Melissa
@melis82
South African expat in China
Forum posts
66
Contacts
22
About me
South African
Lives in Shenzhen
Speaks English, Afrikaans
Registration: 05 October 2011
Moving to Songshan Lake found in Dongguan - How is it there? by melis82
Hi, I'm moving to China the end of this month. I'm going to be living in the Songshan Lake district but I can't seem to find it on the maps. Can anybody help? Thanks :)
I'm sorry, I didn't see your post so it's my fault for replying so late! Do you like it there? I think it's a very pretty town. I changed schools, so I'm working in Bao'an now. Not as nice as Shekou or Futian, but at least I ... Read More
Moving to Songshan Lake found in Dongguan - How is it there? by melis82
Hi, I'm moving to China the end of this month. I'm going to be living in the Songshan Lake district but I can't seem to find it on the maps. Can anybody help? Thanks :)
Hi! I did live there, but I'm in Shenzhen now haha! If you are going to stay on the side where the town is then it is very nice. I worked at a school but it was on the other side of the lake so we were a bit isolated. The lake is beautiful and ... Read More
ENGLISH DOCTORS IN SHENZHEN by shironf
Hi, I'm Shiron & I would like to know of a good Doctor who speaks English as I need to take my wife for some medic , Please advise a good hospital or a clinic which has fluent English speaking doctors
Oh, sorry the original post of this thread asks about English doctors in Shenzhen. Scroll down to Chongqing. I don't know how accurate this list is, so phone and find out or try go there. In future just try google "English doctors in ... Read More
ENGLISH DOCTORS IN SHENZHEN by shironf
Hi, I'm Shiron & I would like to know of a good Doctor who speaks English as I need to take my wife for some medic , Please advise a good hospital or a clinic which has fluent English speaking doctors
Go to the Hong Kong University Hospital in Shenzhen. The hospital itself is in Futian. You need to phone and book an appointment (if the person answering doesn't speak English they will call you back on the number your called) You need to ... Read More
Dentist in Shenzhen by melis82
I am trying to find out about having dental work done in Shenzhen. My biggest concern is treatment of pain and the absolute terror that dentist install in me. I was thinking of going to Hong Kong because I know a lot of pain medication is banned in ...
If anybody is looking for a dentist I'd like to recommend Dr Morse at Dental Bauhinia in Futian. Lovely clean and professional practice and great dentistry! The practice is English and as professional as any dentistry back home. Affordable too! ... Read More
Dentist in Shenzhen
I am trying to find out about having dental work done in Shenzhen. My biggest concern is treatment of pain and the absolute terror that dentist install in me. I was thinking of going to Hong Kong because I know a lot of pain medication is banned in ... Read More
Westen Union by gorgeousbrian
Does anyone know if Western Union operates in Beijing? I need to transfer a small amount of cash to the Philippines and don't want to pay the outrageous charges the banks want for just a small transfer. If not Western Union, are there any other ...
What is with people having so many bank accounts here? One of my Chinese friends has like 5 different bank accounts and she says it's perfectly normal. I can barely manage one. It's no wonder then that even the post office offers one! Read More
wont get hired because of wearing "Hijab"? by wardaya
Hi all, i'm thinking to get a job here in Beijing .. if i got good offer i'm going to stay.. i got many interviews appointments after the holidays.. and since i didn't see any of those who is wearing Headscarf "Hijab" here in Beijing,yet .. i feel ...
I agree, although the pics I saw from friends who went to the Chinese New Year celebration in London China Town looked pretty cool compared to what I saw here. Mostly used fireworks and strips of red paper littered about the place. But then again ... Read More
The other side of the Chinese postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
Haha well then I'm glad I didn't go up there! When we came past the queue for the tram was 2.5 hours. After being disappointed by the Symphony of Lights the previous night we decided to give it a miss. I don't know what exactly we were expecting ... Read More
Racism by Julien
Do you feel racism in your country? Is it complicated to integrate yoursleft with local people or are you used to it? I really like London because the city is a lot of people from everywhere, and everybody seems to be integrated. I don't feel ...
South Africa is a beautiful country and the people are too, of all races. Most tourists I've met there were thoroughly enjoying themselves. There is a lot to experience because it's such a diverse country. Unfortunately this is marred by crime and ... Read More
Racism by Julien
Do you feel racism in your country? Is it complicated to integrate yoursleft with local people or are you used to it? I really like London because the city is a lot of people from everywhere, and everybody seems to be integrated. I don't feel ...
In SA I've been told by many people that if you go to France rather speak Afrikaans as French people hate the English! I don't know if this is true, but from your experience it sounds like they might be more racist then? But that would be ... Read More
The other side of the Chinese postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
I know right? My sister came to visit me from the UK, I warned her about it but nothing could have prepared her for when she hit that wall of stench that is the entrance to the fresh fruit and veg market. I actually enjoy it now when new people go ... Read More
wont get hired because of wearing "Hijab"? by wardaya
Hi all, i'm thinking to get a job here in Beijing .. if i got good offer i'm going to stay.. i got many interviews appointments after the holidays.. and since i didn't see any of those who is wearing Headscarf "Hijab" here in Beijing,yet .. i feel ...
Exactly! I hated the commercial nature of Christmas back home, already seeing tinsel in October. Christmas to me was about seeing my family. Not about having arguments about the best way to put up a giant fake Christmas tree. Not one of us were keen ... Read More
Westen Union by gorgeousbrian
Does anyone know if Western Union operates in Beijing? I need to transfer a small amount of cash to the Philippines and don't want to pay the outrageous charges the banks want for just a small transfer. If not Western Union, are there any other ...
We've tried three different banks and get the same answers (after much translation confusion!) It's like you can earn money here sure, but we expect you to spend it here too! I'll have to try a bank in Guangzhou when I'm there again. But if using ... Read More
Racism by Julien
Do you feel racism in your country? Is it complicated to integrate yoursleft with local people or are you used to it? I really like London because the city is a lot of people from everywhere, and everybody seems to be integrated. I don't feel ...
You know Hailey that perception still exists. I had an argument with a black woman once who was trying to make me cower because I was white so I told her to stop being racist and she promptly told me "black people can't be racist"! My black friend ... Read More
Westen Union by gorgeousbrian
Does anyone know if Western Union operates in Beijing? I need to transfer a small amount of cash to the Philippines and don't want to pay the outrageous charges the banks want for just a small transfer. If not Western Union, are there any other ...
thank you! I'll try it out :) Read More
wont get hired because of wearing "Hijab"? by wardaya
Hi all, i'm thinking to get a job here in Beijing .. if i got good offer i'm going to stay.. i got many interviews appointments after the holidays.. and since i didn't see any of those who is wearing Headscarf "Hijab" here in Beijing,yet .. i feel ...
I disagree. It's a religious activity that isn't even Chinese. She should have been allowed the choice. Maybe it's because back home they're more sensitive to things like this. And to be honest other non Christians were not happy being forced into ... Read More
Racism by Julien
Do you feel racism in your country? Is it complicated to integrate yoursleft with local people or are you used to it? I really like London because the city is a lot of people from everywhere, and everybody seems to be integrated. I don't feel ...
I'm hugely interested in this topic. Until I was about 11 my primary school was only white. A few Indian and black kids stared joining then but I do not remember feeling any sort of racism towards them, we were just all like oh new kids. Then ... Read More
Westen Union by gorgeousbrian
Does anyone know if Western Union operates in Beijing? I need to transfer a small amount of cash to the Philippines and don't want to pay the outrageous charges the banks want for just a small transfer. If not Western Union, are there any other ...
Could you reply on whether you were successful with this? The banks here have been very difficult about sending money. We've been told that it's actually illegal for foreigners to send money out of China, you have to go through this whole process to ... Read More
wont get hired because of wearing "Hijab"? by wardaya
Hi all, i'm thinking to get a job here in Beijing .. if i got good offer i'm going to stay.. i got many interviews appointments after the holidays.. and since i didn't see any of those who is wearing Headscarf "Hijab" here in Beijing,yet .. i feel ...
Hey Wardaya One of my colleagues is a Muslim, she was told by the hiring agent to not mention that she is Muslim. She doesn't wear a Hijab so she hasn't been faced with that problem at least. I was surprised that employers would care what religion ... Read More
The other side of the Chinese postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
Hailey, I'll admit I was only in Hong Kong for about three days, and traffic is the same side of the road as back home so I felt more at home (I nearly get ridden over in China on a daily basis, and sometimes it is actually my fault haha) it also ... Read More
The other side of the Chinese postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
Hailey, if you should ever have the misfortune of coming to the rural areas of Dongguan, you will see how bad it is here. Hong Kong is so great in comparison with regards to spitting and public urination.I'm sure it happens there too but in my ... Read More
The other side of the Chinese postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
Haha no it is very unlikely I would adopt Chinese values, especially with money and inequality. I just need to find a way to live with it! But I come from a country where inequality is rife so I'm kind of used to it. Not that I like it, but some ... Read More
The other side of the Chinese postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
yeah, sites like this can be like a lifeline sometimes. I'm sure there are cultural things we don't understand that make things work a certain way and the Chinese are content with it and I suppose it's their choice, but I absolutely hate it when I ... Read More
The other side of the Chinese postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
Hey Frida_Samanta I've felt like that often. It's part of the culture shock I think. The problem I've found for foreigners is a lack of support. I came to this school because the guy who employed me was American so I mistakenly thought I'd have ... Read More
The other side of the Chinese postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
I'm not a huge fan of Chinese cuisine. We only have Cantonese restaurants (use this term loosely in most cases haha) in the immediate vicinity and live off cafeteria food during the week which is also Cantonese style. Meat is drained of blood so it ... Read More
How is Dongguan for living? by jritoo
How is Dongguan for living? what is cost of living in Dongguan? Is it good for Indian vegetarian?
I'm a bit late on this one, but there are plenty vegetarian dishes here in Dongguan. I don't know how strictly vegetarian you are, I know in SA Muslims especially do not like food prepared in the same place meat was. I don't know if you would find ... Read More
New Traveller Looking for help by JShahroozi29
Hi everyone, My name is John and I am brand new to this site. I Just took on the idea of moving to China But I am very very very serious about getting it done lol. Unfortunately I have never been outside of the USA on a passport or a VISA. I do ...
Hey Kris! Yes I know, I could talk about language for ages too! And I do know a bit of Greek profanity, of course swear words are among the first words you learn! One of the girls here is Arabic, you should hear that! You KNOW you're being sworn at ... Read More
Hold on to your belongings!
I just want to give a heads up to anybody new to China. My friend recently had somebody on a bus steal her new camera and her money and another had her phone stolen the same weekend. My Chinese colleague explained to us that especially around the ... Read More
New Traveller Looking for help by JShahroozi29
Hi everyone, My name is John and I am brand new to this site. I Just took on the idea of moving to China But I am very very very serious about getting it done lol. Unfortunately I have never been outside of the USA on a passport or a VISA. I do ...
Hey Kris, I've been around! Maybe mentally hibernating haha. It is an interesting topic! And thank you for your comment on South African accents. Being here I've learned to appreciate where I come from more and it also made the culture shock pretty ... Read More
New Traveller Looking for help by JShahroozi29
Hi everyone, My name is John and I am brand new to this site. I Just took on the idea of moving to China But I am very very very serious about getting it done lol. Unfortunately I have never been outside of the USA on a passport or a VISA. I do ...
Kris, that's so true about the American accent vs British English education! I'm South African so we use British English, but I've noticed since being here that when I open my mouth generally the interest in me wanes due to lack of an American ... Read More
Hey there, new to China from SA by hvkleinhans
hi all, i have now been in china for 2 weeks now, only now is the homesickness starting to kick in. Ek wil weer afrikaans kan praat jong, en braai, en 'n "klippies en coke" drink. hendrick
Oh, sorry to everybody, I didn't realize we couldn't use other languages. I think coming from SA we're so used to all sorts of languages around us. Nobody is saying anything bad, mostly moaning about missing South African stuff like Klipdrift brandy ... Read More
Hey there, new to China from SA by hvkleinhans
hi all, i have now been in china for 2 weeks now, only now is the homesickness starting to kick in. Ek wil weer afrikaans kan praat jong, en braai, en 'n "klippies en coke" drink. hendrick
Jammer! Ek is hier vir al 4 maande en mis SA so baie! My Afrikaans spelling is terrible so I won't hazard trying to type any more than that ;) What I found helped me a lot was going onto 5fm website and live streaming the station, felt so good to ... Read More
New Traveller Looking for help by JShahroozi29
Hi everyone, My name is John and I am brand new to this site. I Just took on the idea of moving to China But I am very very very serious about getting it done lol. Unfortunately I have never been outside of the USA on a passport or a VISA. I do ...
Find a job and then you can get the Z visa. L visa is tricky because once you find employment it means you will have to return to your home country to get it changed to a Z visa. Apparently people go to Hong Kong to do that, but I know here in ... Read More
Shenzhen or Guangzhou? by melis82
Hello everybody! Which city of the two would you chose to live in, Guangzhou or Shenzhen? Why? Any opinions? I'd like to know your opinion whether you are a local or a foreigner. I'm trying to decide which city to look for work in next year. Any ...
yeah I know about the factories here in Dongguan! Luckily I'm in Songshan :)I heard Shenzhen is a beautiful city, I'm hoping to make a trip there soon! Thanks for the advice! Read More
Shenzhen or Guangzhou? by melis82
Hello everybody! Which city of the two would you chose to live in, Guangzhou or Shenzhen? Why? Any opinions? I'd like to know your opinion whether you are a local or a foreigner. I'm trying to decide which city to look for work in next year. Any ...
thanks! why do you say that? Read More
Shenzhen or Guangzhou? by melis82
Hello everybody! Which city of the two would you chose to live in, Guangzhou or Shenzhen? Why? Any opinions? I'd like to know your opinion whether you are a local or a foreigner. I'm trying to decide which city to look for work in next year. Any ...
A visit doesn't really give you much insight into the feel of living in a particular city. Right now both seem great because I live in Dongguan. Read More
Shenzhen or Guangzhou?
Hello everybody! Which city of the two would you chose to live in, Guangzhou or Shenzhen? Why? Any opinions? I'd like to know your opinion whether you are a local or a foreigner. I'm trying to decide which city to look for work in next year. Any ... Read More
Living in Dongguan - Help to know about the city by jritoo
Hi, I am an Indian, a chartered accountant living in Mumbai. I am considering an opportunity in Dongguan, China. I would like to know the following- 1)How safe is city to live in with family? 2)What is the cost of living for two to cover ...
try this site http://en.hellodongguan.com I've been here just over two months, it seems pretty safe and friendly once you are accustomed to it :) Read More
Looking For Work in China! by ZaneThomas
Hello, My name is Zane Thomas and I'm looking for work in another city in China. I'm currently working in Manzhouli Inner Mongolia China. I have a year experience and am currently working with a Z visa. I am half way thru my second year contract but ...
Would anyone care?apparently you do? :P Read More
Looking For Work in China! by ZaneThomas
Hello, My name is Zane Thomas and I'm looking for work in another city in China. I'm currently working in Manzhouli Inner Mongolia China. I have a year experience and am currently working with a Z visa. I am half way thru my second year contract but ...
I don't know... is there? :/ Read More
Looking For Work in China! by ZaneThomas
Hello, My name is Zane Thomas and I'm looking for work in another city in China. I'm currently working in Manzhouli Inner Mongolia China. I have a year experience and am currently working with a Z visa. I am half way thru my second year contract but ...
Post your cv on seriousteachers.com Read More
Looking for an American International School in Shenzhen ? by Kris N
I'm new to this blog... but in Shenzhen for some time. If you need a wonderful international school for your kids ages 3 and up. Look me up! I can also help with housing, shopping, hotel, golfing, women's groups, sight seeing, how to obtain a ...
haha, I work for an "International" school. very little English here! Read More
Internet? by Emmahartley
Hi, I'm a TESOL teacher hoping to move to Guangdong. I just wondered what the situation is with internet access? Will I be able to order goods from ebay UK and access my email etc ? Also can anyone recommend any schools/ language academies etc? Or ...
from what I've experienced, nowhere in in Donngguan or Guangzhou is really quiet, there are soooo many people! I haven't been to Shenzhen yet but everybody who has been, including Chinese locals say it's a beautiful city. I think Guangzhou's air is ... Read More
African food
that must be really scary! even without kids it's not really fun walking around, you get tired of being stared at and people saying things to you that you don't understand. I've read some bad stuff about the fake market in Shanghai, don't go there! ... Read More
Best VPN to use? by melis82
Could anybody living in China tell me which VPN site they prefer to use? Thanks! :)
pleasure! and you can choose which country to get it from so I can watch BBC too! :) Read More
back to DURBAN South Africa, THE Q on my mind is am i home? by nka.sishi
little did i know that coming home to South Africa after living in Georgia the former soviet state. I realized how alike we are all as a global family. The way to do things, the way we express emotions and the way we take ourselves so seriously. ...
I'm only an expat for 4 weeks now so I definitely still say Durban is home! Leaving has made me realize how much I love SA. It's not just the friends (who are mostly in UK now) and family but the place itself. I miss hearing Zulu and Afrikaans. I ... Read More
African food
I am in Dongguan and have not found ayn food places resembling anything we get in South Africa! So homesick for home food! I have seen a few Spars' but haven't been able to get to go to them. Do you get Spar in Nigeria? I'm hoping there'll be some ... Read More
Looking for an American International School in Shenzhen ? by Kris N
I'm new to this blog... but in Shenzhen for some time. If you need a wonderful international school for your kids ages 3 and up. Look me up! I can also help with housing, shopping, hotel, golfing, women's groups, sight seeing, how to obtain a ...
What are the school fees like? Are there lots of expat kids? Read More
BBC iPlayer in Hong Kong? by jesl
Hi all, i moved to HK a few months again. Missing bbc and itv shows but i can't watch iPlayer here. Any suggestion how to get through the geographical block here? thanks
I'm using Astrill vpn, it's super fast and works perfectly here in Dongguan :D Read More
Best VPN to use? by melis82
Could anybody living in China tell me which VPN site they prefer to use? Thanks! :)
Thanks Kris I'll download it. btw, I have vpn! astrill, recommended by middle kingdom life (best page I've found with regards to honest info and advice concerning China!)it's super fast and with the home plan you can log in from 5 diff devices. ... Read More
Best VPN to use? by melis82
Could anybody living in China tell me which VPN site they prefer to use? Thanks! :)
hey thanks, already have qq email and wechat. cannot speak or read Chinese yet. I really thought there would be more English speakers about. Wasn't I na茂ve! Read More
Best VPN to use? by melis82
Could anybody living in China tell me which VPN site they prefer to use? Thanks! :)
thanks Chris. really sucks these blocked sites :/ Read More
Best VPN to use? by melis82
Could anybody living in China tell me which VPN site they prefer to use? Thanks! :)
Can u log in from two dif pcs at the same time? Sorry im trying to understand how it works. Does it still use data from your internet connection or do youe u pay extra for the data you use while logged in? Read More
Best VPN to use?
Could anybody living in China tell me which VPN site they prefer to use? Thanks! :) Read More
Moving to Songshan Lake found in Dongguan - How is it there? by melis82
Hi, I'm moving to China the end of this month. I'm going to be living in the Songshan Lake district but I can't seem to find it on the maps. Can anybody help? Thanks :)
Oh ok thanks :) how far is that from Guangzhou? It's not too far hey? Read More
Moving to Songshan Lake found in Dongguan - How is it there? by melis82
Hi, I'm moving to China the end of this month. I'm going to be living in the Songshan Lake district but I can't seem to find it on the maps. Can anybody help? Thanks :)
It's apparently a few km's outside guangzhou, by the songshan lake? Read More
Moving to Songshan Lake found in Dongguan - How is it there?
Hi, I'm moving to China the end of this month. I'm going to be living in the Songshan Lake district but I can't seem to find it on the maps. Can anybody help? Thanks :) Read More
Formalities to bring your pet in Thailand by Julien
Hi all, What are the formalities and paperwork required to bring your pet in Thailand? How long do formalities & paperwork usually take in Thailand? What are the relevant authorities to contact? Which vaccines are compulsory? Do your ...
Hey Bacanada Could you maybe put me in touch with your South African friends? Or find out from them who the went through from the South African side? I was going to leave my cats with my mom but one of them gets so unsettled when I'm not there that ... Read More
Thai Work Visa - dependent able to work by dghjarrett
Hi all, I am an English teacher (British National) currently applying for jobs in Bangkok. I am married to an Italian citizen and I wanted to ask what the VISA rules are for her. If I applied for a job and received an offer of work, I presume she ...
Hi David :) Thanks for the info I've been trying to find a South African over there! I think I need all the help I can get. Can I PM you? Read More
Thai Work Visa - dependent able to work by dghjarrett
Hi all, I am an English teacher (British National) currently applying for jobs in Bangkok. I am married to an Italian citizen and I wanted to ask what the VISA rules are for her. If I applied for a job and received an offer of work, I presume she ...
Sorry Vutaya, I'm from South Africa. Here if you have been living together for more than six months you are technically common-law married. In community of property or something to that effect. So it shouldn't be a problem then? I'm so excited, one ... Read More
Thai Work Visa - dependent able to work by dghjarrett
Hi all, I am an English teacher (British National) currently applying for jobs in Bangkok. I am married to an Italian citizen and I wanted to ask what the VISA rules are for her. If I applied for a job and received an offer of work, I presume she ...
Hi Vutaya This is the same question I couldn't seem to find the answer for so thanks! I'll be a qualified teacher (BA and all) in a year so I'm good to go but my boyfriend doesn't have a BA. He wants to study for it though while we're in Thailand, ... Read More