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Finding a Home in Guangzhou
- What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?
Because of the language barrier, living in developments popular with expatriates can be comforting to foreigners who do not speak Chinese. While totally isolating yourself from the local language and culture is not recommended, bbeing able to communicate with neighbors makes some foreign residents feel more comfortable when living here. - What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?
Popular developments for expats include:- Castle Hill Luxury Home is a development with both apartments and villas offering a quieter, more suburban setting.
- Ersha Island is located downtown and offers urban, apartment living. The area offers English-speaking management and good service. Facilities include a music hall, art gallery, museum, gym, tennis courts and a swimming pool. Because most residents are foreigners, it offers good networking opportunities to English speakers.
- Clifford Mansion and Nuova Plaza are two other residential developments popular with expats wishing to live in downtown Guangzhou. Both offer serviced accommodations and good management.
- Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?
Most expats rent serviced apartments or unfurnished houses. The typical lease period is one or two years. - Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?
Yes, normally a deposit of one or two months' rent is required. - Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?
Utilities are usually billed monthly to the tenants by the landlord or management company, which in turn pays the utility company. It is not unusual to have the utilities included in the rent as a set fee, except for long-distance telephone charges which are always billed separately. - Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?
Most compounds are guarded, and burglary is not a common form of crime in Guangzhou. - I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?
The electric current in China is 220 volts. The electrical Hertz (Hz) is 50.
The "official" plug type is like Type A, but slightly shorter and without holes in blades. Type "A" and "I" outlets are common and Type "G" might also be found.
- Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?
Many hotels, including Garden Hotel Guangzhou, China Hotel and Guangdong International Hotel, offer serviced apartments.
