"Any exodus of those people would be supplanted with an influx of people who would come after being intrigued by a two-week (showcase) of a China they never knew," Herbstein says.

Irishwoman Elizabeth Boylan, who came to Beijing a year and a half ago, says the Games didn't much influence her decision to come and won't much influence her decision to stay.

However, she has pairs of tickets to the opening and closing ceremonies, three athletic events and two swimming events.

"The catalyst for me was more the economic, intellectual and professional discovery of China," Boylan says.

"However, there was a curiosity about how China would prepare for the event, structurally, socially and politically."

She believes the same holds true for most other expats.

"If there is an exodus, these people (who leave) weren't vested in Beijing culturally, socially and politically," she says.

"Then, they are de facto transients, and their departure is no loss."