Sapore di Cina

Learn Chinese, Travel or Work in China

The Postal System in China

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sistema postal china

The postal system in China is probably one of the cheapest and most efficient in the world. In this article, I am going to give a small description of the different needs, the sending possibilities that exist and the advantages and disadvantages of each service. Below, the points I am going to cover are listed.

Shipments within China

  • Documents: Normal mail, express mail, international companies;
  • Packages: China Post, Chinese and foreign private companies;
  • Large volumes: Moving companies.
  • Banned articles

Shipments outside of China

  • Documents: China Post, international companies;
  • Packages: Systems and shipment methods with China Post and international companies;
  • Large volumes: Shipment methods and options.
  • Banned articles

Shipments to China

  • Documents: Normal mail, international couriers.
  • Packages and large volumes: Banned articles, shipment methods and options.

[Read more…]

Looking for a job in China? Try our job search engine

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Find a Job in China

Click here to try our job search engine now!

In this article I’ll explain how to use the job search engine of SDC, which is specifically tuned to only returns results relevant for who is looking a job in China.

First of all I would like to thank the team of Berlinerds, who developed the search engine and gave us the opportunity to feature it on our website. [Read more…]

Hiring Employees Locally in China: Our Guide

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Hiring locally in China

Hiring locally in China – Index

  1. Definitions of key payroll terms
  2. Types of China’s social insurances
  3. Other considerations when deciding to hire a local employee in China
  4. Get help from a Professional Employment Organization (PEO) in China

One of the first considerations after deciding to establish a new business in China is to hire employees from the local workforce.

Many businesses are hesitant to hire foreign nationals who are not already in China because of the additional steps that must be taken, including obtaining a visa and sponsoring an employee.

There are many reasons a firm would choose to instead hire locally, here the top three:

  • Local employees will be more knowledgeable about the current business environment;
  • Local employees will also be fluent in Chinese, a big factor when dealing with local partners;
  • Local employees will be familiar in local customs and business culture and will advise you in how to avoid common mistakes.

For these reasons and many more, it is convenient to hire a local employee, when possible. In the past, employers were more likely to hire locally due to the lower expectations for a compensation package. Although that was true in the past, the cost of living has risen across the world and specifically in China, where employee wages are also on the rise. It is important to not have these expectations when entering the Chinese market now.

Although the process of hiring a local Chinese employee is much more straightforward than that of hiring a foreign national, there are still many considerations in deciding to go this route.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the key considerations when deciding to hire a local employee in China, including:

  • What is included in the salary package?
  • The mandatory benefits included in the social security system.

[Read more…]

Free Trade Zones in China – Is It The Right Choice For Your Company?

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Free Trade Zones in China

Many assume that the best method of entry into China is a Free Trade Zone. This method of entry has been popular in China for several years. Although there are certainly many reasons to consider setting up in a Free Trade Zone, it is always important to analyze the benefits as it would apply to your company. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most important topics concerning a Free Trade Zone in China:

Free Trade Zones in China – Index

  1. What is a Free Trade Zone?
  2. Where are the Free Trade Zones in China?
  3. Considerations for companies
  4. Why should foreign companies set up in a FTZ?
  5. Considerations before setting up a WFOE in a Free Trade Zone
  6. Get a free quotation for starting your WFOE in China

[Read more…]

The Complete Guide for Planning your Trip to the Canton Fair

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The Canton Fair

Want to import from China? Learn how to source and vet the best Chinese suppliers and use the code SDC to get a 10% discount!

The Canton Fair is held every six months on the island of Pazhou, at the China Import and Export Fair Complex (380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou).

This is the biggest Commercial Exhibition Fair on the planet. Just to cite a few numbers, in the Spring edition of 2015, some 24,713 manufacturing companies (or wholesalers) participated and 184,801 foreign importers.

In this article you’ll find all you’ll need to plan your trip to the fair. Specifically, we will cover the following topics:

Canton Fair – Index

  1. When does the Canton Fair begin?
  2. How to sign up for the Canton Fair
  3. Visa for the Canton Fair
  4. International flights to China
  5. How to get to Guangzhou from Hong Kong, Beijing or Shanghai
  6. Tour to attend the Canton Fair
  7. Hotels for the Canton Fair
  8. Health Insurance
  9. Internet and communications
  10. Getting around Guangzhou by taxi or metro
  11. Translators
  12. Conclusion

If you’ve already decided that you want to attend the Canton Fair but you don’t want to worry about organizing your trip, we can suggest a trustworthy travel agency that will do it for you. Click here to contact us. [Read more…]

Capital Requirements for Establishing a WFOE in China

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Capital Requirements for Establishing a WFOE in China

This article describes the WFOE capital requirements involved when setting-up a Wholly Foreign Owned Entity in China.

Capital Requirements for a WFOE – Index

  1. What is the current WFOE capital requirements regulation?
  2. How to inject capital into a WFOE?
  3. What is the capital requirement time frame?
  4. How to change a WFOE’s capital level?
  5. How to calculate a WFOE’s capital requirements?
  6. How to modify a WFOE’s capital requirements?
  7. Author info: FDI China
  8. Get a free quotation for starting your WFOE in China

What is the current WFOE capital requirement regulation in China?

Chinese government reconsidered the WFOE capital requirements in China, which had been hardly restricted. A quick overview of the relevant changes can be found in this article. [Read more…]

Business Visa for China – The Complete Guide

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Business Visa for ChinaThe old commercial visa (F visa), now called M visa

Need help to get your Chinese visa?
Click here to find out more!

Business Visa for China – Index

  1. What is required to obtain an M visa?
  2. Where can I apply for an M visa?
  3. How long is the M visa good for, and how many entries can I get?
  4. Can I renew my M visa in China?
  5. How much does an M visa cost?
  6. How can I read an M visa?
  7. How can one get an M visa on arrival at the Shanghai Airport?
  8. How can one get a 5 day visa on arrival at the border between Hong Kong and Shenzhen?
  9. Can I work in China with an M visa?

The business visa (or M visa) is issued to those coming to China for commercial activity.

If you’re interested in finding out more about tourist, student or work visas, click here to read our guide to Chinese visas. If instead you’re interested in a visa to visit relatives (your husband, son, etc) then click here. If you’re interested in obtaining a visa for Taiwan, click here. [Read more…]

Alibaba VS Aliexpress: How to Import From China – The Complete Guide

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How to import from China through Alibaba

Want to import from China? Learn how to source and vet the best Chinese suppliers and use the code SDC to get a 10% discount!

Alibaba VS Aliexpress: How to import from China – Index

  1. Alibaba.com key facts
  2. Aliexpress key facts
  3. Alibaba and Aliexpress comparison
  4. Summary

Do you dream of setting up your own online shop or import business? In both cases, the best way is to begin your research on the internet.

But how to get started?

I asked my friend and business partner Fredrik, who’s been helping Western companies import from China since 2009, to write this article for my website. Here is what he has to say!

Alibaba.com and Aliexpress.com are well known among importing businesses worldwide. Both websites are owned by the Alibaba Group, based in Hangzhou, China. The difference between the two websites can be hard to spot at a first glance, but they have two very different business models with different strengths and weaknesses. This article will help you choose which one to use.
[Read more…]

How to Open a Company in Hong Kong as a Foreigner in 2019

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register a company in hong kong

This article is a step-by-step guide on opening a company in Hong Kong.

I’m a foreigner (i.e. I’m not a Hong Kong citizen or even a Hong Kong resident) that founded a company here in 2013 (and still manage it, as I am the sole Director).

I also co-founded a second Hong Kong company in 2017 (although I’m not the Director).

Thus, all the information that you’ll find on this page comes from personal experience (and is up to date).

Here what you’ll learn on this page (you can click on any link to jump directly to the section that interests you the most):

Open a company in Hong Kong – Index

  1. The pros and cons of registering a limited company in Hong Kong
  2. How to open a company in Hong Kong without living or even going there
  3. All the documents you need to open a company in Hong Kong
  4. The total cost of registering and maintaining a company in Hong Kong
  5. How to open a multi-currency business bank account in Hong Kong (if you need it)
  6. How to spot an honest agency and avoid scammers while opening your company
  7. Frequently asked questions
  8. Get a free quotation from a reliable agency

If you want to know the name of an honest and capable licensed agency that can help you register your company, you can contact us via this contact form
[Read more…]

How to Get a Visa for China – Chinese Visa Application Guide

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Chinese Visa

If you’re traveling with at least another person, you can apply for the Visa online, saving time and money. Click here to learn more!

How to Get a Chinese Visa – Index

  1. How long does it take to get a Chinese Visa?
  2. Do I need a Chinese Visa?
  3. How much does a Chinese Visa cost?
  4. Where can I get a Chinese Visa?
  5. What are the basic requirements for getting a Chinese Visa?
  6. What are the different types of Chinese Visas (and the additional requirements for getting them)?
  7. What information does the invitation letter have to contain?
  8. What Visas must be converted into a Resident Permit once I enter China and how to do so?
  9. How do I read a Chinese Visa?
  10. Can I extend/change my Visa once I enter China?
  11. What happens if I overstay my Visa?
  12. Frequently asked questions

[Read more…]

How to Open a Business Bank Account in Hong Kong (And Available Alternatives)

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How to open a business bank account in Hong Kong

If you’re reading this article then perhaps you already know that in recent years, opening a business bank account in Hong Kong for your company has become complicated.

The time has passed when you could just show up at any branch and open a business bank account in one day.

But all is not lost. These days there are three ways for handling payments for your company in Hong Kong:

  • Open a “traditional” bank account in Hong Kong (this as I already mentioned has become complicated, as I will explain in detail later in this article);
  • Open an off-shore bank account: this could be simpler but is more expensive, and would also make it very hard to accept payments through Paypal or credit cards via Stripe or Braintree (the companies used by the majority);
  • Open an “alternative” account with Neat, one of the first startups to offer business bank accounts in Hong Kong that can be opened for free, giving you access to international payments, allows you to accept payments through Paypal or credit cards, and even gives you the right to a prepaid MasterCard.

In this article I will describe these three options. I’ll start with Neat, since it’s the simplest. [Read more…]

Sending Money to China: The Guide to Saving Money

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Sending money to China

Do you have to send money to China, perhaps a travel agency, a Chinese school, or your supplier, but your bank asks for absurd commissions and tells you that it will take more than 5 working days?

Keep reading this guide to understand how to save time and money by using TransferWise!

What service should I use to save money on bank commissions?

At the moment we can’t help but recommend TranserWise, since we’ve been using it for years – with savings we never thought possible, – both for our own private international expenses as well as for our business.

In few words, Transferwise allows you to send money abroad (not just to China), using the official currency transfer rate and having you pay only a percentage (which is more than reasonable) of the amount sent. [Read more…]

Canton Fair : A Guide to the Guangzhou’s Nightlife for Fairgoers

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With the spring in Guangzhou comes a rise in temperatures and a rise in visitors to this beautiful metropolis in the South of China. As every spring and autumn, the largest import & export trade fair in the world, the Canton Fair, is taking place.

Over a course of three weeks, fairgoers can look for suppliers and look around. Not only does the Canton Fair provides a wide variety goods from foreign and local businesses, it also provides an influx of visitors seeking the latest products and an opportunity to explore this buzzing city.

It’s widely known that China is the place to come for entrepreneurs and gadget seekers. It may not be so widely known that Guangzhou in fact, is the source for a lot of goods on the market.

So it only makes sense that the Canton Fair would have emerged from this innovative city. Guangzhou is however, more than markets and production; at day’s end, the focus must shift from buying to living.

After a long day of maneuvering through the vastness of Canton Fair, one will be in the mood for perhaps two things: a stiff drink or a nap. The latter should be skipped because the night can offer up some enticing choices that’ll definitely make this business trip pleasurable. It would be a shame to come to China, down to Guangzhou, and not experience a different side of this metropolis. [Read more…]

How to get a Business Prepaid Card for your Hong Kong Company

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Business Prepaid Card for your Hong Kong Company

As you probably already know if you are reading this article, getting a business credit card from an Hong Kong bank may be difficult.

If you couldn’t find a way to get one, but your business still need a card in order to paid bills online or withdrawal cash at ATMs worldwide, then you can now get a prepaid card through an agency.

The agency fee is 5,000 HKD and here what you will get:

  • A prepaid card (Visa or MasterCard) that is reloadable and accepted world-wide for online purchase, cash withdrawal at ATMs, Points-of-Sales Terminals in over 210 countries;
  • Manage and monitor the account status and balance anywhere via ATM machine, internet, or smartphone application;
  • Maximum daily loading limit: 20,000 USD;
  • Type of card: Visa or MasterCard;
  • The card can be anonymous or with your name, and it’s not linked to a bank account (you can reload by sending money to the account connected to the card);
  • Monthly fee: 5 USD (more an initial one time fee of 15-20 USD for the card application and delivery).

Click here to send an inquiry to the agency we recommend for getting a prepaid card

[Read more…]

How to Use Alipay in China for Foreigners – The Guide to Alibaba’s Platform

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Alipay Guide

Banknotes seem destined to disappear in China: we’ve gotten to the point where even taxi drivers have begun refusing crumpled 10 Yuan bills at the end of a ride and shopkeepers raise their eyebrows as soon as you take out a 100 Yuan banknote because they don’t have enough change to give you the rest.

Practically everywhere in China you can pay with 支付宝（Zhīfùbǎo), better known in the West as Alipay.

Alipay is a virtual payment platform launched in 2004 by the Chinese private firm Alibaba Group (阿里巴巴集团, Ālǐbābā Jítuán), founded by Jack Ma in 1999 with headquarters in Hangzhou, in the Zhejiang region.

The holding Alibaba Group is made up of various companies that operate in the electronic commerce sector: one of the first “children” of this large company was the online shopping platform Taobao, later Alipay was created, which was born from the need to give Taobao users a safe and practical method for making payments on this platform.

Entrepreneur Jack Ma, the firm’s founder, was already placed in Time magazine’s 100 most influential men in the world, and is the second richest person in China as well as the thirty-ninth richest in the world. A few years after creating the Alibaba Group, Jack Ma described his company as “the crocodile of the Yangzi River”, a strong winner in China, but still too insecure to extend its success beyond its own waters into the vast ocean of the West. [Read more…]

How to open a company in Singapore – The complete guide

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How to open a company in Singapore

In this article you’ll find all the preliminary information that you need to open a company in Singapore. We wrote it in collaboration with the agency that we recommend for opening your company. Here what you’ll learn:

If you want to request directly a quotation to the agency that we recommend, click here
[Read more…]

How to Open a Coffee Shop in China

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opening a coffee shop in China

In the year 2011, I was in China for the first time. I remember that I was traveling with my best friend, and as he was passionate about coffee, he couldn’t hold out and ended up paying more than 40 Yuan for a black coffee at a Chinese hotel.

One year later, in 2012, I went back to China to learn the language. I arrived in Yantai (in the Shandong Province), a small coastal city with a large amount of South Korean and Japanese influence (if you ever go to Yantai, you will most likely try Korean and Japanese food). In Yantai, I saw how people were starting to open up small specialty coffee shops, some of which had coffee from many different places of origin, and how Chinese customers were slowly starting to try the drink.

Since 2013, coffee shops of this type have slowly started to increase in the city and the offering is getting broader, following the Chinese precept of the art of war… Or maybe the art of imitation.
[Read more…]

Virtual phone numbers: The best way to receive calls in China

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virtual phone number in china

Click here to skip directly to our comparison of
virtual telephone numbers!

What is a virtual phone number?

A virtual number is a phone number that isn’t associated with any physical phone line: all the incoming calls are redirected to another number (for instance your mobile number)

Why you may need a virtual phone number

Have you ever used a roaming service while you were abroad? I did it when I just arrived in China and I ended up paying a huge amount of money (at the time my family needed to contact me quite frequently and I was often offline). After the first crazy expensive bill I decided to find a solution to this problem. This is how I stumbled upon virtual numbers.

Using a virtual number to redirect calls from a local number in your country to your Chinese mobile number is probably the best option to receive calls in China or wherever you are. It’s cheap and you won’t have to teach your grandma to use Skype!
[Read more…]

How to transfer money to China, Hong Kong, Thailand and other countries cheaply, quickly and safely

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How to send your money to Asia

One of the most frequently heard problems of those who move to an Asian country such as Hong Kong, Thailand or Vietnam is that of sending the necessary money for initial expenses to their new country, without getting fleeced by the banks, who can make you pay up to 5% commission.

5% may seem “acceptable”, but if you send 10.000 USD we’re talking about a bank commission of 500 USD!

This goes not just for those who move for work, but above all for students, who not having a salary need to send the necessary funds from home to survive in their new country, such as Hong Kong for example, for the entire length of study (even six months or a year).

How can you solve this problem? By using TranserWise!

Ps. I lost a ton of money transferring it via wire transfers up until last year. The reason is that, even if I was aware of the existence of TransferWise, I never tried it because I thought it might be complicated and, moreover, I didn’t understand how it worked.

This is why, at the end of this article, I will explain in detail both how to use the service and the strategy (all legal and safe) that TransferWise uses and similar platforms to lower costs.

What is TransferWise?

Simplifying it to the extreme, TranserWise is an online platform that allows you to send money abroad that could save you up to 8 times what you would spend on bank commissions sending the same amount via wire transfer or credit card.

TransferWise’s commission is 0.5% for the majority of currencies; that commission can however increase depending on the currency.

To send USD from your bank account in US and receive Hong Kong Dollars in a Hong Kong bank account, for example, the commission is 0.5%. [Read more…]