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The Truth About Living in China: What Expats Might Not Like

Viewpoint Abroad

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// J O H N

Welcome to my channel! I'm an American who has been living abroad for nearly 20 years. Currently, I'm based in China, where I work as a PE teacher and run a small fitness business. On this channel, I share what it's like to live abroad as an expat, from daily work life to exploring local foods and cultures. I also dive into my journey with investing and stock market trading (though I don’t offer financial advice). If you’re curious about life abroad, expat insights, and the unique experiences of living in China, you’re in the right place!

Legal Disclosure: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Before investing, please consult a licensed professional. Any stock purchases I show on video should not be considered “investment recommendations”. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for investing and trading in the stock market in attempt to mirror what I do. Unless investments are FDIC insured, they may decline in value and/or disappear entirely. Please be careful!

20 Comments

@anjuna_deep 1 year ago

What the japanese did to china happened not too long ago, its rather recent during my grandma's time.

@nathboz 1 year ago

Thanks for your honesty bro👍🏼

@xiangyangzhang2286 1 year ago

True, I came to Hong Kong from mainland China and there were many things I couldn't adapt to. The houses were very small and most people spoke Cantonese. I would say it was a gradual process of adapting to a new environment. I wish you all the best in China.

@MirandaBailey-01 1 year ago

I agree with everyone else, ditch the stock photos. Also I very much enjoy you just talking to the camera (indoors or outdoors). Great and interesting video! Thanks for the honesty throughout the video!

@TBara-e5e 1 year ago (edited)

Concerning being blocked? I am a US (born and raised) citizen, I have always been blocked from FaceBook for suspecious activities. Very interesting since I've never had any activities on Facebook. No one has a name remotely close to mine. I went to university for seven years (top of my class) and worked for two of the most important and largest US corporations in a management position. So, I wouldn't worry too much about being blocked outside the US. BTW, so far I have never been blocked from anything outside the US.

@RantingRoamer 1 year ago

I love watching your videos. Don't forget to get enough rest, brother.

@KennethWong-u7p 1 year ago

For the fb issue, i think they refuse to put the server in China and follow some specific Chinese laws, as a result they choose not to stay in China; but for TikTok they did put the server in the US through Orcale. That's the different.

@86laowhy 1 year ago

You don’t usually use “stock images” and videos. I prefer when you don’t. You’re usually so real. I agree about the Chinese food, but the whole 外国人 thing, I actually like. I’m always more than happy to exchange English greetings with their children.

@chopsticksandtrains 1 year ago

Good vid, John.

@maylin7883 1 year ago (edited)

I agree with your opinions depending on your experience in China. I have had the same feeling in some countries when I am among Western people. Being positive and enjoying your quality of life. The world sucks, low income and inflation, our life quality is going down which happens everywhere in the world now

@AniMelikyan8 6 months ago

Thanks for sharing your honest opinion. I lived in few countries and agree with you that each places has its downsides. It’s about knowing which positive aspects of the country are important to us and which negatives we can tolerate. In China, I struggle with the smoking culture. It’s still allowed here to smoke in some restaurants, bars and taxis.

@emergent3744 1 month ago

excellent video thanks mate

@BJooll7 3 months ago

Nice man. U are a good person!

@sophiebell5331 1 year ago

Hey. Thank u for that. Didn't think about WhatsApp etc. I'm from UK

@igrooshechny 1 year ago

John, make another video about the Philippines, the pros and cons, what you liked and what you didn’t when you lived there. It will be interesting to see.

@igrooshechny 1 year ago

As for scheduling, or postponing holidays and irresponsibility, yes, it really infuriates.

@urielgiraldo5193 7 months ago

Cool video

@beanbean321 1 year ago

Thank You for your Super Honesty . Hopefully you have discouraged young people in America from trying that expat lifestyle .

@sophiebell5331 1 year ago

I lived in Thailand. The schedule was a little messy also, Farang I got called.. Which meant white person or non Thai and I never had to move money but I had Facebook insta nd WhatsApp.. Crowds will be tricky. But I'm ready for it.

@dyankee7214 1 year ago (edited)

Thanks for discussing the good and bad of living in China, do you know if there restrictions on transferring money from the States to China? I've heard there are "approved" VPNs that won't get you into trouble as opposed to other VPNs that are not approved. I did find a decent Tex-Mex restaurant in Chengdu but that was 20 years ago.