2023 Survival Book in China

2023 Survival Book in China

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2022 was a year full of change, but we made it. Now it’s time to reflect upon the past year and determine what we want to achieve in 2023, ready to embrace normalcy!

Releasing a survival book has been a tradition of AnyHelper for several years. And this year is no exception. Your latest version of “Survival Book in China” is here!

What to look out for in 2023

2022 witnessed a series of important changes, such as:

• NEW: Home Qua. for Some Infected, NO PCR/Code for Domestic Trip!

• COVID-19 Itinerary Card to be Abolished from Tomorrow

• CN Won’t Report Asymptomatic Cases as Many Don’t Take PCR Tests

• China’s NHC Stops Publishing COVID-19 Daily Cases

Among which the biggest change -- Nucleic acid testing and centralized quarantine for all inbound personnel will be cancelled from Jan. 8th.

• Breaking Official News: Jan. 8th, 0+0 with 48 PCR Test to China

Pic: 国家卫健委

And more detailed explanations:

• In-Depth: Interpret the Latest Immigration Policy, 0+0 and MORE

• Official: Anti-COVID Restrictions on Intl Flights to End Jan 8

• China’s NHC Stops Publishing COVID-19 Daily Cases

COVID-19

Vaccines

Will 2023 see an end to all COVID-related restrictions (especially mandatory masks) or even the COVID-19 pandemic? Hopefully... Still, make sure to protect yourself better and stay healthy. 

• Multiple Chinese Cities Begin Second Booster Rollout

• Expat-friendly: How to Get Vaccines in Shanghai Now?

• Can Foreigners In Shanghai Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Q&A

How to quarantine at home? Does COVID-19 count as a work-related injury during working hours? Here are some frequently asked questions.

• FAQs on Key COVID-19 Concerns

• Q&A on Antigen Test & Self-Protection under Open-up Policies

• What are the Main Symptoms after Getting Covid and What to do?

• How to Quarantine at Home?

• Q&A on Covid-19 Infection During Working Hours

• COVID-19-Infected People Can Be Considered Not Infectious If…

COVID Tips

How to buy medicines? How to find fever clinics? Check these tips:

• Oral COVID-19 Drugs Available Online in China?

• Find Your Nearest Fever Clinic

• Tips to Stay Safe and Sound after Being Infected

• Expat Special | How to Order Pharmacy Deliveries Online?

Ask AnyAsk if you have more questions. Volunteers are available every day from 9 am to 9 pm.

Tech & APP

SIM Card

Smartphone has definitely made life easier.

First of all, a Chinese SIM card would be a must.

The Hongkong government said on December 16 that all pre-paid SIM cards (PPS cards) not having completed real-name registration before February 23, 2023 cannot be used after the deadline.

• HK: Unregistered Prepaid SIM Cards Deactivated after Feb. 23

How to get a SIM card with English cell phone services easily?

• AnyCall | Exclusive Data Plan for Expats, Activate SIM Card Now!

APPs

The lack of English version of Chinese apps is always a headache for expats, no matter you’re a newcomer or those who have been living in China for years.

• Expat-friendly or Unfriendly? What Do You Know about These APPs?

• One Code Only: How to Use WeChat & Alipay to Take SH Metro?

• How to Take Public Transport in Shanghai Without Smartphone?

• Another Way of Making Your Taobao Shopping Cheaper

• TIPS | APPS for Taking Children Out!

• GUIDE I How to Use a Chinese Map App?

Profession

Public Holidays

What you are looking forward:

• First Thing to Do in 2023: Check This Year's Public Holidays

Tax

Tax regulations that came into effect in 2022:

• Chinese Tax Regulation, What's New in 2022?

Tax return:

• Must Read: How Do Expats File Tax Return in China?

You can still enjoy these personal income tax benefits while staying in China:

• Countdown! These Tax Incentives Will Be Canceled by 31 Dec 2021!

Work-related Q&A

Here we selected some FAQs about working in China. Follow AnyJob for more job opportunities and working-related news:

• What You Must Delete Before Leaving a Job?

• Can You Get Work Compensation for Heat Stroke?

• How to Move Money in or out of China Legally?

• Shanghai Expats: Easier to Start A Business Now!

• What Happens to Unused Annual Leave?

• Should My Company Pay Me as Usual if I’m at Temporary Lockdown?

• What Should You Know About Overtime Work in China?

• How to Notice If Your Company Is Sacking?

• What Shall Be Noticed When Renewing Employment Contracts?

• How Expats Get PRC Social Insurance Cards？

Laws

Court imposed a lifetime ban on those people from working in the education sector for the first time.

• These People CANNOT Engage in Education Sector in China

• New Laws on Women's Rights Take Effect in 2023

International Travelling

A lot more good news for international travelling:

• Shanghai Carrier to Restore, Add Overseas Flights from 2023

But some restrictions as well:

• Countries Announce Inbound Measures for Visitors from PRC
  

• US to Require Negative PCR Tests for Travelers from China

Visa News and Policies

Student visa and family reunion visa are all resumed. Previously, the student visa and the family reunion visa were suspended for some countries, but now they are open to all. For the tourist visa, as of Jan. 3, there is no clear official statement. It needs to be confirmed with the local Chinese consulate.

Follow AnyVisa for more updates of China visas and policies!

• Bug Fixed! How to Get Visa Services on "Sui Shen Ban"?

• How Can Tax Affect Your Visa? Deal with It Now!

• How to Apply for China's Business Visa?

• Giving Birth in China, What Should You Do?

• How Can Foreigners Obtain No Criminal Record in China?

• Important: What You Must Know About Residence Permit in China

Contact Maggie for any consultations.

Where to have fun

Here we recommend some APPs:

• Bon APP - find stylish restaurants nearby

• Ctrip - book tickets and hotels 

  
  

Follow these WeChat accounts for entertainment and lifestyle information:

• AnyShanghai - get daily news, tips, and events in Shanghai

How to better enjoy your life as COVID restrictions have been eased? Here are some guides!

• Where Are the Best Foreign Language Bookshops in Shanghai?

• Where for Delicious Chinese Cuisines? Say No to Greasy Takeouts!

• Where to Do Exercise? Here are Stylish Places You Must Know!

• AnyShenzhen - get tips, news, events about Shenzhen, Guangdong, Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area

  
  

  
  

• theBeijinger - life in Beijing

Communities

Currently, AnyHelper is running a series of WeChat groups in aims of connecting expats in different areas, which include but not limited to...

• AnyDesigners - Foreign designers in China

• AnyShanghai - Foreigners in Shanghai

• Events - Events in Shanghai

• SH Paws - Pets-related information, adoption, donation, etc.

• AnyJob - Job-related information

• Q&A Visa 

• AnyShenzhen - Foreigners in Shenzhen

• Anyone Knows - Q&A about living in China

• ......
  

Feel feel to contact Sophie if you want to join any groups.

What are your plans for 2023? Leave a comment to tell us!

If you have any questions about China visa applications(work visa, company registration and more), please contact our visa consultant Maggie (WeChat ID: AnyHelper_K).

You Might Also Be Interested In Our Platform AnyShanghai

For the latest jobs&policy updates, scan the code below to follow AnyJob! 

We have 30+ advisors so far,

Scan code above to view more advisors for other fields!

Promotion Services for expat-friendly businesses. Learn more by contacting us.

Get news, tips, and events in China

Connect with expat communities and industry experts

Click "Wow" if you like this article