Coming back to China has reminded me of the things I needed to improve my quality of life in China.
During my first round in China, I picked up a lot of habits that I feel are necessary to living in China, some of which I learned from the Peace Corps system.
Others I picked up from my local friends when I lived in Chongqing. Below are some of the things I felt were most useful for foreigners living in China. I’ve included the names of some of the items in Chinese so you can copy and paste them into search bars when trying to utilize them for yourself.
Find the 9 things for foreigners that improve quality of life in China below. To learn more about useful apps for living in China, go here.
1. Taobao (Amazon of China) – 淘宝
Taobao is essentially the amazon of China and super useful for buying a variety of adorable and cheap things. You can find pretty much anything you imagine on this website from stickers, pens, food, yogurt makers, tea, coffee, and much much more.
Make friends with someone who can help you get this set up, especially if you haven’t had a chance to learn Chinese yet.
2. WeChat Pay & Alipay (Mobile Payment Methods) – 微信 / 支付宝
Paying for anything is so convenient in China. And you’ll find out very soon just how easy. WeChat Pay and Alipay offer you a super swift payment option that doesn’t require you to even pull out your wallet.
Most all business, noodle shops, and malls are equipped with a simple QR code you scan to pay. Your Alipay and WeChat Pay accounts need to be set up to use. Luckily, you can connect both a Chinese card and a foreign card for easy payments.
WeChat and Alipay can both be in English for your ease. You will need a bank account to use these payment options.
3. Pleco and Youdao (Language Apps)
When you are on the go and still getting used to the language Pleco and Youdao are some of the best apps for translating on the go.
Pleco is an English/Chinese dictionary with almost literally every single word you can imagine. Most slang is not well represented in this app, but you will find pronunciations, definitions, and more within this app.
Youdao is a translator app, which I prefer to your standard Google translate. Over the years, I have found it to be more accurate when trying to translate and the locals use it. Plus, you don’t require a VPN to get a translation quickly with Youdao.
4. Boya Chinese (Language Books)
I am a completely ridiculous learner. To really comprehend and remember new material, I need to hear it, see it, and write it down. This is a great way to keep your Chinese learning going once you learn the basic foundations of Mandarin.
I love Boya Chinese, which you can get in China or on any other digital marketplace. The reason I love it is you get a very professional and accurate textbook and workbook that guides you through learning foundational Chinese. It goes from Beginner to Advanced levels. With these series of books, you have the opportunity to read, write, and even listen. There is a CD attached to the book to help you practice your listening skills.
5. Astrill VPN
The Great Firewall of China reigns strong in this country and will block you from every single social media platform you are used to back home.
Astrill VPN is one of the best ones to have with you on your journey to China. I have tried a number of different VPNs and found this one to be the most consistent even though it’s a little more expensive than the others.
You can also use VPNs for your Amazon Firesticks. I recommend getting this set up before arriving in China.
6. DiDi (Transportation App) – 滴滴
DiDi is like the Uber of China. I like the app better than hailing a cab because drivers are less likely to take you in circles. Many of them will risk taking advantage of your fare by driving in circles or taking longer routes, especially if you are new to China.
DiDi allows you to see where they are going on their destination until you become more familiar with your surroundings.
7. Mattress Toppers – 床垫
Beds are hard. Straight up like sleeping on a dining room table. Most of us foreigners are not used to such things and your first few nights or weeks in China may be super difficult in the sleeping arena because the beds are so firm. Unless you’re into that sort of thing, then you’ll be fine.
The good news is, your friend Taobao is there for you and full of super cheap mattress toppers to give you a kushy night’s sleep.
8. Fitted Sheets – 床笠
Another weird bed thing. Most beds are just a flat sheet on top. If you’re a mover like me, then you’ll be wrapped up in your sheets in no time. Taobao is also full of super soft and comfy fitted sheets that will improve your overall sleeping experience.
9. Water Distiller – 牙科蒸馏水机
You CANNOT drink water from the tap in China. It’s full of crap. And if you don’t want a good case of giardia, best listen here and listen well.
You can totally visit a supermarket a few days a week to get your big 5-liter jugs of Nongfu water, but I have a better solution for you, one that will most definitely improve the quality of life in China.
Purchase a water distiller on Taobao. This is similar to the Peace Corps issued water distiller I received when I was living in China the first time. It extracts all metals and impurities to give you completely fresh and clean drinking water.
It takes about two hours to complete distill one gallon, but it will save you a buttload of money and time should you stay here a while.
