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Sign up with Google Sign up with FacebookQ: What's expat life in another developing country like compared to China?
China is the only developing country I have ever lived in. Has anyone here been an expat in another developing country before coming to China and how do the countries compare in terms of quality of life, access of culture, food etc.
I was living in UK as before coming to China. It is difficult to compare because UK's culture and way of life is much more similar to mine (I'm from Spain), and because I don't speak Chinese.
In terms of food, when I moved to London it took me a while to find some of the products that I would usually buy in Spain, but it was not as complicated as in China
The quality of life depends on what aspects you consider. It is much easier to find a good apartment for an expat in China that in UK, and your expenses on transport are much lower. An average expat salary lasts much longer in China than in UK
I found it difficult to get close to the local people from London, and most of the foreigners that I knew used to hang out together in groups with few or no Londoners, I guess that this is similar to all expat groups around the world. I didn't suffer any racism myself, but it was not the same for some of my asian friends
And it was much easier to do new activities, attend to cultural events or try new experiences, because the culture was more similar to mine (and because I could find all the information I wanted in Google and in English)
cooter:
I don't think the UK quite qualifies as a developing country....
erokose:
My mistake, I read developed country instead of developing country
Life in Vietnam > life in China.
Many more people who I could communicate with at a high level, a higher level of knowledge about the world and a much greater availability of good cafes/restaurants/bars. You do need to be able to put up with sweltering, sapping heat for seven months of the year, though.
Life in Thailand is interesting. It's an amazing country to travel in, but kind of... hmmm... how to say... a little bit unsatisfying as an expat. The culture is easy to like but really difficult to really engage with and understand.
Was in Vietnam the whole January...Amazing...so colorful and friendly, especially Mekong Delta .
Been to Singapore & Thailand....I won't compare it to China. You should go there yourself and see the difference..