Job Discussion Forums

[GuyArcher]

Hello,

So, my sig other and I are in the process of working towards spending some time abroad teaching in China. I can't get a clear answer on savings ahead of time though. What savings goal is a good starting point before China?

Thanks!

[BleedingBlue]

Seems like a pretty simple issue. Fist, take more than you need. Second, take a much as possible. You've neglected significant information - can you figure out what that is? Where you will live in China. There is a far, far cry of a difference between Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong versus, say, Yangzhou, Jinan, and more.

You can't get an answer until you provide the necessary details/factors that crate that response you are looking for

[GuyArcher]

I do understand that there is a difference between cities but I would think that would have little difference short of rental costs. We are still deciding on cities so let's just say Beijing or Shanghai. I'm under the impression that those cities would be the priciest.

[Non Sequitur]

A big issue is whether you live in accom provided by employer. It's the fixed costs like rent that stuff savings because you cant have 'frugal' week to boost your bank balance.

[roadwalker]

Pay is usually monthly (in my experience), anywhere from the end of the same month to two or three weeks after the end. So at the very least, figure on a month of savings, apartment start-up costs and daily spending until your first pay. If your accommodation is provided, it's usually reasonably furnished, including kitchen and bed items, but not always.

I recommend bringing at least enough for an emergency flight back home or to somewhere else that you have resources/people, plus 400-500 USD each for settling in to a provided apartment. If you have to find and pay for your own apartment plus additional rent/deposit, then airfare plus 2000 USD each should be sufficient until you see a pay check. Some apartments in BJ or Shanghai could cost even more. Check with your employer, or better yet, with current teachers at the target school for a more realistic budget.

[GuyArcher]

Okay. Thanks a lot for the tips!

[boomhauer20055]

In addition to start up cost, have enough saved for a return flight. It will give you a great piece of mind. Some people have bad experiences here. It;s good to at least have a way out. I've seen some people leave for various reasons. Their schools fault or they couldn't make it.
Everything has worked out for me and a lot of others here. Good luck. Bring as much money as you can. I don't think I broke even here until my second year. I did travel and enjoy myself. Good Luck

[jm21]

2,000 is fine for one person, but for a couple I would think 4k, and only if you have relatives back home who you can and are ok with staying with. If not, add in money for deposit and rent back home. Add more if you have to find your own housing in China If you don't need the money it's a nice vacation or two.

Hard for me to understand why someone wouldn't have at least 10k in the bank no matter where they live but it happens I guess.

[3701 W.119th]

[GuyArcher]

Thanks for the info. While I don't want to get into my finances too deeply, we easily have assets and options should things go badly. I was looking at startup costs since we do not touch emergency funds unless it's an actual emergency. I appreciate the info though.

[doogsville]

As a rule of thumb, I would say bring 1.5 to 2 x the monthly salary of the job your taking up. The salary will reflect the cost of living in whatever city you're in.You might not, in fact you probably, won't get paid for about six weeks anyway, since the Chinese tend to pay you a week or two after the month you just worked. That is if housing is provided by the school. If it isn't, you need to get some local info on housing costs, probably from an expat site for that city. Find out the good places to live, the rents, and most importantly, what the procedure is for paying deposits. Deposits can range from a month, to two months to six months rent or more in advance.

Your first few months will be more expensive, since you'll have to buy things like pots and cutlery and duvets and heaters and all sorts of other things that crop up. Schools provide a lot of stuff if they give you accommodation, but there's always something that you need. For instance you'll need a SIM card for your phone, you might have to pay for cable TV or Internet, etc. Also you'll pay more for food and stuff until you find out the best places to eat and shop.

Definitely a good idea to have the money to come home quickly if it all goes pear shaped, or at least have a credit card that has some credit still left on it. On the other hand you can always find a cheap hotel until you get another job with a better employer.

[nashboroguy]

I brought $2000. That was far more than enough to get myself setup and through to my first full pay check.