• RagingHungryPanda@lemm.ee
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    14 days ago

    You’d think, but maybe not. One thing that China does is it’s really strict on not letting people bring money out of the country. I have friends that have money back home that they can’t get out of the country.

    The main reason for that is that when the gov’t opens that up, billions start flowing out of the country really fast. So, if you leave, you’re leaving your money behind.

    • partial_accumen@lemmy.world
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      14 days ago

      You’re referring to capital controls, and yes, China has strict controls on how much money you can move out of the country. I’m referring to people themselves. If you have a valid passport right now, you can still get yourself out legally. Most of your money may have to stay behind, but that could be worth it for many situations.

      • InverseParallax@lemmy.world
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        14 days ago

        The problem is: People know if they leave, their money will probably be taken.

        They’re gambling with their lives, but that’s a fair gamble for the stakes.

        • partial_accumen@lemmy.world
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          14 days ago

          The problem is: People know if they leave, their money will probably be taken.

          The old adage applies: “Your money or your life”

          Depending on what they think their future holds, leaving all their money behind may be a very very small price to pay.

          • InverseParallax@lemmy.world
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            14 days ago

            I disagree, their parents went through so much worse and they saw China rise, the belief is if they can stick through just a little they might find a new opportunity, or maybe things will just work out.

            Also they don’t think things are magically better elsewhere, so maybe it’s just that.

            For us the price might not make sense, but I understand if it does to them at least.

            • partial_accumen@lemmy.world
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              14 days ago

              I disagree

              I’m not sure what you say you’re disagreeing with.

              I’m saying a portion of the population with still valid passports may choose to leave because of these new restrictions. Are you disagreeing and saying “not a single person with a valid passport will choose to leave China forever”?

              • InverseParallax@lemmy.world
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                14 days ago

                Fine, I’m suggesting most people would choose their money over their lives right now, though that might change over time.

                • partial_accumen@lemmy.world
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                  14 days ago

                  Fine, I’m suggesting most people would choose their money over their lives right now, though that might change over time.

                  I agree with you on this. My point at the beginning of this thread was the group of folks choosing their money over their lives is now getting smaller now that it looks like they may not have the chance the make the choice again at a later date (when their passport is seized).

                  • InverseParallax@lemmy.world
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                    14 days ago

                    While I would agree here, I think they will still choose their money right now.

                    The richest will definitely consider leaving, but I think the choice between life and money right now still leans toward money unless you can feel safe getting money out.

                    There have been high-profile people losing that bet, but my exposure suggests the frogs haven’t yet reached the jump point, though there is a lot of fidgeting.

    • socsa@piefed.social
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      14 days ago

      You can move it $10k at a time. It just takes a while if you have a lot to move.

      This is also partially why buying real estate in the West is so popular. Paying a mortgage is a very easy way to move money off shore without the same level of scrutiny.

      • HootinNHollerin@lemmy.world
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        13 days ago

        And that further drives up housing prices for us from the west. Especially California. China doesn’t let foreigners buy property so why do we let them while we’re not able to afford a house?