Should you move to China when you Retire I'll give you my opinion after retiring and moving to China

[@PhilB120]

Hi Gweilo60 from Shanghai. I have been working here for 3 years, married to a wonderful woman from Huangshi and between us we have 4 children. We have just bought a house in Huangshi which we will retire to eventually but we are still a few years away from that- (12-17 years) . I agree with everything you said- learning basic Chinese is essential to just get on by and although it's great when your wife can help you with things I hate feeling dependent on people all the time. So I'm putting the effort in now! We have family now both in the UK and here so the eventual plan is to spend time in both countries each year with lots of side trips to other places in between. You do have to a flexible mindset though as like you say 'bad china days' do happen- but I also find that when I lived for a couple of years in Oman. Some things you can't change and you have to accept that. The main reason though why I intend to eventually use China as my base when I retire is because of my wife, children and wider family. Looking forward to watching more videos and thank you for this one!

[@steve531109]

I am a solo guy ( 64 , Australian ) retired in China ( near Beijing ) the last 4 years . I don't speak much Mandarin but I manage ok . You have to love China though . There are many glitches but everything works out ok because people are very easy going . That said , I live as the only foreigner for miles around in a village of 2000 people . My house is a traditional courtyard house and I live like the locals do . Not really hot in summer but VERY cold in winter ! My advice would be try it for a year and you will get to love it . I DO like to travel though , get away 6 to 8 times a year for a week or so . AND there are charities that you can help out at that will give you a community connection and purpose .

[@Gweilo60]

Steve that's good advice trying it for a year before settling into a place. Because I spent so much time in Nanning it was the natural spot for me plus I love the heat culture and people here. They are laid back. You would think that because there are so many people it would be the opposite but it's not. Appreciate the comment.

[@MrPassion4truth]

How did you manage to retire in China if you don't have any family ties? I thought that you can only have a temporary visa since you wouldn't be allowed to work after 60 years of age. What's your story?

[@glu1324]

MrPassion4truth illegal immigrant lol

[@steve531109]

Yes . 60 is the retirement age for men. Perhaps some over 60 people can teach English , if they need to make some money . I have been asked to teach English , but I obey the work permit rules and decline offers . . But I retired with the normal amount of money that most people in the West have when they retire . If you want to stay for about 6 months or so , you can start to learn Chinese with a reputable school that will give you the visa paperwork after you have paid the school fees . That is usually 6 months education visa for older people . Other people stay 30 days at a time on tourist visas , but must leave every 30 days . I did that for quite a long time and I enjoy the trips out of China . I always obey the rules about registering with the police , they soon get to know you . I came to China the first time as a 2 week tourist , like most people . I liked it so much I came back 6 months later . The again 3 months after that , and again , and again . Soon i felt like I was 'leaving home' , when I went back to Australia . As I was nearly 60 , and self employed , I figured 'time for a change and a new adventure' . BUT I agree you need a Chinese 'go to ' person to help when you hit problems . The tour guide I used in all those short visits became a trusted friend and was happy to be my translator / negotiator / cultural advisor and friend in need . A sort of concierge . I found a house online , she went and spoke to the owner , negotiated a great price ( courtyard house 2,000 rmb a month ! ), calmed the owners worries about renting to a laowai , arranged wifi contracts , water / power connections , took photos and sent them to me ( I was still in Australia ! ) . Bottom line : I DID have that base of help that Gweilo60 speaks of . It is just not a base by marriage , but a professional service . And living in a house , rather than an apartment , means folks wander in to see 'the laowai' . I enjoy the little interactions . Sorry for the long winded reply :-)

[@MrPassion4truth]

I'm not quite at retirement age yet, but I am going to China next March to teach. I have been teaching myself Chinese for 4 years so I can already read about 60% of Chinese words. I can speak a little as well, probably more than most foreigners who go there. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@EnriqueLopez-lf8qm]

it's very social in china. if you enjoy the atmosphere,you will have a happy life

[@diplomatun6895]

nice to hear that

[@dandan8333]

Well said. Like you married in 2004 in Nanning to a great wife and a large family. We worked through that 2 year crunch with the best understanding of each other! Next June it will be 16 years. Flexibility and the family life is great. We enjoying our granddaughter in primary school. We take those holidays each month and we return stateside during summer vacation. It's been a wonderful journey in China!

[@Gweilo60]

I hear you. It's been just over 16 years for Weifang and I and it still works great. We have had some hard times lately but we work through them together and move on with our lives. Nanning and China have given me a new perspective on life and I love every minute of it. Healthy happy and smiling every day. Cup is always half full if your married to a Chinese lady.

[@1011tristar9]

Superb video my friend. I am 71 years old and have been living in Northern Thailand for the past 4 years and can say that much of what you talk about applies to Thailand as well. If you plan on staying long term you need to have or develop that human support system. Thailand is rife with stories of older foreigners who run off the rails here after a few years and end up as drunks and/or suicides. I appreciate you intelligent talk and I'll be looking for more of your videos. Winston's latest video sent me here, BTW. Cheers

[@arnbo88]

Hello Gweilo ( sounds like a sitcom). I'm 53 and grew up in Alberta but left for Australia in 1991. I met my wife in Nanning in 2002 and studied martial arts in Yangshuo back then. There are some very attractive women in Nanning. My wife is Zhuang and was a successful businesswoman. Now we have a daughter and live in Brisbane. Every once in a while the wife brings up "let's retire in China". There are a few things that you failed to mention: mainly lifestyle, health, food and companionship. Food: hygiene is relaxed and people in Guang Xi use chillies and oil on everything...it turns my stomach. You are correct about home cooking though. Language: if you can't read anything and can't speak the local dialect of Nanning Cantonese then it gets harder. I am fortunate in that my in-laws are good to me. Health: service is good in China if you have the money...but if you can't speak Mandarin how can people help you? Having a family there helps. Climate: I live in a subtropical zone slightly warmer than Nanning. I can drive to a beach in under an hour. China has the advantage that it's size breeds different climates. I prefer humidity and heat so Nanning is okay. Remember that some Chinese cities are very polluted . Crime: not too big of a problem in China if you stay away from drugs. Cost of living : It is actually cheaper to buy a house in Brisbane than an apartment in Shanghai. Food is a little cheaper but hygiene...I can still drive the same car that I have had since 1982, go hunting, fishing, shooting and a few other hobbies that are almost non-existent in China. Again, what would a foreigner be giving up and what do you gain by living in China. The honeymoon period lasts a couple of months at best. I was lucky to marry a good woman from Nanning. Nanning is known as the friendly city for good reason. The traffic, the noise, the food, the language can all be a bit daunting for someone from a rural or suburban upbringing. For anyone thinking about living in a Chinese city: try it for a few months and see how you cope compared to a western lifestyle. Personally I would be climbing the walls.

[@vla6211]

China is a vibrant place. In a few more years when I retire, I like to spend a few months traveling around there every year.

[@jamesw7381]

Totally agree with you. I've been thinking the same so fingers across.

[@daveang7678]

Hi guys I'm going to Nan Ning soon. Looking forward to explore the place

[@ukvette]

Hi Gweilo, Love your videos, we have watched 6 or 7 of them, I agree with almost 100% of what you discuss. I am also married to a wonderful Chinese girl, and spent 4 years living in Shandong China, and I can say, it's not called Friendly Shandong for nothing. Now we both live and work in England. We will return to live back in China in the next few years. We have been to Nanning a few times to visit friends, possibly you may know them, or have heard of their names. We had great New Year party in Nanning a few years ago, complete with Scottish bag piper. But it does rain a lot :) Graham

[@CANADIANROADTREKKER]

Been in North America over 35 years, wanted to retire in China. Man you are honest, to the point and I love your way of....

[@TheWhite199]

I'm 74 years old and would be quite happy to retire in Southern China... I've been in and out of China since 2005, buying for import to the U.S. and China is a wonderful place... each province... even town, is different than the others. It's like living in a dozen countries... each separated only by a bus ride. A visit to a local doctor is very cheap and often includes any medication you need. Hong Kong has one of the highest ratios of doctors per capita... same with hospitals. The spoken language isn't very hard to learn... no weird verbs or gender or past-present-future issues. (The written language is a different story.) Don't be afraid to at least try China.

[@dengma8246]

Yes! I’d move to China then I can go back and forth to the a Philippines, it’s only two hours away and depending on where you are in China!!!

[@diplomatun6895]

that good for you

[@spellerlittlewing]

I agree 👍

[@davidj4662]

Its difficult for a foreigner to get a resident permit. 60 day tourist visa and have to report to police where you are living. No driving without resident permit. You have to get married to a Chinese National. In apartment building there is always sound of renovations, especially jackhammer and hammer drill. The people are nice, mostly. Public Transportation is good. You definitely need a translator. Its awesome there.

[@spellerlittlewing]

Pocket translator worked just great for me I've been to a lot of noises places like my home town nyc

[@dandan8333]

Wow... Resident permit was easy when 60+. Save time and get a physical exam from china customs office, ~300 rmb, apply for the 3 year permit w/o restrictions, 1000 rmb. The dl was easy to get being a foreigner. If you supply quickly everything requested yous wants and needs are granted.

[@ssomms2361]

There's so many parts of China with different seasons, it's like living in differ parts of the world. Like Chinghai, Hainan, etc.

[@中国有习蛤]

I love Hainan

[@ukvette]

Oh yes, Yalong Bay, Sanya, all get my vote !!!

[@acheng5778]

A low volume of music background may make your video better, I think. Looking forward on your next trip introducing.

[@phillipho5429]

Gweilo I love your video!

[@edwardw.1974]

You should discuss with your Chinese wife. The first, You should fully understand why your wife said : I don't want to back to China. Don't just focus on Chinese food (sometime unsafe food).

[@SoCal760]

As a young guy, with fearless adventure running through your blood, just being dropped off anywhere with a different language n culture would be perfectly fun n mind blowing. In fact, that’s exactly what young guys want. The more challenging, the better! but as you get older, moving to retiring ANYWHERE that speaks a different language would be daunting, especially with a different culture! Because your mindset at an older age is not to explore and go where the wind takes you, take on challenges and planting a seed to settle down as your wild heart dictates. When you are older, you are looking for security and comfort, not adventure and eye opening life experiences, so you’re right, to just pick up n go to a place like china to live out the rest of your life without any sort of social network would be crazy Good vid to remind old guys not to get ahead of themselves and get too crazy with fantasies

[@diplomatun6895]

yeah you right Dear

[@cjhall2569]

Why don't you buy an air conditioner and install it. You live in a very poor neighborhood. But still you can improve your conditions here and there. You gotta do something and it is all your own decision.

[@Gweilo60]

We actually have 3 air conditioners and one heater so we live probably better than most even if we live in an older place.

[@bobjackson4720]

People frequently retire somewhere with a low cost of living, a safe place with good hospitals etc. SE Asia is full of retired expats. How would China compare with Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam etc?

[@flyerzy]

the only thing that i felt in canada and US is lonely even i was living with my family. i just felt so bored.

[@diplomatun6895]

Sorry Dear

[@alcovaman1651]

It is almost 33 C with RH of 95% ALL year round here in Singapore. So, weather wise if OK for most ASEAN. Do share what you do daily. Thanks

[@00001111henry]

You live in southern China only one season, if you live in north China 4 season. You and your wife going over China have of lots fun together, both of you eating different kind of foods and every part of China culture different. I think you going enjoy fun.

[@Gweilo60]

That is true North China has 4 seasons but coming from Saskatchewan Canada I know 4 seasons and I don't like the cold. In Nanning the winter is cool but not cold. We have travelled all over China and eaten lots of foods Hongzhou chicken being my favourite so far.

[@dennissalisbury496]

There must be some area of China that has good weather, I've lived in DaNang Vietnam which is extremely hot but it depends where you are.I live In Pleasanton CA now and half of Asia has moved here.

[@walkertongdee]

I respectfully submit that I did the same in Thailand, Came here learned the language became independent even to the point of raising a family with my Thai wife and became the Dad of her brothers and sisters. You are underestimating the ability of others to take care of themselves. Hey I get it everyone takes care of you and thats cool but I am your age and take care of others, not everyone is the same.

[@chazIII7III]

If you need a lot of medications from the pharmacist, I’m not sure that they would all be available in China.

[@haozhang5078]

very objective analysis

[@JW-ci7ni]

your facial expression is funny when you were looking out at the noise~

[@johnsamu]

I see your wooden "sofa" and I can remember "looks great" but it's so uncomfortable(hard) to sit on ;-)

[@catfish9868]

johnsamu Second. I never can enjoy that kind of sofa. Even I am a Chinese. I think that kind of sofa is much more common in the south China but not in the north China.

[@Zerpentsa6598]

Wished we could.

[@lawrencelawrence3920]

Retire in China is not for me. I do not even want to go there, it's too busy. I am happy in slow paced Canada with occasional trips elsewhere but always happy to return.

[@ukvette]

Each to their own, I loved the hustle and bustle of the cities, and when I want to go some where quiet, there are thousands pon thousands of small villages where one can while away the afternoon with the sounds of silence over some BBQ and Tsingdao beer

[@lovefreebee]

the bottom line is money the more the merry. the question is how do you think the Asians manage to live overseas cos myself a viet-canto that living in NYC for 43 yrs?

[@fengqing3956]

China has universal health care, every month to pay a certain amount of money,

[@Gweilo60]

Yes health insurance. My father in law had that and it paid I think 60% of his hospital bill when he was sick. Helped a lot with the cost for sure

[@diplomatun6895]

ok i need more clarity

[@chiewbaka4393]

More info please

[@Wendy-je6se]

how about medical if you move to china?you must be very health，no need to go to hospital，otherwise......

[@apophisxo4480]

Yeah....I think I'll stick to plan A...Boca!!!

[@yanmamabear5734]

How do you work online in China? Can you still get on different internet sites?

[@nickpellatt]

Hundreds of sites are blocked, sometimes without any clear reason, but you can normally access them with a VPN service. I always paid for a VPN, perhaps £60 a year, and could access the sites I wanted.

[@DL-ri2ps]

Please don’t go and retire in China. There already have too many old people. Chinese government also encourage more and more people immigrant.

[@joeextraknow2854]

Will China one day accept Medicare of US? If so, I think many will retire there.

[@Gweilo60]

Joe I don't believe that is possible anytime in the near future. That said, there are insurance companies that have policies geared to the expat community. I don't bother with this as the cost of medicine and doctors is very reasonable and both my wife and I are in good health.

[@ymwneriver]

Is not that China does not accept Medicare of US; rather it's that the US government won't reimburse medical care provided to US seniors outside US. Talk to your congressmen to change the law so that anyone can retire anywhere he chooses.

[@delimyli8136]

Even the Medicare copayment is more expensive than full bill in China for most of the services.

[@ukvette]

Hospital care in China is inexpensive. Generally you buy a "Money card" when you arrive the front desk of the hospital, for example 200 quai. Each person or department you need (want) to attend to will have a device on their desk, which subtracts money from your "Money card" When you are done with you procedure(s) you return to the front desk, habd them your "Money card" and they give you any unused money back. Very quick, very simple.

[@spellerlittlewing]

Most of all people should stay in shape and take care of themselves Simple

[@zongzheli1283]

Same. I have a lonely heart.

[@sweetpeas7033]

What about the cost of health care in China? Do you have health insurance?

[@dandan8333]

Cost is minor. Being a foreigner I see the top doctor I hear the same results that would be told to me in america. They want to heal you NOT to prolong the illness to line their pockets. The only times it may take longer is if you do ctm because it's not a quick fix like western medicine, which I like. There are time to which i will take my wife along to explain how i feel. I've live with these medical practices since 2004.

[@flyingalbert]

i think if you add more information like how safe to retire and medical cost/insurance in China, that will help more people. One thing, not all people like you and your wife need social life. LOL! Many retirees prefer to be left alone.

[@Gweilo60]

Both my wife and I are social butterflies so we do like to go play a lot. I did a video on Is it safe to retire in China that covers the safe aspect of your question. I also covered the health insurance in one video can't remember which one but basically the health costs of going to the doctor are so small health insurance would no doubt cost more than any procedure they would give you here in China.

[@spellerlittlewing]

Yes am a loner don't really care for people but I travel a lone

[@kealee6350]

If you love china , love its people than you are compatible to china environments !!!

[@michaelhenderson5282]

if i wanted to retire in china what are the legal requriements

[@nickpellatt]

You'd have to be married to a Chinese person. China doesn't allow immigration per se, and you'd be denied a residence permit if you are over 60.

[@wenbiaoliang]

do you miss the snow in SK though? :p

[@licharles869]

hahaha, you are the man! Tijuana of Mexico is a good place, and la Havana is too, but, as you said, not for 75, hahaha.

[@diplomatun6895]

Haha

[@kealee6350]

China is a diversity in cultures

[@hawklee1983]

greetings from Shanghai.

[@Gweilo60]

Thanks Hawklee

[@kai_wong_cn]

Hey good video. But please use mono audio. The audio now only comes out from one side of the headset.

[@Gweilo60]

All the new videos after Qing Xia mountain are in stereo it was an edit glitch. Sorry about this I'm still learning.

[@michaeldeng1981]

Welcome!

[@Gweilo60]

Thank You

[@sydneythomason5950]

Gweilo 60 what's on the menu besides boiled cats and dogs?

[@hara6275]

I will be in China for 60 days in April anyone renting a room?

[@uvrgb]

Hector A Rodriguez Which CITY?

[@hara6275]

Guangdong or Nanning anywhere south where is cheaper. I been to Beijing so I want to vist the south now.

[@wenchengjiang2251]

Hector A Rodriguez How about Shenzhen，or Sanya。if you want to experience some culture things you can go toYunnan or Guangxi province.And it’s very cheap.

[@aagung46agmail]

What kind of visa you get to retire in china? How about healthcare. Cost of living. Chinese is friendly? Thanks

[@steve531109]

As far as I know there is no 'retirement visa ' as such for China . People tend to stay a long time by enrolling in education , or repeated tourists visas . Chinese are quite shy but friendly when they get to know you . Health care can be of a lower standard than you may be used to . I haven't needed it so I can't comment really .

[@shawnchan9494]

Chinese people are friendly, especially in the small towns.

[@greghutchins2625]

i have a resident visa because i own a home and am married to a chinese lady.. but is only good for two years..this works,, medical care is so cheap paying out of pocket is easy. can always fly to guam or us mainland and use my medicare..

[@diplomatun6895]

Good Question

[@riffraff8020]

HOW IS THE COST OF LIVING? DOES CHINA ALLOW FOREIGNERS TO LIVE IN CHINA? HOW MANY US $ ARE RQUIRED PER MONTH TO RETIRE? HOW DO YOU MANAGE WITHOUT KNOWING MANDARIN?

[@arthurxie1655]

Greeting from UBC

[@darrenzhangyue8897]

How can u post a yt? Video with Chinese censorship

[@diegobrando5250]

mono channel sounds uncomfortable

[@Gweilo60]

I know it was an editing glitch. All the newer videos are in stereo from Qing Xia forward

[@ukvette]

What is mono channel ?

[@rogernout941]

@@ukvette mono sound track means: when you plug in a earphone to listen, you find sound only coming out from one of the 2 ear pieces. Whereas, the sound comes out from both earpieces when it is a stereo sound track.

[@jjabulon4823]

it's called controlled chaos.

[@Republicwing]

Oh. Pls we do not need them.

[@darrenzhangyue8897]

The most difficult part of moving to China is learning Chinese

[@kevinlau6372]

Retiring in China is a very big risk.

[@Gweilo60]

That all depends on your support network in China. If you have family and friends it's not so risky. If not your probably right a bit of a risk.

[@davidj4662]

Tao Yanbao stop using reason and logic. It doesn’t fit the narrative.

[@diplomatun6895]

why is that Kevin Lau

[@burthollabaugh2182]

Tao Yanbao : Let him go He will be back soon

[@v.w.singer9638]

I don't have any close family, and I worked expat for a large part of my career. I lived in Thailand for five or six years. I learned to speak and read (to some extent) Thai, I rented an apartment from a Thai friend. Life was good. I'm an author so I'm on the computer most of the day, plus I can cook, so restaurant food isn't a problem. But you're right. You have to be the kind of person who can survive in unfamiliar surroundings or have a base of friends and family if you want to live in a foreign country. Right now for personal reasons I'm in Singapore, where I own an apartment. I have a girlfriend in Finland and I may eventually move there.

[@spellerlittlewing]

Friends none family I don't even deal with yes I've been to Weihai China alone for 1month made out great going back in October my translator and i

[@yiwenyoga9617]

OMG! This is the most long-winded video about nothing informative!