Wei Jie

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EXPAT representatives have applauded Shenzhen’s efforts to launch a comprehensive multimedia guide designed to assist expat residents and foreign visitors in navigating life in the city.

The multimedia guide was unveiled Thursday in Futian District by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shenzhen Municipal Government and EyeShenzhen, the city’s official multilingual portal (www.eyeshenzhen.com).

The guide features a range of informative videos that address common challenges encountered by expats living in the city, such as taxation, medical services, public transportation, and purchasing SIM cards. It also includes a multilingual handbook that provides insights into Shenzhen, along with valuable tips and information.

Michael John Eagleton, an Australian businessman who has lived in Shenzhen for 26 years, described the guide as “extremely useful.”

Eagleton highlighted the significant improvements that have been made to the taxation process for foreigners in Shenzhen. He emphasized how tax issues often impact businesses in foreign countries and said that the ease and efficiency of Shenzhen’s current taxation system allows businesses to grow smoother.

The Aussie was particularly impressed by his experience at the Nanshan taxation service hall.

“I was shown by this service officer, who by the way speaks very good English, an app on which I can do everything I needed to do for my personal income tax. That’s amazing, because even in my home country, I can’t do that. It is so convenient,” said Eagleton.

While acknowledging the complexities of dealing with tax matters in a foreign country, Tafadzwa Mackenzie Kadere, a Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador from the U.K., described the video guide as a practical tool for expats navigating the personal income tax filing process.

For Louay Ali Dib, a Syrian computer engineer who relocated to Shenzhen after graduating from a university in Guangzhou last year and is also a Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador, the video series’ segment on opening a bank account provides valuable insights.

Dib said that while the general guidelines are easy to follow, individuals often encounter specific requirements, such as the necessity of additional documents, which leads to confusion. He suggested that the video series should offer more detailed guidance tailored for specific circumstances.

Shenzhen Global Communication Ambassador Gabriela Cojocaru, from Moldova, emphasized the importance of leveraging international social media platforms for promotion. She proposed expanding the guide’s presence on global social media platforms to better prepare prospective visitors before their travels. She emphasized easy access to crucial information, such as bank card payment compatibility and foreign currency exchange locations and regulations, could attract more international tourists to Shenzhen.