Let's be honest, that first month living and working in China can be daunting, to say the least. For most of us, the language is completely alien and the culture even more so. During this time, it's key to find some shortcuts while you’re figuring it all out. Below is a guide to getting over those initial hurdles quickly so you can to start to make the most of your China experience.

Setting up banking and online shopping

Before you do anything, you’re going to need to set up a Chinese bank account. You’ll most likely require one to receive a salary anyway.

Setting up a bank account has become more difficult for foreigners in recent years, but it’s a doddle for those who have been employed in a proper and legal manner. China Merchant’s Bank is known to be the most foreigner-friendly. They usually require your passport, proof of employment (a signed and stamped letter from your employer outlining your role), and proof of residency (a residence form from your local police station).

If for whatever reason you don’t have an employment letter, try ICBC, which has been known to open accounts for foreigners with just a passport and a proof of address.

With your Chinese bank account opened, it’s time to take the next big step — linking your bank card with WeChat Pay. In a country where people and businesses are becoming more and more reliant on this form of cashless payment, it’s a tool you really cannot do without when living and working in China.

First, download WeChat, click on the ‘Me’ icon along the bottom and then select ‘Wallet’. Click ‘Cards’ and you’ll be presented with the option to ‘Add a Card’. Enter the details of your Chinese bank account and you’re good to go!

With all this now set up you’re going to want to take advantage of the fantastic online shopping available in China. To say Tao Bao is the Chinese Amazon would be to sell it slightly short. There are some fantastic bargains to be had on almost anything you can imagine, all with super fast delivery.

Setting up a TaoBao account as a foreigner has become easier in recent years. The registration page is now available in English, but you will need a Chinese mobile number for verification.

Once you’re on TaoBao, this next step (and your life in China in general) will become a whole lot easier.

Kitting out your home

Depending on where in the world you come from, when living and working in China, you‘re going to have to equip your new home with some things you might not be accustomed to.

Firstly, you’ll want a water cooler and the contact of a supplier to replace the bottles. With tap water completely undrinkable in China and keeping a constant supply of bottled water somewhat impractical (not to mention bad for the environment), having a water cooler is a must.

Order the base of your cooler on TaoBao initially and then enquire with your building management about water suppliers. Typically, it’s the local convenience store or simply a WeChat account you can message when you’re running low.

The next accessory you’ll want to invest in is an air purifier. The sad reality is that air quality in China still isn't up to the standard many are used to in the West. This can be especially true in some of China’s more industrialised northern cities. With the purchase of an air purifier (or three), however, you can at least breathe clean air at home.

Last, but certainly not least, you should invest in decent mosquito repellent. I can promise you now that those tiny pests are going to be the bane of your life when living and working in China. Set up a few bug zappers around the house and your desk at work, and always keep a bottle of mosquito spray close to hand.

Finding some go-to places to eat

China is home to a treasure trove of different cuisines, and it’s somewhat of a shame that the language barrier can feel like an obstacle to getting out there and trying as many goodies as possible in those initial few months. There are ways, however, to explore Chinese delicacies without speaking the lingo.

If you’re eating alone, look for restaurants that offer menus with photos, even if there isn’t any English text. Similarly, some of the smaller establishments have pictures of their dishes plastered on the walls. You may get the odd surprise as some dishes look like one thing but turn out to be something quite different, but more often than not it will be a risk worth taking.

Even if a restaurant doesn’t have an English menu or pictures, you can visit the first time with a friend who speaks Chinese. If you find some dishes you like, make a note of their names so you can order in future, even if you’re by yourself.

On nights where you just feel like staying in, China’s myriad food delivery apps will stop you starving to death. If you live in Beijing, Shanghai or Suzhou, the foreigner-friendly Sherpas will probably be your go-to.

If you’re living elsewhere or you want to avoid Sherpas’ particularly high delivery charges (around 15 RMB), try Mei Tuan instead. Massively popular in China, this app will offer deliveries from restaurants in the nearby area, most of which will have photos of their dishes even if there isn’t an English description. Once you’ve set up an account and entered your home address (in Chinese), all you need to do is pick what you want and press order.

Making friends

Finding a good a friend circle will fundamentally impact your experience when living and working in China. The expat life can be lonely at times so it’s important to have people you can go for a beer or a coffee with and blow off some steam. Moreover, if you ever find yourself in trouble, having that support system in place can be critical.

One way to make friends after moving to China is to add yourself to expat forums and online groups in your city. You can also follow local social media accounts and look in English-language community magazines for social or sports meet-ups.

Finally, make sure to be proactive in sharing your WeChat when you meet someone you like, even if you’ve only been chatting for a few minutes. The transient nature of expat life in China means it’s totally okay and non-creepy to do this.

You never know who might end up being your best friend in China or who will introduce you to your dream job. So have an open mind and be active when building your network in China.

Getting around

Although traveling around China’s biggest cities can seem a little scary when you don’t have your bearings or speak the language, the transportation options are actually better here than in a lot of Western countries. In the major cities especially, public public transport is wonderfully varied and comprehensive.

The subway networks in Tier 1 cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are now so extensive that you’re almost never more than a 10-minute walk from a metro stop. The fares are low and you can even pay using WeChat now. All stops are well signposted in English too, so even the greenest China hand can navigate with confidence.

While taxis are usually plentiful and cheap in big Chinese cities, drivers seldom speak any English. Didi, basically Chinese Uber, is therefore indispensable for newbies in China.

After downloading the app, which now has an English interface, you can set up an account using your Chinese mobile number. All fares will be taken directly out of your WeChat account on completion of the journey, unless you use the app to hail a regular taxi.

The English names of many places are listed in the app, or you can enter the pinyon and check the location on the map before booking. Some drivers may call you through the app to confirm where you are, but just make sure you’re waiting at the pick-up location you selected and they’ll find you one way or another.

Ofo and Mobike are two super popular China bike sharing apps. You’ll see rows of brightly colored bicycles lined up waiting for you on the sidewalk in most major Chinese cities. Download the app of your choosing, scan the QR code to unlock the bike, cycle to your destination and lock the bike again.

Similar to Didi, you’ll be required to verify your account with a Chinese mobile number and, in the case of share bikes, a photo of your passport as well. You’ll also have to pay an initial deposit with some companies, but after that each journey will cost between 0.5 and 1 RMB.

Mandarin baby steps

Mandarin has a somewhat undeserved reputation as a near-impossible language to learn. While it undeniably requires time, effort and discipline to master, there are a number of ways to make progress quickly when you first move to China.

The first step is to download some lifesaver apps. You’re going to need a dictionary to help you with simple word-for-word translations. Give Pleco a try. It’s free and simple to use for both yourself and Chinese people who may be trying to communicate with you.

Another more advanced app is Waygo. With this novel tool you can use your phone camera to scan Chinese characters and receive instant translations, much like Google Translate but without the need for a VPN. The results may not always be perfect, but Waygo’s flexibility and speed is a godsend.

The last app you’re going to want to download is a learning app so you can build up your vocabulary and skills. Admittedly, there exists a crowded market, but HelloChinese is a good shout if you’re after something free.

If you’re planning to stay in China for a while, it’s definitely worth finding a Chinese tutor or language partner. While there may be countless language schools and plenty of locals happy to help you practice your Chinese on the street, it’s best to seek out a teacher who comes recommended by someone who has learned the language already.

Perhaps the most important advice, however, is don’t be shy. Don’t worry too much if you pronounced that word right or if the tones were correct. They probably weren’t, but you’ll be surprised how much locals can still understand, and you’ll only get better with practice.

Any more tips for surviving your first month in China? Drop them in the comments section below.

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Keywords: living and working in China