nikocord
Austrian expat in China
Forum posts
69
Contacts
6
About me
Austrian
Registration: 09 June 2015
Visa regulations
I found some information that says it might be possible to get a work permit and residence permit for work without leaving the country. Check this website: http://yingkevensco.com/service-areas/china-work-permit-work-authorization-services/ Read More
Be Warned! Top 10 Chinese-Westerner Misunderstandings by sophia.zhang
Cultural Difference There are cross-cultural misunderstandings and miscommunications between foreigners and Chinese. While we may think that some of the explanations are a bit odd, it is nonetheless an interesting piece of cultural anthropology. ...
Great post, agree with most of it. Read More
5 year policy for Z visa
I'm not a teacher, nor am I living in Sichuan. Here is what I would do in your situation. Find a local Visa Agent/ Consultant , they often have close connections to the officials and know exactly how the visa policy works. If you are fully ... Read More
Visa regulations
This depends on what job you want to do... English Teachers have to be native speakers and have to come from certain countries, I don't know the exact list. For any other job, nobody will ask about your language. @rkvzm this is not possible. Read More
FWP Foreign working Permit include Class C Foreign Maids?
Don't take my word for it because I might be wrong, but from my knowledge at that moment it's close to impossible to get a visa to be a maid. Also the green card is more a myth than reality, a very low percentage of foreigners managed to get ... Read More
Cost of living in China - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to China, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices in ...
Prices for Xiamen > How much does it cost to rent an apartment/house in China? 2 bedrooms, 2000-3000 in central Haicang District, more if you go rent on the island, most expensive is Siming District. > How much do you pay for your public ... Read More
considering teaching English in China by loubeelou
Hello & good morning. My name is Lou, I'm 29 years old & am from the UK. I am considering taking the CELTA tefl course and moving to China to teach English this year. I'd like to teach at a University or adult level as I feel my ...
You do face a difficult choice, as almost all cities with large （western) expat communities are whether very polluted (Beijing) or crazy hot in Summer ( Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, but also Beijing can be very hot in Summer). I'm ... Read More
Legal Cross Border Business China - Germany
Many Chinese companies are not allowed to transfer money abroad. You will need at least an agent in China who collects the money for you, or you can register your own company. Also, many Chinese companies do ask for a Tax Invoice, without that ... Read More
Expat contracts: repayment requirement ? by adventureseeking
Dear expats, I'm currently negotiating my expat conditions for next year (Shanghai). My company demands a repayment requirement in case I resign during or after my work abroad. Time to work abroad should be 2 years and time for repayment ...
Congratulations on your successful bargain and your coming time in China. Most people I know really enjoyed their time in China. Let me know if you ever make it to Xiamen :) . Read More
Expat contracts: repayment requirement ? by adventureseeking
Dear expats, I'm currently negotiating my expat conditions for next year (Shanghai). My company demands a repayment requirement in case I resign during or after my work abroad. Time to work abroad should be 2 years and time for repayment ...
No direct experience with this, but I had a clause that if I quit in the first year, I would have to repay all training related costs. I think it depends on why your company does send you to China. What is the benefit for your company if they send ... Read More
Thoughts on Beijing salary offer by Irishfella86
Hi, I've been offered a job in a Beijing-based newspaper as a sub-editor, the monthly salary is 20,000 rmb pre-tax plus medical insurance plus a 60sqm one-bed apartment paid for (it's in Chaoyang District and employers say it would cost ...
I'm not living in Baoding, and I'm not familiar with the specific weather patterns, environment hazards in that region. Public transport is challenging but I never had any trouble back when I didn't speak Chinese. You will have to ask ... Read More
Thoughts on Beijing salary offer by Irishfella86
Hi, I've been offered a job in a Beijing-based newspaper as a sub-editor, the monthly salary is 20,000 rmb pre-tax plus medical insurance plus a 60sqm one-bed apartment paid for (it's in Chaoyang District and employers say it would cost ...
1 USD= 6.7RMB Gas is currently at about 6.1RMB / liter Let somebody clean your car: 20-30RMB a time BigMac is about 20 RMB, don't remember the exact price. Eggs: conventional eggs about 5 RMB/pound better ones 1.5 - 2rmb per egg. A local set ... Read More
Movin to Xiamen
The best place to live in Xiamen depends on your requirements. If you're looking for the expat area, then you should consider HuBinBei 湖滨北 area in Siming District。 There are many bars and international restaurants, ... Read More
Thoughts on Beijing salary offer by Irishfella86
Hi, I've been offered a job in a Beijing-based newspaper as a sub-editor, the monthly salary is 20,000 rmb pre-tax plus medical insurance plus a 60sqm one-bed apartment paid for (it's in Chaoyang District and employers say it would cost ...
With 20'000 RMB gross you will have 16'000 net. If you don't need to pay for the apartment, you can live very comfortably from this. Depending on your lifestyle you can easily save 10'000RMB a month, and life with 6'000. But ... Read More
China Work Permit Visa
You should ask your company, they have to do this for you. If they cannot help you, ask a visa agent. The requirements and procedures are changing all the time, and are different in different cities, so I doubt somebody in this forum can help you ... Read More
how to keep dual citizenship when visiting USA
You have the US Visa in her China Passport. So just use this passport to enter and exit the USA and you will have the stamp in the passport. Read More
VPN recommendation by Cathal81
Hi all, Can someone recommend a FREE trustworthy, reliable, and relatively fast VPN service provider for use on my laptop here in China? I have been using one the past 2 years but it is now due to expire and they want $55 renewal fee for the year ...
Your lucky. That's why I suggest everybody to test it on their own. If a VPN works well or not depends on many factors here in China... Location, Provider, Time, Political Events and much more. Read More
internet
The "Great Wall Spy Chip" is missing in your Mac. Without this spy chip, the Internet is very slow in China. Ask your Tech to install the spy chip and every will work fine. (irony!!!) Read More
VPN recommendation by Cathal81
Hi all, Can someone recommend a FREE trustworthy, reliable, and relatively fast VPN service provider for use on my laptop here in China? I have been using one the past 2 years but it is now due to expire and they want $55 renewal fee for the year ...
Some of the websites mentionned here are sponsored by the recommended VPN providers. The one who pays most gets the best rating... I've personally tried ExpressVPN. Cancelled it within the free trial period, and got a full refund. The customer ... Read More
Other options besides international schools in China???
As far as I know this is not totally correct. If you have a work permit and a residence permit you do have access to the local schools. I also heard that some countries offer support with paying for tuition for their citizens living abroad. In any ... Read More
Moving to Xiamen- recommendations for meeting expats by Tiney4000
Hello, I am moving to Xiamen very soon. I have never lived abroad before so I am feeling very nervous. I wanted some general advice about how others found moving to Xiamen. Also I am specifically interested for advice getting around Xiamen and also ...
When I first came to Xiamen I moved around by writing down my destination and then asking people at the bus station how to get there. Everybody was very helpful. There are some apps that make live easier, but as far as I know they are all in ... Read More
Buying a vehicle in Inner Mongolia by Mavutu
Hello! I am planning on a big adventure, which starts and ends in China. I will travel up through Mongolia, Russia, then down through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and back into China. I wish to buy a vehicle in China, but want to know a few things. ...
I faced the exact same procedure. I passed with 92/100, about 3 years ago. That was already the new test. At that time 90% of chinese nationals didn't pass the test. But you could try as many times as you wanted. I never heared that a foreigner ... Read More
Buying a vehicle in Inner Mongolia by Mavutu
Hello! I am planning on a big adventure, which starts and ends in China. I will travel up through Mongolia, Russia, then down through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and back into China. I wish to buy a vehicle in China, but want to know a few things. ...
If you mean to buy a license without passing a test, yes this got a lot more difficult in past years. But for everybody who wants to get it on the legal way It's not that difficult to get the driver license. You will need the right visa, and you ... Read More
Buying a vehicle in Inner Mongolia by Mavutu
Hello! I am planning on a big adventure, which starts and ends in China. I will travel up through Mongolia, Russia, then down through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and back into China. I wish to buy a vehicle in China, but want to know a few things. ...
Sounds like a great plan. Do you already have a Chinese driver license? Without license, a car will be of no use. International license is not valid in China. I'm not sure about the process to buy a car in Inner Mongolia, but I suppose that ... Read More
please recommend some online shopping websites in China by misscat22
I only learn that Taobao is the most popular online shopping website in China, but most of the stores don't provide shipping to USA, I want to buy some handcrafts and clothing for my families and friends. Please recommend some Chinese websites ...
You can check if you find what you want on the "international" Taobao: aliexpress.com or check madeinchina.com These are the two websites that I remember, but there are more. Read More
Where to find comfortable bedding?
Just go and buy a softer mattress, many shops sell them, offline and online. If you buy it in a shopping mall it might be more expensive then if you buy one on Taobao. Chinese for mattress is: 床垫 chuang dian . If you don't speak ... Read More
Adapting to the climate in China
Xiamen has great weather in Summer, and great air quality. But: it's HOT and HUMID. 30° to 35°C at 80+% humidity are normal here, but it feels more like 45° to 50°C. If I do any sports activity in summer then it's ... Read More
Selling a property in Xiamen by Ohiyoo
Hi, i would like some advice from a local in Xiamen. I have an apartment in Xiamen and have recently found a buyer. One of the terms that the buyer have suggested was that he can pay 70% of the property to us first and we give him the title of the ...
This post is already old, I know. But the process Ohiyoo described is the normal way of buying a flat here, if the buyer takes a loan on the flat. The reason is simple: You can only get the loan if you have the House Certificate. So, unless you can ... Read More
I am from Europe, Greece and I want to move in China Shenzhen by kon45
Hi there friends! Any European or Greek that knows the laws about moving and stay in China for good? I'm going for one month in two weeks and considering to stay there... Thanks anyways!
I've sent you a private message. Read More
VPN users? by X-Trekker
Hello everyone, I have been living China since 2012, never thought of getting a paid vpn service, I use a free version, so far so good. Recently I was in the midsts of important data transfer, and decided to get a paid subscription, did my research ...
I see Express VPN mentionned... I used it for about one months and the asked for a refund, because it war very slow. Youtube was basically impossible to use. And they are one of the most expensive choices. But also need to add, that currently most ... Read More
I am from Europe, Greece and I want to move in China Shenzhen by kon45
Hi there friends! Any European or Greek that knows the laws about moving and stay in China for good? I'm going for one month in two weeks and considering to stay there... Thanks anyways!
If your English is good, you chances are good to find a job here, but to work in China you will need a work Visa, which you cannot get in China. There are some people working on business Visas, but this is illegal, and can get you in big trouble if ... Read More
non native English speaker, non ESL trained. any chance? by icosmin
Hi, Arrived in China one month ago and started looking for a job in manufacturing engineering with little luck. Now I am considering the option to teach English although I am non native. I also don't have the training course and didn't ...
As non native speaker it's very to get a working visa. An other option you could consider is finding a sales position. If you're English is ok and you also speak another language as well your odds are good to find something. Of course, ... Read More
Sim card for iphone in Beijing?
Many shops do sell Sim cards, just ask. It's very easy to get one. Read More
Volunteering in China by Maximilien
Hi, While living abroad, some expats wish to get involved in the local community life. What organizations expats can turn to if they want to volunteer in China? How to join a charitable institution, what are the steps? Which causes have ...
One issue that all foreigners in China that want to volunteer should be aware of is that it could be considered as illegal work, as it's illegal to work in China without the proper Visa, even if the work is not payed. But I don't know if ... Read More
Income Tax
It's not as simple as kenjee says. There are different regulations in the different cities, and it's different if you have a normal residence permit or a permanent residence permit ( some also call it the Chinese green card ). Every city has ... Read More
VPN users? by X-Trekker
Hello everyone, I have been living China since 2012, never thought of getting a paid vpn service, I use a free version, so far so good. Recently I was in the midsts of important data transfer, and decided to get a paid subscription, did my research ...
Nowadays it's very difficult to get a stable VPN connection in China. The price doesn't say anything about the connection quality. I also experienced that free VPNs perform similar to payed ones. But you have to be careful with the free ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to China? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in China, would you heartily say "let?s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do certain ...
Yes I would come again. Despite all the issues and difficulties that daily life brings my overall experience is very positive. To everybody who wants to stay in China for some time: speaking some basic Chinese will give you a totally different China ... Read More
Checked baggage for domestic flights: weight limit?
Checked luggage is usually between 20 and 23kg in China, depending on the Airline. Some airlines don't care much if you have little over weight, if your not flying in a peak season. And looking like being on a business trip will help, at least ... Read More
Dealing with emergency situations in China by Priscilla
Hello everybody, Dealing with unexpected situations abroad can be a very difficult matter. In order to better help expats and soon-to-be expats in China face such tricky situations, we invite you to share your advice and experience. What are ...
Besides of your personal emergency numbers always have: - a number of a Chinese friend who is willing to help you communicate in difficult situations - Emergency number of your embassy - 114 for all kinds of inquiries like phone numbers, addresses, ... Read More
Decent Salary in Shanghai by mk380
HI I am considering moving to Shanghai in 2016. I would like to know how much salary one should receive to live a life meeting standards. I would be grateful if you could provide me with a list of the expenses I should take into account. Thanks. MK
Depending on your standards, this can vary between 15'000RMB and 40'000RMB. You can spend a lot for housing in Shanghai. If you want a flat with western standard it can easily cost you 20k a month or more. Also western food is not cheap ... Read More
Cost of living in China ? 2015 by expat.com
Hi all, We invite you to talk about the cost of living in China in 2015, with an updated price listing. Don't forget to mention in which city of China you are living in. How much does it cost to live in China? > accommodation prices > ...
Update on the cost in Xiamen: Data as stated on the bill: first 0-200kwh per month: 0.49 RMB/kwh 200-400kwh: 0.54/kwh everything above 400kwh: 0.79/kwh Read More
Pension and how it works for a British Expat
If you're working in China, you will also pay for the Chinese pension insurance. As far as I know you need to work at least 15 years to get pension payed after retirement. When you leave China you can take with you the part that you payed, but ... Read More
Where to buy butter in JiNan China
I don't know Jinnan but you could try to ask in the bigger supermarkets like Carrefour, Walmart or Tesco. Where I'm living all of them have some butter for most of the time. Otherwise try to find a "bakery" shop which is selling ... Read More
Release form for teaching and losing a month's salary.
The law, and what's effectively practiced are two different things here in China. If you're leaving, most employers will try to avoid to pay you your money. Additional to 7 days of annual leave and some social benefits, I've lost more ... Read More
Drivers license
There have bee times where you could find a way around the written test, but now you will have to take the test. It's not that bad. If you are familiar with European traffic rules ( maybe others work as well) and with a good deal of common sense ... Read More
Booking Flights, need help please.
Below are the websites I frequently use to buy international and domestic air tickets in a random order: alitrip.com qunar.com ctrip.com Where Ctrip already messed up some of my air tickets by using a wrong name... never had any issues with the ... Read More
Shaghai : 29,700 RMB per month (after tax and aptt paid), saving?? by alok1974
I got an offer for 29,700 RMB per month after Tax in Shanghai. My housing will be paid for (around 8500 - 9000 RMB per month). I need to live close middle Longhua Road. I am a single person looking for a moderate lifestyle - maybe a movie per week. ...
As a single person you can live with 4000 RMB a month ( excluding housing). You can even live with less, but then you will need to be very careful with your expenses and count every Yuan. Read More
Shanghai expenses
Depending on you livestyle you can easily safe 15000 every month. 5000 should be enough to live if your apartment is payed. Read More
American mom trying to plan meals in China by EmilyDee
Hi! I've lived in China before, but recently came back with my husband and two boys, one two years old and the other two months old. They're getting really sick of instant noodles and rice with egg and tomato! So I'm looking for ...
Some easy dishes: 1) Steamed sweet potato, or you can bake it in the oven. No need to add anything. Most kids love it, it's sweet and healthy. 2) Pumpkin Soup: Take a piece of pumpkin, steam or cook it until it's soft, and mix it together ... Read More
Got an offer for 11800 Shanghai. can i save 5000rmb n live an Ok life? by abag2769
Guys I don't party much... just want to live in a OK 1 Bdrm Apartment with ok food. Can I survive? Can someone show basic rent / food/ elec/gas cost .. my concern is I have to save 5k atleast
not sure about the rent, depends about where in Shanghai you are, but the rest should be fine. Read More
I'm looking for friends in Xiamen by Aiko Uchiyama
Hello everyone, I just arrived in Xiamen one week ago.I want to make friends who live in Xiamen. I would like to meet English speakers, and If you also speak Chinese or Japanese,that's great! Would be nice to meet someone close to my age, ...
check the website for expats in Xiamen: What's on Xiamen, ++++ Read More
break contract visa implications by huizhouexpat
Hi everyone! I'm looking for some advice about visa implications of breaking your contract. I've got a contract with a language centre in a small (c 4m people) city in guangdong province, but long story short it's turned in to a ...
You will have to issue a formal resignation. If they payed you your salary in advance, you will have to pay it back for obvious reasons. But they cannot ask you to pay a penalty for resignation from your job. It is possible to change the job without ... Read More
Primary school for mixed child
There are two international schools in Xiamen: XIS, Xiamen international School and MXIS, Manila Xiamen international School. Depending on your budget you can choose the one or the other. MXIS is more affordable, and I heard that there are many ... Read More
Driving in China by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in China? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess? what are the characteristics of the driving style ...
When your speaking about driving in China, you need to distinguish between some developed cities and the countryside. I think the biggest difference is, in China you cannot count on the other one following the rules. You need to be very attentive, ... Read More
Safety in China by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in China? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there is ...
I'm living here for 4 years now, and I feel very safe. I can walk at any time on any street without any concerns. I feel safer here in Xiamen, than I did in Geneva or Vienna. Read More
Salary in western banks in Shanghai
I don't know details for the Banking sector, but have an example of an Chemical Comany, project management. The guy got the same salary as back in Europe + Tax adjustment (he only pays as much as he'd pay back home) + free housing + free ... Read More
Wages/Salaries and living by christian.cruz.hernandez
Hi everyone! Im currently thinking in moving on to China, dont now where exactly due to i need to start making interviews and send Resumes. But first after moving i would lile to know what are the salaries and wages in China and how is the living. ...
The salary will heavily depend on your qualification. Experience will heavily impact the level of your salary, but also your degrees are important. I'm not very familiar with the salaries in the hospitality and tourism business, but if you have ... Read More
Tips for getting your first job in China by expat.com
Hi, What are your tips and advice for getting a first job in China? What are the job hunting steps to follow? Where to look for offers: newspapers, Internet, recruitment agencies, word-of-mouth? What are the top hiring sectors? What ...
I got my by replying to a forum post that stated: "Looking for german speaker". They were looking for somebody helping with the sales to Europe. The second one was introcuded to me by a friend's friend. ( No teaching jobs) I suggest, ... Read More
Getting a visa in surrounding countries. by inwestend
I'm in the process of getting an M-Visa (I have an invitation). But I want to apply in SE Asia, or possibly Hong Kong, rather than fly all the way back to my home country, (and incur long haul flights and expense) - just for a visa ...
A friend of mine from a EU country recently managed to get a one year business visa, but he is living in China since about 8 years now and still have to leave the country every couple of months in the first half year. And, in the second half year, ... Read More
Looking for Job in China by athali
I'm Indonesian and have experience as Science teacher for 3 years. I want find opportunities by teaching abroad especially to China. This is my first time..I hope somebody can help me make my dream become true.
If you have any bachelor degree, you can try your luck, there is a big demand. You will need this for the Work Visa. You don't need any other certifications for the Work visa, only a bachelor degree and a school that wants to hire you. Only the ... Read More
cost of living in shanghai - 240000RMB per year - ok salary? by Murale
Hi i am moving to shanghai will be getting around 240000 per year in shanghai, is it agood salary to live with my family there, How costly is english education, how is the living standards,safety
You get 240'000 WHAT a year? Eggs? USD? RMB? Is it before or after tax? Assuming you mean RMB: 240'000 RMB are enough for living in Shanghai, but if you want English education for your kid's this might be not enough, as the ... Read More
How can an expat get a Chinese work visa as a consultant?
I don't know if this is possible in Kunming, but you could check the condition to register your own consulting company. And then sponsor your own Z visa. For consulting you might also get a M visa. As US citizen you might check if you can get ... Read More
the cheapest city in china by moutazz
hi could any one tell which big city in china the costs of living in is cheap. thank you
Usually: Cheap city = low salary, and low economic development. If you are Muslim you might check Xinjiang province and it's capital Urumqi, or chinas north west in general, like Xi-An. But I'd suggest to come to the more expensive, ... Read More
Teachers Salary - Guangzhou by LisaM22
Hi Everyone, I'm looking to move to Guangzhou this summer to teach English. Can someone give me any advice on what kind of salary I can expect? I'd appreciate any advice on living in Guangzhou - living costs, is it difficult to make friends etc? ...
@ Pete555 Without a BA you can only get illegal employment. A Bachelor degree is required to get the work (z) visa. Authorities are getting more and more strict on this, and they will deport you if you get caught. There is even a bonus for ... Read More
Cost of living in China ? 2015 by expat.com
Hi all, We invite you to talk about the cost of living in China in 2015, with an updated price listing. Don't forget to mention in which city of China you are living in. How much does it cost to live in China? > accommodation prices > ...
Xiamen - Haicang ( Xiamen is an Island, Haicang a district od Xiamen is just cross the brige on the mainland. ) Most imported products I buy on internet, delivery is usually very fast from all over China to Xiamen. 80m2 2 bedroom apartment, good ... Read More
Will my salary be enough for living in Guangzhou? [PLEASE HELP] :) by Jovan_8
Dear Expats, I have an offer to attend an internship in Guangzhou, and it's a pretty intimidating offer. But, my biggest concern are the costs, and whether my salary will be enough to live in Guangzhou. So the company said they will cover my ...
It's enought but you have to count every yuan you are spending, no luxery, no of few western food, no drinks in a bar, then you will be ok. Read More
Living with wife and son in China by Howardoliverlilly
Can my family and I - wife and 7 year old son - live in China on a monthly salary of 10,000 RMB?
Where in China are you? It depends very much where in China you are living. But 10'000 should gernerally be enough, if your son goes to a public school. In Xiamen, a two bedroom appartment in an acceptable location is starting at below 2000 ... Read More