Need Expat Advice

[Operator 1,927]

I'm looking to open up a conversation with folks who have been US Expats. I'm seeking any sage wisdom or advice on just about everything.

My wife and I will be moving to China sometime within the next 12 to 15 months and I'm trying to prepare myself for life outside the US and all those little ends that need tying up before I leave.

Any advice?

Edited January 27, 2013 by Operator

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

I'm looking to open up a conversation with folks who have been US Expats. I'm seeking any sage wisdom or advice on just about everything.

My wife and I will be moving to China sometime within the next 12 to 15 months and I'm trying to prepare myself for life outside the US and all those little ends that need tying up before I leave.

Any advice?

You might get a few answers here, but you'll probably be more successful finding a forum for Americans already living in China. I don't know if Candle for Love has such a sub-forum or not - you might check there.

One thing you need to learn is how your State treats foreign earned income. Some states still require that you pay income tax even if you move abroad. You won't pay US income tax unless your income reaches certain levels (presently somewhere above $92K give or take).

Of course you'll need to sort out if you need a visa for China.

[N-o-l-a 7,168]

- Bring US measuring cups.

- If you have some hygiene product that you just love, bring extras. For example, stick deodorant is not plentiful here.

- If you have OTC medicines you like in America, research if they are available in the country you are moving to (pseudoephedrine is not available OTC here)

- Figure out the charger situation with your necessary devices, sometimes it is a simple as a plug converter rather than a voltage one

[Operator 1,927]

I'm struggling with the sale of vehicles. It would be nice to have them to drive when I'm back visiting but I know that most vehicles don't do well sitting for long periods of time.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

I'm struggling with the sale of vehicles. It would be nice to have them to drive when I'm back visiting but I know that most vehicles don't do well sitting for long periods of time.

Just rent when you are back in the US.

Most folks will arrange a sale with the understanding of a future date of transfer of title. Like the day before they leave.

I've never really heard of any expats retaining their vehicles unless those vehicles are the collector variety.

[N-o-l-a 7,168]

Just rent when you are back in the US.

Most folks will arrange a sale with the understanding of a future date of transfer of title. Like the day before they leave.

I've never really heard of any expats retaining their vehicles unless those vehicles are the collector variety.

I kept mine because I love my truck so much that I couldn't sell it before I left, but I have the bonus of having a relative in America who drives it for me. Turned out to be a wise decision since I am coming back within a year of moving here, which was not expected.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

I kept mine because I love my truck so much that I couldn't sell it before I left, but I have the bonus of having a relative in America who drives it for me. Turned out to be a wise decision since I am coming back within a year of moving here, which was not expected.

Nice!

[JstaRebel 48]

I'm looking to open up a conversation with folks who have been US Expats. I'm seeking any sage wisdom or advice on just about everything.

My wife and I will be moving to China sometime within the next 12 to 15 months and I'm trying to prepare myself for life outside the US and all those little ends that need tying up before I leave.

Any advice?

I'm an expat thats lived throughout the Caribbean for 18 years. Advice? Go live there for 6 months before you sell off everything you have in the states. I cannot tell you how many people that I see pack up and move to the Caribbean to "Live the Dream".. Only to find out that it's not that easy, and changing ones ideas and fitting into an entirely different culture is not as easy as it sounds. Most don't make it past 6 months before heading back to the states disillusioned. There is also a site for expats including expats living in China. www.internations.org. Apply for free membership, and ask those expats living in China.

Hope this helps,

JstaRebel

[Operator 1,927]

I'm an expat thats lived throughout the Caribbean for 18 years. Advice? Go live there for 6 months before you sell off everything you have in the states. I cannot tell you how many people that I see pack up and move to the Caribbean to "Live the Dream".. Only to find out that it's not that easy, and changing ones ideas and fitting into an entirely different culture is not as easy as it sounds. Most don't make it past 6 months before heading back to the states disillusioned. There is also a site for expats including expats living in China. www.internations.org. Apply for free membership, and ask those expats living in China.

Hope this helps,

JstaRebel

Good advice indeed. I've been traveling and working in China for about 9 years and as such I think I have an intermediate knowledge of the culture (I don't trust anyone that says they are an expert on China). That having been said I have never spent more than 45 days at a time there so I feel like I've got plenty to learn still.

Thanks for the link!