zhangfu
English expat in China
Forum posts
53
Contacts
5
About me
English
Lives in Guangzhou
Registration: 28 May 2013
Anything but teach English.
Living in China you must be aware that employers registered to employ foreigners should only choose foreign workers when they are unable to find a Chinese one qualified to do the job. Unless they have a special skill unavailable in China there is no ... Read More
Is CNY 64,000 per month (before taxes) a good salary in Guangzhou ? by aaaachoooo
Hello everyone ! This is my first post here. I've never lived in China, and tbh, I have not much clue about life in china. I have been offered a role with a pay of approx 120K USD per year in Guangzhou. And am trying to figure out the monetary ...
For that salary I think I would want to know a lot about the job, company and visa situation. Cynical? Who me? ;) Read More
Would my husband find work? by ScotNZ
My husband, 2 year old son and I currently live in New Zealand (in husbands home town). My husband has a recent diploma in Mechanical Engineering, with around 13 years work experience in a similar field. Our main question is, would he be able to ...
@vannrox provided a concise reply to your post but I would also add the following points. China is not short of skilled workers in all fields and I think it is generally accepted that companies (which must be registered to employ foreigners) will ... Read More
Interesting customs and traditions in China by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living outside of our home country requires us to adapt to a new culture and different traditions. What are some of the cultural specifics in China? What are some of the traditional beliefs and cultural practices that you have ...
Not to mention some pretty foul food concoctions :( (to help with breast milk?) It amazes me how the Chinese love everything to do with new technology except medicine and health issues. First port of call is always ancient remedies, potions and ... Read More
Moving/working in Kunming, preparations by Heather888
Hello :) I am currently gathering information about Kunming and teaching. This is going to be a long post, if you have the patience, I thank you in advance. I am learning Mandarin and taking college courses in general education/teaching. I want ...
A good source for jobs, advice and information can be found here; http://www.eslcafe.com/ and here: http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/china/ and the forum here (very useful) ... Read More
How to make friends in Guangzhou by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals or expatriates) when you're living in Guangzhou :top: [b]Which are your best ...
I would recommend checking out gzstuff.com This is a social media site for expats and locals. There are many groups for varying interests and activities and news of events happening in the city. Also private and business ads and a chat function. Read More
How to make friends in Guangzhou by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals or expatriates) when you're living in Guangzhou :top: [b]Which are your best ...
A useful social media site for Guangzhou is gzstuff.com. Here you will find many interest groups for expats and locals. Has a live chat facility. Rebel Rebel is a British owned cafe/bar with live music and a local meeting point for expats and ... Read More
Customer care in China by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in China and try ...
I'm in agreement with previous posters. The service provided does not come close to that expected in the west but seems to be fine with Chinese customers. When I comment to my Chinese wife about being ignored or rude behaviour she replies ... Read More
Is Alibaba a good choice?
I have used Aliexpress (the retail arm of Alababa) without problems. They have a buyer protection scheme in operation. As they have their own rival payment system, Alipay, it is unlikely they will accept PayPal. They do accept credit cards. Read More
Keeping up with the news in China by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in China provides countless occasions to browse local newspapers, listen to local radio stations or watch local TV shows. As everywhere else in the world, local media play a key role in informing the public. What are the ...
Further to my previous post; Here in Guangzhou we can pick up Pearl TV (part time English) from Hong Kong. Their news programmes can be a little more enlightening but are obviously transmitted with a delay, as when a sensitive topic is touched on ... Read More
Keeping up with the news in China by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in China provides countless occasions to browse local newspapers, listen to local radio stations or watch local TV shows. As everywhere else in the world, local media play a key role in informing the public. What are the ...
Sadly most of the media in China is state sponsored (controlled) so most of the news is basically propaganda. There are some Chinese blogs which give a more rational view on local news. For international news I log onto online news sites of UK/US ... Read More
Your new local habits in China
As I live with my Chinese wife here in China I have had to embrace many new customs. Perhaps one of the strangest is washing the pottery and chopsticks with tea before eating in a restaurant. Chinese is a very difficult language to learn but I have ... 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!
Unless things have changed you need to find employment with an organisation registered to employ foreigners. You will be provided with a Z visa which will be replaced with a working/residence visa after you arrive. This visa is only valid with that ... Read More
Business etiquette in China by Julien
Hello everybody, As you know, professional habits may differ from one country to another. In order to help newly arrived expats better understand their new professional environment in China, we warmly encourage you to share information and ...
Whilst I agree with everything mentioned so far I would suggest learning something about the etiquette of business, especially eating out. Even such things as the exchange of business cards which should be held with both hands. At a meal there will ... Read More
Short Term Accomodation
You might be able to find an apartment share but usually they want longer term. HERE might be a good place to look. Alternatively you could try negotiating with one of the many hotel chains such as 7 Days inn. They have hotels all over GZ. Some have ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in China by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to China? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
I my early days in China I quite liked the idea of hongbao (red envelope gifting). It is traditional to give money in a red envelope when attending weddings, visiting children or older family members. However, I soon discovered that this is not ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in China by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to China? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
Yes I agree, it is not unusual for people to ask what we in the west would consider to be rather personal questions. In addition to where are you from, they might ask your age, how much do you earn, do you own an apartment/car, how much did they ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in China by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to China? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
In addition to adapting to a different culture the secret is to have a laid back attitude. There is a general lack of consideration for others in everyday life in China. Accept it, don't fight it. Yes people will try and get into the ... Read More
Moving to China
To work in China generally you need to provide a skill which cannot be provided by a Chinese worker. If there is a shortage of available candidates in your profession it may be possible but unless you speak the language it is unlikely. You will need ... Read More
I am Looking for a job in Guangzhou by gwgusa
Hello all, i am currently live in Guangzhou, is there any job opportunity for me? please contact me by email: gwgusa@hotmail.com thanks
Presumably you are a foreigner? What visa do you currently have and what qualifications do you have? Read More
visa for china by zirko
Hello, I'm looking for a visa for china, do u know some? thanks Luc
You need to have a purpose for a visa so you know which one to apply for and what qualifications you would need to get it. Read More
How to make friends in Guangzhou by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals or expatriates) when you're living in Guangzhou :top: [b]Which are your best ...
Check out the website gzstuff dot com Read More
summer in Guangzhou
Yes GZ is quite hot, already in the low 30's C...... and currently raining every day :( . Over time you do get used to it, or so I am told, I still sweat like a pig outside. (do pigs sweat?) :/ In winter it can get quite cold and many ... Read More
how can l find job in china by poya
Hi find job in chaina easy ?and can rent a home with someone for save money?
I think it would be virtually impossible for a foreigner to find such empoyment in China. Read More
how can l find job in china by poya
Hi find job in chaina easy ?and can rent a home with someone for save money?
I think you need to provide a little more information. Do you mean information about working in the legal profession? Read More
To get a job - in China or before China?
To get a job legally you usually have to apply for a Z visa from outside of China. Only an organisation registered to employ foreigners can provide you with the means to obtain this visa. Be wary of any suggestions to enter China on any other kind ... Read More
looking for a job
I believe M visa is Business extension? You cannot work on a business visa. You will need an invitation from a registered organisation who will provide you with a Z visa. Read More
how do foreigners find a job in Beijing by Symbiohr
how do foreigners find a job in Beijing?
What kind of visa is he getting to move to China? To work legally he will need an invitation from an approved business or organisation which I guess his GF has already obtained. Read More
how can l find job in china by poya
Hi find job in chaina easy ?and can rent a home with someone for save money?
Finding "a job" and finding a LEGAL EMPLOYMENT are two very different things. Take a chance on the former and you risk a fine, deportation and a significant ban on re entering China. Chinese authorities are clamping down on illegals. Read More
NON NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS by china101
Hi you all, Is there anyone who can help me find a teaching job here in China? I have a Bachelor's degree in education. I got my first Z visa in 2011 because I passed the government requirements銆侷t is hard to find a teaching job recently ...
Try this site. Dave's ESL cafe It's been around a long time and you can find revues and comments on some of the less desirable job "opportunities" and agents. You can also find some pretty scary stories too. :o Read More
Hi Jinan! by lixtastic
Hi everyone! My name's Alexandra but people call me "Lix" (think Alex, Ah-lix). I'm really excited to be moving to Jinan on the 19th to begin teaching at Best Learning training school. My boyfriend recently moved to Jinan two months ago to work in ...
Hi Lix, The first thing to know is that Chinese mains voltage is 220V 50Hz, incompatible with US despite the sockets looking like US type. So don't bother to bring any appliances. Hair dryers and mains adapter/chargers for phones/mp3 etc are very ... Read More
Should I sign on the dotted line
Curious to know how do you organise your Z visa once you are in China? Read More
Do you hear that news find husband lessons in China?
I'm sure as the male population begin to realise that there will soon be a shortage of marriageable women in China, Shengnu will become a thing of the past. Just think of the choice you will have ladies :/ Read More
I am an American seeking a job in China/Hong Kong by nickbean81
Hello my name is Nicholas Wilson. I am a 26 years of age and just recently toured in Hong Kong as a tourist. I also visited China, Macao, and Taiwan to see the culture of modern Asia. Now I would like to seek long term stay in Asia to study the ...
Teaching can be very rewarding (or frustrating). There are a few basic requirements you will need to fulfil. Only establishments registered with the government can issue you the means to obtain the required Z visa you need to work legally. You ... 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
Thank you, I live in Guangzhou but speed is not wonderful and varies, but will try it. 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
Does anyone know if ukustvhk.com is available (or blocked) in mainland China? Read More
Best area in Guangzhou to live? by Paddywaks1967
Can anyone tell me what the best area in Guangzhou is to live? I've heard the area around The Garden Hotel is good but I'm sure there's other nice, friendly areas. I'm looking for somewhere fairly green and central with a good variety of bars and ...
To anyone moving to Guangzhou, the city is ENORMOUS!!. When looking for an apartment plan around the metro system otherwise you will spend most of the day commuting. Read More
Should I sign on the dotted line
Have you visited China before? If not you could be in for quite a culture shock.:/.... but it's a great place to live. :cool: Read More
Part time dance teachers/instructors
Are you needing yoga teachers? (female) Read More