Expatriates Focus: What should be prepared before leaving China – Part 2
For many expatriates in this country, China is not their permanent home. However, leaving the country where you used to live can mean a lot of work. There might come a time when you make the decision, for example, when your working contract has ended or you are seeking a new place to settle down.
As an expatriate in China, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind before you plan to leave a few months ago. The following article covers the most important things you should do and answers the most common question people have when preparing to leave China.
6. Chinese Pension/Medical Refund
First of all, you must have paid the social insurance. Only the individual proportions of “Pension Insurance” and “Medical Insurance” can be refunded if you will be leaving China without the intention to return. Two different administration bureaus will review your applications and the claim for your refund. After approvals, you should get the return of these two items in one lump sum before leaving the country.
The exemption for the social insurance of expatriates working in Shanghai expired in 2021. You may find further information through our website link: https://www.serviceonnewgrounds.com/foreigners-shanghai-social-contribution/.
7. Transfer Money
In terms of money, the amount of money China allows you to take home is limited. Sometimes, the bank will require the proof of income and the paid tax bill. If you have long-term savings, it may be a problem to take them all out of China on the same day you leave. In addition, you can only exchange currency on a specific date. Therefore, it is best to transfer funds to your overseas account several weeks in advance.
8. Bank Reference Proof
Obtaining a letter of recommendation or bank certification from your bank may be helpful in some countries where a bank recommendation is required to open a new bank account. In addition, you can use this document as proof of your financial activities or income from Chinese sources.
It is heard that some banks outside China have very strict rules. Some people face problems with financial matters if they cannot demonstrate their banking history for the duration of their stay in China. For example, if applying for a mortgage or loan, money lenders may need to know more about your banking history. One expatriate said that a Maltese bank had written to his bank in China, but they had never replied, so he could not open a bank account. It can be difficult to get a reference letter from your Chinese bank after you have left the country, so it’s recommended that you do this before leaving.
9. Phone Number Disassociation (Unlink/Cancel WeChat & Alipay)
Your phone number in China is just the most important piece of information you can get when your bank activates or uses an app like Alipay or WeChat. If you do not cancel your phone number before leaving China, you may encounter problems, especially if it is associated with your passport number.
On the other hand, forgetting to cancel or cancel your phone number associated with your WeChat ID can be risky. If your phone bill is not paid for six months, it will be registered as a new number, and others will be able to log on to your WeChat. Canceling your phone number also means deleting your Alipay account. Since Alipay contains all of your payment transactions or bank card information, it’s also important to handle it before you leave.
10. Cancellation of the SIM card
It doesn’t seem important to cancel your SIM card when you leave China, but if you want to go back to China in the future and get a new one, don’t forget it. If the SIM card is not cancelled, it will continue to be charged by Chinese suppliers. In addition, after 90 days, the provider will take back the number and blacklist you. This can cause trouble when you apply for a new SIM card later.
Please check the other points in our part 1
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.