In the Know in China: The Indispensable Guide to Working and Living in China

I've been to China four times and I purchased this book to aid in my planning for moving to China in another year. The copyright date in my book is from 2001, but the tips in this book are still acurate (to what I have learned there on my trips). Many topics are those recommendations that must be considered for doing business in China, moving by yourself and getting used to the culture shock (some discussion of the psychological impact), moving with your family, tips for the working & non-working spouses, and a great deal of tips about all ages of children (schools, finding them clothes, language skills). All of this advice doesn't really change with the passing of 5 years, and from my trips there I believe it is acurate. Frankly I've found the book better than I hoped for. It brought up a number of tips that I hadn't thought to consider such as schools, shopping (groceries, clothes, day to day items), how different shops & stores operate, bargaining (be ready in some places it is expected of you to bargain the price). There is a timeline of China, brief discussion of politics, religion & holidays. Detailed tips on moving your possesions, pets, pretty much everything that you need to know (as I said before, a few things I hadn't considered yet). The book talks about every day life including dating, marriage, etiquette, gifts, etc. Chapters go over numerous points to consider in doing business in China. I'm less interested in this section so I admit that skimmed most of it and read only a few sections that caught my attention. I believe there are books galore dedicated to business in China, but nothing else I've seen compares to the planning of moving, adjusting to the cultural changes and living in China. There is a brief section to the language and it isn't meant to fill any needs more than the basic essentials. There is also a audio CD (works in any CD player, not just a PC) with twelve chapters to help your basic vocabulary. In the back of the book there are sections with final preperation lists to aid in the planning. There are also a number of resources and contacts listed (mailing addresses, web sites and phones numbers). I believe it is an excellent purchase and tool for your planning.