Various new comer questions

ChrisFFTA wrote:Hi there

First post and its across a bunch of topics but as a father I figured I would throw them all in this forum. Please redirect me if I am posting in the wrong place.

Myself (Australian), wife (Taiwanese) and 8 month old daughter (Australian) are contemplating a move to Beijing in the next 6 weeks. I have lived in Taipei for 5 of the past 7 years.

Most of my questions revolve around the health care system and raising a child in Beijing for the next 3 or so years, so here goes:

> level of care for my wife, myself and child? International hospitals cost and level of care?
> pollution in BJ... getting better, that bad for kids?
> kid friendly life in BJ. The little person will be walking soon so any info on outdoor friendly activities most appreciated
> is good nanny help easy to find, or trial and error like Taiwan?
> anything else we should be aware of?

On another topic... for my wife, in China on a Taiwan special 'passport'... what health care options are open to her?

I am sure I will think of many more questions, but thats it for now!

Chris

Hi Chris,

Dad of two here. I'll try and answer as best I know.

International care is available. Beijing United Family Hospital is the most popular choice for expat families. Check out their website for prices. However DAM expensive, so unless you are rolling in it, you'll be wanting insurance.

Pollution here remains a serious issue. That along with the Chinese flue's mean that raising children here can be a nightmare for their respitory systems. It feels like my two have been sick pretty much since Christmas!

Kid friendly life-well it depends where you park your family down. It's a big city. Most expat families live in the district between the city and the airport. Villa's there are not cheap though, ranging from around $2000 to $10,000 a month. The most popular choices are Capital Paradise, Beijing Riviera and Rivergarden.

We find it very hard to find good outdoor activities for the kids-and the winters are of course long. Living in an apartment it's also such a drag having to make such an effort to take the kids out. However out in the villa's that would be much easier.

Good nanny-trial and error

Hope that helps, and let me know if you would like any more info.

Hi Chris,

Yes, private insurance (is there another type?)

A delivery at Beijing United Family Hospital will set you back around 7K USD

OUr daughters tonsildectomy was three times what it cost our friends who had it done for their daughter IN THE STATES!

Standard doc visit, around $100 USD