In general, follow our tips on how to find the perfect au pair / the perfect host family with connectAuPair.

Here are some additional tips especially for China:

• Always involve an agency, as otherwise it's very difficult to get the necessary visa granted.
• The agency will normally ask to fill an application form and then conduct an interview with the au pair to be able to match the au pair with their clients (if they are not yet registered at connectAuPair).
• If the au pair and host family decide to match, the agency will take care about the contract and au pair and family will sign two contracts: One between the au pair and the family, and one with the agency.

To apply for a visa / residence title the au pair needs an invitation letter from the host family in China.

The invitation letter will be sent to the au pair after au pair confirmed the schedule and signed the contract with the host family and the agency.

The insurance is taken out by the agency.

Since there's no au pair visa or caregiver visa in China, the agency will help to apply for a F (visit) visa or a L (tourist) visa.

After arrival in China the agency will also help to extend the visa and the au pair doesn't need to pay anything for it.

If the au pair really wants to drive a car in China, (s)he needs to bring along an international driver's license.

Most host families will also ask for a non-criminal record, proofing that the au pair didn't commit any crime in the past.

The trip will normally be organized by the au pair, of course in accordance with the host family.

Even when everything is clear and all questions are asked, it's good to stay in touch until the journey starts - it's important that also the children get to know that a new au pair is coming and communicating from time to time through Skype is a good way to get used to each other.

What to take with you as au pair? In our community you can find tips from other au pairs!

Please note: Border authorities may examine whether the prerequisites for entry continue to apply. This examination is international practice. The au pair might be refused entry even though (s)he is in the possession of a valid visa, if the prerequisites for entry no longer apply.

Therefore the au pair should carry with him/her documents giving evidence to the purpose of the stay - in particular proof of sufficient funds (au pair contract) and health insurance.

Although it's not mandatory, normally the host family picks up the au pair from the airport or train statio.

 If an agency is involved, normally the coordinator from the agency togehter with the family will pick up the au pair from the air port and drive the au pair to the host family's home.

The first days should then be reserved for getting to know each other and introducing the au pair to the family's daily routines.

You are not sure how to welcome your au pair and which rules you should define? Have a look at our tipps and discuss with other families in our community!

You are feeling homesick, the kids don't seem to like you and you just feel like returning home asap? Get comfort and tipps from other au pairs in our community!
And with our nearBy function you can immediately see which other au pairs live nearby and can meet with them.

Within a week after moving in, the au pair must register at primary residence of the host family.

Required documents:

• House Property Ownership Certificate 
• Passport of au pair 

Au pairs in China don’t need a work permit, as looking after children as an au pair is not classified as work.

In China it's very common to use WeChat or Alipay to pay online - almost every vender in China supports WeChat pay. 

To use WeChat pay, the WeChat account needs to be connected to a Chinese bank account, so opening a Chinese bank account will make life in China more easy and convenient.

To open a bank account in China, the following documents are needed:

• Passport 
• Registration paper
• ID card or some document that can prove the au pair's ID

The metro system is super developed in all big cities in China and some host families even have a driver, therefore it's in general not necessary for an au pair in China to be able to drive a car. 

If the au pair wants to drive a car, (s)he requires an international driver's license.

If it's necessary to elongate the visa, the agency will support the au pair and also bear any fees involved.

An au pair in China doesn't need an additional residence permit.

The au pair doesn't have to be registered with the social welfare system.

If the au pair and the family decide to quit the contract, the agency will help both sides to find a new match.

Au pair and family will cancel their contract, but keep the contract with the agency.

Also have a look at our tips, how to change family!

As the insurance is taken out by the agency, it stays valid as long as the au pair doesn't also cancel the contract with the agency.

If the au pair moves to a new family, the au pair needs to de-register her/his primary residence at the place of the current host family and within a week after moving to the new host family, the au pair must register a primary residence at the place of the new host family.

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A few days before leaving China, the au pair has to de-register at the police office.

As au pair, remember to

• cancel the SIM card (or return the SIM card to the host family)
• return the metro card to the agency
• close the bank account 
• sign some paperwork to confirm the bonus and flight ticket and pick up your certificate to proof the participation in the au pair program
• show up at your farewell party, which will be organized for you by the agency :-)