asimovers, Author at ASI Movers

August 19, 2019 / By asimovers / Expat Lifestyle • Life in China • Living in Shanghai • Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

How to Send Your Money Overseas If You Live in China?

When it comes to money transactions, China is very strict! Using Alipay, Paypal or even sending a Chinese bank card overseas and withdrawing from a foreign country are all considered ILLEGAL!
China has a suitable system if you are willing to send money abroad. You basically need to show that you earned your money in a legal way, and you have paid tax on it.
On your way to the bank, you need to bring your work contract and the yearly income tax statement (you can get this document from the HR or finance department of the company you’re working at). Additionally you will need your passport with a valid Chinese visa (your visa must not expire soon) otherwise the bank will refuse to carry out any kind of transaction. Moreover, you need to provide the bank with the foreign account details: such as the account holder number, name, address, telephone number, the bank Swift and the bank phone number.

August 8, 2019 / By asimovers / Life in China/ 0 Comments

Qixi: the Chinese Valentine’s Day!

The celebration of this day originates in the romantic legend of two lovers: Zhinu and Niulang during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD).
The legend says that Niulang was a cowboy and had a kind heart, although he was mistreated during his childhood. One day after having been driven out of his home, an old man guided him to a sick ox. Niulang took care of the ox and managed to make him recover. Afterwards and to show his gratitude, the old man arranged a date between Niulang and Zhinu (a fairy from heaven). They fell in love with each other and got married. It sounds like a perfect romance, right? Well, good times didn’t last long as Zhinu’s mother was furious about her daughter’s marriage and eventually sent soldiers to bring Zhinu back to heaven. With the help of the ox, Niulang flew to heaven, but before he could rich his wife, the queen of heaven created a huge river between them. Tears from the two flowed continuously so that even the queen was moved. Hence she allowed them to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

In the evening of Qixi, young women used to sew articles to compete with each other, they also used to carve exotic flowers, animals, unusual birds, usually on a melon skin.
Other customs involved women worshiping Zhinu and preparing tea, wine, fruits, red dates, hazelnuts, peanuts and melon seeds. Women were usually displaying the qualities of good spouses and the ones who were yet to be married were making wishes to marry a good husband.
As for most of Chinese celebrations, a typical food is prepared. During Qixi, people eat qiaoguo - “skill fruit” - which is a fried, thin pastry made from oil, flour and sugar and which takes a variety of different and elegant shapes. Then strung together, the pastries are hanged to the ceiling or worn as necklaces by the children.

July 25, 2019 / By asimovers / ASI Movers News • Relocation Process • Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

Shanghai New Recycling Rules: What You Need to Know

Starting from Monday July 1^st, it is compulsory for individuals and companies in Shanghai to sort their household trash.
Shanghai is the third largest and most populous city in the world! With a population of more than 26 million residents, Shanghai is the most trash generating city, with more than nine million tons per year. According to official statistics only 10% of the waste is recycled.
This new law will surely have a great impact on the city’s sustainability score. However, what does it mean for Shanghai’s residents and companies daily life? Let’s find out!

Waste has been divided into four types:

Wet trash: also called household food waste ( and represented by the color brown)
Recyclable: consists in papers, plastic, glass, textiles, metals (they must be cleaned first before being thrown away) and the bin is blue.
Dry trash: also named residual waste. You can throw in used tissue, dirty plastic bags, etc. The designated bin is black
And finally, hazardous waste: it encompasses any waste posing threats to the public health or environment. The trash bin is red.

For a while, China used to import and accept other countries’ waste for processing. In January 2018, the country enacted a plastic import ban, initiating its transition. Now the country is trying to tackle its own trash. The Chinese government is concerned about the country’s pollution issue and has started to take action in order to prevent further damage. Keep in mind that, according to the World Bank, China was expected to produce approximately 533 million tons of waste by 2030.

Moreover, China is in the sixth year of a “war on pollution” designed not only to clean up its sky, soil or water, but it also consists in utilizing comprehensively its resources, including waste.
A green revolution has started in Shanghai and it is about to spread quickly to the rest of the country. By 2020, the Chinese government is planning on expanding the recycling rules across 46 Chinese cities.

The new sorting rules have left many residents scratching their heads over which bin to throw their rubbish into, although the government hired instructors and conducted more than 13,000 training sessions around the city, the confusion remains.
The topic went viral on Chinese Social Medias. On one hand, many people expressed their sympathy towards this sustainable measure, on the other hand numerous others are still worried about making mistakes.
Many apps were launched to help the residents sorting their waste. They are available on Wechat, Alipay and Apple store.

Times are changing in Shanghai towards a more sustainable city. However, as it is the case with any evolution, adapting requires efforts and might appear challenging. At ASI Movers , we believe in greener initiatives, yet understand the struggles such a sudden change can bring to our fellow expats, especially when one is still adapting to one’s new life in China!
Our aim remains to help you in your expatriation journey. Because it is hardly an easy task, and because relocating should be the least of your worries, we provide you with the most qualitative and comprehensive moving services from, to and within China!

July 19, 2019 / By asimovers / ASI Movers New Team! • ASI Movers News • Relocation Process/ 0 Comments

ASI Movers in Vietnam!

After France, ASI Movers sets its new teams in Vietnam, in our aim to continue expanding our qualitative services across the world. Our teams in both China and Vietnam collaborate and manage your move from packing to delivery at the destination in order to enable a smooth and stress-free relocation process for our customers.
Our operational teams are located in Ho Chi Minh city! Thanks to our 10-year experience, we will provide you the best service if you are planning to relocate from, to or within Vietnam! No matter the location, the quality of our services remains the same.

Our next stop: Singapore!

July 10, 2019 / By asimovers / ASI Movers Moving Stories • Relocation Process/ 0 Comments

How to Move to/from China With Your Pet?

At ASI Movers, we know that your pet is a member of your family. You have a special bound with him/her, and leaving your best friend behind is something hard to consider.
Nevertheless, as for humans, traveling when old or sick is never advised...
As such if your pet is one of these situations, you might consider finding him/her a temporary or a brand new home. Yet, if your best friend is not in one of those conditions requiring extreme decisions. ASI Movers team assures you a stress-free, event free process.

Starting from May 1st, 2019, China applied some changes regarding pet relocation. Animals passing the test inspection and coming from these countries (New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Guam, Jamaica, Iceland, The United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Macao) will no longer be subject to quarantine.
However if your pet is not entering from the mentioned countries, you can still avoid quarantine, only and only if, the pet is microchipped, vaccinated for rabies twice, and has a rabies titer test done.
With that being said, if your pet does not respond to these criteria, it will be required to spend 30 days in quarantine, fees are around 300 RMB. Afterwards your pet will be released, if it is determined to be healthy and passed all the tests successfully.

Your passport copy.
A copy of your air ticket.
As stated before, your animal will be required to have a microchip and you must provide us with the related documents.
Rabies vaccination record (issued more than 30 days and less than a year before travel)
Your pet’s health certificate, which must be issued 7 days before departure.
Your animal’s blood test.

Depending on the country you are heading to, you might have to provide additional documents, we will inform you about when you contact us.
From moving your home to helping you handle your pet relocation process, ASI Movers feels entitled to make the process the clearest, smoothest possible. We aim at your pet not even realizing how many kilometers he/she will range!

Discover our full range of solutions!

July 4, 2019 / By asimovers / Expat Lifestyle • Life in China • Living in Shanghai • Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

Healthcare for Expats in Shanghai:Everything you Need to Know!

First thing first, before looking for hospitals, you need to fully understand your insurance policy and see what it covers. Keep in mind that, you cannot use a simplified travel insurance once you become a resident. You will have to consider additional fees for certain services (e.g : maternity, mental health, orthodontics..). Generally the cost per person can range between 5 500 RMB and 20 000 RMB annually, the out-patient coverage will be everything else and makes up the majority of insurance claims.

Usually not the option an expat would opt for. Local hospitals do not accept international insurance. They may be very crowded, but you are still likely to find an English speaking doctor and staff in the biggest ones.

Here are some top ranked local hospital, ASI Movers would recommend you:

Huashan Hospital

One of Shanghai’s biggest hospitals;
Specialized in neurology;
Prices range from 38 RMB up to 318 RMB;
Address : 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu, near Huashan Lu , 华山医院乌鲁木齐中路12号15楼, 近华山路
Phone number:5288 9999

Ruijing Hospital

Very easy access and affordable;
More specialized in hematology and infection diseases;
Prices range from90 RMB up to 300 RMB;
Address:197 Ruijing Er Lu ,near Shaoxing Lu瑞金二路197号，近绍兴路
Phone number:6437 0045

VIP clinics’ concept consists in local hospitals having international divisions. , It is a great alternative to international hospitals which offers very convenient options for expats, as it provides premium services with a medium price. All the VIP clinics are present in most local hospitals.

After having spent 10 years helping expats relocating from, to and within China, we know how essential knowing where and how to find reliable healthcare services is when moving to a new country or city is. For choosing your best healthcare provider as for moving your belongings, ASI Movers is here to provide you with accurate information, expertise & recommendations!

June 17, 2019 / By asimovers / Expat Lifestyle • Life in China • Living in Shanghai/ 0 Comments

Relocating Abroad With Children: Which School to Choose?

Managing your children's education is obviously one of the most important task as a parent. But when relocating in a new country, it can be hard to make the right choice.

Especially when you do not know the local system, the options available, and if you do not have the opportunity to go on site check the facilities.

That is the reason why ASI Movers has decided to provide you a handful guide as to help you choose the right education system for your kids. More precisely, since our main office is based in Shanghai, enabling us to deliver you a firsthand source of information based on our experience and network, we prepared a comprehensive summary of the options you have on hand in China.

With Summer already being here, it's time for newcomers to investigate their options, and for those already established to learn more about the upcoming back-to-school period!

The Secondary School content can be divided in two parts:

Subject courses such as math, science, foreign languages, etc.;
Activities

If your child wants to pursue Undergraduate or Graduate Program in China, within the traditional Chinese framework, they will be required to have at least HSK 6 level. Otherwise, English-taught programs for non-Mandarin speakers exist.

Features, Pros and Cons

The Chinese educational system is oriented toward preparing for the高考(Gaokao), the local curriculum. Unlike the International Schools, your child will not prepare and pass the International Baccalaureate or you home country’s curriculum.

The courses will only be taught in Chinese, if your child is not familiar with Mandarin, he/she might be held back a few grades as to be able to catch up.

The priority and philosophy are different from the ones in the West: Chinese system relies on rote memorizing, is exam-driven, emphasizes on results and discipline, and primarily focuses on math and science.

Classes are hold 5 to 6 days a week from 7-8am to 4-5pm.

Chinese children usually enroll in extra-courses after class and on weekends, tutoring-like system with extra-curriculum activities (art, sport) is widely spread.

International students will be required (unlike Chinese citizens) to pay a tuition fee of approximately ¥28,000 (~$4,415), which is significantly less than the other options.

As stated before it will enable your child to grasp the local language and customs more easily and to merge into the local culture.

Nevertheless, being the only foreign child in the school can be psychologically challenging (beware of bullying or them feeling excluded).

Admission

State Schools are obligated to accept foreign applicants.

The requirements depend on the school, nevertheless you will be asked to provide:

Formal application;
Passport and visa;
Health records;
Previous school(s) records;
Work and residence permit;
(Recommendation letter);
(Assessments);
(On site interviews and language examination can be held).

Features, Pros and Cons

Private Schools, like Public Schools, prepare for高考(Gaokao).

They sometimes integrate aspects of international programs or offer courses in English.

Private schools are generally known for their students performing better at the exams.

Most of them provide a boarding option, which can be interesting for expats having heavy loads of work or having to live/work in rural areas with no suitable schools available.

The infrastructures are usually better than those of Public Schools.

They charge tuition fees both for locals and foreigners.

The students are from diverse backgrounds but you usually find foreigners and wealthy Chinese.

Admission

Private school decide autonomously who they accept.

The process of admission:

Examination;
Upfront payment of the tuition fees;
(Reports from previous school(s));
(Formal interview).

ASI Movers would advise you to choose this system if you want to make the transition the smoothest possible for your child, will not stay for an extensive period in the host country, or if you want your child to easily reintegrate into your home country’s school system.

Features, Pros and Cons

Some International Schools adopt the curriculum of the country they depend on, others are fully international and follow the IB (International Baccalaureate).

International Schools organizations and accreditations:

Teachers are qualified, the schools are often inspected (relevant reports are available on the Internet), and accreditations or school partnership enrollment account for International Schools’ academic level. All in all, the latter is generally high.

Courses are taught in English or home country tongue.

They usually provide host country’s language and culture classes.

Tuition fees are pretty high, ranging from $10,000 (~¥63,500) to $33,000 (~¥209,500).

Nb: Your company can offer to bear the costs of your child’s education.

International Schools are used to receive new students every year from all over the world and will thus easily handle your situation.

These children are from a similar background thus the integration is facilitated.

There are very few (if any) Chinese natives in International Schools.

Admission

China counts 340 international schools in total, major part being located in big cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

Nevertheless, due to the increasing number of expats coming to China, the demand for these schools is high and there often are waiting lists. Be sure to contact them way ahead of your arrival.

Documents and formalities required:

Passport and visa;
Previous school(s) records;
Health records;
Recommendation letter;
(Interview);
(Entrance Exam).

Even though gaining popularity among expats, homeschooling is still unlawful in China (due to the fact that every child should complete at least 9 years of compulsory public education) thus, one should carefully investigate the consequences of such a choice on the child’s future academic life.

To make your final decision, your moving partner ASI Movers would advise you to go to your embassy or consulate web page as to gather information about the school options in your area, as well as hanging out on expat forums as to collect firsthand testimonies.

For choosing a school as for moving your belongings ASI Movers is here to provide you with clear information, expertise, and advice!

We have been helping expats families move abroad for more than 10 years, and understand your concerns as well as the specific challenges coming with moving with children.

June 5, 2019 / By asimovers / Expat Lifestyle • Life in China • Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

Celebrating Dragon Boat Festival

This day has been a national holiday break for a while now, more than 2,000 years. Originally, this day aims to prevent the population against diseases, by using herbs and medicine. Herbs and ointment used to be sacrificed to the spirit on a dragon boat.

Later, an important public figure died during this day: Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a poet and minister of the King of Chu. As a clever and wisdom man, always putting the country and its people first, he was source of good advices for the King, but also created jealousy among its peers. Some official were plotting to make him exile. He composed during his exile one of the most famous poem of the Chinese Literature: 離騷 (Lí Sāo) – Encountering Sorrow. This poem narrates its own life, its fall from the King’s grace, but also its travel around the Chu kingdom after being exiled.

To commemorate this day and the spirit of Qu Yuan, people are now eating some Zongzi, sticky rice commonly wrapped in reed leaves (bamboo leaves sometimes), and drinking wine. There is a Zongzi for every taste: they can be filled with date as well as red bean, meat, egg yolk and ham. You can find all around the country some delicious and colorful Zongzi.

The old tradition of preventing disease has not been forgotten. The elders still wear odorous herbs bag on themselves or hanging in the house as well as some other charms.

The most popular activity during this day is definitely the dragon boat racing. This really large boat has a shape of long traditional Chinese dragon (sufficiently long to have sometimes as much as 60 rowers!), opening largely its mouth. The race cannot start without performing a ceremony where rowers paint the dragon’s eye to make it “alive”. A drummer is sitting at the front of the boat, to give rhythm to the rowers. The race illustrates the attempt to save Qu Yuan, and the winner is the team managing to reach first the destination point. Most famous dragon boat race are taking place in the Miluo river at Yueyang (Hunan province), Hong Kong, or Hangzhou in the Zhejiang province. But nowadays, we can actually see this kind of race overseas! This event has become more and more popular overseas, in countries where Chinese ethnics are strongly present (e.g. Japan, South Korea, Australia and Vietnam) or where rowing is already a popular sport (e.g. Britain). Wherever you are in China or anywhere else around the Globe, do not hesitate to take part to this race. It is a good occasion to practice a team sport, and enjoying a day off.

May 24, 2019 / By asimovers / Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

ASI Group performed at the SHANGHAI BUTTERFLY FOOTBALL CUP!

DEBRA association tries to ensure visibility and medical support to the children affected by the epidermolysis bullosa infection, a painful genetic skin blistering condition which, in the worst cases, can be fatal. The blisters present on the children’s skin at the origin of their name of "Butterfly kids". The DEBRA International is now present in more than 50 countries around the world.

All the support received is used to improve research efforts, in order to find effective treatments that can cure this disease. DEBRA association collaborates with international institutions and coordinates research projects, while also raising awareness toward people who are directly or indirectly affected by this disease, to strengthen children’s self-confidence and improve their daily life.

May 24, 2019 / By asimovers / Expat Lifestyle/ 0 Comments

Children and Expatriation: Moving abroad with your Kids

This key step in one’s life, physically and emotionally challenging, is impacting the whole family, particularly the offspring. Thinking that they are too young to understand the ongoing preparation, that they will adapt easily to any kind of environment, and so exclude them from the preparations and from the moving process would end up in minimizing the impact of such an event can have on them. Contrarywise, any expatriation project and its preparation should be thought with the help of the offspring, in order to avoid them feeling unwell at their arrival in a new country.

If the parents could see in the expatriation many opportunities for their children, a “chance” for them to discover a new culture and a new language, the child might not have the same opinion. With each age comes its own expectations and concerns, its reactions to a switch environment.

Indeed, moving will be differently experienced depending on your child being 3, 7, or 14 years old. It is mostly due to already built landmarks, as some will need to be deconstructed when he/she will arrive in the new place.

Todlers could be easily appeased by some familiar elements, like games or their favorite teddy bear. Nonetheless, they might be destabilized by moving into a new room, or a parent becoming less available for them.

Don’t we say often « 7 years old, the age of the reason?” It is also around 7 years old that children start building their own environment and identity, at school or by playing sports or practicing music. Moreover, they start learning foundations, like writing and mathematics. Environmental change could be really disrupting and have an impact on how the child will behave at home and out, as well as on its school commitment.

Teenagers, who are also building a sense of identity, might be unsettled by these changes. They might bond more with the nuclear family rather than finding new friends, or on the contrary, withdraw from their family circle, looking for more emancipation.

Abnormal behavior might be the result of a delicate expatriation for a child: sleeping and eating disorder, gloomy and irascible attitude, emerging difficulties at school (in its learning as well as in its integration), etc. are few examples.

First of all, it is important for the parents to take the time to announce the move to their offspring, to avoid doing it at the last minute and into the rush. Children can easily feel anxiety toward the idea of moving, and need time to eliminate their apprehension. One should let the children enough time to get familiar with the idea, as for them to make the most of these last moments, even organize a farewell.

Being a young expat involves many lifestyle changes, that could be stressful. One needs to listen carefully to one’s children’s apprehension and appease any of their doubt, introducing them the positive aspects of this departure, but also being honest regarding eventual new challenges coming with this trip. Having knowledges about the host country and making the child discover it before the arrival is a plus. It would help him/her to face culture chock and make his/her adaptation easier. Expats associations and clubs are numerous around the world. Contacting them is a good way to forge relationships before your arrival.

Many psychologists and expat parents acknowledge that involving the kids in the departure’s preparations is essential. The idea behind it is to not let them feel that the moving decision is one-sided i.e. only made by the parents, but rather letting them understand that their opinion counts, and how it will impact their future. For example, you can together browse information about the host country and its usages, asking his/her opinion about the new home and his/her room layout, or his/her future school and activities there. In some cases, you can even plan schooling at home. Arranging the move with him/her is essential, to let him/her choose what he/she wants to keep.

Living abroad is a challenge, no matter the age. For sure, children have a great adaptability, and being a young expat will make them become “Third Culture Kids”: multicultural and open-minded kids, mostly bilingual or even trilingual, with a strong international background. But this capacity should not be overestimated, and its positive impacts should not make the difficulties invisible. Children’s priorities are completely different from an adults’ ones, their view differ in many aspects. Children’s participation and parents’support are crucial and will determine the success of this project. Taking everything into account, and involving your offspring will make the best of this meaningful experience: happiness, stability and cultural fulfillment.

Author: <span>asimovers</span>

Through Your Bank:

Taking the cash on a plane:

The story behind Qixi 七夕节 Festival

Customs during this festival:

How is China’s Valentine’s Day celebrated today?

How does the new recycling system work?

What if you don’t comply with the new rules?

Why did China implement these rules?

How is the response to this change?

Is it in your pet’s best interest to relocate with you?

What about the Chinese regulations?

Relocating to China

Documents you will need to provide:

Relocating from China

Documents you will need:

About the Insurance

Which hospital to choose in Shanghai?

International hospitals

Local hospitals

VIP clinics

Which school system to choose for your child in China? ASI Movers will help you make the right decision!

Public School

Private School

International School

Homeschooling

The history behind the Festival

Celebrating Dragon Boat Festival

What Is DEBRA Association?

ASI Group's soccer team performance

Everyone Has a Different Way of Experiencing It

Communication and Participation Are Key