Job Discussion Forums

Mark Johnson · Joined: 08 Jun 2014 Posts: 23

I have a computer monitor that I want to bring with me.
I will carry it in the original box. Will customs be cool or will they want to tax me or see some receipt?
What about shipping it ?

Janiny · Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 199

Hah Hah! I misread your topic the first time and thought you wrote: 'Bringing my mother'!

Let the poor woman be! I wanted to say.

Yes, bring your monitor if you're so fond of it (hope your as fond of your mum), but you do realize they have monitors in China? So why bother?

Alien abductee · Joined: 08 Jun 2014 Posts: 527 Location: Kuala Lumpur

I don't know, if you're coming here to teach you're probably going to have a couple of full suitcases with you. It ain't easy hauling all that stuff halfway around the world, then dragging it through airports and train stations till you get to your destination, esp. in this heat and after a long flight. And you want to be carrying a box with a monitor on top of all that? It's gotta be cheaper and easier to just buy a new one here.

Mark Johnson · Joined: 08 Jun 2014 Posts: 23

I just don't want to be wasteful, and starting up again this is an expense I can avoid. But I see your point.

Oh sorry I didn't post this off topic.

IWTFanAT · Joined: 02 Jul 2014 Posts: 36

Ridiculous. There are things you simply don't lug around the world. Rethink you decision to go to China if you can't narrow down the intricacies and simplicities.

Alien abductee · Joined: 08 Jun 2014 Posts: 527 Location: Kuala Lumpur

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

You must have a great airfare deal with your school if it covers monitors in the baggage.
But seriously you do need to travel lite.
Also note the current thread on the things you really need for the teaching task.
Resources should be on a USB device - not hard copy.
Printing and laminating can be accessed in China.
Best

fpshangzhou · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 280

That's one of the benefits of China. Photocopies are extremely cheap (ebooks, emagazines, textbooks). The other posters are right about traveling lite, because you will have to deal with overcrowded transportation (bus, train, limited taxis in certain cities) and really long queues for processing or services. China isn't the cheapest for buying computers/laptops/phones, but definitely good place to find computer parts, such as a monitor/pc accessories.

Cheers,
Aaron

Bud Powell · Joined: 11 Jul 2013 Posts: 1736

Find out if your school provides a computer. If you go to a public school, your school should provide one.

It should be mentioned in your contract.

Have you considered buying a laptop before you go? Most airlines allow one carry-on. If you are in the States Wal-Mart has various brands with Win7 for $200.00 or so.

Alien abductee · Joined: 08 Jun 2014 Posts: 527 Location: Kuala Lumpur

Bud Powell · Joined: 11 Jul 2013 Posts: 1736

Mark Johnson · Joined: 08 Jun 2014 Posts: 23

Hmmm, ok

I think some guys here misunderstood me. I'm already in Asia, been here 8 years. Only 3 hours from my China destination. Don't have a job yet.
Don't want to be wasteful. I have 3 bags and the monitor to my name. I figure it out.
Thanks for the discussion.

roadwalker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1750 Location: Ch

Will they inspect it at customs? Maybe. Being in the box I would think would make it more likely, but -guessing- still unlikely to push you into the 'check out that guy' category. Still, and even though you're already in Asia, I'd sell it or give it away. No need to waste it. Check on Taobao dot com for what a replacement would cost in China. Local stores will be more, in most cases.

ajmci · Joined: 24 Nov 2006 Posts: 27 Location: Edinburgh

kungfuman · Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2014 3:02 pm Post subject:

1- China customs. Came through Pudong last week on a return from 3 weeks in Thailand. Line got really long and they let 95% of the people through with zero inspections and not even made to chuck your stuff in the xray machine. I've only been requested to put my stuff in the xray machine about 50% and never been asked any questions.

2- If your monitor isnt 220v then leave it home.

3- Chance are of it getting broken are high. Remember that YOU are the only one treating your bag nicely - everyone else will chuck it and it may get buried under 500 pounds of other suitcases

4- You really don't want to lug it around an airport

5- Monitors are not so expensive in China and you can often get things second hand from other expats that are moving on.

6- Sometimes a friendly request to your school brings about desired results.

7- There are more precious things you can bring with you to China.

So consider bringing it with you or getting one in China