees looking for a change of place. Here are some tips on how to make the big move to this megacity in China.

1. Holiday There First

One of the best ways to gauge whether a city is a right choice for a move is to holiday at the location first to get an idea of what life in the region is like in reality. While many cities promise to offer ex-pats the life of their dreams, it is impractical to believe that a single city can cater to the personal needs and wants of diverse demographics from various parts of the world. Those who wish to move to Chongqing, therefore, will benefit greatly from spending a few weeks or a month in Chongqing condos such as those provides by Ascott Nanbin Chongqing or any similar venue. Spending time in an apartment versus a holiday resort will offer potential ex-pats a more comprehensive perspective of life in the city and help them understand what elements need to be altered, if any, to create a home in Chongqing.

2. Prepare for the Climate

As one of the hottest cities in China, ex-pats and tourists may underestimate just how much heat and humidity they must contend with as a citizen of Chongqing. Having a sub-tropical weather pattern for most of the year, the warm summers are not only humid but also long. With a humidity that surpasses any other Chinese city, it is necessary to prepare for summer weather all year long. The winters are brief and not cold compared to other parts of China as temperatures rarely dip below 6°C. Other climatic conditions one must prepare for include the fog which makes like difficult for 100 days out of the year.

3. Find Appropriate Housing

When it comes to finding the perfect housing solution in Chongqing, visitors must be aware that it is all a matter of personal choice and the funds available. Most young professionals moving to Chongqing will prefer to live in a condo, apartment or villa while those looking to retire in Chongqing will lean towards a traditional home or a duplex. It is advisable to start the search for a home at least two months before the moving date. Opting for a rental unit or buying a property outright is another question one must grapple with while one must also be prepared to pay 10%-20% more for furnished apartments and homes. Rental charges in China also do not include utilities or the realtor's commission so it is necessary to run the numbers several times just so you know how much is expected every month. Most contracts drawn for property purchase and rental in China are also in Chinese so a lawyer representing your interests must be hired to look over the fine print.

4. Complete the Paperwork

Moving to Chongqing or any Chinese city requires presenting a large number of official documents proving one's financial status, educational qualifications, bank details etc. and filing these is crucial for a smooth migration process. Originals, as well as copies of these important documents, will need to be presented at various stages of the journey and some may need to be translated into Chinese as well.

5. Working Possibilities

Those who are hoping to be self-employed or secure employment in Chongqing will need to contact the proper channels with regards to available jobs well in advance. Finding employment in a Chinese city such as Chongqing is dependent upon your connections but preparing a Chinese language resume and referring to popular local job-posting sites is crucial for those who cannot rely on their savings to survive the first couple of months after the move.